Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Beef Heart & Buckwheat Biscuits

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.

Is your dog tired of their regular food, or are you concerned about the content of those store bought bags?

It’s quite hard to be sure that your pet is getting everything good and necessary, especially when allergies or pickiness are involved.

How about making a healthy and tasty homemade dry dog food meal that your dog would love? This recipe is simpler than you imagine.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe uses beef heart and buckwheat to create crunchy, nutrient-packed biscuits.
• It’s designed to provide high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
• Ideal for dogs needing a grain-free option or those with sensitive stomachs.
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 40-50 small biscuits (depending on cutter size)

Ingredients List

• Beef Heart, ground (1 lb): $5.00 – $8.00. (Lean protein, iron, taurine).
• Buckwheat Flour (2 cups): $3.00 – $5.00. (Gluten-free, fiber, magnesium).
• Eggs (2 large): $0.50 – $1.00. (Protein, binding agent).
• Carrots, finely grated (1/2 cup): $0.50. (Vitamins A, K, fiber).
• Spinach, finely chopped (1/4 cup): $0.75. (Vitamins K, A, C, iron).
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): $0.20. (Healthy fats, Omega-6).
• Parsley, fresh, chopped (1 tablespoon): $0.25. (Vitamins K, C, breath freshener).
• Unsweetened Apple Sauce (1/4 cup): $0.30. (Fiber, moisture).
• Water (1/4 cup, or as needed): Negligible.
• Nutritional Yeast (1 tablespoon): $0.50 – $1.00. (B vitamins).
• Canine multivitamin supplement (1 dose, optional but recommended): $0.50 – $1.00.

Total estimated cost: $11.50 – $18.25

Substitutions:

• Beef heart → ground turkey, lean ground beef, or bison.
• Buckwheat flour → oat flour, brown rice flour (if not strictly grain-free).
• Carrots → sweet potato puree, pumpkin puree.
• Spinach → kale, broccoli florets (steamed and mashed).
• Olive oil → coconut oil, flaxseed oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef heart, eggs, grated carrots, chopped spinach, olive oil, fresh parsley, unsweetened apple sauce, nutritional yeast, and any canine multivitamin supplement.
• Mix everything thoroughly until it’s well combined. It should look pretty uniform.
• Gradually add the buckwheat flour, mixing it in bit by bit. The mixture will start to get thick.
• Pour in the water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get a firm dough. It should be easy to handle but not sticky.
• Lightly flour a clean surface with a bit of buckwheat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired biscuit shapes. Or, you can just use a knife to cut squares.
• Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the biscuits over. This helps them dry out evenly.
• Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and dry. They should feel crunchy when cool.
• Turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside for an hour or two with the door slightly ajar. This helps them get extra crispy and dry.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• These biscuits are meant as a dry food or treat, not a complete wet meal.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): 3-5 biscuits per day.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 6-10 biscuits per day.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): 10-15 biscuits per day.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level. Highly active dogs might need a bit more, while less active dogs should get fewer to prevent weight gain.
• Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs have higher nutritional needs. Consult your vet to see if this recipe fits their specific requirements, and always supplement with a balanced puppy or pregnant dog formula.
• Always provide fresh water.
• It’s always a good idea to chat with your vet. They can give you personalized feeding advice for your dog’s specific health and life stage.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Beef Heart: This is a powerhouse of lean protein, essential amino acids, and iron. It also provides taurine, which is super important for heart health in dogs.
• Buckwheat Flour: A fantastic gluten-free alternative, it’s packed with fiber for healthy digestion. It also gives dogs sustained energy from complex carbohydrates and minerals like magnesium.
• Eggs: They offer high-quality protein and healthy fats, plus they act as a great natural binder for the biscuits.
• Carrots: These add fiber and are a good source of Vitamin A for vision, and Vitamin K for blood clotting.
• Spinach: Loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, plus iron, it supports strong bones and immune function.
• Olive Oil: Provides beneficial monounsaturated fats and some Omega-6 fatty acids, good for skin and coat health.
• Nutritional Yeast: Offers a boost of B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
• Parsley: Not just for fresh breath, it also contains vitamins K and C.
• Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Adds some natural sweetness and moisture, along with a bit of fiber.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once completely cool, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen biscuits in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
• You can serve these biscuits as a dry meal, a healthy treat, or crumble them over your dog’s regular kibble for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Some dogs prefer them slightly warmed, but room temperature is usually fine.
• Always check that the biscuits are completely dry before storing to prevent mold.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these biscuits softer for older dogs?

Yes, you can. Instead of baking them until completely crispy, bake for a shorter time, about 30-35 minutes. They will be chewier but still delicious. Store them in the fridge if they are softer, as they won’t last as long at room temperature.

What if my dog is allergic to eggs?

If your dog has an egg allergy, you can try using a “flax egg” substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for each egg. This might change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the water content a bit.

How can I ensure these biscuits are nutritionally complete for my dog?

While this recipe is packed with good ingredients, it’s designed as a supplemental food or treat. To ensure it meets all your dog’s daily nutritional needs, especially if you plan to feed it as a primary meal, always add a vet-recommended canine multivitamin/mineral supplement. Discussing the recipe with your veterinarian will help confirm it’s balanced for your dog.

My biscuits aren’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re baking them long enough and at a low enough temperature. The final drying step with the oven off is key to getting them super crispy. Also, ensure the dough wasn’t too thick when rolled out; thinner biscuits dry better.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means you know exactly what they’re eating. This beef heart and buckwheat recipe is a tasty, wholesome way to show your dog some extra love. It’s simple, nutritious, and they’ll be wagging their tail for more.

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