Cooking for your dog is a great way to give them something extra special that’s made with love. This ground lamb dog food has simple, nourishing ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop. It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and perfect for pups with sensitivities to chicken or beef. One sniff and your dog will be ready to dive in!
Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about making a special meal for your dog and seeing how excited they are to dig in. That happy tail wag and eager gobble-up moment? Well, that makes it all worth it! And these are some reasons this recipe will be a favorite:
Easy to make – You don’t need any fancy gadgets or a pile of dirty dishes. Just a pot and a skillet, and you’re good to go.
Wholesome ingredients – This recipe is made with real food you can recognize. There are no strange fillers or mystery bits.
Novel protein – Lamb is a great option for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins such as chicken or beef. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with nutrition.
Simple to customize – Whether you want to swap veggies or try a different grain, it’s easy to tailor this recipe to fit your pup’s taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Dish
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a tasty and nutritious role in your dog’s meal. Here’s a quick look at what each one brings to the bowl:
- Ground lamb – A high-protein, iron-rich meat that’s loaded with zinc and vitamin B12, which supports energy and immune health.
- Zucchini – A low-calorie veggie with vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s gentle on digestion and helps keep things running smoothly.
- Carrots – A great source of beta-carotene (for eye health), vitamin A, and fiber. Plus, they add a little natural sweetness.
- Curly parsley – Freshens breath and adds vitamins K, C, and A, along with folate and antioxidants.
- Pearled barley – A fiber-rich grain that’s good for digestion and provides steady energy from complex carbs.
- Water – To cook the barley.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Here are a few helpful tips and easy swaps if you’re working with what you have on hand:
- Important: Don’t use Italian flat-leaf parsley. It contains a toxin that can be harmful to dogs. Stick with curly parsley.
- Lamb substitutions: You can use ground chicken, turkey, bison, or lean ground beef instead.
- Barley substitutions: Swap with rice (white or brown), quinoa, or sorghum.
- Carrot substitutions: Try sweet potato or butternut squash for a different flavor.
- Zucchini substitutions: Green beans or chopped broccoli work well here.
- Parsley substitution: Fresh mint makes a great alternative with a breath-freshening bonus.
How to Make Ground Lamb Dog Food
Making this meal is super simple and doesn’t take long at all. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the pearled barley. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Remove from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- While the barley cooks, cut the zucchini and carrots into small cubes.
- Place the ground lamb and carrots in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the carrots are tender.
- Add the zucchini, and cook until the lamb is fully cooked and browned.
- Add the cooked barley and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Let the food cool to room temperature before serving it to your pup.
How to Store the Food and How Long It Will Last
Storing: Once the food has cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it.
Reheating: Warm it slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop, just enough to take the chill off. Avoid heating it until it’s hot.
Can people eat this food?
Yep! Every ingredient in this recipe is safe for humans. If you’re curious, give it a taste. You might want to have it for dinner with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for puppies?
While the ingredients are safe, puppies have unique nutritional needs. This recipe is best suited for adult dogs unless your vet gives you the thumbs-up.
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.
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 Dog Food Recipes
Do you want to make some more special meals for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Chicken Casserole
- Ground Beef Dog Food
- Ground Chicken Dog Food
- Instant Pot Lamb Dog Food
- Lamb Stew
- Salmon Dog Food
Find lots of easy recipes for homemade dog food right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Ground Lamb Dog Food
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup pearled barley
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/2 cup chopped curly parsley
Instructions
- In a medium pot, boil water, stir in pearled barley. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes.
- Cut zucchini and carrots into small cubes.
- Place ground lamb and carrots in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and cook until the lamb is fully browned and done and the zucchini has softened. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked barley and parsley to the skillet. Stir well. Allow to cool before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
How much food your dog needs depends on size, age, activity level, and breed. A general rule of thumb for homemade dog food is about 1 cup of food for every 20 pounds of body weight per day. For personalized feeding guidelines, it’s always best to check with your vet.
Anytime you introduce a new food, start with small portions to make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies or tummy troubles.
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