Low-Cost Homemade Dog Food featuring Turkey Breast and Green Beans

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.

Tired from exceedingly costly dog meals and incomprehensible ingredient lists?

Lots of dog owners become frustrated trying to figure out what their four-legged kids eat.

Using low-quality ingredients will cause the pet to have stomach issues, loss of hair shine, and later bigger health problems.

Nevertheless, you are able to create healthy, home-cooked meals for your dog that will not cost a fortune or take a lot of your time. This budget-friendly recipe is a game changer.

Recipe Overview

This homemade dog food recipe is designed to be affordable, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. It features lean turkey and wholesome green beans, making it perfect for budget-conscious owners and dogs who need a healthy, simple diet.

• Purpose: Provide a balanced, cost-effective, and easy-to-digest meal for your dog.
• Benefits: High in lean protein, essential vitamins, and fiber. Supports healthy digestion and muscle maintenance.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 10-12 cups (enough for a medium dog for 3-4 days)

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this nutritious meal for your best friend. All ingredients are safe and beneficial for dogs.

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey breast (93% lean or higher) – ~$6.00 (Often on sale!)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice (cook according to package directions) – ~$0.50 (from a 2lb bag)
• 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and chopped – ~$2.00
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced – ~$0.60
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 cups) – ~$1.00
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – ~$1.50 (from a carton)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil – ~$0.30
• Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for fresh breath and extra vitamins) – ~$0.50

Estimated Total Cost: ~$12.40

Substitutions: You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef instead of turkey. If green beans aren’t available, try peas or spinach. Instead of brown rice, oats or quinoa are good alternatives for grains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this homemade dog food is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps.

• Step 1: Cook the Turkey. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey breast and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Add Vegetables. Stir in the diced sweet potato and carrots with the cooked turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften a little.
• Step 3: Simmer. Pour in the low-sodium broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender.
• Step 4: Incorporate Green Beans and Rice. Add the chopped green beans and the pre-cooked brown rice to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until the green beans are tender-crisp. If you are using frozen green beans, they might need a little longer.
• Step 5: Finish Up. Remove the pot from the heat. If using, stir in the fresh parsley. Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Feeding Guidelines

Every dog is unique, so these are general recommendations. Always watch your dog’s weight and adjust as needed.

• Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals. A tiny chihuahua might only need 1/2 cup, but a sturdy terrier could need more.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals. Think a beagle or a smaller bulldog.
• Large Dogs (50-90 lbs): 3 to 4 cups per day, divided into two meals. A Labrador or Golden Retriever would fall into this category.
• Extra-Large Dogs (over 90 lbs): 4+ cups per day, divided into two or three meals. Great Danes and Mastiffs need more fuel.
• Activity Levels: Active dogs will generally need more calories. Less active or senior dogs may need slightly less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Life Stages: Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals and higher caloric intake for growth. Senior dogs might benefit from softer food and fewer calories.
• Important Note: Always talk to your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. They can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s packed with good stuff for your dog’s health.

• Turkey Breast: A fantastic source of lean protein. This helps build and maintain strong muscles. It’s also often easier on sensitive stomachs than other proteins.
• Brown Rice: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s also a good source of fiber, which aids in healthy digestion.
• Green Beans: Low in calories but high in essential vitamins like K, C, and A. They also offer a good dose of fiber, which promotes gut health.
• Carrots: A great source of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A. This supports good vision and a healthy immune system.
• Sweet Potato: Packed with dietary fiber, B vitamins, and Vitamin C. They are excellent for digestive health and provide natural sweetness.
• Olive/Coconut Oil: Healthy fats are important for skin and coat health. They also help with nutrient absorption.
• Overall: This combination delivers a balance of macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats) and a wide range of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) that are crucial for your dog’s well-being.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage ensures your homemade dog food stays fresh and safe.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the food into individual servings using freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed in the microwave. Make sure it’s not too hot before giving it to your dog.
• Serving Ideas: Serve this recipe on its own as a complete meal. You can also mix it with a little bit of their regular kibble to transition them or to add variety.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Just portion it out into daily servings before freezing, and it will last for months.

My dog has allergies. How can I adjust this recipe?

This is a super adaptable recipe. If your dog is allergic to turkey, swap it for ground chicken or lamb. If grains are an issue, try swapping brown rice for extra sweet potato or pureed pumpkin. Just be sure to research any new ingredients.

Is this recipe balanced enough for a complete diet?

For most healthy adult dogs, this recipe provides a good balance of nutrients. But here’s the thing: for long-term feeding as a sole diet, it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet. They might suggest adding a canine vitamin supplement to ensure all nutritional bases are covered.

My dog is a picky eater. How can I encourage them to try it?

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food. Gradually increase the homemade portion over several days. You can also warm it slightly to enhance the aroma, which often entices picky eaters.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. This turkey and green bean recipe is a fantastic way to give your pup a healthy, delicious meal they’ll love.

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