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.
When you look in your dog’s bowl, do you really know what they are eating? There are many commercial dog foods that are full of fillers, artificial additives, and ingredients that may be bad for your pet.
As a result, your dog can develop allergies that seem to appear out of nowhere, digestive problems, and low energy.
The good news is that making healthy and tasty meals at home is not complicated. I will teach you how to prepare healthy dog food at home in a dry form that will make your dog live in perfect health.
Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.
*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.
Recipe Overview
- Purpose: This homemade dry dog food recipe provides a balanced, nutritious meal for dogs, ideal for those with sensitivities or owners wanting control over ingredients.
- Benefits: Packed with high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats, it supports overall health, digestion, and energy levels.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 4-5 hours (dehydration)
- Serving size: Approximately 20-25 servings (based on a medium-sized dog)
[lasso ref=”fave” id=”19043″]
Ingredients List
- Ground Beef (lean, 85/15 or 90/10): 2 lbs ($10-$14)
- Rolled Oats (plain, unsweetened): 2 cups ($1-$2)
- Carrots (finely shredded): 1 cup ($0.50-$1)
- Spinach (finely chopped): 1 cup ($1-$1.50)
- Eggs (large): 2 ($0.50-$0.75)
- Canned Pumpkin (pure, unsweetened): 1/2 cup ($0.75-$1.25)
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 supplement, check dosage for dogs): 2 teaspoons ($0.50-$1)
- Water: 1/4 cup ($0)
- Optional: High-quality canine multivitamin/mineral supplement: 1 serving (as directed by supplement brand) ($0.20-$0.50)
- Substitutions: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. Rolled oats can be substituted with brown rice flour (adjust liquid slightly). Carrots and spinach can be replaced with other dog-safe vegetables like peas, green beans, or sweet potato.
- Total Estimated Cost: $15.95 – $22.25
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting, usually around 150-170°F (65-75°C). Or, if you have one, set up your food dehydrator.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rolled oats, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, eggs, canned pumpkin, fish oil, and water.
- If you are using a canine multivitamin, add it now according to the package directions.
- Mix everything thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This might take a few minutes.
- On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread the mixture thinly and evenly. Aim for about a 1/4-inch thickness. This helps with even drying.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, score the mixture into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles. These will become your dry bites.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven or dehydrator.
- Bake/dehydrate for 4-5 hours, or until the bites are completely dry and firm. They should snap cleanly, not bend. Stir or flip them halfway through the drying process to ensure even dehydration.
- Once fully dehydrated, turn off the oven or dehydrator and let the bites cool completely inside before storing. This helps prevent moisture build-up.
Look, prepping and cooking for your dog is great, but sometimes you might be too tired or maybe a tad lazy, or maybe you just want to give yourself a well deserved break.
In such times, you want something reliable and nutritious for your dog, and that’s where Ollie comes in. It’s my favorite dog food subscription ever.
Fresh human grade dog food sent to your doorstep, and there’s no lock in.
Give it a shot, will ya?
Feeding Guidelines
- The amount your dog needs depends on their size, age, activity level, and metabolism.
- General starting points: Small dogs (up to 20 lbs) might eat about 1/2 to 1 cup per day. Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) could have 1.5 to 2.5 cups daily. Large dogs (50+ lbs) might need 3 to 4+ cups daily.
- For puppies, growing dogs, and highly active breeds like Border Collies or German Shepherds, they will need more calories and protein. Senior dogs or less active breeds like Bulldogs might need less to maintain a healthy weight.
- Pregnant or nursing dogs also have higher caloric and nutritional needs; consult your vet for precise guidance during these times.
- It’s always best to start with a smaller amount and adjust based on your dog’s weight and energy levels. Always encourage consulting a veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially for specific health conditions or life stages. They can help you calculate the exact caloric needs.
[lasso ref=”the-forever-dog-life-120-recipes-longevity-tips-and-new-science-for-better-bowls-and-healthier-homes” id=”18607″]
Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Ground Beef: Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids vital for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It’s also a good source of iron and B vitamins.
- Rolled Oats: A fantastic source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Oats are also rich in soluble fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and supports a healthy gut. They are naturally gluten-free, making them good for sensitive stomachs.
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health. They also provide dietary fiber.
- Spinach: An excellent source of Vitamins K, A, and C, as well as iron and antioxidants. It supports bone health, vision, and immunity.
- Eggs: A complete protein source, offering all essential amino acids. They provide healthy fats, vitamins (B12, D, A), and minerals.
- Canned Pumpkin: High in fiber, pumpkin helps with both constipation and diarrhea. It’s also a good source of Vitamin A, C, and E, and potassium.
- Fish Oil: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), crucial for healthy skin and coat, joint health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
- Canine Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement (Optional but Recommended): Ensures comprehensive nutrient intake, covering any potential deficiencies in a homemade diet. This helps balance calcium-phosphorus ratios and provides trace minerals often missing in home cooking.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Once fully cooled, store the dehydrated bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bites for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely dry before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
- To serve after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or you can warm them slightly if your dog prefers.
- Serve the bites as a complete meal or mix them with a little warm water or low-sodium bone broth to rehydrate them for a softer texture.
- You can also mix these homemade bites with your dog’s regular kibble to add extra nutrition and variety to their diet.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Dog-safe vegetables like green beans, peas, sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed), or zucchini are great additions. Always ensure they are finely chopped or pureed for better digestion.
Is this recipe suitable for puppies?
While the ingredients are safe, puppies have specific, higher nutritional requirements for growth. It’s best to consult your vet to ensure this recipe, possibly with added supplements, meets a puppy’s complete dietary needs.
My dog has allergies to beef. What can I use instead?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with other lean ground meats like turkey, chicken, or lamb. Make sure the substitute meat is raw and then cooked through the dehydration process, just like the beef.
How do I know if the bites are fully dehydrated?
They should be completely hard, dry to the touch, and snap easily when broken. If they feel chewy or bendy, they need more drying time to prevent mold growth.
Do I need to add a supplement?
While the ingredients provide many nutrients, a high-quality canine multivitamin/mineral supplement is strongly recommended for any homemade diet. This helps ensure your dog receives a complete and balanced range of essential vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone health.
📖 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 own dog food isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about showing your dog how much you care. This Beef & Oat Bites recipe is simple, healthy, and a wonderful way to give your pup the best.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
