What happens when you feed your dog cheap dog food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Are Grain-Free Diets Bad for Dogs?

What Is Grain-Free Food?

Most of us are familiar with wheat, rice, corn, and barley since these are part of our usual diet. We think of them as carbohydrates or carbs. Whole grains contain protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them healthy both for us and for our dogs.

About 20 years ago, as veterinarians were seeking better diets for dogs with food allergies, nutrition companies conducted AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) food trials to determine the safety of hypoallergenic diets, some of which were grain-free. These diets have been fed safely to dogs and cats since that time.

Starting about 2005 there was a rise in marketing by pet food companies that promoted grain-free diets as healthier for dogs with health issues or allergies, or because grain-free diets had fewer fillers.

The word filler itself is misleading, as filler is defined as an ingredient that adds bulk to the food but no nutritional value to the pet (i.e. it is not digested). However, fillers added to pet foods are typically in the form of fiber, which feed intestinal bacteria and produce the short chain fatty acids that keep the intestinal tract healthy. Without fiber/fillers, the pet food would not be complete and balanced.

Pet parents clearly want the best for their dogs. The information most readily available to pet parents online and pet stores at this time suggested that grain-free diets were healthy, even if veterinarians were not always on board.

Is Grain-Free Food Linked to Health Conditions in Dogs?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a breed-related disorder causing dilation and thinning of the chambers of the heart. This can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death. The breeds most commonly affected are theDoberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Boxer, andCocker Spaniel.

In 2018, the FDA began receiving reports of dog breeds with DCM that typically do not develop this disease. The common factor among these dogs was they all were eating grain-free or boutique (uncommon) diets. Once they were placed on a diet with grains, the dogs slowly recovered.

Seventeen peer-reviewed studies over the last 4 years have been published, with 1,382 dog cases and 20 cat cases (as of Dec. 23, 2022) reported to the FDA. The case numbers are also believed to be underreported, as the pets need a workup by a cardiologist and the FDA reporting process can be difficult. The original theory that this could be a taurine deficiency in these diets, which had been seen in rare cases, has proven to be more complex.

One study in 2018 found taurine deficiency only in Golden Retrievers eating a grain-free diet. However, future studies could not find taurine deficiency in any breed, including the Golden Retriever. There does appear to be an association between pulses (part of the legume family, including peas, lentils, and chickpeas) being high in the ingredient list in the reported cases.

There are no other major health issues associated with grain-free diets outside of DCM. Dogs given over-the-counter diets for food allergies may continue to experience itching, vomiting, or diarrhea if the diet was not made in a facility specifically dedicated or cleaned to prevent cross-contamination of proteins for food-allergic pets.

Why Would Dogs Be Recommended Grain-Free Food?

Celiac disease, a disease of gluten intolerance that is very common in people, is very rare in dogs. There is a line of Irish Setters in the United Kingdom that have gluten intolerance, similar to celiac disease. Some Border Terriers have epileptoid cramping syndrome, which is relieved by a gluten-free diet. These are the only known dogs with gluten-responsive medical issues.

Dogs with food allergies may benefit from a limited ingredient diet or hydrolyzed diet, and some of these diets are grain-free. Therapeutic prescription hypoallergenic diets, which have gone through AAFCO or more advanced feeding trials, have not had reports of dogs developing DCM to date. These are the diets that veterinarians recommend, not just because of the DCM issue.

Prescription hypoallergenic diets are made under rigorous protocols to prevent cross-contamination of ingredients, as well as testing for any rogue ingredients. Dogs are much less likely to have flare-ups of allergies or gastrointestinal issues because of these strict protocols. While the prescription diets are expensive, pet parents may ultimately save money on veterinary bills due to fewer relapses of their pets signs.

Should I Feed My Dog Grain-Free Food?

If you are considering a grain-free diet for certain reasons, including that your pup wont eat their regular diet, is constantly itchy, or has a sensitive stomach, the first step is to seek veterinary advice.

A medical issue may need to be addresssed in addition to the one you think is already happening. Also, your vet may recommend a different diet based on your dogs age or overall health, based on clinical signs.

