Homemade Dog Food with Natural Probiotics using Venison & Dog-Friendly Kimchi

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.

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever felt that you are just making a guess as to what should be put in your dog’s bowl? There are heaps of foods that are high in secret ingredients that are hard for their stomachs to digest and can cause them to have allergies.

And it’s very hard to know if they are getting what they really need to live strong and healthy.

So why not give them something that is not only tasty but also full of nutrients, and it is made by you at home? This article is your perfect guide in doing ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌so.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe uses venison and dog-friendly kimchi to boost gut health.
• It’s packed with natural probiotics, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients.
• Prep time: About 20 minutes.
• Cook time: Around 30 minutes.
• Serving size: Makes about 8-10 servings for a medium-sized dog.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground venison (lean): Approximately $10-15 (USA). High-quality protein source.
• 1 cup dog-friendly kimchi (no onions, garlic, or excessive spice): Approximately $5-8 (USA). Provides natural probiotics and prebiotics.
• 2 cups cooked brown rice: Approximately $1-2 (USA). Complex carbohydrate for energy and fiber.
• 1 cup chopped carrots: Approximately $0.50-1 (USA). Good source of Vitamin A and fiber.
• 1 cup chopped green beans: Approximately $0.75-1.50 (USA). Vitamins C and K, and fiber.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree: Approximately $0.50-1 (USA). Supports digestion.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Approximately $0.25-0.50 (USA). Healthy fats, Omega-6.
• 1 teaspoon fish oil (canine specific): Approximately $0.50-1 (USA). Essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder: Approximately $0.10-0.20 (USA). Anti-inflammatory benefits.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Approximately $0.25-0.50 (USA). Freshens breath and provides vitamins. Optional: High-quality canine vitamin/mineral supplement (check with vet). Cost varies.

Total Estimated Cost: $19.85 – $31.70 (USA)

Substitutions:

• Venison can be swapped for ground turkey or lean ground beef.
• Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or cooked oatmeal.
• Carrots and green beans can be substituted with peas, spinach, or sweet potato.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground venison and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the chopped carrots and green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender-crisp.
• Add the cooked brown rice and pumpkin puree to the skillet. Mix everything well.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the dog-friendly kimchi.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm the kimchi through. You don’t want to overcook it and kill the probiotics.
• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Stir in the fish oil, turmeric powder, and fresh parsley.
• Let the mixture cool completely before serving. This is important.
• Here’s a tip: Make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated for an even meal.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (10-20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• For large dogs (50-90 lbs): 3 to 4 cups per day, divided into two meals.
• Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs need more calories and protein. You might need to increase portion sizes or add more protein.
• Senior dogs might need slightly less, depending on activity. Older dogs do best with around 15% protein.
• Active dogs might need more food than less active ones.
• Here’s the thing: It’s always best to chat with your vet to get personalized advice for your dog’s specific needs, breed, and life stage. They can help you figure out the exact right amount.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Venison: This is a lean protein source, excellent for muscle development and maintenance. It’s often great for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. It provides essential amino acids. Adult dogs need at least 10% protein by calories, and venison delivers.
• Dog-Friendly Kimchi: The star of the show! It’s packed with natural probiotics which support a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut helps with nutrient absorption and can boost the immune system.
• Brown Rice: A complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy. It’s also a good source of fiber (2.5-4.5% for normal adults), which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Carrots & Green Beans: These add essential vitamins (like Vitamin A from carrots, important for vision and skin), minerals, and fiber to the diet.
• Pumpkin Puree: Known for supporting digestive health and firming up stools. It’s also a source of fiber.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, important for skin and coat health. Dogs need a minimum of 5.5% fat in their diet.
• Fish Oil: A fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are crucial for brain function, joint health, and reducing inflammation.
• Turmeric: Has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• Parsley: Contains vitamins A and C, and helps freshen breath.
• This recipe ensures a good balance of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. For complete nutritional balance long-term, consider adding a vet-approved canine vitamin and mineral supplement.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once cooled, store the food in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, divide the cooled food into individual serving portions and freeze them. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• To serve frozen food, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• You can serve this food warm, at room temperature, or even mixed with your dog’s regular kibble to transition them or add variety.
• Always make sure the food is not too hot before serving to prevent burns.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use any kind of kimchi?

No, you really need to use dog-friendly kimchi. Regular kimchi usually has onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, and often too much spice. Look for brands specifically made for pets, or make your own at home without those harmful ingredients.

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for my dog?

This recipe offers a great balance of nutrients, but for long-term feeding, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if a canine vitamin/mineral supplement is needed to ensure it meets all AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s specific life stage.

My dog has a sensitive stomach, will the kimchi upset it?

Start with a very small amount of the kimchi first, or even just a small portion of the entire meal, to see how your dog reacts. If they do well, you can gradually increase it. Probiotics can sometimes cause mild digestive upset initially as the gut adjusts.

How can I make sure the venison is cooked safely?

Cook the venison thoroughly until there is no pink visible and it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This kills any potential bacteria. Always drain excess fat to keep the meal lean.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home with natural probiotics isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. You’re giving them love and health, one delicious bite at a time. So, here’s the thing: you can feel good about what’s going into their body.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!