Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Cod & Oat Flakes

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 scratching more than normal? Or perhaps their regular meal simply doesn’t excite them anymore?

Many dog foods bought from stores contain fillers or allergens that may cause our dogs to become uncomfortable or simply bored.

How about if you could effortlessly prepare a homemade dry dog food full of nutrients right at home? Keep reading, as we have a great recipe to reveal that might be just the right way to your dog.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe features cod and oat flakes.
• It’s a fantastic option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or common protein allergies.
• Expect about 20 minutes for prep time.
• Cook time is around 2-3 hours for proper drying.
• This recipe yields roughly 8-10 cups of dry food, depending on how finely you chop and dry it.
• It’s designed to be a complete and balanced meal for adult dogs.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb (about 450g) Fresh Cod Fillets, boneless, skinless – Estimated cost: $8-12
• 2 cups Rolled Oat Flakes (not instant oatmeal) – Estimated cost: $1.50-2.50
• 1 large Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 cups) – Estimated cost: $1.00-1.50
• 1 cup Fresh Spinach, finely chopped – Estimated cost: $0.75-1.25
• 1/2 cup Carrots, grated – Estimated cost: $0.50-0.75
• 1/4 cup Peas (fresh or frozen) – Estimated cost: $0.30-0.50
• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (unrefined) – Estimated cost: $0.50-1.00
• 1 teaspoon Ground Flaxseed – Estimated cost: $0.20-0.30
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder – Estimated cost: $0.10-0.15
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Parsley – Estimated cost: $0.05-0.10
• Optional: High-quality canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (check with vet for dosage) – Estimated cost: $0.50-1.00 per serving
• Total Estimated Cost: $13.40 – $21.55

Substitutions:

• Cod: You can use other lean white fish like Haddock or Pollock. Even cooked chicken breast or turkey would work if your dog isn’t allergic to them.
• Sweet Potato: Butternut squash or pumpkin are good alternatives.
• Spinach/Carrots/Peas: Feel free to swap in other dog-safe veggies like green beans or broccoli (in small amounts).
• Oat Flakes: Brown rice (cooked then blended) could be used, but oat flakes are great for sensitive stomachs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, usually around 170-200°F (75-90°C). If you have a dehydrator, that works too.
• Steam or boil the cod fillets until they are cooked through and flaky. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, let them cool slightly and then flake them into small pieces.
• Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until they are very soft, about 10-15 minutes. Mash them thoroughly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cod, mashed sweet potato, oat flakes, chopped spinach, grated carrots, and peas.
• Add the coconut oil, ground flaxseed, turmeric powder, and dried parsley. If you’re using a canine multivitamin, add it now according to package directions.
• Mix everything really well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. It should form a thick, moldable mixture.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture thinly and evenly, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, across the parchment paper. You want it relatively thin so it can dry properly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours. The goal is to dry out the food, not cook it further. You might need to gently flip or break apart pieces after 1.5 hours to ensure even drying.
• The food is done when it’s completely dry and firm, with a slightly crumbly texture. It should feel hard and dry to the touch, not soft or moist.
• Once completely dry, let it cool entirely. Then, break it into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog. A food processor can help break it down more uniformly if you want smaller “kibble” pieces.

Feeding Guidelines

• These are general guidelines; always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
• For small dogs (up to 20 lbs): Start with 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Aim for 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided.
• For large dogs (50-90 lbs): Consider 3 to 4.5 cups per day, divided.
• Very active dogs or puppies might need more calories. Talk to your vet, but usually, a puppy needs about twice the calories per pound of body weight compared to an adult.
• Older dogs or less active dogs might need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• For pregnant or nursing dogs, caloric needs increase significantly. Always work with your vet to ensure proper nutrition during these crucial times.
• Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions as needed. If they gain weight, cut back a bit. If they seem too thin, increase slowly.
• Always provide fresh water alongside their meals.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Cod: This lean white fish is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. It’s also low in fat and a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and coat health.
• Oat Flakes: A complex carbohydrate, oats provide sustained energy and are a great source of soluble fiber. This fiber supports healthy digestion, can help regulate blood sugar, and is usually well-tolerated by sensitive stomachs.
• Sweet Potato: Packed with dietary fiber, beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), and Vitamins C and B6. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant.
• Spinach: Loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as iron and antioxidants. It supports bone health and immune function.
• Carrots: Another excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K. Good for eye health and dental hygiene.
• Peas: Provide vitamins K, C, and B1, along with fiber and protein.
• Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide an energy boost and support skin and coat health. It also has natural antibacterial properties.
• Ground Flaxseed: An excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for skin, coat, and joint health. It also adds fiber.
• Turmeric Powder: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help with joint health and overall well-being.
• Dried Parsley: A natural breath freshener and source of vitamins K and C.

Storage and Serving Tips

• This homemade dry dog food will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Portion it out into daily serving sizes before freezing for easy access.
• To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm it in the microwave for a short period.
• You can serve this food at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Some dogs enjoy it mixed with a little warm water to create a gravy-like consistency.
• It also works well as a topper for commercial kibble, adding extra nutrients and flavor.
• Always check that the food is not too hot before serving it to your dog.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and store it?

Yes, you can make a larger batch. Just make sure you dry it thoroughly in the oven or dehydrator. Then, store what you’ll use in the next 5-7 days in the fridge, and freeze the rest in airtight containers or bags.

My dog is a picky eater; will they like this?

Many picky eaters love homemade food because of the fresh ingredients and appealing aroma. Introduce it gradually by mixing a small amount with their current food and slowly increasing the homemade portion. The smell of cod usually gets their attention.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

While the ingredients are safe, puppies have specific and higher nutritional needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. This recipe might not be perfectly balanced for a growing puppy without a vet-approved supplement tailored for puppy growth. Always consult your vet.

What if my dog has allergies to fish?

If your dog is allergic to fish, you can easily substitute the cod with cooked chicken or turkey breast. Just make sure the meat is plain, boneless, and skinless. The other ingredients are generally hypoallergenic for most dogs.

How do I know if it’s dry enough?

It should be firm, hard, and completely dry to the touch, snapping easily rather than bending. If there’s any softness or moisture, it needs more drying time to prevent spoilage.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog this homemade meal is a great way to show them love and support their health with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s simple to make and packed with all the good stuff they need.

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