Featured Image: iStock/VYCHEGZHANINA

References

Sanderson, SL. Pros and Cons of Commercial Pet Foods (Including Grain/Grain Free) for Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2021 May;51(3):529-550.

Freeman, L. Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy: The cause is not yet known but it hasnt gone away. Clinical Nutrition Service, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. February 2023. Ibid.

Questions & Answers: FDAs Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs. US Food and Drug Administration. December 2022.

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer S. Fryer, DVM

Veterinarian

Jennifer S. Fryer, DVM graduated with Honors from Brown University with an AB in Development Studies, an interdisciplinary study of the...

What to Feed Your Dog When Youve Run Out of Dog Food

Run out of dog food? Youre not alone! Many pet owners have faced an empty dog food cupboard due to busy schedules, forgetfulness, or tight budgets. Fortunately, in a pinch, your dog can safely enjoy various human foods from your fridge and pantry.

If you have run out of dog food, your dog can enjoy a range of proteins, e.g., beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Dogs can also eat carbs such as rice, pasta, potatoes, and some dairy like yogurt and cheese. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and peas are also safe.

Okay, Thats the short answer. Lets go over exactly what you need to know when putting an emergency meal together for your dog. Well cover the following:

Key Pre-Feeding Considerations
Safe Foods for Your Dog
Foods to Avoid
Quick and Easy Recipe Ideas
Tips to Prevent Future Dog Food Shortages

Remember, while the human foods and recipes suggested are safe for your dog, they should only be temporary solutions. They arent fully nutritionally balanced like regular dog food.

So, if youre wondering what to feed your dog when youve run out of dog food, youve found the perfect guide!

Lets get to it!

Essential Considerations Before Feeding Emergency Dog Food Alternatives

Before diving into exactly what you can and cant feed your dog, we need to consider the essential safety rules, as your dogs digestive system is vastly different from humans.

Before feeding your best friend an emergency meal, bear in mind the following:

Meats should be cooked unless your dog is used to a raw diet.Ensure the meat is lean and free of bones, assmall bones can easily splinterand cause injury or choking. Avoid processed meatssuch as sausage, ham, and bacon, as they contain high amounts of salt or seasoning.
Cook all fish as it can contain bacteria. Dont add additional oils or seasonings, and remove all bones. Longer living fish species such as mackerel and tuna may contain high amounts of mercury, so feed sparingly if you opt for these types.
Most vegetables should be cooked. Dogs will find cooked veggies easier to digest. However, some can be given raw such as carrots and green beans.
Remove pits from fruits. Stone fruitssuch as nectarines, peaches, and plums contain toxic cyanide traces in the pits, which are also choking hazards.
Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products.Your dog may be able to tolerate some foods and not others. For example, my dog can eat cheese and plain yogurt, but she cannot handle the tiniest amount of heavy cream.
Avoid giving dogs too much fat or salt. Excessive sodium or fat can cause stomach upset and causevomiting, anddiarrhea.
Dont feed raw eggs. Most veterinarians advise cooking eggs before feeding them to your dog due to the risk of salmonella, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and weakness.

So now we have the donts when feeding your pup people food, lets investigate what foods your dog can safely eat when your pet food supplies have run dry.

What Can I Feed My Dog If I Ran Out of Dog Food?

Although dogs metabolize foods differently from people, many human foods are perfectly safe and healthy for dogs to eat. Here are the best foods to feed your dog when youve run out of dog food.

Proteins	Carbohydrates	Vegetables
Beef	Pasta	Broccoli
Chicken	Rice	Carrot
Pork	Potatoes (cooked)	Green Beans
Salmon	Bread	Parsnip
Tuna	Oatmeal	Peas
Turkey	Noodles	Pumpkin
Eggs	Sweet Potato
Peanut Butter (Organic)

Fruits	Dairy
Apple	Cheese
Banana	Milk
Strawberries	Yogurt
Raspberries
Cantaloupe
Pear
Blackberries

Proteins

The below proteins are excellent for dogs who need a minimum of 22% protein during growth stages and 18% protein as adults.

