The current crisis in the pet food supply has many of us reaching for homemade dog food recipes for our beloved pets. I have been cooking for our dog for many years and find that he mostly likes the same foods that we do. Every animal has its own preferences, just like us. For example, our Oscar doesn’t eat tomatoes, but Bonnie loves them. Use these recipes as a starting point for homemade dog food recipes. Then, as you discover your pets’ preferences, you can customize them further. One precaution: you should not serve onions or chocolate to dogs, as they contain substances that can be toxic to dogs.

Some vets prefer raw meat for our pets. I prefer to cook the meat due to concerns about E Coli and other bacterial contamination. If you want to use raw meat, don’t use ground meat. The grinding process increases the chance of contamination by providing more surface area for bacteria to grow.

Dog Menu of Meats and Grains

2 cups of cooked brown rice
2/3 cup lean beef
2 teaspoons bacon or vegetable oil
1/2 cup vegetables — no onion*

Mix everything together. You can serve the meat raw if you use chunks of meat. Do not serve raw ground beef, the grinding process increases the chance of bacterial contamination. Use any vegetables you like. You will find over time that your dog will drop any vegetables he doesn’t like. Mix the above. Serve slightly warm, but not hot.

chicken chow chow

You must remove the meat from the bones in this recipe. Chicken bones can easily splinter and cause choking problems in dogs.

2 chicken thighs — or white meat
1 celery stalk – thickly sliced
3 carrots, peeled and cut in half
2 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups rice, uncooked

Place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Cover with cold water (5 -6 cups). Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the water. Add salt to taste if you want. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours until chicken is tender. Add the rice, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove soup from heat. Remove chicken meat from bone (it will practically fall off), discard bones. Return the crushed pieces to the pot. Stir well. let’s cool Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

Meaty Dog Biscuits

Use strained beef, chicken, or lamb baby food for these cookies.

2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg
6 tablespoons of vegetable oil
8 to 10 tablespoons of water
2 cans baby porridge meat, strained

Mix all the ingredients and knead for 3 minutes. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter and place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes approximately 2 dozen dog biscuits.

Bacon Bites for Dogs

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
4 eggs — well beaten
1/8 cup bacon fat
1 cup of water
1/2 cup powdered milk — nonfat
2 cups graham flour
2 cups of wheat germ
1/2 cup of cornmeal

Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cookies on a baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry.

Ace’s Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine — corn oil
1 garlic clove — minced
1 pinch of salt
1/4 cup milk, or as needed

Grate the cheese in a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the soft margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form a ball.

Chill for 1/2 hour. Floured roll-on board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and firm.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.

I hope these free dog food recipes inspire you to cook safe and healthy food for your pet.

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