Inexpensive Homemade Dog Food Recipe featuring Ground Bison and Beets

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.

Are you concerned about the content of your dog’s food that you buy from the store? A lot of commercial brands contain ingredients that are a mystery to you and fillers which may cause your dog to have an upset stomach or even a worse condition.

If you want to feed them the best without using a lot of money, it might seem difficult to do so. However, I have a good and cheap way of feeding which is healthy for your pet.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog food recipe focuses on nutrient density without the high cost, using readily available ingredients.
• It’s designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs while providing a rich source of protein, essential vitamins, and fiber.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 10-12 cups (enough for a medium-sized dog for 4-5 days)

Ingredients List

• 1.5 lbs Ground Bison (85/15 or leaner): Approximately $10-$15. This is a lean, novel protein source.
• 1 cup Rolled Oats (uncooked): Approximately $0.50. Great for fiber and gentle on digestion.
• 2 medium Beets (peeled and grated): Approximately $1.50. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• 1 large Sweet Potato (peeled and diced): Approximately $1.00. An excellent source of complex carbs and Vitamin A.
• 1 cup Green Beans (fresh or frozen, chopped): Approximately $1.00. Adds vitamins and fiber.
• 1/2 cup Carrots (shredded): Approximately $0.50. Good for vision and overall health.
• 4 cups Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Approximately $0.20 (for broth). Adds moisture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Approximately $0.10. For healthy fats and cooking.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped): Approximately $0.50. A natural breath freshener and source of vitamins.
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: Approximately $0.10. Anti-inflammatory benefits.

Total Estimated Cost: $19.40 – $24.40

Substitutions: You can swap ground bison for lean ground beef or ground turkey if bison is unavailable or too pricey. Sweet potato can be replaced with pumpkin puree (not pie filling). Green beans can be swapped for peas or chopped spinach. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to check for any sensitivities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the ground bison and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over.
• Drain any excess fat from the pot.
• Next, stir in the diced sweet potato, grated beets, chopped green beans, and shredded carrots.
• Cook these vegetables with the bison for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps soften them a bit.
• Pour in the water or low-sodium chicken broth.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Add the rolled oats, turmeric powder, and fresh parsley to the pot.
• Stir everything together well.
• Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Cook until the sweet potato is tender and the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
• Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the food cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• The right portion depends a lot on your dog’s size, age, and how active they are.
• A good starting point is about 1/2 to 1 cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight, given twice a day.
• For smaller breeds like a Chihuahua, you might offer 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily.
• A medium-sized dog, like a Border Collie, might need 2-3 cups total per day.
• Larger breeds, like a Golden Retriever, could require 3-5 cups daily.
• Very active dogs, growing puppies, or nursing mothers will likely need more food to meet their energy demands.
• Less active or senior dogs may need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Here’s the thing: every dog is different.
• It’s always best to consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients for their specific needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Ground Bison: This is a lean protein source, great for muscle maintenance and energy. It’s often a good choice for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
• Rolled Oats: A fantastic source of soluble fiber, which aids digestion and can help regulate blood sugar. They’re also gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• Beets: These vibrant root vegetables are packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin C, folate, and manganese. They’re also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which support overall health and immune function.
• Sweet Potato: Rich in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and dietary fiber. This provides sustained energy and supports healthy vision and skin.
• Green Beans & Carrots: These low-calorie veggies add important vitamins, minerals, and fiber without adding too many calories.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for skin and coat health, and also helps with nutrient absorption.
• Turmeric: Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit joints and overall cellular health.
• Parsley: Contains vitamins K, A, and C, plus it’s a natural breath freshener.

Storage and Serving Tips

• After cooling completely, transfer the homemade dog food to airtight containers.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers; it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• When you’re ready to serve frozen food, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
• You can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop if your dog prefers it warm.
• Just make sure it’s not too hot before giving it to them.
• This food can be served on its own or mixed with their regular kibble to add extra nutrition and flavor.
• Serving it at room temperature is also perfectly fine.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

What if my dog doesn’t like beets?

Here’s the thing: some dogs can be picky. If your dog isn’t a fan of beets, you can try reducing the amount, or substituting them with another colorful vegetable like pumpkin or butternut squash. Just make sure it’s plain and cooked.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is pretty flexible. Good additions include spinach, peas, or broccoli (in moderation). Just avoid onions, garlic, grapes, and avocado, as these are toxic to dogs.

Is this recipe complete and balanced for all dogs?

This recipe provides a great base of whole, healthy ingredients. For long-term feeding as your dog’s sole diet, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist. They might recommend adding a specific supplement to ensure it’s perfectly balanced for your dog’s individual needs.

My dog has a sensitive stomach; how should I introduce this?

Start slow. Introduce this homemade food gradually by mixing a small amount with their current food, then slowly increasing the ratio over several days or a week. This helps their digestive system adjust.

How can I make this even more budget-friendly?

You can often find ground beef or turkey on sale, which can be a cheaper alternative to bison. Buying larger bags of oats and frozen vegetables when they are on offer also helps cut costs. Or, sometimes farmers markets have good deals on fresh produce.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home means knowing exactly what they’re eating, and it can be more affordable too. This recipe is a fantastic way to boost their health with wholesome ingredients.

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