Diy Dog Food Recipe
DIY Dog Food Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Rodney Habib on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $70.66 total, $70.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Chicken Wings (raw, skin on, provides calcium and trace minerals)
- 100 g Beef Liver (raw, high in vitamin A and copper)
- 50 g Chicken Hearts (raw, rich in iron and amino acids not found in breast meat)
- 150 g Chicken Breast (raw, lean muscle protein source)
- 50 g Blueberries (fresh or frozen, provides fiber and antioxidants)
- 1 tbsp Flax Seeds (raw, ground for better digestibility)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds (raw, source of vitamin E)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil (herb high in manganese, iron, vitamin K)
- 100 g Zucchini (raw, provides fiber and potassium, diced)
- 1 can Sardines in Water (about 85 g, provides vitamin D, omega‑3s, and pectin water)
- 1 tsp Kelp Powder (whole‑food iodine source)
Instructions
Prepare Raw Meats
Rinse chicken wings, beef liver, chicken hearts, and chicken breast under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Grind Chicken Wings
Place chicken wings in the food processor and pulse until a coarse, bone‑filled mixture forms. This provides the calcium source.
Time: PT3M
Chop Vegetables & Fruit
Dice zucchini into small cubes and roughly chop blueberries. Set aside.
Time: PT3M
Combine All Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, add the ground chicken wings, beef liver, chicken hearts, chicken breast, zucchini, blueberries, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried basil, sardine (including its water), and kelp powder.
Time: PT2M
Blend to Desired Consistency
Using the food processor, blend the mixture on low to medium speed until a uniform, slightly coarse texture is achieved. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
Time: PT5M
Portion and Store
Divide the blended meal into individual portions (approximately 300 g per average adult dog). Place each portion in a freezer‑safe container or zip‑top bag, label with date, and freeze.
Time: PT2M
Clean Up
Wash all utensils, cutting board, and food processor parts with hot, soapy water. Sanitize with a diluted bleach solution if desired.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Raw, Grain‑Free, Whole‑Food, No artificial supplements
Allergens: Chicken, Beef, Fish (sardines), Pumpkin seeds
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Wings: Ground bone meal (supplement)
- Instead of Beef Liver: Chicken liver (less vitamin A)
- Instead of Chicken Hearts: Turkey hearts
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast
- Instead of Blueberries: Raspberries
- Instead of Flax Seeds: Chia seeds
- Instead of Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds: Sunflower seeds (unsalted)
- Instead of Dried Basil: Dried oregano
- Instead of Zucchini: Cucumber
- Instead of Sardines in Water: Mackerel in water
- Instead of Kelp Powder: Iodized sea salt (small amount)
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor or High‑Speed Blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Kitchen Scale
- Mixing Bowl
- Storage Containers (Freezer‑Safe)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Grinding chicken wings to release calcium.
- Blending to a texture that is not fully pureed.
- Proper sanitation of all equipment after handling raw meat.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen scale for precise portioning; consistency is key for balanced nutrition.
- If you have a high‑speed immersion blender, you can blend directly in the mixing bowl to reduce dish count.
- Freeze the sardines first; this makes it easier to separate the fish from the water for precise measurement.
Troubleshooting
Mixture is too dry and crumbly.
Add a tablespoon of the sardine water or a splash of cold filtered water and blend briefly.
Dog refuses to eat the meal.
Warm the portion slightly (to about 30 °C) to enhance aroma, or mix with a small amount of plain canned pumpkin for added palatability.
Large bone fragments remain after grinding.
Pass the ground wings through a fine mesh sieve and re‑process any larger pieces.
Storage
Refrigerator: Use within 24 hours if not frozen; keep at 4°C or below.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months at –18°C.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze individual portions and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- If you prefer a softer texture, let a frozen portion sit at room temperature for 10‑15 minutes before feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of raw whole‑food diets for dogs in modern pet nutrition?
Raw whole‑food diets trace back to the ancestral eating habits of wolves, the canine ancestors. In recent decades, pet owners have revived this approach to provide dogs with nutrients in their most natural form, emphasizing whole, unprocessed ingredients rather than commercial kibble.
What are the traditional regional variations of raw dog food in North American pet‑feeding culture?
