Dog Food - Stop Feeding Them Dry Kibbles
Dog Food - Stop Feeding Them Dry Kibbles is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Pete B: East Texas Homesteading on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 54 min | Total: 2 hrs 39 min
Cost: $18.54 total, $9.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Thighs (Boneless meat, cut into bite‑size chunks)
- 0.5 lb Raw Chicken Bones (Never cooked; keep raw for chewing and calcium)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean (90% lean) ground beef)
- 1 cup Black Beans (Cooked, unsalted; prepared from dry beans)
- 1 cup Carrots (Cooked and diced)
- 4 tbsp Pure Pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin puree, no added sugar or salt)
- 2 large Eggs (Scrambled or sunny‑side‑up, no added salt)
- 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated, optional topping)
Instructions
Debone and Cut Chicken
Place chicken thighs on a cutting board, remove the bones, and cut the meat into bite‑size chunks.
Time: PT10M
Cook Chicken Meat Halfway
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the chicken pieces, and cook for about 5‑7 minutes until just starting to brown but still pink inside.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Cook Ground Beef
In the same skillet (or a second one), add ground beef and break it up, cooking until it reaches a light brown, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Black Beans
Rinse 1 cup dry black beans, soak overnight, then simmer in a saucepan with water for 60‑70 minutes until tender. No salt added.
Time: PT1H15M
Cook Carrots
Peel and slice carrots, then boil in a saucepan of water for 12‑15 minutes until soft. Drain.
Time: PT20M
Combine Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ground beef, black beans, and carrots. Add 4 tbsp pure pumpkin puree and stir until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Portion and Add Raw Bones
Divide the mixture into two equal portions. For the larger dog (Toby) add two raw chicken bones; for the smaller dog (Mia) add one bone. Place each portion into a freezer‑safe container.
Time: PT5M
Optional Scrambled Eggs with Parmesan
Whisk the two eggs, scramble in a non‑stick pan over low heat, and sprinkle 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese just before removing from heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool, Store, and Serve
Allow the cooked portions to cool to room temperature (no more than 30 min), then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Grain‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Sodium, Homemade, Whole‑Food
Allergens: Chicken, Beef, Eggs, Dairy (Parmesan)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: Turkey thigh meat
- Instead of Raw Chicken Bones: Raw turkey necks, Raw beef marrow bones
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Black Beans: Pinto beans, Kidney beans
- Instead of Carrots: Sweet potatoes, Green beans
- Instead of Pure Pumpkin: Sweet potato puree
- Instead of Eggs: Egg whites
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Food Processor or Vegetable Slicer (optional)
- Freezer‑Safe Containers or Ziploc Bags
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Stove Top
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Debone chicken and keep bones raw
- Cook meat only halfway to preserve enzymes
- Never add salt or spices
- Never cook the raw bones – they must stay uncooked
- Portion and freeze promptly to maintain freshness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a food processor to quickly dice carrots for uniform cooking
- Batch‑cook beans and carrots on a weekend to reduce weekday prep time
- If your dog tolerates raw meat, you can feed the chicken meat completely raw, but always monitor for vomiting.
Troubleshooting
Dog refuses to eat the homemade meal
Check that the food is at room temperature; some dogs prefer slightly warmed food. Offer a small amount of plain boiled chicken as a starter.
Food smells sour or off after refrigeration
Discard the batch; ensure you cooled the food within 30 min and stored in airtight containers. Always label with date.
Bones splintered after freezing
Inspect bones before giving them to the dog; discard any that appear cracked. Only use fresh, raw bones from reputable sources.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight containers
Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer‑safe bags or containers
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out >30 min
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook a large batch of beans and carrots, portion into zip‑top bags, and freeze; thaw the night before use
- Store raw chicken bones in a sealed freezer bag; keep them separate from cooked portions
- Label each container with date and dog’s name for easy serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog food in American homesteading culture?
In American homesteading, especially in rural Texas, feeding pets real, whole‑food meals dates back to self‑sufficient farm life where owners raised livestock and prepared meals from scratch for both family and animals. This tradition emphasizes natural nutrition over commercial kibble, reflecting a philosophy of caring for animals with the same quality of food given to humans.
What are the traditional regional variations of homemade dog food in Southern United States cuisine?
Southern homestead recipes often incorporate locally raised meats like chicken, beef, or pork, and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Some families add organ meats for extra nutrients, while others include occasional fruits like apples. The core principle remains grain‑free, low‑salt, and based on what the farm produces.
How is homemade dog food traditionally served in Texas homesteading households?
Typically, the cooked mixture is portioned into individual containers, allowed to cool, and served at room temperature. Raw bones are given on the side for chewing. Meals are often prepared in bulk once a week and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenience.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade dog food associated with in Texas homesteading culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, many homesteaders prepare special batches for a pet’s birthday or adoption anniversary, often adding a treat like a scrambled egg or a small amount of cheese as a celebratory topping.
What makes this Homemade Dog Food recipe special in American homestead cuisine?
It combines raw bones for dental health, a balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and strictly avoids salt and spices—mirroring the natural diet of wild canines while using ingredients readily available on a Texas farm or grocery store.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Homemade Dog Food?
Common errors include over‑cooking the meat (which destroys beneficial enzymes), adding any salt or seasoning, cooking the raw bones (which can cause splintering), and leaving the food at room temperature for too long, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Why does this recipe cook the chicken only halfway instead of fully?
Cooking chicken halfway retains natural enzymes that aid digestion, while still killing most surface bacteria. Fully cooking can denature these enzymes, reducing the nutritional benefit that homesteaders aim to preserve.
Can I make this Homemade Dog Food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Portion the cooked mixture into airtight containers, label with the date, and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep raw bones frozen until needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dog food is ready?
The meat should be lightly browned but still pink inside, beans and carrots should be soft but not mushy, and the pumpkin should be fully incorporated, giving the mixture a uniform orange‑tan color. No visible salt crystals or seasoning should be present.
How do I know when the Homemade Dog Food is done cooking?
The chicken and beef should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) on the surface while remaining pink inside; beans should be tender and carrots fork‑soft. No liquid should be pooling in the bowl.
What does the YouTube channel Pete B: East Texas Homesteading specialize in?
Pete B: East Texas Homesteading focuses on self‑sufficient living, including gardening, raising livestock, and preparing whole‑food meals for both people and pets. The channel emphasizes natural, low‑cost solutions and shares step‑by‑step tutorials for homestead projects.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Pete B: East Texas Homesteading?
The channel promotes a no‑waste, ingredient‑first philosophy, avoiding processed foods and commercial pet products. Pete B demonstrates simple, practical techniques that can be done with basic kitchen tools, prioritizing nutrition, safety, and affordability.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
