Creating your own dog food at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to ensure your canine companion receives optimal nutrition. This recipe for human-grade ground turkey and whole wheat macaroni dog food is not only simple to prepare but also features wholesome ingredients designed to keep your dog happy and satisfied. This dish is particularly well-suited for adult dogs, active dogs, large breeds, underweight dogs, picky eaters, and dogs that need to avoid fish, beef, and lamb.
By incorporating JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil and the Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni DIY Nutrient Blend, your dog will benefit from all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy diet. It’s crucial to note that this recipe, like any homemade dog food, must be complete and balanced. The DIY Nutrient Blend is specifically formulated to meet AAFCO recommendations and is made from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA. Therefore, adhering strictly to this recipe is vital for your dog’s well-being.
Ingredients
This recipe yields approximately 13 lbs of food.
- 5 lbs Ground Turkey (85% lean/15% fat)
- 2.5 oz Turkey Liver
- 2 lbs 8 oz Whole Wheat Macaroni
- 5 oz Carrots, finely chopped
- 5 oz Zucchini, finely chopped
- 5 oz Broccoli, finely chopped
- 2.5 oz Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 5 tsp JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp JustFoodForDogs Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni DIY Nutrient Blend
Tip: If you have trouble finding organ meat at your local grocery store, your local butcher is a great alternative.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Preparation
- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables. Whenever possible, use fresh produce. If using frozen items, ensure they contain no added ingredients like salt or sugar.
- Prepare a one-quart ice bath. This will be used to rapidly cool the cooked macaroni, stopping the cooking process and preserving its texture.
Cooking
- In a nonstick skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground turkey and turkey liver over medium heat, stirring regularly. Add the chopped carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and cranberries while the turkey is still slightly pink. Continue cooking until the turkey is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Do not drain the drippings, and allow the mixture to cool to a warm temperature.
- Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to package directions, typically using 4 cups of water per 1/2 lb of pasta. Once cooked, immediately add the ice bath to halt the cooking and drain thoroughly. Allow the macaroni to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cooled ingredients, including the Omega Plus Fish Oil. Gradually sprinkle in the DIY Nutrient Blend, mixing until it is fully incorporated.
- Portion the food into individual serving sizes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Size and Storage
Determining the correct serving size for your dog is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. For guidance, you can use our dog food calculator. This homemade recipe can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring healthy and nutritious meals are always on hand. By preparing this meal yourself, you can be confident that your dog is receiving the best possible nutrition to support their health and happiness.
Nutritional Information
- Calorie content (calculated): 1741 kcal ME/kg; 49 kcal ME/oz; 882 kcal ME/18 oz; 3528 kcal ME/72 oz
Alternative Cooking Methods
The preparation time for this recipe remains minimal regardless of the cooking method. Cooking time may vary depending on the equipment used. You can also adapt this recipe for a Crock Pot or an Instant Pot.
JustFoodForDogs is transparent about its recipes. We openly share recipes for various options, including Fish & Sweet Potato (with green beans and omega-3 fatty acids), Chicken & White Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, Ground Beef & Russet Potato, and Venison & Butternut Squash, among others, for pet parents to prepare at home. Remember, the nutrient blend is a crucial addition to ensure meals are complete and balanced, providing all the necessary vitamins and minerals like potassium, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium that a healthy dog requires.
Consider transitioning your dog from kibble to a balanced homemade diet. Explore our other pet food recipes, supplements, and treats.
*All weights listed are raw or dry weight.
For those looking to prepare a smaller batch, a printable PDF is available with instructions for both full and half batches.
This complete and balanced dog food recipe, made with ground turkey, is formulated to meet AAFCO standards. The DIY Nutrient Blend is crafted from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals approved by the FDA. Following this recipe precisely is essential to ensure the food is complete and balanced for your beloved pet.
