Chicken and Apple Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe
I developed this homemade grain-free dog food because my dog is getting older and his health has become more of a priority. I worry about how many nutrients kibble may lose through the cooking process. This food includes all of the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that my dog needs. It took me a bit of research to figure out what foods to use and in what proportions. The protein ingredients include liver and poultry (dark meat poultry is best), sunflower oil for linoleic acid, and 10 other essential amino acids that dogs need in their diet.
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 Cooking pot
- 2 Bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Grinder
- 1 skillet
- 1 Potato masher
Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 apples - peeled cored, and chopped (make sure seeds are removed)
- ¼ cup water
- 6 eggs
- 3 pounds ground chicken
- 6 ounces chicken livers chopped
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seed oil
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place carrots, apples, and water into a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, crack eggs into a bowl and set aside. Place eggshells onto a baking sheet.
- Bake eggshells in the preheated oven until dry, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove eggshells from the oven and pulverize using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
- Combine ground chicken, chicken livers, reserved eggs, ground eggshells, and sunflower oil in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat, mixing occasionally, until chicken is browned and crumbly and livers are no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place spinach on top of meat mixture, then cover with a lid and steam until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Mash softened carrots and apples in a bowl with a potato masher and add to meat mixture. Mix until well combined.
Notes
Use organic apples to avoid pesticides and be sure to remove all apple seeds as they are toxic to dogs.
Store three days' worth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze remaining food in three-day portions. Defrost in the refrigerator on the first day of use. Heat each cup for 45 seconds in the microwave, and let cool before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 37gFat: 12g