Gourmet dog food
Gourmet dog food is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Louis Gantus on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $37.49 total, $9.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked)
- 0.5 cup Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 0.5 cup Peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for cooking chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Eggshell (calcium supplement, optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dog Multivitamin Powder (commercial dog vitamin supplement)
- 2 cups Water (for cooking rice and chicken)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Rinse the chicken breast, pat dry, and set aside. Peel and dice the carrots. Measure out rice, peas, olive oil, and supplements.
Time: PT10M
Cook Brown Rice
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 212°F
Cook Chicken
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add olive oil, then add the chicken breast. Cook for about 8‑10 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and shred with two forks.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine All Components
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, diced carrots, peas, ground eggshell, and dog multivitamin powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Portion and Cool
Divide the mixture into four equal portions, place each in an airtight container, and let cool to room temperature before sealing.
Time: PT5M
Store
Store two portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze the remaining two portions for up to 2 months.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Grain‑free option (replace rice with quinoa), Gluten‑free
Allergens: Chicken, Eggshell (calcium), Peas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast, Lean Beef
- Instead of Brown Rice: White Rice, Quinoa
- Instead of Carrots: Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash
- Instead of Peas: Green Beans, Corn
- Instead of Olive Oil: Coconut Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Ground Eggshell: Calcium Powder
- Instead of Dog Multivitamin Powder: Homemade vitamin blend (consult vet)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate pathogens.
- Avoiding any onion, garlic, or added salt which are toxic to dogs.
- Ensuring the final mixture cools quickly to prevent bacterial growth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use bone‑in chicken thighs (remove bones after cooking) for extra flavor and joint‑supporting nutrients.
- For a richer taste, cook the rice in low‑sodium chicken broth instead of water.
- Blend the final mixture in a food processor for a smoother texture if your dog prefers pâté‑like food.
Troubleshooting
Dog refuses to eat the homemade food.
Warm the portion slightly (to body temperature) and add a splash of low‑sodium chicken broth for aroma.
Food smells off after refrigeration.
Discard the batch; ensure the food was cooled within 30 minutes and stored in airtight containers.
Texture is too dry.
Add a tablespoon of warm water or unsalted broth when mixing to achieve a softer consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer‑safe containers.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions for quick meals.
- You can pre‑cook the rice and chicken separately and store them for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade gourmet dog food in modern American pet care?
Homemade dog food has grown in popularity in the United States as owners seek more control over ingredients, avoid low‑quality commercial kibble, and provide meals that mimic a canine’s natural diet. It reflects a broader trend toward pet wellness and personalized nutrition.
What are the traditional regional variations of homemade dog food in American cuisine?
While there is no single traditional recipe, American home‑cooked dog meals often feature locally available proteins like chicken, turkey, or beef, combined with whole grains such as brown rice or oatmeal and vegetables like carrots and peas. Some regions add sweet potatoes or pumpkin for extra fiber.
How is gourmet homemade dog food typically served in the United States?
Pet owners usually portion the cooked mixture into individual airtight containers, refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for longer storage. Meals are served at room temperature or slightly warmed to enhance aroma and palatability.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade gourmet dog food traditionally associated with in American pet culture?
Homemade dog meals are often prepared for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or as a special treat after training milestones. Many owners also make a batch for holidays like Thanksgiving, substituting pet‑safe ingredients for traditional dishes.
What makes Louis Gantus' approach to making gourmet dog food unique compared to other pet‑food channels?
Louis Gantus emphasizes simplicity, cost‑effectiveness, and a no‑seasoning policy, focusing on whole‑food ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. His videos blend humor with clear safety warnings, making the process approachable for novice home cooks.
What does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus specialize in?
The YouTube channel Louis Gantus specializes in fun, down‑to‑earth cooking tutorials that range from classic comfort foods to quirky pet‑friendly recipes, always delivered with a light‑hearted, conversational style.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making gourmet homemade dog food?
Common mistakes include undercooking the chicken, adding toxic ingredients like onions or garlic, using too much salt, and failing to cool the food quickly enough, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Why does this gourmet dog food recipe use plain brown rice instead of flavored rice mixes?
Plain brown rice provides complex carbohydrates without added sodium, sugars, or artificial flavors that could upset a dog’s digestive system, ensuring the meal stays nutritionally balanced and safe.
Can I make Louis Gantus' gourmet dog food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can batch‑prepare the recipe. Store portions in airtight containers: refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator or gently warm them before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the gourmet dog food is done?
The final mixture should be a moist, cohesive blend where the rice grains are soft, the chicken is shredded, and the vegetables are evenly distributed. There should be no visible liquid pool; the food should hold together when scooped.
How do I know when the chicken in Louis Gantus' dog food recipe is fully cooked?
Use an instant‑read meat thermometer; the thickest part of the chicken breast must reach 165°F. The meat should be opaque throughout with no pink juices.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