Beef

Dogs can eat beef. Dogs need a high-protein diet to provide the energy they need, and beef contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to give your dog healthy joints, muscles, skin, and a shiny coat.

Ensure the meat is lean, plain, and with no salt or seasoning before feeding.

You should cook all meat you give your dog unless he is used to a raw diet and the food is hygienically prepared. A few shredded pieces will go down a treat and can always be part of your dogs meal when youve run out of dog food.

Chicken

Your dog can eat chicken, and as a high-protein food, it provides your dog with lots of energy. Its also a great source of Omega 6 fatty acids and is good for the skin and coat. Chicken also contains glucosamine for healthy bones and essential amino acids.

Ensure the chicken is plain and avoid the skin as this is high in fat. Also, dont feed raw chicken due to the risk of salmonella unless your dog is accustomed to a raw diet.

Never feed cooked chicken bones, as these are fragile and can break in your dogs mouth, causing nasty injuries. They can also cause your dog to choke.

Pork

Your dog can eat pork as long as its cooked and free from seasonings and spices. This high-protein food is rich in many vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc and contains nine essential amino acids for your dogs growth and maintenance.

You shouldnt give raw pork to your dog as it contains a parasite, trichinella spiralis larvae, that can cause trichinosis resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, or chills. You should remove all fat, as too much fat can lead to an upset stomach.

Avoid cooked pork bones as they are very brittle and can splinter into sharp pieces in your dogs mouth or lower down his digestive tract. Pork bones are also a choking risk.

Processed pork meats, such as bacon, ham, and sausage, should also not be given to your dog due to their high salt content.

Salmon

Dogs can eat salmon. Salmon is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dogs skin and coat healthy, support his immune system, and reduce inflammation. It is a high source of protein found in many top-quality dog foods and is an excellent substitute in an emergency.

Never feed raw salmon, and ensure its thoroughly cooked as it contains parasites that can cause poisoning. Also, make sure it has no bones, so its best to choose a boneless fillet if you decide to give your dog some of this tasty people food.

My dog absolutely adores salmon. When we have salmon for dinner, its the only time she will come over to the table, lie down, and patiently wait with longing eyes, and a tongue almost touching the floor! World of Dogz

Tuna

Dogs can eat tuna fish, an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and eye health and make your dogs coat shiny.

Tuna also contains many healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, B12, B6, iron, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

One thing to note is that there is often mixed opinion about whether dogs should eat tuna due to its higher mercury levels than other fish.

However, as with most human foods you give your dog, moderation is key, and a little tuna in an emergency will not cause harm.

If feeding a small amount of canned tuna, ensure it comes in water with no added salt.

I often feed my dog a few chunks of tuna as a topping on her regular food. World of Dogz

Turkey

Dogs can eat turkey. This high-protein food contains vitamins, including vitamin B, thiamine, and riboflavin. It also contains minerals, including zinc, phosphorous, and selenium, to help regulate metabolism.

Its no wonder this high-energy food is a prevalent ingredient in commercial pet foods. Therefore, cooked turkey is excellent for your dog when youre out of regular dog food.

Turkey breast is healthier as the legs contain more fat and dont feed the skin as its also high in fat. Ensure no bones are in the meat, as cooked bones can easily splinter in your dogs mouth, and theyre a choking hazard.

Eggs

Dogs can eat eggs. They are an excellent source of protein and are loaded with healthy vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Eggs are best cooked first before feeding your dog as there is a risk of salmonella in raw eggs although this risk is low.

You can even further minimize this risk by using free-range eggs and storing them in a cool, dry place.

Eggs have the perfect balance ofnutrients. Despite the controversy around eggs decades ago, scientists have since concluded that their high levels of dietary cholesterol are NOT associated with heart disease and that saturated fat has a far more significant effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Peanut Butter (Organic)

Dogs can eat peanut butter, a nutritionally well-rounded food containing protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It also has various minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins E and B, and is a good source of folic acid.

One caveat is that peanut butter must be organic and not contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. It should only really be used as a high-value treat as it includes a lot of fat and is calorific, but if youre limited to other foods in a pinch, then it is perfectly okay.

