How to make dog food
How to make dog food is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by TeeTee's Urban Pantry on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 60 min
Cost: $23.71 total, $5.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup White Rice (Uncooked; yields about 1.5 cups cooked. Rinse before cooking.)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (Homemade low‑sodium broth or store‑bought low‑sodium chicken stock.)
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken (Skinless, boneless, diced into small pieces.)
- 0.5 cup Sweet Potato (Frozen, cut into small cubes; can use fresh sweet potato, peeled and diced.)
- 0.5 cup Frozen Peas and Carrots (Mixed frozen peas and carrots; no thawing required.)
- 0.25 cup Dehydrated Blueberries (Will rehydrate in the broth; can substitute dried cranberries or seedless apple pieces.)
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Rinse 0.5 cup of white rice under cold water, then combine with 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12‑15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Boiling
Prepare the Add‑Ins
While the rice cooks, dice the cooked chicken into bite‑size pieces, cut frozen sweet potato cubes into smaller pieces if needed, and measure out the frozen peas & carrots and dehydrated blueberries.
Time: PT10M
Combine and Heat
In the same saucepan (or a clean one), add the cooked rice, diced chicken, sweet potato, peas & carrots, and blueberries. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir gently and heat over medium heat for 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is hot and the blueberries have softened.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cool the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from heat and spread the mixture in a shallow dish to cool to room temperature (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Portion and Store
Transfer the cooled dog food into a gallon‑size Ziplock bag or airtight container. Label with the date, refrigerate, and use within 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Can be made grain‑free by swapping rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice., Low‑sodium if using homemade broth., No added onions, garlic, or artificial preservatives – safe for most dogs.
Allergens: Chicken, Rice (grain)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Rice: Brown rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower rice, Small pasta shapes
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Low‑sodium vegetable broth, Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Ground lamb
- Instead of Sweet Potato: Pumpkin puree, Butternut squash
- Instead of Frozen Peas and Carrots: Fresh peas and carrots (blanched), Green beans
- Instead of Dehydrated Blueberries: Dried cranberries, Seedless apple chunks
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Ziplock Freezer Bag
- Microwave
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the rice until fully soft.
- Dicing chicken into small, bite‑size pieces.
- Rehydrating the dehydrated blueberries in the broth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use leftover chicken bones to make the broth – it adds extra nutrients.
- If you have fresh vegetables, lightly steam them before adding to preserve nutrients.
- Label each bag with the date and portion size for quick serving.
Troubleshooting
Food is too dry.
Add an extra ¼‑½ cup of chicken broth and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Dog refuses to eat the meal.
Warm the portion slightly (10 seconds in microwave) to enhance aroma, and ensure pieces are small enough for easy chewing.
Blueberries remain hard.
Simmer the mixture a few minutes longer or pre‑soak the blueberries in warm broth before adding.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in a sealed container or zip‑lock bag.
Freezer: Up to 3 months; freeze in individual portions for easy thawing.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours; discard if left out.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a large batch and freeze in 1‑cup portions.
- Reheat frozen portions in the microwave for 10‑15 seconds, stirring halfway.
- Store broth separately if you prefer a thinner consistency later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of homemade dog food in American pet‑care culture?
In the United States, many pet owners view homemade dog meals as a way to provide fresh, controllable nutrition and to avoid additives found in commercial kibble. It reflects a growing trend toward natural, whole‑food diets for pets, similar to the human clean‑eating movement.
How does homemade dog food fit into the broader American cuisine tradition?
American home cooking often emphasizes convenience and using pantry staples, which is mirrored in this recipe that repurposes leftover chicken broth, rice, and frozen vegetables. It showcases the American “cook‑what‑you‑have” mindset applied to pet nutrition.
What traditional ingredients are used in this dog food recipe versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients—chicken, rice, sweet potato, peas, carrots, and blueberries—are commonly recommended for dogs. Substitutes include turkey or lamb for chicken, quinoa or cauliflower rice for rice, pumpkin for sweet potato, and cranberries or apple for blueberries, allowing flexibility based on availability.
What occasions or celebrations might inspire a pet owner to make this homemade dog food?
Pet owners often prepare homemade meals after holidays like Thanksgiving when extra turkey or chicken bones are on hand, or during times when grocery stores are closed and pantry staples are the only option. It’s also a treat for birthdays or “gotcha‑day” celebrations.
What other American side dishes pair well with this homemade dog food for a family meal?
While the dog food is for the pet, the same base ingredients (rice, chicken, sweet potatoes) can be used in family meals such as chicken and rice casseroles or simple stir‑fries, making cleanup easier and reducing waste.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this homemade dog food?
Common errors include adding onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs, not cutting ingredients small enough for dogs with limited teeth, and storing the food at room temperature for too long. Always cool before refrigerating and label the storage date.
Why does this recipe use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the rice and vegetables?
Chicken broth adds flavor and extra protein and minerals, making the meal more appealing and nutritionally richer for dogs. Water would result in a bland dish that many dogs find less tasty.
Can I make this homemade dog food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare a full batch, let it cool, then portion into zip‑lock bags. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10‑15 seconds before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dog food is done cooking?
The rice should be soft and fluffy, the chicken pieces tender, sweet potatoes tender but not mushy, and the blueberries plump and slightly translucent after rehydrating. The mixture should be moist, not dry or soupy.
What does the YouTube channel TeeTee's Urban Pantry specialize in?
TeeTee's Urban Pantry focuses on practical, budget‑friendly cooking tutorials that use everyday pantry ingredients, often showing how to repurpose leftovers into tasty meals for both people and pets.
How does the YouTube channel TeeTee's Urban Pantry's approach to homemade pet food differ from other pet‑food channels?
TeeTee's Urban Pantry emphasizes using ingredients you already have at home, minimizing waste, and keeping recipes simple with minimal equipment, whereas many pet‑food channels rely on specialty ingredients or elaborate preparation methods.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
