Homemade Keto Dog Food Recipe: A Healthy, Low-Carb Option for Your Pup
We are showing you how to DIY keto dog food for a healthier pup!
As dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions, especially when it comes to their diet. In recent years, the ketogenic (or keto) diet has gained popularity not just among humans but for dogs as well.
While we typically are making keto recipes for hoomans, today is for the dogs!
This low-carb, high-fat diet is believed to help manage weight, promote healthy skin, and increase energy in some dogs. If you’re considering trying a homemade keto dog food recipe for your pup, here’s everything you need to know, plus an easy recipe to get started!
Why Consider a Keto Diet for Dogs?
From personal experience, after a recent health scare – we decided the one change we could easily make for our dogs is their diet. After researching, who knew – the keto dog diet offers a plethora of health benefits.
The dog keto diet focuses on reducing carbohydrates while increasing healthy fats and moderate protein intake. This diet is known to help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy.
It’s also used by some pet owners to help their dogs maintain a healthy weight or improve their overall well-being.
However, before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, always consult your veterinarian. Each dog has unique nutritional needs, and a vet can help you decide if a ketogenic diet is right for your pet.
Benefits of a Homemade Keto Dog Food Recipe
Here is a list of benefits your dog could receive by switching to keto dog food.
- Creating a homemade keto dog food recipe gives you complete control over the ingredients and nutrition your dog receives.
- You can ensure your pup gets high-quality protein, healthy fats, and all the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.
- Homemade meals are free of the fillers, grains, and unnecessary additives found in some commercial dog foods.
Easy Homemade Keto Dog Food Recipe
This homemade keto dog food recipe is packed with healthy fats, low carbs, and nutrient-rich ingredients to support weight, energy, and overall canine health.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: 16 fl oz (since 1 lb of meat ≈ 2 cups ≈ 16 fl oz)
- 2 eggs: 6 fl oz (each large egg ≈ 3 fl oz)
- 1/4 cup oil: 2 fl oz
- 1 cup chopped spinach: 2 fl oz (chopped greens compress a lot)
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli: 4 fl oz
- 1/4 cup bone broth: 2 fl oz
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal: 0.5 fl oz
- 1 tbsp fish oil (optional): 0.5 fl oz
- Pinch of turmeric: negligible
Instructions
Cook the Protein
Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s fully browned and cooked through. If you’re using a leaner meat like chicken or turkey, you can skip draining the fat, as these healthy fats are part of the keto diet.
Mix in Oils and Broth
Stir in the coconut oil or olive oil for an extra dose of healthy fats. Add a splash of unsalted bone broth to enhance flavor and boost hydration.
Add the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped spinach and broccoli to the pan. Sauté the veggies with the meat for about 3-5 minutes, until they soften.
Mix in the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them into the mixture. Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats, making them an ideal addition to your dog’s keto meal.
Add the Flaxseed / Chia seeds
Once the meal is slightly cooled, sprinkle in the flaxseed meal or ground chia seeds. These ingredients provide fiber and essential fatty acids.
Optional Additions
For an added health boost, consider mixing in a spoonful of fish oil for omega-3s or a pinch of turmeric to reduce inflammation and support joint health.
Blend It
While this is an optional step in making keto dog food, my dogs prefer to have their food blended.
Cool and Serve
Allow the food to cool completely before serving it to your dog. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in portions for longer storage.
Notes
Feeding Guidelines:
The amount you serve will depend on your dog’s size and activity level. As a rough guide:
- Small dogs: 1/2 cup per meal
- Medium dogs: 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal
- Large dogs: 2 to 3 cups per meal
Source: AKC: how much food to feed your dog.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1960Total Fat: 173gCarbohydrates: 8gNet Carbohydrates: 4gFiber: 4g
Feeding Guidelines:
The amount you serve will depend on your dog’s size and activity level. As a rough guide:
- Small dogs: 1/2 cup per meal
- Medium dogs: 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal
- Large dogs: 2 to 3 cups per meal
Source: AKC: how much food to feed your dog.
How to Store Homemade Keto Dog Food
While we want to prioritize feeding our dogs a healthy diet, we also have humans to feed. So when we are making dog food, we make large batches. After cooking the dog food, we allow it to cool and place it in a freezer safe container.
We use these food prep containers to store our keto dog food in the back of the fridge. These are 38 oz and come in a pack of 50. We use these storage containers for our low carb meal prepping as well!
We do keep a dish of pre-made dog food in our fridge. We change this out every 3-5 days.
Reheating Dog Food
To reheat the keto dog food, we microwave for 90-120 seconds. If you prefer, you can reheat in a skillet.
Important Note: Always Consult Your Vet
While this homemade keto dog food recipe is designed to be healthy and nutritious, every dog is different. Always consult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a keto diet or making any significant changes to their nutrition.
Your vet can help determine the right balance of macronutrients for your dog’s specific needs and monitor their health as they transition to a new diet.
Final Thoughts on DIY Low Carb Dog Food
A homemade keto dog food recipe can be a great way to provide your dog with a nutritious, balanced meal that fits a low-carb, high-fat diet.
By taking control of the ingredients and ensuring your dog gets the right mix of nutrients, you can feel confident that you’re giving them the best possible care.
Just remember to check in with your veterinarian to make sure this diet is the right fit for your furry friend. Whether you’re looking to help your dog maintain a healthy weight, manage a health condition, or simply provide a high-quality meal, this keto dog food recipe is a great starting point!