Carbohydrates

Aim to add a small number of carbohydrates to your dogs meal.

Pasta

Dogs can eat pasta as long as its cooked and given plain. Although high in carbs, it does provide nutrition, and whole grain is typically healthier. A little pasta with some simple chicken is an excellent meal for your pup.

Avoid pasta sauces as they usually contain garlic and onions, both poisonousto dogs. Dogs with a wheatallergyor a sensitivity to grains or eggs shouldnt eat pasta.

The photo below is of my dog, Willow, with a massive plate of pasta in front of her. Of course, she cant have all that, just a tiny amount!

My German Shepherd Willow Im pretty sure I cant have all that pasta!

Rice

Dogs can eat plain white rice. However, brown whole-grain rice is a healthier option. Rice is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, iron, vitamin D, thiamine, and riboflavin.

As it is often added to dog food anyway, it goes without saying its an excellent quick-fix substitute.

Like pasta, a little cooked rice will go a long way to making a great off-the-cuff meal in a crisis. Its easy for dogs to digest; hence it is often given with chicken to dogs with diarrhea, but as a carbohydrate, you must feed it in moderation.

Potato (cooked)

Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are cooked. This starchy vegetable contains vitamins, including vitamins C and B6, minerals, fiber, and potassium, to fight disease and aid digestion.

They provide lots of energy, but as a high carbohydrate food, feed sparingly and balance it with a protein source.

When giving potatoes to your dog, you should remove the skin and thoroughly cook them. Raw potato (or if the potato is green on the outside) contains solanine, a toxic compound; however, the cooking process entirely removes this danger.

You can mash, bake, or boil them, but dont add butter or salt.

Bread

Dogs can eat bread as long as its plain white or brown. However, you should only feed it now and again as it is high in carbohydrates and calories and has little nutritional value, being low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

A few pieces of bread can temporarily substitute dog food if your dog isnt sensitive to wheat. But dont let your dog eat any uncooked yeast dough if you make your bread at home, as it can rise in the stomach and cause severe problems, fromGDV (bloat) to alcohol toxicosis from the fermented yeast.

Oatmeal

Dogs can eat oatmeal. This staple food is high in fiber and contains nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains linolic acid that helps to keep your dogs skin healthy.

Mix the oatmeal with water instead of milk, as some dogs cant tolerate milk, and serve cooked without butter or syrup. Your dog will enjoy one or two spoonfuls, but remember, this food is a carbohydrate and is high in calories, so feed it in moderation.

Noodles

A small amount of plain boiled noodles is a safe human food for dogs. Noodles are made with soft flour milled from common (bread) wheat mixed with water or eggs.

Although not high in nutrients, they contain micronutrients such as iron, folate, manganese,and B vitamins.

Noodles are not the healthiest of foods for dogs but are okay in moderation. Chop them up into small pieces, add to some plain cooked chicken or beef, and you have a good dog food substitute.

Vegetables

You can use the veggies below to add to your doggos emergency meal.

Broccoli

Dogs can eat broccoli in small quantities. Its high in fiber and vitamin C and is excellent for the immune system. Broccoli also helps protect against heart disease and supports healthy skin and bones.

The only downside of broccoli is that it contains a chemical that can cause significant gas in some dogs! If you are feeding the stalks, make sure you cut them into small pieces.

Carrot

Dogs can eat carrots, which are excellent, either cooked or raw. They are low in fat and contain high amounts of fiber and potassium. They also contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A, which is good for healthy eyes, bones, and the immune system.

Raw or frozen carrots are also perfect for giving a teething puppy. My dog loves crunching on a raw carrot, which helps clean her teeth. I think carrots are one of the best people foods you can give your dog, and most people will usually find them in the pantry to add to a homemade doggy meal.

Green Beans

Dogs can eat green beans. They are highly nutritious and are good for overall health. Green beans contain many vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are low in calories. Its best to cut them up into small pieces to prevent choking and aid digestion.

Most dogs will love green beans, and you can also give your dog canned green beans as long as they dont contain salt or other additives.

