Healthy homemade dog food

Name: Healthy Homemade Dog Food (Fresh Meat & Organ)
Ingredients: 2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef; 1 cup of chicken hearts; Add in any other organ meats, like spleen, gizzards, or liver – we used a blend from a local farm that contained heart, spleen, and liver; 2 cans of sardines in water; 2 cans of mussels in olive oil; 3 eggs (if farm fresh, use the shell. If from the grocery store, use the egg membrane on the inside of the shell); 1 cup butternut squash, chopped; 1 cup of broccoli, chopped; 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped; a handful of leafy greens (I used chard), chopped; 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger; 1/2 c dried cranberries (make sure there is no added sugar, and no extra ingredients); cold-pressed flax oil, to serve

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This healthy homemade dog food combines grass-fed ground beef, organ meats, sardines, and fresh vegetables into a nutrient-dense loaf. It's designed to provide whole-food nutrition without processed kibble, following Dr. Judy's veterinary-backed pup loaf formula.

Total

Difficulty

Medium

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Fitnessista · by Gina Harney // Fitnessista.com

13 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, stir the ground beef, organ meats, chopped butternut squash, sardines, leafy greens, oysters, cranberries, broccoli, bell pepper, and ginger. I keep the flax oil in the fridge and drizzle on a little before serving.
2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lightly bake for 20-30 minutes at 325°F.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of organ meats and vegetables, preventing your dog from picking out only preferred pieces.
Chop vegetables uniformly and finely to aid digestion and prevent choking hazards.
Use high-quality, human-grade ingredients—this is whole food meant for your pet's health, not scraps.
Cool completely before portioning and freezing to prevent condensation and freezer burn.

Substitutions

Grass-fed ground beef → pasture-raised ground turkey or chicken (reduces fat slightly; adjust portions)
Sardines in water → wild-caught salmon or mackerel (higher omega-3; drain well)
Butternut squash → sweet potato or carrots (similar texture; slight sweetness variation)
Chard → spinach, kale, or collard greens (ensure chopped finely to prevent choking)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in daily-portion sizes for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving.

Common Questions

Can I substitute the organ meats?

Yes. Use any combination of heart, liver, spleen, kidney, or gizzards. Aim for roughly 10% of total weight in organ meats. Local farms often sell pre-mixed organ blends.

How long does homemade dog food last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days refrigerated, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Do I need to use farm-fresh eggs with the shell?

Only if the eggs are certified farm-fresh and clean. Grocery store eggs lack nutritional benefit from the shell; use just the egg membrane inside instead for food-safety reasons.

Can I adjust portions for a larger or smaller dog?

Yes. This recipe yields roughly 8–10 lbs. Divide into portion sizes matching your dog's daily caloric needs (roughly 2–3% of body weight daily). Consult your vet for exact portions.

Are the sardines and mussels necessary?

They add omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. If unavailable, replace with 1 cup of fish oil or salmon. The recipe still works without them, but nutrient density decreases.