In North America, raw diets often feature locally sourced meats like chicken, beef, and fish, combined with region‑specific vegetables such as carrots, apples, or pumpkin. Some owners add regional superfoods like kelp from coastal areas or blueberries from northern farms for extra antioxidants.
What occasions or celebrations is a balanced raw dog meal traditionally associated with in pet‑owner communities?
Pet owners often prepare special raw meals for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or as a health‑boosting treat after veterinary visits. Sharing a homemade raw feast is also common during community pet‑health events and dog‑friendly potlucks.
How does this Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal fit into the broader American raw‑food pet‑nutrition tradition?
Rodney Habib’s recipe exemplifies the American trend of using supermarket‑available whole foods to create a nutritionally complete raw diet, avoiding expensive specialty supplements while still meeting calcium, iodine, omega‑3, and vitamin requirements.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a balanced raw dog diet versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include raw muscle meat, organ meats (liver, heart), ground bone for calcium, and fresh vegetables or fruits for fiber. Acceptable substitutes are high‑quality canned fish for omega‑3s, kelp powder for iodine, and ground pumpkin seeds for vitamin E when fresh sources are unavailable.
What other American pet‑food dishes pair well with this Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal?
Complementary dishes include a simple raw bone broth (for extra hydration), a probiotic‑rich kefir treat, or a frozen banana slice as a low‑calorie dessert. These add variety while staying within the whole‑food philosophy.
What makes this Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal special or unique in American raw‑food dog nutrition?
The recipe uniquely combines calcium‑rich chicken wings, vitamin‑dense beef liver, omega‑3‑rich sardines, and iodine‑rich kelp—all sourced from a typical grocery store—demonstrating that a complete raw diet can be assembled without specialty pet‑store supplements.
How has the raw whole‑food dog diet evolved over time in the United States?
Initially popular among niche “raw‑food” enthusiasts, the diet has become mainstream as research highlighted benefits of reduced inflammation and improved coat health. Modern recipes, like Rodney Habib’s, focus on balancing micronutrients using readily available supermarket items.
What are common misconceptions about feeding raw whole‑food meals to dogs?
A frequent myth is that raw diets are automatically unsafe; in reality, when handled properly and balanced with bone and organ meats, they meet all nutritional needs. Another misconception is that supplements are always required—this recipe shows whole foods can provide the needed vitamins and minerals.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal?
Common errors include over‑processing the chicken wings (losing bone texture), neglecting to grind the bones finely (risk of choking), and skipping sanitation steps, which can lead to bacterial contamination. Also, avoid feeding the same portion size to dogs of vastly different weights.
Why does this recipe use ground chicken wings for calcium instead of a commercial calcium supplement?
Ground chicken wings provide calcium in a natural, bioavailable form along with trace minerals that supplements often lack. Using the whole food also adds flavor and texture that dogs find appealing, staying true to the whole‑food philosophy.
Can I make this Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, portion the blended mixture into freezer‑safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and never leave raw portions at room temperature for more than two hours.
What texture and appearance should I look for when blending this raw dog meal?
The final blend should be a coarse pâté with visible small pieces of meat, bone, and vegetables. It should not be a smooth puree; a bit of texture mimics natural prey and aids dental health.
How do I know when the Balanced Raw Dog Food Meal is done and ready to feed?
The meal is ready when all ingredients are evenly incorporated, the bone is finely ground, and the mixture holds together without large chunks of raw bone. A quick taste (if you’re comfortable) should feel gritty from the bone and moist from the sardine water.
What does the YouTube channel Rodney Habib specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rodney Habib focuses on evidence‑based pet nutrition, raw feeding, and holistic health for dogs and cats, offering science‑backed recipes, supplement reviews, and lifestyle tips for optimal animal wellness.
How does the YouTube channel Rodney Habib's approach to raw dog nutrition differ from other pet‑food channels?
Rodney Habib emphasizes whole‑food sourcing from regular grocery stores, detailed nutrient breakdowns, and cost‑effective alternatives to pricey supplements, whereas many other channels rely heavily on specialty pet‑store products or commercial raw kits.
What other raw‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Rodney Habib known for?
Rodney Habib is known for recipes such as a raw beef heart and bone broth blend, a salmon‑and‑spinach superfood bowl, and a turkey‑gizzard and organ meat mix, all designed to meet specific nutrient targets for dogs.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
