3 Homemade Turkey Dog Food Recipes: A Healthy Choice for Your Furry Friend

These days, more and more pet owners are paying closer attention to what their dogs eat, and homemade dog food is really having its moment.

Out of all the protein options out there, turkey is definitely a standout—it’s a great choice for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.

In this guide, we’re breaking down why turkey works so well and sharing three simple, nutritious recipes your pup will go crazy for!

Health Benefits of Turkey for Dogs

Turkey is an exceptional protein source that offers numerous health benefits for dogs:

• Highly Digestible: Easy on the stomach and suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
• Lean and Low-Fat: Ideal for weight management and dogs needing a low-fat diet.
• Muscle Support: High-quality protein helps maintain and build muscle.
• Bone and Immune Health: Rich in phosphorus and selenium, promoting strong bones and a robust immune system.
• B Vitamin Boost: Packed with B6 and B12 for nerve function and energy metabolism.
• Heart Health: Contains taurine, essential for maintaining a healthy heart.

Homemade Turkey Dog Food Recipes

Recipe 1: Ground Turkey and Vegetables

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Ground Turkey (lean)	1 pound
Chicken Liver	5 ounces
Sardines	4 ounces
Green Beans (chopped)	2 ounces
Broccoli (chopped)	2 ounces
Blueberries	2 ounces
Fresh Parsley	2 tablespoons (chopped)
Apple	2 ½ (small, peeled and diced)
Shiitake Mushrooms	2 ounces
Coconut Oil	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Begin by gathering and preparing all ingredients, ensuring all vegetables and fruits are chopped into dog-appropriate sized pieces to prevent choking.
2. Place a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add the coconut oil, allowing it to melt and heat evenly.
3. Once heated, add the ground turkey, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Incorporate the chicken liver into the pan, mixing well with the turkey. Continue cooking the meat mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked with no pink remains.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low before adding the chopped green beans and broccoli. Next, incorporate the blueberries, chopped apple, and shiitake mushrooms into the mixture.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly across the surface. Add the sardines, gently breaking them up with the spoon to distribute throughout the mixture.
6. Cover the pan and allow everything to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check that the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

Crockpot Method:

1. Place coconut oil and ground turkey in the crockpot, breaking up the meat into small pieces. Add chicken liver.
2. Cook on high for 2 hours or until meat is cooked through.
3. Add all remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode.
2. Add coconut oil and ground turkey, breaking up the meat. Add liver and cook until turkey is browned (about 5 minutes).
3. Add all remaining ingredients. Close lid and set to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 5 minutes.
4. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Let cool completely before serving.

Recipe 2: Turkey and Potatoes

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Ground Turkey (lean)	½ pound
Coconut Oil	1 tablespoon
Water	½ cup
Russet Potatoes	11 ounces (peeled and diced)
Carrot	1 (large, peeled and grated)
Zucchini	1 (large grated)
Apple	½ (small, peeled and diced)
Egg	1 Hard-boiled

Instructions:

1. Start the preparation by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate both the carrot and zucchini. Peel and dice the apple into small, uniform pieces.
2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil, allowing it to melt completely.
3. Add the ground turkey to the hot oil, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until well-browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside, keeping it warm.
5. Pour water into the same pot, taking care to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced potatoes and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally for tenderness. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, add the grated carrot, zucchini, and diced apple. Stir the mixture gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
7. While the mixture cooks, finely dice the hard-boiled egg. Remove the pot from heat and incorporate the diced egg and reserved turkey.
8. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly, then allow the mixture to cool completely before serving.

Crockpot Method:

1. Layer diced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Add ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces, and drizzle with melted coconut oil.
2. Add 1 cup of water (note: more water needed than stovetop version).
3. Cook on high for 3 hours. Add grated carrots, zucchini, and diced apple, cook for another 30 minutes on low.
4. Stir in diced hard-boiled egg just before serving. Let cool completely.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Set to ‘Sauté’ mode, add coconut oil and brown the turkey.
2. Add 1 cup water and potatoes.
3. Close lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Quick release pressure, add carrots, zucchini, and apple.
5. Set to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 2 minutes. Quick release pressure, stir in diced egg. Let cool completely before serving.

Recipe 3: Simple Turkey and Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount
Ground Turkey	1 pound
Water	6 cups
Brown Rice	2 cups
Fresh Parsley	1 teaspoon
Frozen Vegetable Mix	8 ounces

Instructions:

1. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large Dutch oven, combine the ground turkey, water, and rinsed rice. Break up the ground turkey into small pieces using a wooden spoon.
2. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add the frozen vegetables to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the turkey and rice mixture.
5. Add parsley and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and allowing to cool completely.

Portion Sizes

Here’s a general overview of portion sizes to help you ensure your dog gets the right amount of food for their size:

Dog Size	Recommended Portion per Meal
Small dogs (under 20 lbs)	½ to 1 cup
Medium dogs (20-50 lbs)	1 to 2 cups
Large dogs (over 50 lbs)	2 to 3 cups

Factors like their breed, energy expenditure, and overall health also play a role, making it important to consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to their diet.

When transitioning to homemade food, do so gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with their current diet.

This gradual transition helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust to their new, nutritious diet comfortably.

Storage

Short-Term Storage:

• Store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Use within 4 days for maximum freshness.

Long-Term Storage:

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
• Store for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thawing Instructions:

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator.
• Avoid refreezing thawed portions to maintain food safety.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Preparing your dog’s food at home offers numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend:

• Complete Control: Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure the best nutrition for your pet.
• Avoid Additives: Skip the artificial preservatives and additives often found in commercial dog foods.
• Customization: Tailor portions to your dog’s specific needs and accommodate food sensitivities or allergies.
• Diet Variety: Easily create a diverse menu to keep mealtime exciting and nutritionally balanced.