Homemade dog food for only $35 that last 3 months! My dog loves this
Homemade dog food for only $35 that last 3 months! My dog loves this is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Adrianne MG on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $31.18 total, $3.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 lb Chicken Quarters (bone‑in, skin on; use a 10‑lb bag)
- 2 lb Chicken Gizzards (packed in two 1‑lb bags)
- 4 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes; any preferred mix)
- 2 cup Brown Rice (uncooked; boil for ~20 minutes)
- 8 can Canned Tuna in Water (5‑oz cans, drained)
- 1 can Canned Kidney Beans (15‑oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can Canned Pinto Beans (15‑oz, drained and rinsed)
- 8 cup Chicken Stock Water (water left from boiling chicken; use as blending liquid)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional, for smoother texture)
Instructions
Boil Chicken and Gizzards
Place the chicken quarters and chicken gizzards in a large stock pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45‑60 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the bones begin to loosen.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 212°F
Add Frozen Vegetables
Remove the pot from heat, drain excess water leaving about 8 cups of broth, then stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Return the pot to low heat and cook for an additional 8‑10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Cook Brown Rice
While the chicken and veg are finishing, rinse 2 cups of brown rice and add to a separate pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 212°F
Debone and Separate Chicken Skin
Using heat‑resistant gloves, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Pull off the meat from the bones, discarding any sharp bone fragments. Keep the skin if your dog tolerates it; it adds flavor and fat.
Time: PT10M
Blend Meat, Gizzards, and Stock
Place the deboned chicken meat, gizzards, and about 8 cups of the reserved chicken broth into a blender. Add 1 tbsp olive oil if desired. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and spoon‑soft.
Time: PT5M
Combine All Ingredients
Transfer the blended meat mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked brown rice, frozen‑cooked vegetables, drained tuna, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Portion and Store
Spoon the finished dog food into freezer‑safe containers or zip‑top bags, flatten to an even layer, and label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw a portion in the refrigerator or microwave for 30 seconds.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Grain‑inclusive, High‑protein, Dog‑specific diet, Low‑sodium (if salt is omitted)
Allergens: Chicken, Fish (tuna), Beans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Quarters: Chicken thighs, Chicken drumsticks
- Instead of Chicken Gizzards: Chicken hearts, Chicken liver
- Instead of Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Fresh vegetables (steamed), Other frozen veg blends
- Instead of Brown Rice: White rice, Quinoa
- Instead of Canned Tuna in Water: Canned salmon, Cooked shredded chicken
- Instead of Canned Kidney Beans: Canned black beans, Canned pinto beans
- Instead of Canned Pinto Beans: Canned kidney beans, Canned black beans
- Instead of Chicken Stock Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Stock Pot
- Blender
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Ladle or Slotted Spoon
- Freezer‑Safe Containers
- Gloves (heat‑resistant)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Deboning the chicken completely to avoid bone fragments.
- Blending the meat and gizzards to a smooth texture to prevent choking.
- Cooling the rice before mixing to avoid cooking the blended meat further.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium chicken broth or plain water to keep the sodium level dog‑friendly.
- Including the chicken skin adds essential fatty acids and flavor that many dogs love.
- If your dog has a sensitive stomach, omit the beans and add a bit more rice.
Troubleshooting
Food is too dry or crumbly.
Add a little extra chicken broth or water and blend again until the desired consistency is reached.
Mixture is too watery.
Stir in additional cooked brown rice or let the mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb excess liquid.
Chunks of bone remain.
Pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or re‑blend after removing visible fragments.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3‑4 days in airtight containers
Freezer: Up to 3 months in freezer‑safe containers
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out >2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze individual portions in zip‑top bags for quick microwave reheating.
- Label each bag with the date to track freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog food in American pet‑care culture?
In the United States, making homemade dog food has grown popular as owners seek control over ingredients, avoid additives, and tailor nutrition to their pets' needs. It reflects a broader trend toward natural, budget‑friendly pet care and often becomes a family tradition.
What traditional regional variations exist for homemade dog food in the United States?
Regional variations often depend on locally available proteins and produce. For example, coastal families may use fish and sweet potatoes, while Midwestern households might favor beef, barley, and carrots. The recipe here uses chicken, a universally accessible protein.
How is homemade dog food traditionally served in American households?
Most American pet owners serve homemade dog food in individual bowl portions, either at room temperature after thawing or lightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds. It is typically stored in the freezer and portioned out as needed.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade dog food associated with in American pet culture?
Homemade dog food is often prepared for special occasions like a pet’s birthday, adoption day, or when owners want to give a nutritious treat during holidays without commercial additives.
What makes this homemade dog food recipe special in American pet nutrition?
This recipe combines high‑quality protein (chicken, gizzards, tuna) with complex carbs (brown rice) and fiber‑rich vegetables and beans, delivering a balanced, low‑cost meal that lasts for months while staying dog‑friendly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this homemade dog food?
Common errors include leaving bone fragments in the blend, over‑cooking the rice so it becomes mushy, and using too much salt or seasoning, which can be harmful to dogs. Follow the critical steps for deboning and blending to ensure safety.
Why does this recipe blend the chicken and gizzards instead of leaving them in chunks?
Blending creates a smooth, spoon‑soft texture that reduces the risk of choking, especially for small dogs like Zoe (6 lb). It also helps the dog swallow the food more easily and improves overall digestibility.
Can I make this homemade dog food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the batch can be prepared in advance. Portion it into freezer‑safe containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dog food is finished?
The final mixture should be a uniform, slightly glossy mash with visible small pieces of cooked vegetables and rice. It should not contain large bone shards or overly watery broth.
How do I know when the homemade dog food is done cooking?
The chicken and gizzards are done when they are fully cooked through and the bones begin to loosen (about 45‑60 minutes). The rice is done when it is tender after 20 minutes of simmering. The vegetables should be soft but not disintegrated.
What does the YouTube channel Adrianne MG specialize in?
The YouTube channel Adrianne MG focuses on budget‑friendly cooking, meal‑prep hacks, and practical recipes for everyday life, including pet‑friendly meals and DIY food projects.
How does the YouTube channel Adrianne MG's approach to homemade pet food differ from other pet‑food channels?
Adrianne MG emphasizes ultra‑low cost (around $35 for a 3‑4‑month supply) and uses common grocery store ingredients, whereas many pet‑food channels rely on specialty or premium items. Her tutorials are straightforward, with minimal equipment and clear step‑by‑step guidance.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
