I love the convenience of store bought dog food just like the next person, but have always been interested in finding a homemade version to alternate with the commercial trays I buy for Archie.

There’s a lot of different recipes out there with fairly similar ingredients etc but the one I found most nutritionally informative was from Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer. Using her ‘Wholesome Grains’ version as a guide, I tailor made one for Archie. As each dog is unique, you’ll need to do the same for your pup.

It is super easy to make, suitable to freeze and Archie just loves it!

ARCHIE’S INGREDIENTS
680g mince of either chicken, turkey or beef
2 tbs coconut oil
1 cup brown rice
2 cups carrot, broccoli and cauliflower
280g spinach, chopped
2 eggs
2 tbs each of parsley, sage, basil and mint chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon powdered eggshells

PER MEAL
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds, ground
1 teaspoon cottage cheese

Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan, add the garlic and meat of your choice. Saute for a minute or two before adding the rice and eggs. Add enough water to cover and simmer gently until the rice is cooked through. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile cook the carrots, brocoli and cauliflower and blanch the spinach. Combine and set aside to cool. Once cool, put the vegetable mixture and herbs into a food processor and chop until very fine.

Add the vegetable and herb mixture to the meat and rice and mix well. Portion out into freezer safe containers.

NOTE:
Not surprisingly a batch of this stuff smells really, really good whilst cooking. And even though there’s nothing in there you couldn’t happily eat yourself, this is just a kind reminder from your dog not to!