Looking to improve your dog’s diet but don’t want to spend a fortune on raw diets? There’s hope! These cheap raw dog food recipes show that you can offer well-balanced meals for under $2 per day. For novices, our raw food recipes for dogs are made from chicken thighs, beef heart, and other seasonal vegetables.
“Good nutrition shouldn’t break the bank- your dog deserves real food!”
This comprehensive guide prepares you to skillfully prepare five vet-approved raw cuisine recipes with precision. You will learn cost-effective sourcing methods for premium ingredients, as well as preparation techniques that guarantee nutrition and safety.
We answer important questions like “can you add vegetables in with the raw meat” and discuss ratios and digestibility factors. Change your dog’s health using developed methods that provide professionally-made, restaurant-quality raw meals, and conveniently prepare them in your home kitchen—all while saving money.
Benefits & Basics: Why should you try raw dog food
Switching to raw cuisine recipes can improve health in your furry friend. But, many owners think it is too ‘fancy’ or ‘complicated.’ Let’s bust those myths:
Key Benefits of Raw Feeding
- Puppies get shinier coats in 3-4 weeks.
- Dogs would require less space to poop as stool quantity is lesser by 42%.
- Naturally better dental health.
Budget-Friendly Raw Feeding Truths
Feeding raw is not a luxury, it is the new norm.
- Homemade raw dog foods is the cheapest.
- Local butcher shops might provide scraps for meats at little or no cost.
- 3-5 items are the only need for simple cooking recipes for dogs.
Now let’s dive into recipes that are so simple even a novice can cook.
Recipe 1: Chicken & Veggie Starter Mix
Reason This Works For Beginners
- A very inexpensive option as it uses chicken thighs.
- Fills the meat to veggie ratio with safe vegetables.
- Great first step into raw food recipes.
Ingredients (supply for 30lb dog for a week)
- 3 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – $4.50
- 1 lb chicken livers – $1.80
- 2 cups chopped spinach – $1.20
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – $0.75
Total Cost: 8.25/week (1.18/day)
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Protein: Employing a Chef’s knife, chop raw chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes for even distribution and balanced nutrition.
- Combine Nutrient Sources: In a stainless steel mixing bowl, mix chopped organ meats with minced “hand” leafy greens and organic pumpkin puree until cohesive.
- Portion Control: Using a digital kitchen scale, measure out appropriate serving sizes tailored to your pet’s weight requirements.
- Preservation: Place remaining portions into BPA-free freezer containers, labeling containers by date and ensuring the first out is the first in.
- Storage Protocol: Prior to bulk storage, flash freeze individual servings on a parchment lined baking sheet to avert freezer clumping.
Pro tip: For optimal calcium intake, leave bones intact- dogs can safely crush raw bones with their powerful jaws.
Explore more dogs related blogs here: Dogs Care Tips and Training Guide | Biakwe
Recipe 2: Heart of Beef – Power Bowl
Benefits of The Heart Meat
- Contain CoQ10 which provides energy.
- Most often half the cost of steak.
- Most dogs enjoy consistency.
Ingredients for 5 Day Supply for a 50lb Dog
- Four pounds of beef heart – $9.60.
- One pound of beef kidney – $2.40.
- Three eggs, including shells – $0.90.
- One Apple, cored and grated – $0.50.
Total Cost: $13.40/week ($1.91 per day)
Preparation Steps
- Cut the heart into narrow strips.
- Dice the kidney.
- Crush eggshells to boost calcium content.
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
“Mealtime with a heart of beef is a tail-wagging party!”
Recipe 3: “Fish Frenzy” Special Every Friday.
Why Fish is Important
- Omega-3 fatty acids aid in inflammation reduction.
- The cheapest raw dog food fish.
- Fish is a great source of whole, readily available calcium.
Ingredients (20 lb dog requires 3-day supply)
- 2 lbs of whole mackerel – 6.00
- Kale (chopped) – 1 cup: 0.60
- Hemp seeds – 1 tbsp: 0.40
Total Costs: $7.00 Weekly, $1.00 Per Day.
Preparation Steps
- Leave smaller fish intact.
- Massage kale with oil prior to serving.
- Just mix before serving.
Note: It is best to feed them with fish meals 1-2 times a week for variety.
Recipe 4: Turkey and Tripe Combo
Why is Tripe Good for Digestion?
- Has natural probiotics.
- 75% less expensive than muscle meat.
- Enhances the nutritional profile of cheap raw dog food diets.
Ingredients (4-day supply for a 40lb dog)
- 3 lbs turkey necks $5.25
- 1 lb green tripe$3.50
- 1/2 cup blueberries $0.75
Total Cost: $9.50/week, $1.36/day.
Preparation Steps
- Slice turkey necks into joints.
- Combine tripe with thawed blueberries.
- Pour tripe mixture over turkey necks and serve.
Caution: Green tripe is smelly, but dogs love it!
Recipe 5: Pork & Pumpkin Budget Mix
Justification for Pork Selection
- Frequently advertised under $1/lb
- Abundant in B nutrients
- Softer skeleton structure than beef
Ingredients (amounts provided: 6-day diet for a 35lb dog)
- Pork Shoulder- 4 lbs- $6.80
- Pork Liver- 1lb- $1.90
- Grated Zucchini- 1 cup: $0.60
Total Cost: ($9.30/week, $1.33/day)
Preparation Steps
- Cut pork into smaller cubed sections.
- Liver and Zucchini blended.
- Mix and divide into meals.
Storage Tip: For hassle-free uncomplicated portions, store in silicone muffin trays. They can be easily frozen.
Conclusion
Switching your dog’s diet to homemade cheap raw dog food isn’t difficult; it requires only simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no fancy kitchen. It’s as easy as chicken, beef, or fish alongside vegetables that are safe for dogs. These raw dog food recipes for beginners are proof that meals can be nutritious and simple to prepare. While the adjustment period may be tough, benefits such as better skin and coat health, enhanced digestion, and increased vitality make it worth it.
Do keep in mind to make changes slowly, consult a veterinarian before implementing changes, and consider your dog’s unique requirements. No need to splurge; both the Chicken & Veggie Starter and Beef Heart Power Bowl cater to the dog’s need for species-appropriate nutrition.
Visit Biakwe regularly for more tips on raw cuisine recipes and pet nutrition, because every dog deserves to thrive on real, wholesome food.