YT Recipe

Homemade Dog Food Recipe: Save Money and Keep Your Dog Healthy

Homemade Dog Food Recipe: Save Money and Keep Your Dog Healthy is a medium American recipe that serves 14. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by The Buck Stop on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 50 min

Cost: $53.10 total, $3.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 lb Ground Turkey (93% lean, frozen or fresh)
  • 1 bag Frozen Green Beans (approx. 12 oz)
  • 1 bag Frozen Green Peas (approx. 12 oz)
  • 2 cup Spinach (fresh or frozen, loosely packed)
  • 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz can, plain pumpkin puree)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (ground, for anti‑inflammatory benefit)
  • 8 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 2 steak Beef Liver (frozen, approx. 8 oz each, diced)
  • 4 cup Brown Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
  • 6 cup Water (for pressure cooking, adjust as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables & Liver

    Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots into bite‑size pieces. Cut the frozen beef liver into small cubes. Rinse the spinach if fresh. Set all chopped items aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT15M

  2. First Batch of Turkey

    Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, coat the inner pot with a thin layer of oil, then add 6 lb of ground turkey. Seal the lid, set to Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 25 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: High pressure

  3. Release & Remove Meat

    Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick‑release any remaining pressure. Open the pot and transfer the cooked turkey to the large mixing bowl using the strainer to catch excess liquid.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Second Batch of Turkey

    Repeat step 2 with the remaining 6 lb of ground turkey and another 1 cup of water. Cook for 25 minutes at high pressure.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: High pressure

  5. Combine Turkey Batches

    After the second batch finishes, release pressure, drain, and add the meat to the bowl with the first batch. Mix together and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cook Vegetables

    Empty the Instant Pot, add 2 cups water, then add the diced sweet potatoes, carrots, frozen green beans and peas. Ensure the total volume does not exceed the max line. Seal and pressure cook on High for 25 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: High pressure

  7. Release Veggies

    Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick‑release. Use the strainer to drain excess liquid and transfer the cooked vegetables to the mixing bowl with the turkey.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cook Rice & Greens

    Rinse the brown rice and add it to the Instant Pot with 4 cups water. Add the spinach, remaining green beans and peas (if any). Seal and pressure cook on High for 25 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: High pressure

  9. Final Combine & Flavor

    After releasing pressure, add the cooked rice mixture to the large bowl containing meat and vegetables. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and sprinkle the turmeric. Mix thoroughly until a uniform consistency is achieved.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Portion, Cool & Store

    Divide the final dog food into individual serving containers (about 1 cup per meal). Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 weeks. Label containers with date prepared.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains grain (brown rice), No artificial preservatives, Low sodium

Allergens: Potential turkey or beef liver allergy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Homemade Dog Food Recipe: Save Money and Keep Your Dog Healthy

Recipe by The Buck Stop

A nutritious, budget‑friendly homemade dog food made in an Instant Pot. Ground turkey, beef liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, spinach, pumpkin puree and brown rice are cooked in batches, then combined with a pinch of turmeric for extra anti‑inflammatory benefits. The recipe yields about two weeks of meals for a medium‑size dog.

MediumAmericanServes 14

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
2h 25m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$53.10
Total cost
$3.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Coat the Instant Pot bottom with oil to avoid burn‑code errors
  • • Cook the turkey in two 6‑lb batches to stay within the pot’s capacity
  • • Do not exceed the max‑line water level when cooking vegetables and rice
  • • Ensure the rice is fully wet before pressure cooking
  • • Add pumpkin puree and turmeric after all components are cooked to preserve nutrients

Safety Warnings

  • • Use caution when releasing pressure from the Instant Pot – hot steam can cause burns
  • • Ensure all meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safety
  • • Do not add onions, garlic, or other toxic ingredients for dogs
  • • Handle raw meat with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog food in American pet care?

A

In the United States, the DIY dog‑food movement grew as owners sought more control over ingredients, nutrition, and cost, especially after commercial brands faced recalls. Homemade recipes like this one reflect a shift toward whole‑food, grain‑inclusive diets that mimic a dog’s ancestral meals while using modern kitchen tools.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of homemade dog food in the United States?

A

Regional variations often depend on locally available proteins and produce. In the Midwest, beef and corn are common; on the West Coast, salmon and sweet potatoes are favored; in the South, chicken and collard greens appear. This recipe uses turkey and brown rice, a versatile combination suitable nationwide.

cultural
Q

How is homemade dog food traditionally served in American households?

A

Most American owners serve homemade dog food in measured daily portions, typically a cup or two per meal, stored in airtight containers. Meals are usually served at room temperature after refrigeration or thawing, and owners often supplement with fresh treats like carrots or apple slices.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is homemade dog food associated with in American pet culture?

A

Homemade dog food is often prepared for health‑related milestones such as weight loss, allergy management, or after veterinary recommendations. Some owners also make special batches for birthdays or adoption anniversaries as a way to celebrate their pets with a personalized meal.

cultural
Q

How does this turkey‑and‑beef‑liver dog food fit into the broader American canine nutrition tradition?

A

It aligns with the “whole‑food” trend emphasizing lean animal protein, organ meat for micronutrients, and complex carbs from brown rice and vegetables. The inclusion of pumpkin and turmeric adds fiber and anti‑inflammatory benefits, reflecting modern American pet‑nutrition science.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for homemade dog food versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Core ingredients are lean meat (turkey, chicken), organ meat (liver), a carbohydrate source (brown rice, sweet potato), and vegetables (green beans, peas, carrots, spinach). Acceptable substitutes include ground chicken for turkey, chicken liver for beef liver, white rice or quinoa for brown rice, and kale for spinach.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this homemade dog food for a family meal?

A

Since the recipe is low‑salt and mild, it pairs nicely with family meals like roasted chicken, baked sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can cook the dog’s batch alongside your own dinner using the same vegetables for convenience.

cultural
Q

What makes this turkey, beef‑liver dog food special or unique in American canine cuisine?

A

The combination of two protein sources (turkey and liver) provides a broader amino‑acid profile, while the use of turmeric adds a functional spice rarely found in commercial dog foods. Cooking everything in an Instant Pot reduces mess and preserves nutrients, making it both efficient and nutritious.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this homemade dog food?

A

Common errors include over‑filling the Instant Pot above the max line, not adding enough liquid which triggers a burn code, cooking all 12 lb of turkey at once (causing uneven cooking), and forgetting to cool the food before sealing containers, which can create condensation and spoilage.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use an Instant Pot instead of a traditional stovetop method?

A

The Instant Pot provides consistent pressure cooking, dramatically reduces cooking time (25 minutes per batch), and eliminates the need for multiple pots and blending. It also minimizes nutrient loss compared to prolonged stovetop simmering.

technical
Q

Can I make this homemade dog food ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Portion the cooked food into airtight containers, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 weeks. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving and always bring to room temperature before feeding your dog.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Buck Stop specialize in?

A

The Buck Stop focuses on practical, family‑friendly cooking tutorials, often featuring budget‑savvy meals, kitchen gadget reviews, and occasional pet‑food DIY projects like this homemade dog food recipe.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Buck Stop's approach to American home cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The Buck Stop emphasizes straightforward, no‑fluff instructions, real‑world kitchen challenges (like broken food boxes), and uses everyday appliances such as the Instant Pot to simplify recipes, whereas many channels prioritize elaborate plating or gourmet techniques.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by The Buck Stop

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