Tired of overpriced, unhealthy dog food? You’re not alone. More and more people are making their own homemade dog food. It’s healthier, cheaper, and you can customize it to your pet’s specific needs.
We know that you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes feeding them the healthiest diet possible. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow recipe for DIY dog food. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of food that will keep your pup healthy and happy.
I love making fish based recipes for dogs. Although most people consider fish to be a cat’s choice, this is simply not true. Dogs love fish just as much as cats do, and it is so beneficial for their health.
So let’s explore my wild claims a bit further!
Why is fish good for dogs?
The main reason fish is great for dogs’ lies within the Omega-3 amino acids. Most people take this important supplement in the form of transparent pills, but fish is so rich with Omega-3. If you give your dog at least one fish meal per week you will ensure a strong immune system and a shiny coat.
How to create the best fish cakes for dogs?
The trick to making this homemade dog food meal is not to complicate things inside your head. There are no special tips to this meal, simply follow the steps I created and you will be successful. It is almost impossible to get this recipe wrong.
Nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs
Aside from being tasty to your dog, sweet potatoes offer a variety of health benefits. Before we talk about them it is important to mention that you should never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes and you should always peel them to make them easier to digest.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins C, B6 and A, and also contain a high level of fiber which is good for your dog’s digestive tract. They also contain high levels of beta carotene (thus the orange color) which helps the body convert Vitamin A from the food.
Coconut oil for dogs
I have to admit I would not dream of giving coconut oil to my dog but my vet recommended it when she developed a nasty rash. He told me to use a little on her skin to alleviate the symptoms, so I did. I could not believe my eyes the next morning, but the rash was completely gone. Then, I started giving my dog just a tablespoon of coconut oil each day to help her digestive system and boost her immune system. Now I use coconut oil in my homemade dog food recipes, and it works like a charm. I highly recommend giving your dog just a bit every day.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (or regular potatoes)
- 2 chicken breasts (boiled)
- 2 tsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 2 boiled eggs (chopped)
- 15 oz can of tuna, salmon or mackerel
- 2 oz frozen peas
- 2 large carrots (fresh and shredded)
- 2 tbsp curly parsley (chopped)
Step 1.
Peel the sweet potatoes (or regular potatoes) and cut them into cubes. Cut the chicken breasts into similar sized cubes, and then boil in unsalted water.
1’’ sweet potato cubes are ready in 15 minutes, and 2’’ cubes take 20-25 minutes to cook.
Alternatively you can boil both the potatoes and the chicken whole, but it will take 35-40 minutes for them to cook. If you have got the time, it will be much easier to chop them once they are cooked.
Step 2.
While the potatoes and chicken are cooking, boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes, and then cool them off under cold water so you can peel them. Let them cool off or 5-7 minutes then chop them into small cubes. Set aside.
Step 3.
Once the sweet potatoes and chicken are cooked, and still warm, add the veggies, the coconut oil or the olive oil and stir gently. Set aside to cool off.
Step 4.
Once the mix has cooled off you can add the tuna (salmon or mackerel), eggs, and curly parsley.
Step 5.
Now that the mixture is ready to eat you can form it into cake patties and give it to your dog.
One cup of this mixture makes 1 fish cake to feed a 20 lb dog for a single meal. You should feed your dog twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably at the same times.
You can store the leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. You can mix this delicious meal with dog kibble if you’d like.
Step 6.
These fish cakes are freezer friendly and will keep good for up to 3 months.
To freeze them form the patties then place them on a lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet in the freezer for up to 2 hours or until solid then place the patties into an air-tight container.
To unfreeze them you can defrost the night before, or if you forget to defrost pop them in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge into cold water.
Bon appétit!
