Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
You are in the pet-food aisle, the fluorescent lights are humming above you, and you are squinting at the bag whose first three ingredients sound like a science experiment.
The realization comes softly: the “compromise” is not to choose between his health and your budget, but to realize that you are already stocking the best dog food in your own kitchen.
Tonight you can skip the label decoding, the markup, and just take a real, colorful portion of food to his bowl.
Lets’s find out how!
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Recipe Overview
- This homemade dog food recipe combines lean protein with natural probiotics for a healthy gut.
- It’s designed to support digestion and boost overall well-being.
- Prep time: 15 minutes.
- Cook time: 25 minutes.
- Serving size: Approximately 8-10 servings for a medium-sized dog.
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Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (USA average cost: $3.99 – $5.99)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (USA average cost: $0.50 – $0.75)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, spinach – frozen or fresh) (USA average cost: $1.50 – $2.00)
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened kefir (USA average cost: $1.00 – $1.50)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil (USA average cost: $0.20 – $0.30)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (USA average cost: $0.50 – $0.75)1 teaspoon dog-specific multivitamin and mineral supplement (optional, but recommended for long-term feeding) (USA average cost: $0.10 – $0.20 per serving)
Total Estimated Cost: $7.79 – $11.49
Substitutions:
- Chicken can be swapped for lean ground turkey or beef.
- Brown rice can be replaced with cooked oatmeal or quinoa.
- For veggies, feel free to use sweet potato (steamed and mashed) or butternut squash.
- If kefir isn’t available, plain unsweetened yogurt without xylitol is another option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water and let it cool slightly. Shred or finely chop the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog.
- Cook the rice: While the chicken cooks, prepare the brown rice according to package directions.
- Prepare the vegetables: Steam or lightly boil the mixed vegetables until tender. If using fresh spinach, just wilt it.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, and steamed vegetables.
- Add the fats: Drizzle in the olive oil or coconut oil. This helps with nutrient absorption and adds healthy fats.
- Mix in probiotics and parsley: Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the plain unsweetened kefir and chopped parsley. It’s important to add the kefir when cool to preserve the beneficial probiotics.
- Add supplement (if using): If you’re using a dog-specific multivitamin, mix it in thoroughly.
- Serve or store: Give it a good mix. Now it’s ready for your dog!
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Feeding Guidelines
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3 to 4.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
- Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs will need more calories and protein. Consult your vet for precise amounts.
- Highly active dogs might need slightly larger portions. Less active or overweight dogs should get smaller portions.
- Always talk to your veterinarian for personalized advice on portion sizes and nutritional completeness, especially if this will be your dog’s primary diet.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Chicken: Provides high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance, growth, and overall energy. It’s rich in amino acids.
- Brown Rice: A great source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It also offers fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium and magnesium.
- Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Green Beans, Peas, Spinach): Packed with vitamins (A, C, K), minerals, and dietary fiber. Carrots support eye health, green beans provide vitamins, peas offer protein and fiber, and spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants.
- Kefir: This is the star for gut health. It contains a diverse range of natural probiotics which support a healthy digestive system, improve nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system.
- Olive Oil/Coconut Oil: Provides healthy fats (Omega-3s and Omega-6s), crucial for skin and coat health, brain function, and energy.
- Parsley: A natural breath freshener. It also contains vitamins K and C and antioxidants.
- Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement: Ensures a complete and balanced diet, providing all essential vitamins (A, D, E, K, B-complex, Choline) and minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine) if you plan to feed this long-term.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion out the food into individual serving sizes and freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. If warming, use a microwave or stovetop, ensuring it’s not too hot before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: You can serve this as a complete meal, or mix it with your dog’s regular kibble to introduce new flavors and boost nutrition.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I make a big batch and freeze it?
Yes, absolutely. This recipe is great for meal prepping. Just portion it out into daily servings before freezing.
Is this recipe suitable for puppies?
Puppies have higher energy and specific nutrient needs for growth. While the ingredients are safe, it’s best to consult your vet to ensure this recipe, possibly with added supplements, meets their complete nutritional requirements.
What if my dog doesn’t like kefir?
Some dogs might be picky. You can start with a smaller amount of kefir and gradually increase it, or try plain, unsweetened yogurt (ensure no xylitol!).
How do I know if my dog has allergies to any of these ingredients?
Introduce new foods slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset, skin irritation, or unusual behavior. If you notice anything, stop feeding that ingredient and talk to your vet.
📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Making your dog’s food at home gives you control over what they eat and can greatly improve their health. This recipe with chicken and kefir is simple, tasty, and full of natural goodness for their gut.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
