3 days ago3 min read

Homemade Dog Kibble

It's easier than you think. And much healthier than what you find in stores. And the good news is that all three of my dogs go wild for it.

I make it once a month, divide it into weekly needs, refrigerate what I need for the week, and freeze the rest.

It's simple and very flexible; you can add or swap different proteins and improvise for variety and what you have on hand. It uses all human-grade ingredients. I bring samples when I do a presentation on Wholesome Canine Cuisine -- Homemade Healthy Dog Food and Treats. I eat this homemade kibble myself, and invite participants to try it. I wouldn't do that with commercial kibble.

I make it on a cookie sheet and cut it into brownie-size pieces. I crumble it over the rest of the meal. I also use it as a special treat. I give a half for my small dog and a whole piece to my two big dogs.

Commercial dog food kibble is nutritionally dead. It's filled with mystery ingredients, questionable meat sources, preservatives, and synthetic vitamins that are not likely to be bioavailable, so they are useless. So don't be fooled by the claims on the label that sound like there are nutrients in the bag. Kibble has been heated to over 600 degrees for long periods. It comes out grey and tasteless, so artificial chemicals like addictive flavor additives called Palatants are added. Some ingredients are toxic and cancerous, so the sooner you reduce or eliminate commercial kibble in favor of homemade, the healthier your dog will be.

I often tell clients that if they are only ready to make one change in their dog's diet, try reducing or eliminating kibble in favor of this delicious, nutritious, wholesome food. And if you have been convinced your dog needs "grain-free," remember that this is just a marketing scam. Dogs are omnivores and can eat fruits, cooked vegetables, and healthy grains (in moderation). While healthy protein should be the majority of the meal, 10-15% of the meal can consist of nutritious carbohydrates and vegetables.

Are you ready to get started? Your Dog will thank you!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 4 cups whole wheat flour

2. 1 cup cornmeal

3. ½cup powdered milk

4. 1-2 cups water

5. ¼ cup olive or healthy oil

6. 1 large egg

7. 1-2 pounds ground meat (chicken, beef, or turkey – or mix)

Optional:

(* I usually use a can of pumpkin)

Cooked sweet potatoes, or plain canned pumpkin, or finely grated carrots

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat over to 350 (f) or 175 ©

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour, cornmeal, powdered milk)

3. Combine the water, oil, and egg in a separate bowl. Stir in the ground meat. Mix well.

4. Combine all ingredients and mix well. You may need to add more water or broth to get a well-mixed cookie dough consistency.

5. Smooth onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth it out to make it even for consistent cooking. You can also use cookie cutters if you prefer.

6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remove and cool.

7. Slice into brownie-sized squares (I use a pizza cutter). Crumble and add to the meal.

Store what you don’t need for a week in the refrigerator or weekly amounts in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Here is a short video of this recipe.

Would you like to see a video of another fun and easy dog treat? And Sophia, Harry, Bailey, and Lucy adoring this?

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