Homemade Raw Dog Food Lamb and Green Bean Mix

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.

Do you catch yourself continually reading commercial dog food labels, fearing mysterious ingredients or suspicious fillers?

So do most dog parents, and in their search for a means to truly feed their beloved pet, they’re resorting to pure, natural nutrition.

Improve your dog’s diet and provide them the active, natural nutrition they deserve today!

Let’s start making this Homemade Raw Dog Food Lamb and Green Bean Mix recipe now!

Easy Homemade Raw Lamb & Green Bean Dog Food for Optimal Health

This homemade raw lamb and green bean dog food recipe is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, perfect for boosting your dog’s energy, improving digestion, and enhancing coat health.

It’s a simple, fresh approach to canine nutrition that prioritizes bioavailability and natural goodness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (Raw)
• Serving Size: Approximately 7 days for a 30lb dog (adjusts based on individual needs)

Ingredients List

Crafting this nutritious raw meal is straightforward, requiring just a few high-quality components. Here’s what you’ll need, along with estimated costs in the USA:

• 2 lbs Lean Ground Lamb (80/20) – Provides excellent protein and healthy fats. Estimated Cost:$12.00 -$18.00
• 1 lb Fresh Green Beans, trimmed – Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. Estimated Cost:$2.50 -$4.00
• 4 oz Lamb Liver – A nutrient-dense organ meat, packed with vitamins A, B, and iron. Estimated Cost:$2.00 -$4.00
• 2 Large Eggs, raw (with shell, if clean and organic) – Excellent protein source, healthy fats, and calcium from the shell. Estimated Cost:$0.60 -$1.00
• 2 tbsp Fish Oil (e.g., salmon or krill oil) – Essential Omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and joint health. Estimated Cost:$0.50 (from a larger bottle)
• 1 tsp Kelp Powder – Natural source of iodine and trace minerals. Estimated Cost:$0.20 (from a larger container)
• 1 tbsp Ground Flaxseed (freshly ground) – Another good source of Omega-3s and fiber. Estimated Cost:$0.15
• 1 tsp Bone Meal Powder (ensure it’s human-grade and safe for pets) – For essential calcium and phosphorus balance. Estimated Cost:$0.25 (from a larger container)

Total Estimated Cost: $18.20 – $28.10

Suitable Substitutions:

• Lamb: Ground turkey, beef, or venison can be used as alternatives for the main protein.
• Lamb Liver: Chicken or beef liver can be substituted.
• Green Beans: Chopped broccoli, carrots, or spinach are good veggie swaps. Ensure all substitutions are dog-safe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this raw mix is quick and involves minimal fuss, allowing you to create a fresh, wholesome meal for your dog with ease. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfectly blended and nutritious meal.

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans thoroughly. Chop them into very small, manageable pieces, or use a food processor to pulse them into a finely chopped consistency.
2. Dice the Liver: Carefully dice the lamb liver into small, pea-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also lightly pulse it in a food processor with the green beans.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the lean ground lamb, chopped green beans, and diced lamb liver.
4. Add Supplements: Crack the raw eggs (including the shell, if using and it’s clean/organic – simply crush it finely before adding), then add the fish oil, kelp powder, ground flaxseed, and bone meal powder to the bowl.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are uniformly combined. Ensure the supplements are evenly distributed throughout the meat and vegetable mixture.
6. Portion and Store: Once mixed, portion the food into daily serving sizes using airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. This makes meal prep for the week ahead incredibly convenient.

Feeding Guidelines

Determining the right portion size for your dog is crucial for maintaining their ideal weight and health, and it often requires a bit of observation.

As a general starting point, adult dogs typically need to eat about 2-4% of their ideal body weight daily, split into one or two meals.

• For example: A 30lb active adult dog might need roughly 0.6 to 1.2 lbs (about 10 to 20 ounces) of this food per day.
• Puppies, highly active dogs, or pregnant/lactating dogs often require more, potentially 4-8% of their body weight, due to their higher energy demands.
• Senior dogs or less active dogs may need slightly less, around 1.5-2.5% of their body weight, to prevent weight gain.
• Breed variations: Larger breeds might have slower metabolisms than smaller, very active breeds, so adjust accordingly.