Parsnip

Dogs can eat parsnips. They are excellent vegetables to feed your dog as they contain lots of potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C and B6. They are also good for healthy kidney function, support your dogs nervous system and metabolism, and contain antioxidants to help fight cancer.

Parsnips are better cooked when added to a meal, but you can give them raw as long as you chop them into small pieces.

Sometimes I mash cooked parsnip and add it to my dogs bowl as she enjoys the sweet taste. World of Dogz

Make sure to feed sparingly, though, as parsnips are quite starchy (like other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots).

Peas

Dogs can eat peas. Peas are good for boosting energy levels, being starchy carbohydrates. They are good for the eyes, heart, and skin and contain vitamins such as vitamins A, K, and B. Peas also contain iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Peas are excellent human food that you can quickly and easily add to some protein. They are also gentle on your dogs digestive system. Fresh or frozen peas are okay, but avoid the canned variety due to their high salt content.

Pumpkin

Dogs can eat pumpkins, including their seeds. Nutritionally, they are loaded with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and iron, and contain a high amount of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

Theyre full of insoluble and soluble fiber and are, therefore, suitable if your dog is constipated or has diarrhea.

Cooked pumpkin is preferred as your dog will have difficulty digesting it raw. It can be mashed and effortlessly added to your dogs emergency meal ingredients. As its low in calories, its also great for overweight dogs.

When you replace your kibble, some owners like to reduce it and add some pumpkin.

Sweet Potato

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes. They are good for your dogs overall health, contain beta-carotene, which is good for growth and vision, are a natural source of fiber, and contain vitamins such as C, B6, E, and A. They are also more nutritious than white potatoes.

Sweet potatoes should be cooked (and the skin removed) before feeding them to your dog. You can bake, mash, or puree them. Due to their nutritional value, they are a popular source of carbohydrates in high-quality dog foods.

As sweet potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate, they are probably best avoided if your dog is overweight, less active, or diabetic.

Fruit

You can add the following fruits to a homemade dogs dinner.

Apple

Dogs can eat apples. They are a good source of fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining healthy bones and tissue. Most dogs like the crunchy texture and the sweet taste of apples, which also helps keep their teeth clean and freshen their breath.

Cut the apple into small pieces, and dont feed the seeds or cores.

Banana

Dogs can eat bananas. They are high in potassium, supporting kidney and heart functions, and high in vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are also low in sodium. However, bananas are high in sugar, so feed sparingly.

Dont feed the peel, as its hard for your dog to digest.

Strawberries

Dogs can eat strawberries. They are full of fiber, vitamin C, and Omega-3 and are good for skin and coat health. They are high in antioxidants that slow the aging process and strengthen the immune system. Strawberries also contain a teeth-whitening enzyme.

My dog loves strawberries and would eat them all day if I let her!

Raspberries

Dogs can eat raspberries. They are low in sugar and calories and contain fiber, manganese, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.

Raspberries are good for improving your dogs overall health and boosting the immune system, and with their anti-inflammatory properties, they help joints, making them ideal for older dogs.

The only drawback is that raspberries contain a small amount of toxic xylitol in high dosages. However, a large dog would have to eat over 30 cups of raspberries to be in any danger! As they do contain a small amount of natural sugar, feed sparingly.

Cantaloupe

Dogs can eat cantaloupe. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and potassium. It is also high in antioxidant qualities to promote healthy cell function and help reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in water content, making it a pleasant and refreshing treat for your dog. It is high in natural sugars, so only feed one or two pieces, and remember to remove the seeds and rind.

Pear

Dogs can eat pears. They are high in potassium, copper, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and fiber, reduce the risk of strokes, and have anti-cancer properties due to their antioxidants. Vitamin K is known for increasing bone density.

Pears contain a high amount of sugar, so feed sparingly and remove the core and seeds to prevent poisoning, choking, and possible digestive blockages.

Blackberries

Dogs can eat blackberries, and they offer incredible health benefits. Blackberries contain many valuable antioxidants that prevent or slow down cell damage and strengthen the immune system.

They are full of vitamin C and fiber and are low in sugar, making them kind to teeth.

