Think beyond chicken and beef – this homemade duck dog food is a great way to spoil your pup. It’s a homemade meal that tastes gourmet.
As a doting pet parent, you want to find nutritious and safe dog food to make for your dog. And your pup loves to eat real food anyway. This duck dog food recipe is packed with vitamins, minerals, and pure protein.
Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Homemade Dog Food with Duck
You don’t have to be an experienced chef to make homemade dog food with duck. If you know how to cook meat in a skillet, you can make this recipe.
You will love how good it feels to make food that good for your furry friend. And your dog’s tail will wag in anticipation as they smell it cooking! This easy dog food recipe is made with wholesome ingredients. Since you’re making it, you know what’s in it. No more mystery ingredients in your dog’s food!
You’ll also love how easy it is to make and customize. Change up the natural flavors by using a different meat or veggie. It’s that easy!
Benefits of Duck for Dogs
Dogs depend on protein from animals in order to build healthy, lean muscles. Duck fits in with a heart-healthy diet for dogs. It’s low in saturated fat, so it’s really good for their heart and organs.
Duck also has amino acids; lysine and leucine. These two acids help lower bad cholesterol (again, fantastic for their heart!). It’s also really high in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is necessary for brain and joint health.
Read more about dogs eating duck.
Ingredients
Everything in this recipe can be found at a regular grocery store. There’s no need to go to specialty markets or pet stores or order something online. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need. Oh, and the exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Duck breast – The star of the food!
- Pearled barley – A wholesome grain that provides fiber for healthy digestion, along with important vitamins and minerals like magnesium and selenium to boost your dog’s immune system.
- Carrots – Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, carrots are great for promoting good vision and maintaining a healthy coat and skin for your pup.
- Peas – A plant-based protein and fiber source, peas are also full of essential vitamins like A, K, and B, making them an excellent addition for energy and muscle function.
- Fresh rosemary – A fragrant herb with antioxidants, rosemary supports digestion and adds a natural flavor boost without any artificial additives.
- Water – The cooking liquid.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you’re out of a specific ingredient or want to tailor the recipe to your dog’s preferences or dietary needs, there are plenty of easy swaps you can make. Below are some simple substitutions that will still provide your pup with a nutritious, homemade meal.
- Duck breast – You can swap it for chicken or turkey breast.
- Pearled barley – If barley isn’t available, try using brown rice or sorghum. Or quinoa to make it grain-free.
- Carrots – Replace carrots with potatoes, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes.
- Peas – You can swap peas with green beans, broccoli, or spinach.
- Fresh rosemary – You can substitute it with curly parsley or thyme.
- Water – Use homemade vegetable or chicken, or bone broth that’s made without garlic or onions.
How to Make Duck Dog Food
Making this homemade duck dog food is a simple process. Follow these steps to create a delicious, healthy dish that’s perfect for your dog’s next meal.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup will allow the fat to drain while the duck cooks.
- Score the fat on the duck breasts by cutting slits into the skin.
- Lay the breasts, skin side down, on the wire rack. Place the tray in the oven and bake for around 2 hours, or until the duck’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- When the duck has finished cooking, allow it to cool slightly. Cut the duck into small, bite-sized pieces.
- While the duck is baking, start on the barley. In a medium saucepan, combine water, barley, carrots, and rosemary. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot loosely, allowing some steam to escape, and cook for about 20 minutes on low heat.
- Once the barley has cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Tightly cover it with the lid and let it sit for another 20 minutes, giving the barley time to absorb all the liquid. When it’s ready, stir in the green peas.
- Mix the meat into the barley and vegetable mixture.
- Let the food cool down to room temperature before offering it to your dog to ensure it’s safe and comfortable for them to eat.
Serving Size
How much homemade food you give your dog can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s size, activity level, and breed. An active breed needs more food. A small dog needs less food than a large dog. A good guide is 1 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight.
How to Store Homemade Dog Food and How Long It Lasts
Place the cooled food in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days.
For longer storage, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or plastic freezer bags and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can people eat this homemade duck dog food?
Yes, they sure can! It will be bland since it doesn’t have any seasonings but you can always season your serving. Give it a try, and you may want to eat it for dinner, too.
Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. Before starting your dog on homemade food, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets their specific dietary needs. This recipe is nutritious and safe but is not intended to be a complete meal replacement. It lacks certain essential vitamins and nutrients that dogs require for a balanced diet. Transitioning to homemade food will likely necessitate additional nutrient supplements.
Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.
More Recipes to Make For Your Dog
Do you want to make more homemade food and treats for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Chicken and Rice Dog Food
- Chicken Soup
- Dog Food Seasoning
- Duck Dog Treats
- Fish Dog Food
- Rabbit Dog Food
- Salmon Dog Food
- Venison Dog Food
Find lots of easy dog food recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Duck Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 duck breasts
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup frozen green peas rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet.
- Cut slits in the fat of the duck breasts. Place the duck breasts, skin side down on the wire rack. Bake for 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the duck is baking, prepare the barley mixture. Place the water, barley, carrots, and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to low. Loosely cover with a lid allowing it to vent. Cook on low for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, tightly cover it with the lid, and let sit for 20 minutes or until the barley has absorbed all the water. Stir in the green peas.
- When the duck has finished cooking, cut the meat into small bite-sized pieces and stir the meat into the barley mixture.
- Allow the food to cool to room temperature before serving it to your dog.
- Store the food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
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