This homemade lamb and apple dog food is packed with goodness, and every bite is a reflection of the care put into it. With tender lamb, wholesome grains, sweet apple, and veggies, it’s a hearty and nutritious dish your pup will love. And yes, your kitchen is going to smell amazing while it’s cooking!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so rewarding about preparing a meal that your dog absolutely loves. Seeing their excitement when the bowl hits the floor? Priceless. And this recipe is packed with reasons to become one of your go-to favorites!
Wholesome Ingredients – This recipe is made with real food. There’s no mystery meat, no additives, and no unpronounceable ingredients. Just clean, nutritious ingredients you recognize and trust.
Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required here. It’s a one-pot wonder! You just brown the meat, add the ingredients, and let the oven do the rest.
Simple to Customize – You can tailor the ingredients to match your dog’s tastes or dietary needs. Don’t have barley? Use brown rice. Prefer beef over lamb? That works too!
Perfect comfort food – Hearty lamb, tender apples, and wholesome grains come together for a cozy, satisfying meal your dog will love to devour.
Great for fall apple season – When apples are fresh and in season, this is a great way to share the harvest with your pup in a nutritious and delicious way.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Dish
Each ingredient in this recipe brings something valuable to your pup’s bowl. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Lamb shoulder chops – A flavorful protein rich in essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Apple – Adds natural sweetness and fiber, along with vitamins A and C.
- Pearled barley – A healthy grain packed with fiber and minerals like selenium and magnesium.
- Green beans – A low-calorie vegetable full of fiber and vitamins K and C.
- Unsalted beef broth – Adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Olive oil – A source of healthy fats that support your dog’s skin and coat.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making this meal, there are a few things to keep in mind and some easy swaps you can make if needed:
- Safety – Avoid beef broth that contains onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. You can find dog-friendly broth at pet stores or make your own at home. See my beef broth for dogs recipe.
- Lamb – Feel free to substitute with pork loin chops, beef shoulder, or even venison if your dog prefers or tolerates those proteins better.
- Apple – No apples on hand? Use a pear instead for a similar sweetness and fiber.
- Barley – Swap with brown rice, quinoa, or sorghum depending on your dog’s dietary needs or preferences.
- Green beans – Broccoli, zucchini, kale, or spinach all work great as veggie substitutes.
- Herbs – Add a boost of flavor and potential health benefits with 1 tablespoon of chopped curly parsley, fresh mint, thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary.
How to Make Lamb and Apple Dog Food
Here’s how to make this simple and wholesome dish from scratch:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb chops and brown on both sides. Remove the chops and set aside.
- Add the beef broth and barley to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Lay the lamb chops on top of the barley. Cover and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
- Peel, core, and dice the apple. Add the diced apple and green beans to the pot, cover, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the lamb chops from the pot. Shred the meat and remove the bones.
- Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir everything together.
- Let it cool completely before serving it to your dog.
How to Store the Food and How Long It Will Last
Store the cooled food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or plastic freezer bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm it. Never serve hot food to your dog.
Is this recipe suitable for puppies?
While the ingredients are generally safe, puppies have different and specific nutritional needs. Be sure to check with your vet before feeding this to a young pup.
Can people eat this food?
Absolutely! Every ingredient in this recipe is safe for humans. Give it a taste and see if you like it. You might want to add a little seasoning to your portion.
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. Transitioning to homemade food will likely require additional nutrient supplements. Always speak with your vet to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.
More Dog Food Recipes
How about making some more tasty meals for your dog? Oh, yes! Try these recipes:
- Beef and Sweet Potato Dog Food
- Ground Lamb Dog Food
- Instant Pot Lamb Dog Food
- Lamb Stew
- Pork and Apple Meatloaf
Find lots of easy recipes for dog food right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Lamb and Apple Dog Food
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lamb shoulder chops
- 2 1/4 cups unsalted beef broth without onions or garlic
- 3/4 cup pearled barley
- 1 apple
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb chops and brown them on both sides. Remove the chops from the pot and add the beef broth and pearled barley and stir. Lay the lamb chops on top of the barley. Cover and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
- Peel, core, and dice the apple. Add the diced apple and green beans to the pot. Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the lamb chops from the pot, shred the meat, and remove the bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
How much you feed your dog can depend on a lot of factors, including their weight, breed, age, and activity level. A general guideline is about 1 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight, though larger dogs typically need proportionally less per pound. Most dogs need 2-3% of their body weight in food daily. Always consult your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your pup.
And as always, start with small portions if your dog hasn’t had any of the ingredients before to make sure they don’t have any allergies or sensitivities.
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