Always monitor your dog’s weight, energy levels, and stool consistency to fine-tune their portions.

If you want personalized and exact feeding advice, I recommend you consult with your veterinarian or a dog nutritionist who can assess your dog’s specific health needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This homemade raw Lamb and Green Bean Mix is a nutritional powerhouse designed to support your dog’s overall well-being. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering comprehensive health benefits.

• Lean Ground Lamb: An excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle development and repair. It also provides vital B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Green Beans: These crunchy vegetables are packed with dietary fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and promoting satiety. They also contribute a good array of vitamins, including A, C, and K, along with important minerals.
• Lamb Liver: Considered a superfood in the raw feeding world, lamb liver is incredibly rich in Vitamin A for vision and immune health, B vitamins for energy, and iron for healthy blood. It’s a powerhouse of micronutrients.
• Raw Eggs: Offering complete protein and beneficial fats, raw eggs provide amino acids vital for growth and repair. The crushed eggshell adds a natural source of calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth.
• Fish Oil: Loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), fish oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also supports joint health and cognitive function.
• Kelp Powder: A natural source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid health and metabolism. It also provides a broad spectrum of trace minerals.
• Ground Flaxseed: Another source of Omega-3s and dietary fiber, flaxseed helps support digestive regularity and contributes to healthy skin and coat.
• Bone Meal Powder: Ensures a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, vital for bone health, nerve function, and overall mineral balance in a raw diet.

Together, these ingredients create a biologically appropriate diet that promotes robust health from the inside out, leveraging the natural enzymes and nutrients found in raw foods.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage of raw dog food is essential to maintain freshness and ensure safety. This homemade lamb and green bean mix can be stored effectively to provide convenient, healthy meals for your dog.

• Refrigeration: Freshly prepared raw food can be safely stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes daily meal prep a breeze.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the mix into individual serving sizes and freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Raw food can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of nutritional value.
• Thawing: When ready to serve, transfer a frozen portion to the refrigerator the night before to allow it to thaw slowly. For quicker thawing, you can place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw raw food at room temperature.
• Serving Temperature: Serve the food at room temperature, never microwaved or cooked, as this destroys the beneficial enzymes and nutrients in the raw ingredients.
• Serving Ideas: You can serve this raw mix as a standalone meal, or for dogs transitioning to raw, you might mix a small portion with their regular kibble initially. Always ensure fresh water is available.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Is this homemade raw recipe nutritionally complete for my dog?

While this recipe provides many essential nutrients, it’s formulated as a highly beneficial component of a balanced raw diet. For long-term feeding as a sole diet, always consult with a canine nutritionist or your veterinarian to ensure it meets all your dog’s specific, comprehensive nutritional requirements.

Can I cook this recipe if my dog doesn’t tolerate raw food?

No, this recipe is specifically designed to be fed raw. Cooking raw meat and bones can destroy vital enzymes and alter nutrient profiles, potentially making bones brittle and dangerous. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce raw food gradually or consult your vet.

How do I transition my dog to a raw diet?

Transitioning should be gradual to avoid digestive upset. Start by replacing a small percentage (e.g., 10%) of your dog’s current food with the raw mix, slowly increasing the raw portion over 7-10 days until they are fully on the raw diet. Some dogs might do better with a “fast” day before starting raw, but always consult your vet.

What if my dog doesn’t like the taste?

Picky eaters sometimes need a little encouragement. Try warming the food slightly (never cooking it!) to release aromas, or mix in a spoonful of plain yogurt or a favorite dog-safe broth to entice them. You can also mix it with a small amount of their old food.

Are there any safety concerns with feeding raw dog food?

Yes, proper hygiene is paramount. Always handle raw ingredients with clean hands, use dedicated cutting boards and utensils, and thoroughly clean all surfaces that come into contact with raw food. Store food properly and always wash your dog’s bowl after each meal.

Wrapping Up

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