Learn how to make homemade dog food for free! (link in our bio)
Learn how to make homemade dog food for free! (link in our bio) is a medium American recipe that serves 7. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by The BK Pets | Dog Food, Simplified on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 3 hrs 10 min | Total: 4 hrs 40 min
Cost: $31.38 total, $4.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Turkey (lean, 93% lean)
- 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1 lb Beef Liver (trim any visible fat)
- 1 cup Canned Oysters (drained, no added salt)
- 3 large Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced 1‑inch cubes)
- 2 cup Small Pasta (e.g., shells or ditalini) (uncooked, plain)
- 4 cup Water (for slow cooker base)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Collect all meats, sweet potatoes, oysters, pasta and water. Verify you have no seasonings or additives.
Time: PT15M
Prep Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and dice into 1‑inch cubes so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Time: PT10M
Measure Meats & Oysters
Weigh out 2 lb ground turkey, 2 lb ground beef, 1 lb liver and measure 1 cup drained oysters.
Time: PT5M
Load Slow Cooker
Place the ground turkey, ground beef, liver, oysters, and diced sweet potatoes into the slow cooker. Add 4 cups water, stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 3 hours (or 2‑4 hours depending on quantity).
Time: PT3H
Boil Pasta
While the slow cooker works, bring a pot of water to a boil, add 2 cup uncooked pasta and cook according to package (about 8‑10 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain Pasta
Pour the cooked pasta into a colander and let it drain completely.
Time: PT2M
Combine Pasta with Slow‑Cooked Mix
Stir the drained pasta into the slow‑cooked meat and vegetable mixture until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Portion into Daily Bags
Divide the combined food into seven equal zip‑lock bags (approximately 2 cups per bag).
Time: PT10M
Store
Place three bags in the refrigerator for immediate use (up to 3 days) and the remaining four bags in the freezer for later weeks.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 70 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Grain‑inclusive, High protein, No artificial additives, Homemade
Allergens: Shellfish (oysters), Beef, Turkey, Wheat (pasta)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Turkey: Ground Chicken, Ground Duck
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Lamb, Ground Bison
- Instead of Beef Liver: Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver
- Instead of Canned Oysters: Canned Sardines, Canned Salmon
- Instead of Sweet Potatoes: Butternut Squash, Carrots
- Instead of Small Pasta (e.g., shells or ditalini): Rice, Quinoa
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Large Pot
- Measuring Cups
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Colander
- Portion Bags (7 zip‑lock bags)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Accurately measure each protein and carbohydrate source to maintain nutritional balance.
- Cook the slow‑cooker mixture on LOW for the full 3 hours to ensure safe internal temperatures.
- Combine the pasta after both components are fully cooked to avoid over‑cooking the meat.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen scale for all meat portions; weight is more accurate than volume.
- If you cannot find canned oysters, substitute with an equal amount of canned sardines (in water).
- For extra fiber, add a handful of finely chopped green beans or peas during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.
Troubleshooting
Food is too dry after slow cooking.
Add an extra ½ cup of water or low‑sodium broth and stir; the extra moisture will be absorbed during the pasta mixing step.
Pasta becomes mushy when mixed.
Cook pasta al dente and let it cool slightly before adding to the meat mixture; this prevents it from breaking down.
Dog refuses to eat the homemade meal.
Warm the portion slightly (body temperature) to enhance aroma, and ensure no seasoning was added that could deter the dog.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in sealed bags, keep at 40°F (4°C).
Freezer: Up to 3 months in sealed bags, keep at 0°F (-18°C).
Room temperature: Do NOT store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze individual daily portions; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat gently in a microwave (no more than 30 seconds) or warm in a saucepan; stir well.
- If you need a softer texture for older dogs, add a splash of warm water when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade balanced dog food in American pet care?
In the United States, the movement toward homemade dog food grew from concerns about commercial diets containing fillers, additives, and low‑quality meat. Pet owners began crafting balanced meals at home to control ingredients, improve health, and tailor nutrition to individual dogs.
What are the traditional regional variations of balanced homemade dog food in the United States?
Regional variations often reflect local produce: Southern recipes may use sweet potatoes and collard greens, while Pacific Northwest versions favor salmon, kale, and barley. This recipe uses widely available Walmart ingredients that work nationwide.
How is homemade balanced dog food traditionally served in American households?
Most American pet owners portion the food into daily servings, storing a few days in the refrigerator and the rest frozen. Meals are served at room temperature or slightly warmed to enhance aroma and palatability.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade balanced dog food associated with in American pet culture?
Homemade dog meals are often prepared for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or as a health‑boosting regimen after veterinary visits. They also become a regular weekly routine for health‑conscious owners.
What makes this Seven‑Day Balanced Homemade Dog Food special in American pet nutrition?
It combines high‑quality animal proteins with a modest amount of grain‑based pasta and fiber‑rich sweet potatoes, creating a nutritionally complete, low‑additive meal that meets the AAFCO guidelines for adult dogs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Seven‑Day Balanced Homemade Dog Food?
Common errors include under‑measuring ingredients, skipping the low‑heat slow‑cook step, adding seasonings like salt or garlic, and storing the food at room temperature for too long. Each mistake can lead to nutrient imbalance or health risks.
Why does this recipe use pasta as a filler instead of rice or potatoes?
Pasta provides a consistent carbohydrate source that is easy to portion and digest, helping to balance the high protein content from multiple meats. It also adds texture that many dogs enjoy.
Can I make this Seven‑Day Balanced Homemade Dog Food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Portion the cooked food into daily zip‑lock bags, refrigerate three bags for up to three days, and freeze the remaining four bags for up to three months. Thaw frozen bags in the refrigerator before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the slow‑cooked mixture is done?
The meat should be fully cooked and crumbly, the sweet potatoes tender but not mushy, and the broth should have reduced slightly, coating the ingredients. No pink or raw spots should remain.
How do I know when the Seven‑Day Balanced Homemade Dog Food is done cooking?
Check that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F and the beef/liver reaches 160°F with a food‑grade thermometer. The sweet potatoes should be fork‑tender, and the mixture should have a uniform consistency.
What does the YouTube channel The BK Pets | Dog Food, Simplified specialize in?
The BK Pets | Dog Food, Simplified focuses on easy, affordable, and nutritionally balanced homemade dog food recipes using everyday grocery store ingredients, especially from Walmart.
How does the YouTube channel The BK Pets | Dog Food, Simplified's approach to homemade dog food differ from other pet food channels?
The channel emphasizes simplicity—minimal equipment, no exotic ingredients, and clear step‑by‑step guidance—while many other channels use specialty supplements or complex cooking techniques.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
