Healthy dog food recipe
Healthy dog food recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Breaking Barries With The Barkers on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $14.50 total, $7.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (Cooked, shredded; can substitute canned tuna (2 cans) or deli‑style cooked chicken)
- 2 cup Broccoli Florets (Fresh or frozen, chopped into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 cup Shredded Carrots (Pre‑shredded bag or freshly shredded)
- 2 cup Brown Rice (Uncooked; rinsed before cooking)
- 1 tbsp Vitamin Supplement (Dog‑specific multivitamin powder (link in video description))
- 4 cup Water (For cooking rice)
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Rinse 2 cups of brown rice under cold water, then combine with 4 cups water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Medium heat
Prepare the Meat
If using raw chicken breast, poach or bake until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F), then shred with two forks. If using canned tuna or deli chicken, simply drain and shred.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 165°F
Process the Vegetables
Place broccoli florets and shredded carrots into the food processor. Pulse until they are roughly ¼‑inch pieces; avoid turning them into a puree.
Time: PT5M
Combine All Components
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded meat, processed vegetables, and the vitamin supplement. Mix thoroughly until the supplement is evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Cool and Portion
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Portion into individual servings (approximately 5‑6 cups total for two dogs) and transfer to storage containers.
Time: PT15M
Store
Refrigerate one day's worth of food (up to 3 days) and freeze the remaining portions for up to 2 months.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Grain‑free option (swap rice for quinoa), No artificial preservatives
Allergens: Chicken, Fish (if tuna used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Canned tuna, Cooked turkey breast, Ground beef (lean)
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Green beans, Zucchini
- Instead of Shredded Carrots: Sweet potato (cooked & mashed), Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- Instead of Brown Rice: White rice, Quinoa
- Instead of Vitamin Supplement: Dog‑specific liquid vitamin
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Large Pot with Lid
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Storage Containers
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking rice until fully tender without excess water.
- Ensuring meat reaches 165°F to eliminate pathogens.
- Even distribution of the vitamin supplement.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a food processor with a pulse function to keep veggies chunky, which is easier for dogs to chew.
- Add a splash of low‑sodium chicken broth (unsalted) for extra flavor without extra salt.
- Portion sizes can be adjusted based on each dog's weight and activity level.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too watery.
Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it air‑dry for 10 minutes, or add a little extra rice next batch.
Vegetables are too hard for the dogs.
Steam broccoli briefly (2‑3 minutes) before processing, or use pre‑steamed frozen vegetables.
Food smells strong after storage.
Ensure the mixture is fully cooled before sealing containers and store in airtight containers; discard if off‑smell develops.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Up to 2 months; freeze in portion‑size bags.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a large batch and freeze in individual portions for quick daily meals.
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch for 2 minutes before processing to retain color and reduce cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog food in American pet‑care culture?
In the United States, the DIY dog‑food movement grew as owners sought transparency about ingredients and wanted to avoid fillers found in many commercial kibbles. Channels like Breaking Barries With The Barkers promote this trend by sharing recipes that prioritize whole foods and organic ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of homemade dog food in the United States?
Regional variations often reflect local produce: West Coast owners may use kale and salmon, while Southern cooks might incorporate sweet potatoes and ground turkey. The recipe from Breaking Barries With The Barkers uses broccoli, carrots, and chicken, which are widely available nationwide.
What is the authentic traditional way homemade dog food is served in American households?
Typically, the food is served at room temperature in a clean bowl, portioned according to the dog’s weight and activity level. Owners often store daily portions in the refrigerator and freeze larger batches for later use.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade dog food traditionally associated with in American pet culture?
Many owners prepare homemade meals for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or as a health‑boosting change after a vet visit. The Barkers’ video highlights switching to this recipe to improve coat shine and energy, a common reason for a dietary shift.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for homemade dog food versus acceptable substitutes?
Core ingredients include a lean protein (chicken, turkey, fish), a carbohydrate (rice, quinoa), and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans). Acceptable substitutes are canned tuna for protein, white rice or oats for carbs, and sweet potato or pumpkin for veg. The Barkers recommend a dog‑specific vitamin supplement as the only non‑food additive.
What other American pet‑food dishes pair well with this homemade dog food?
A simple homemade bone broth (unsalted) can be served as a warm topper, and a frozen banana slice makes a healthy treat. Pairing with a probiotic supplement can further support gut health.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Homemade Healthy Dog Food from Breaking Barries With The Barkers?
Common errors include undercooking the meat, adding seasonings like onion or garlic, and over‑processing vegetables into a puree. The video stresses cooking meat to 165°F, keeping veggies chunky, and never adding human‑grade salt.
Why does this recipe use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Brown rice provides more fiber and nutrients, supporting steady digestion for dogs. The Barkers chose it to keep the meal wholesome while still being easy to cook in a pot.
Can I make Homemade Healthy Dog Food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the batch completely, then portion into airtight containers. Store up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the fridge before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Homemade Healthy Dog Food?
The final mixture should be a moist, crumbly blend with visible rice grains, small chicken shreds, and tiny broccoli and carrot pieces. It should not be soupy or overly dry; adjust with a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Breaking Barries With The Barkers specialize in?
Breaking Barries With The Barkers focuses on family‑friendly lifestyle content that includes pet care, DIY projects, and healthy living tips. Their channel often features tutorials for making homemade pet food and outdoor adventures with their two dogs.
How does the YouTube channel Breaking Barries With The Barkers' approach to pet nutrition differ from other pet‑food channels?
The channel emphasizes organic, whole‑food ingredients and transparency about costs, encouraging viewers to make food from scratch rather than rely on commercial kibble. They also share personal health observations of their dogs after switching to the homemade diet.
What other American pet‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Breaking Barries With The Barkers known for?
Besides this chicken‑broccoli‑carrot rice bowl, the Barkers have posted recipes for homemade turkey‑sweet potato stew, salmon‑spinach quinoa mix, and a frozen banana‑peanut butter treat for dogs.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
