Make your dog excited about dinnertime again! This scrumptious Homemade Ground Beef Dog Food tastes as good as it smells.
This recipe is a wholesome dish for dogs. It features ground beef, brown rice, fresh vegetables, and leafy greens. It’s perfect for pampering your pooch with nutritious and tasty homemade food because it’s made with dog-friendly ingredients and packed with flavors your pup will love.
FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Dog Food Recipe
If you have ever wanted to make your own dog food, then start with this simple recipe. It’s a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, filled with real meat, rice, and vegetables.
It’s also really easy to make and customize. This easy homemade dog food recipe is ready in just a few minutes! And it’s great for picky eaters because you can add their favorite veggies.
Homemade food is better than commercial dog food because it’s made fresh. So your pup will be able to smell the meat, making them wag their tail in delight. Pet owners, this is a great option to use as a food topper over dry food or as the entire meal.
The whole food ingredients support your dog’s health, and it’s just as easy to make as human food. This is a simple and fun way to change up your dog’s food, and the best part is that this easy recipe uses ingredients you may already have in your fridge.
Ingredients
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to make the recipe and a little info on each one. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Ground Beef – A great source of high-quality protein, ground beef provides essential amino acids that help build and maintain your dog’s muscles. It’s also rich in iron and B vitamins, which are crucial for overall health.
- Brown Rice – A wholesome grain, brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, promoting good digestion. It also provides essential nutrients like manganese and magnesium.
- Carrot – Packed with beta-carotene, carrots are a natural source of vitamin A, promoting good vision and a healthy immune system.
- Sweet Potato – Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of carbohydrates. They contain vitamins A and C.
- Green Beans – This low-calorie veggie is an excellent source of vitamins K and C, as well as fiber.
- Spinach – A nutrient-dense leafy green, spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a great source of iron and antioxidants.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Dog owners, here are some quick notes about different food swaps you can make in this easy recipe.
Does your dog have food allergies, special dietary considerations, or a picky eater? Try these ingredient swaps or additions:
- Beef – Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Brown Rice – Use plain white rice.
- Veggies – Use broccoli, pumpkin, or other dog-safe vegetables.
- Fats – Stir in a tablespoon or two of coconut oil or flaxseed oil.
How to Make Ground Beef Dog Food
These are the simple steps and some photos for making dog food with ground beef. I hope it helps you make this yummy food for your dog.
- Peel and chop the sweet potato and carrot into small chunks. Place them in an Instant Pot or a large pot.
- Add water and rice. Cook using the rice setting on the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Or cook it in the pot on the stovetop according to the rice package instructions.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain off the grease.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and add the cooked rice mixture.
- Add green beans and spinach and mix well. Heat for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
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 a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can people eat this homemade 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 your 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 food 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 Homemade Food for Dogs
Do you want to make some more tasty food for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Beef Stew
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Chicken Soup
- Ground Chicken Dog Food
- Liver Dog Food
- Meatloaf
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Dog Food
- Turkey and Pumpkin Dog Food
- Venison Dog Food
Find lots of easy recipes for dog food right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Ground Beef Dog Food
Ingredients
- 1 carrot
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
Instructions
- Peel and chop the carrot and sweet potato into small chunks. Add the water, rice, carrot and sweet potato to the Instant Pot. Cook using the rice setting on the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release pressure naturally. You may also cook the rice on the stove top according to the package instructions. Cook the sweet potato and carrot with the rice.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain off the grease.
- Return the ground beef to the skillet and add the cooked rice, carrot and sweet potato mixture.
- Add the green beans and spinach. Mix well. Heat for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
I found this article about homemade ground beef dog food really interesting! It gives a simple recipe using ingredients like ground beef, rice, and veggies, which I love because I want to make healthier meals for my dog. It’s great to see how easy it is to prepare, and I appreciate the tips for customizing it based on what my dog likes. Plus, knowing that I can also eat it (though it might be bland) makes it even better!
Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the information and recipe.
Made this for my little dog tonight and he loved it.I was looking for a simple easy recipe and this is it. Thanks for posting it.
Awe, great! I’m so glad your dog loves the food.
can i use Venision instead of beef my dog seem to do very well with the boiled beef low fat of course and rice carrotts and green beans she has pancreatits
Yes, you can use ground venison or any low fat ground meat.
My youngest loved this but my two teenagers hated it. Very easy to prep
I’m so glad one of your dogs enjoyed the food and that you liked making the recipe.