Dairy

Its never a good idea to include dairy foods as the main component of your dogs diet, even if your doggo isnt lactose intolerant. However, when youre caught short and dont know what to feed your dog, you can add a small amount of the below dairy foods to his meal.

Cheese

Dogs can eat cheese. This high-value protein treat is a great human food that your dog will love. Cheese contains nutrients, including calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins A and B12. However, it is high in calories and fat, so you should only feed it in moderation.

Many owners use tiny pieces of cheese as training treats, and I love feeding my dog pieces of mild cheddar for a well-deserved treat. Healthier options are low-fat varieties or cottage cheese, but my dog turns her nose up at these!

Warning!Some dogs may be unable to tolerate cheese due to its lactose, so you must experiment first. Also, dont feed blue cheese and other moldy cheese, as the mold produces a mycotoxin poisonous to dogs.

Milk

Dogs can drink milk. Milk contains high amounts of calcium, which is good for healthy teeth and bones. Its also fortified with vitamin D and contains potassium (good for the heart), essential amino acids, nourishing vitamins, minerals, and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

A few tablespoons of either cows or goats milk are safe, enjoyable foods for your dog.

Check out the above photo of my dog enjoying a small amount of milk. However, as in all dairy foods, try it first to see if your dog isnt lactose intolerant.

Yogurt

Dogs can eat yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein and can act as a probiotic, so its excellent for your dogs digestive system. As with all dairy foods, some dogs cannot endure yogurt, so you must first experiment with a small amount.

There are two types of yogurt that your dog can eat. These are Greek yogurt and low-fat, plain, natural yogurt. Ensure the yogurt doesnt have artificial sweeteners (xylitol) or added sugar and fat, and only feed a tablespoon or two to prevent a tummy upset.

What Can Dogs Not Eat?

When throwing together a homemade meal for your dog, some foods are unsafe and can cause harm. Here are the main foods that dogs can not eat.

Food	Reasons Your Dog Should Not Eat It
Onion	Onion can kill red blood cells in a dog. Even onion powder in a broth can have this effect.
Garlic	Garlic can make your dog anemic. Make sure any food you prepare contains no garlic flavor.
Chocolate	Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate and chocolate-adjacent products are toxic to dogs.
Sweeteners	Products like peanut butter may have xylitol, which can drop a dogs blood sugar.Ensure you choose organic.
Grapes & Raisins	The biological cause of grape toxicity is yet to be discovered. Still, enough cases of canine kidney failure following grape consumption have been documented to keep them on the must avoid list.
Nuts	Nuts in excess can lead to vomiting and tremors. Macadamia and black walnuts are the worst at this.
Cooked bones	These can cause constipation because a dogs stomach cannot digest cooked bones. Raw bones are fair game, though, as long as theyre wider than the muzzle.
Avocado	The avocado skin can result in episodes of vomiting, so your dog should be kept away from this fruit.
Fruit pits	When you feed fruit to your dog, you need to make sure that you remove the pits as they can block your dogs intestines or cause choking.

You can find a more comprehensive list of foods toxic to dogs at the Pet Poison Helpline.

Quick and Easy Recipes

So now you have a list of the primary human foods your dog can safely eat. Check your cupboards to find the ingredients you need for the below quick and easy recipes to muster up a meal for your doggo in no time.

Turkey and Brown Rice Blast!

This favorite of mine will make 10 cups of homemade dog food in a pinch. You can make this meal in around 25 minutes, and its really simple to make. Remember, its not nutritionally complete, but it is a great starting point.

Ingredients:

1poundground turkey
2cupsbrown rice
16-ounce pack offrozen peas and carrots
6cupswater

Method:

Place the ground turkey, rice, and water into a large cooking pot. Stir the mixture until the ground turkey is broken up and distributed evenly. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Finally, add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Cool before serving and refrigerate the remainder.

Beef and Brown Rice Bonanza!

My dog loves this concoction, and the eggs give her added protein and variety. You can use white rice if you dont have any brown. This simple recipe will make about 13 cups and takes around 30 minutes.