How To Make Dry Dog Food – Healthy Homemade

How to make dry dog food is a simple and healthy way to give your dog natural, homemade meals using whole ingredients like ground turkey, vegetables, oats, and rice.

It’s much healthier than many store-bought options because it contains no preservatives, fillers, or artificial additives. I was inspired to make dry dog food when I realized my dog needed better nutrition and fresher food.

Now I will guide you through the process to create your own. You cook the ingredients, blend them if needed, then dry the mixture in the oven until it becomes crisp and ready for storage and feeding.

How to Prepare dry dog food?

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Pet Food / Dry Dog Food

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Homemade / Natural Dog Food

Calories: 300 kcal per 1 cup serving (estimate)

Yield: Makes about 8 cups (depending on moisture loss)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board and knife
• Blender or food processor (optional, for finer texture)
• Baking sheet (for drying)
• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon brown rice
• ½ cup dried lentils
• ¾ cup steel-cut oats
• 1 medium sweet potato, scrubbed and chopped
• ½ cup medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1¼ tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 5 cups (1¼ liters) water

How To Make Dry Dog Food

1. Prepare Ingredients:

Peel and chop the carrots, sweet potato, and apple. Finely chop the parsley and rosemary. Rinse the lentils and brown rice under cold water.

2. Cook the Base:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Add Vegetables and Grains:

Stir in the chopped sweet potato, carrots, apple, rice, lentils, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until rice and lentils are fully cooked and vegetables are soft.

4. Stir in Herbs and Oats:

Add steel-cut oats, parsley, and rosemary. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes, uncovered, until oats are soft and the mixture thickens.

5. Cool and Blend (Optional):

Allow the mixture to cool. For smaller dogs or smoother texture, you can blend it lightly or mash with a potato masher.

6. Dry the Food (To Make It Dry Dog Food):

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the cooled mixture in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 2–3 hours or until fully dried, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Special Notes

❖ Consult Your Veterinarian: Before introducing homemade dog food into your pet’s diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

❖ Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Never include ingredients toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, or raisins.

❖ Monitor Your Dog’s Health: Observe your dog for any signs of allergies or digestive issues when introducing new foods.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade dry dog food is rich in essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health. Ground turkey provides lean protein for muscle development, while brown rice, lentils, and steel-cut oats offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and digestive health.

Sweet potatoes and carrots are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The addition of apples offers natural sweetness and vitamins, and herbs like parsley and rosemary support fresh breath and immune function.

With no preservatives or fillers, this recipe offers a wholesome, balanced meal made from natural, whole-food ingredients.

When To Serve For Dogs

Serve this homemade dry dog food once it has completely cooled and dried. It can be used as a complete daily meal or mixed with a little water or wet food for added moisture and flavor.

Feed your dog once or twice a day based on their size, age, and activity level. Always provide fresh water alongside meals, and consult your veterinarian to ensure the portion size meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

Are There Any Side Effects if Eaten Every Day?

Feeding this homemade dry dog food daily can be healthy if it’s properly balanced, but there are some considerations.

While it contains many nutritious ingredients, it may lack certain essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, taurine, and vitamin D that dogs need long-term.

Without proper supplementation or veterinary guidance, dogs could develop nutritional deficiencies over time.

To avoid side effects such as digestive issues, poor coat condition, or low energy, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure the recipe is complete and balanced for daily feeding.

How to Make a Dog’s Dry Food Tastier So He Will Eat It All?

1. Add Warm Water or Low-Sodium Broth:

Pour a small amount of warm water or low-sodium chicken/beef broth over the dry food. This softens the kibble and enhances the aroma, making it more appealing.

2. Mix in a Spoonful of Wet Food or Plain Canned Pumpkin:

Stir in a tablespoon of dog-safe wet food or plain pumpkin (not pie filling). It adds moisture, flavor, and some extra nutrition without overwhelming the dry food.

3. Top with Cooked Eggs or Shredded Meat:

Sprinkle a bit of scrambled egg, cooked ground turkey, or shredded chicken over the dry food. Dogs love the smell and taste of real meat.

4. Add Dog-Safe Fruits or Veggies:

Chopped carrots, blueberries, green beans, or apple slices (peeled and cored) can add crunch and flavor while boosting nutrition.

5. Use a Dog Food Topper or Sprinkle Treats:

There are commercially available freeze-dried food toppers or you can crush a few dog treats and sprinkle them over the meal to add variety and excitement.

Proper Storage

Store the homemade dry dog food in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and crunchy. For longer shelf life, you can also refrigerate or freeze portions in sealed bags or containers.

Use within 1–2 weeks if stored at room temperature, or up to 3 months if frozen. Always let the food cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold.

FAQs About Homemade Dry Dog Food

Conclusion

My easy success with making homemade dry dog food showed me how simple and rewarding it can be to provide healthy meals for my dog.

I hope you will try this recipe soon and see the benefits for your furry friend. Cooking fresh, natural food for dogs not only improves their health but also strengthens the bond you share.

With a little time and care, you can make nutritious dry dog food that your dog will love. I’m excited for you to start this journey and enjoy the positive results!