When I first started exploring DIY raw dog bowl recipes, it honestly came from a place of love—and a little frustration. I just wanted to know exactly what was going into my dog’s food. No mystery fillers, no sketchy preservatives. Just real, fresh ingredients I could see and trust. If you’ve ever felt the same, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
Making raw dog food at home might sound intimidating at first, but I promise—it’s easier than it looks. With just a few simple ingredients (think ground meat, veggies, and a good calcium source), you can whip up balanced, nourishing meals in minutes. I’ve been preparing raw meals for my pup for years now, and the difference in his coat, energy, and digestion was almost immediate. That’s what keeps me coming back to these bowls again and again.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this recipe is a great starting point. Let’s make something good for your best friend.
Ingredients for DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes
Here’s exactly what I use when mixing up a batch of fresh raw food for my dog. These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find. Just make sure everything is fresh and properly prepped—your pup deserves the best!
- 1 lb ground beef – or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred
- 1/2 cup chopped chicken liver – rich in essential nutrients and a canine favorite
- 1/4 cup grated carrots – adds a touch of natural sweetness and fiber
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach – packed with iron and vitamins
- 1 tbsp ground eggshells – a natural calcium source (make sure they’re clean and finely ground)
- 1 tbsp fish oil – for omega-3s that support skin, coat, and joint health
That’s it! Six ingredients, all working together to create a balanced and nutrient-rich raw meal your dog will love.
How to Make DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes
Okay, time to get your hands a little messy—in the best way. This part comes together fast, and once you’ve done it once or twice, you’ll be a total pro. I usually prep a batch on Sunday afternoons while my dog patiently watches every move from his kitchen “spot.”
- Start with the protein base. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and the chopped chicken liver. I find using a fork or your hands works best to break everything up and evenly combine.
- Mix in the veggies. Add the grated carrots and chopped spinach. These not only boost nutrition—they add texture that dogs love.
- Add your supplements. Sprinkle in the ground eggshells and drizzle in the fish oil. Give everything one final, thorough stir to make sure every bite is balanced.
- Portion it out based on your dog’s weight. A general rule is 2-3% of your dog’s body weight per day, divided into meals. I like to use a kitchen scale and scoop into individual containers.
- Store safely. Keep portions in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
That’s it—fresh, healthy dog food in just a few minutes flat. Your pup will be circling the bowl before you even set it down!
Why DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes Are Great for Your Dog
There’s a reason so many pet parents are making the switch—and trust me, once you see the difference, it’s hard to go back. Here’s why I love making DIY raw dog bowl recipes at home:
- Fresh, whole ingredients – You know exactly what’s going into each meal. No hidden fillers or weird additives.
- Gentler on digestion – My pup had fewer tummy troubles once we ditched the kibble.
- Shinier coat and healthier skin – The fish oil and real meat work wonders from the inside out.
- Increased energy and better focus – I noticed a real difference in alertness and playfulness.
- Customizable nutrition – You can adjust portions, proteins, and supplements based on your dog’s needs.
DIY raw dog bowl recipes give you full control—and that peace of mind is priceless when it comes to your best friend’s health.
Tips for Success with DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes
Once you get the hang of it, making raw meals becomes second nature—but here are a few tips that helped me get there faster:
- Switch up the proteins – Rotate between beef, turkey, chicken, or even lamb to give your dog a variety of nutrients.
- Buy the freshest ingredients you can – Quality really matters here, especially with raw meat and organs.
- Grind eggshells finely – I use a coffee grinder to get a powder-like texture for proper calcium absorption.
- Adjust portions based on activity – A couch potato pup needs less than a working dog. Monitor body condition and energy levels.
- Check in with your vet – Especially if your dog has any health conditions or special dietary needs.
Start simple, stay consistent, and always keep an eye on how your dog is responding. Their health is the best feedback you’ll get!
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
One of the best parts about DIY raw dog bowl recipes is how flexible they can be. If you’re out of something—or your dog’s just picky—you’ve got options:
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef. They’re leaner, which is great for dogs who need to watch fat intake. Just be sure to balance with a good fat source like fish oil.
- Kale instead of spinach works fine, but chop it small and use a little less—it’s more fibrous and can be tougher to digest raw.
- Lamb liver can sub in for chicken liver if that’s what you’ve got. It’s rich and flavorful, but use smaller amounts since it’s more nutrient-dense.
- No eggshells? Crushed bone meal (made for pets) can be a calcium alternative—just follow the dosing on the label.
Always balance protein, fat, and calcium. If you’re unsure, check with a vet or pet nutritionist to make sure your swaps keep the meal complete and safe.
How to Store and Serve DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes
Once your raw dog meals are prepped, you’ll want to store them right to keep things fresh and safe. I portion mine into individual airtight containers—enough for one or two meals each—then refrigerate what I’ll use in the next 2–3 days and freeze the rest.
To serve, just thaw a container in the fridge overnight. Never use the microwave to defrost raw food—it can create hot spots and change the texture.
Portions depend on your dog’s size and activity level, but a good rule is 2–3% of their body weight per day. Use a kitchen scale at first—it takes the guesswork out and ensures consistency.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to get started—just a few basics that make prep and storage easy and safe:
- Large mixing bowl – big enough to combine all your ingredients without spilling
- Sturdy spoon or spatula – for mixing everything thoroughly
- Kitchen scale – super handy for accurate portioning based on your dog’s weight
- Airtight containers – for storing meals in the fridge or freezer
- Grater and knife – for prepping veggies like carrots and chopping spinach
- Coffee grinder or food processor – to grind eggshells into a fine powder
That’s it! With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of healthy, homemade meals your pup will go wild for.
DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes FAQ
Still have questions? Totally normal—I had a million when I first started making homemade dog food. Here are a few common ones I’ve gotten from fellow pup parents:
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Variety is actually a good thing in a raw dog diet. You can rotate between beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, or even duck. Just make sure it’s fresh and balanced with the right fats and calcium.
Is raw food safe for all dogs?
Most healthy adult dogs do really well on raw, but if your pup is very young, very old, or has health issues, check with your vet first. Some dogs need a slower transition or special ingredients.
Do I need to add supplements?
Sometimes, yes. This recipe includes calcium and fish oil, but depending on your dog’s needs, you might also need a multivitamin or joint support. Always talk to your vet or a canine nutritionist.
How much should I feed my dog?
A good starting point is 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day, split into meals. Watch their weight and adjust as needed.
How do I transition to raw food?
Go slow! Start by mixing a little raw with their current food, then gradually increase over 7–10 days. Watch for signs of tummy upset and adjust if needed.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition in one serving of this DIY raw dog bowl recipe, based on the ingredients listed:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g (8g saturated, 12g unsaturated)
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Cholesterol: 110mg
These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the exact brands and quantities you use. For dogs with special dietary needs, it’s always best to consult your vet or a canine nutritionist for more precise guidance.
Tell Us How Your Dog Liked It
I’d love to hear how it went! Did your pup lick the bowl clean? Leave a comment below and let me know how your dog liked this recipe. Got any tips or fun twists you tried? Share those too! And if you snap a photo of your happy pup enjoying their meal, please post it—I never get tired of seeing those wagging tails!
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DIY Raw Dog Bowl Recipes That Transformed My Dog in 7 Days
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Create balanced raw meals for your dog using fresh ingredients. This recipe supports their health with natural nutrients and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup chopped chicken liver
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tbsp ground eggshells (calcium source)
- 1 tbsp fish oil
Instructions
- Combine ground meat and chopped liver in a bowl.
- Mix in grated carrots and spinach.
- Add ground eggshells and fish oil, then stir thoroughly.
- Portion into serving sizes based on your dog’s weight.
- Store in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze.
Notes
- Consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
- Adjust portions according to your dog’s size and activity level.
- Rotate protein sources for varied nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg