Okay, listen up, fellow dog parents! If you’ve been curious about raw feeding or just want to boost your pup’s diet, you HAVE to try this simple raw dog food with sardines recipe. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Adding sardines is like giving them a little nutritional superpower – packed with omega-3s, those amazing fatty acids that are SO good for their skin, coat, and joints. Plus, it’s way easier than you might think!

When I first started looking into raw feeding for my own furry monster, Max (a ridiculously energetic border collie mix!), I felt totally overwhelmed. So many rules! But I wanted him to have the best. That’s when I stumbled upon adding sardines, and honestly, he went absolutely wild for it. The first time I mixed this raw dog food with sardines for him, his tail didn’t stop wagging for five minutes straight. It made me feel so good knowing I was giving him something so healthy and something he actually loved eating. This recipe is my go-to now, and it’s become a regular part of our routine.

Why You’ll Love This Raw Dog Food with Sardines

So, why bother making this raw dog food with sardines yourself? Trust me, there are so many reasons you and your pup are going to adore this recipe. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about giving them something truly nourishing and watching them absolutely devour it!

It’s ridiculously easy! Seriously, just a few simple steps and you’re done. No cooking required, which is a huge win in my book on busy days.
Nutritional powerhouse: Adding sardines bumps up those amazing omega-3s like crazy! Great for shiny coats, healthy joints, and overall well-being. Plus, the organ meats are packed with vitamins.
Dogs go WILD for it: The smell of sardines seems to be irresistible to most dogs. Even picky eaters usually gobble this raw dog food with sardines right up!
You control the ingredients: No mysterious fillers or additives. You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl, using fresh, quality stuff.

It just feels good knowing you’re providing such a high-quality meal that your furry friend genuinely enjoys. This raw dog food with sardines is a simple way to make a big difference in their diet!

Essential Equipment for Making Raw Dog Food with Sardines

Okay, before we dive into mixing this goodness, let’s quickly chat about what you’ll need. The great news? You probably have most of this stuff already! You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this raw dog food with sardines.

A really big mixing bowl. You want room to get in there and mix everything up properly!
Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those ratios right, especially for the organ meats and supplements.
Gloves (optional, but highly recommended!). Things can get a little messy, and let’s be honest, fishy!
A scale is super helpful for weighing out the meat and organs accurately.
A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping those veggies and organ meats.
Airtight containers or freezer bags for portioning and storing your finished raw dog food with sardines. Trust me, you’ll be making more than one meal at a time!

See? Nothing too wild. Just the basics to get the job done and keep things tidy.

Ingredients for Your Raw Dog Food with Sardines

Alright, let’s get down to the delicious details! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up this amazing raw dog food with sardines for your best friend. Making sure you have everything prepped makes the mixing part a breeze, trust me!

1 kg ground meat: You can use beef, turkey, or chicken here. Whatever your pup loves and you have on hand!
200g sardines in water, drained: Make sure they’re packed in water, not oil or sauce! Give them a good drain.
100g raw liver: Chicken or beef liver works perfectly. This is a vitamin powerhouse!
50g raw kidney or other organ meat: Another essential for that nutritional balance.
50g finely chopped vegetables: Think carrots, spinach, or broccoli. Chop them up really small so they’re easy to mix in and digest.
1 raw egg: Shell and all if you’re comfortable! The shell adds calcium.
1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar: Great for digestion and overall health.
1 tsp kelp powder (optional): Adds iodine and other minerals, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have it.

That’s it! Simple, right? Gather these goodies, and you’re ready to make some seriously good grub for your pup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Raw Dog Food with Sardines

Okay, now for the fun part – mixing it all up! This is where the magic happens, turning those simple ingredients into a super nutritious meal for your dog. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy here; it’s all part of the homemade raw dog food with sardines experience!

Combining Ingredients for Raw Dog Food with Sardines

First things first, grab that big mixing bowl you set aside. Toss in your ground meat – all 1kg of it. Next, carefully add the drained sardines. Try not to break them up too much just yet; they’ll mix in as you go. Now, add in the raw liver and kidney (or other organ meat). This is where those gloves might come in handy if you’re a bit squeamish! Get your hands in there and start squishing and combining everything. You want to break up the sardines and organ meats and get it all roughly mixed with the ground meat. It should look like a well-combined, meaty base for your raw dog food with sardines.

Adding Vegetables and Egg to Your Raw Dog Food Base

Once your meat base looks pretty good, it’s time to add the extras that boost the nutrition even more. Sprinkle in your finely chopped vegetables. Then, crack that raw egg right into the bowl. If you’re using the shell, just crumble it in too – it’s surprisingly easy to break up. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and the optional kelp powder. Now, get back in there with your hands! This is the most important mixing step. You need to really work it all together until the vegetables, egg, vinegar, and kelp are evenly distributed throughout the entire batch of raw dog food with sardines. Don’t be shy; dig in and make sure everything is thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems a little stiff, you can add a tiny splash of water, but usually, the moisture from the ingredients is enough.

Portioning and Storing Your Raw Dog Food with Sardines

You’ve done it! You’ve made a batch of amazing raw dog food with sardines. Now, you need to divide it up. This is where your storage containers or freezer bags come in. Figure out how much your dog eats per meal (this will vary based on their size, age, and activity level – more on that later!). Scoop out those portions and pack them into your containers or bags. Press out any extra air from the bags before sealing. You can keep the portions you’ll use in the next 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Any portions you won’t use right away should go straight into the freezer. Freezing is your best friend for keeping homemade raw dog food fresh for longer. Just remember to pull a portion out and thaw it in the fridge the day before you plan to feed it to your pup. Easy peasy, right?

Tips for Success with Raw Dog Food with Sardines

Making this raw dog food with sardines is pretty straightforward, but a few little tips can make all the difference and ensure your pup gets the most out of it. Think of these as my personal pointers from lots of trial and error!

Always, always use fresh ingredients. Since you’re not cooking, quality is key!
Introduce this new food gradually. Mix a small amount with your dog’s current food for a few days to let their tummy adjust.
Keep everything super clean – your hands, the bowls, everything that touches the raw food.
Watch your dog after they eat. Sometimes a new food can cause a little digestive upset initially, but it should pass quickly. If not, consult your vet!
Don’t be afraid to adjust the veggie mix based on what your dog likes (or what you have in the fridge!).

Following these simple things will help make sure your experience with this raw dog food with sardines is a happy and healthy one for both of you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Dog Food with Sardines

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the ingredients, and you’re almost ready to jump in! It’s totally normal to have questions when you’re trying something new like homemade raw dog food, especially when you’re adding things like sardines. Here are some common things people ask me, and my best answers based on my own experience!

What is the ideal portion size for raw dog food with sardines?

This is probably the most common question, and honestly, it varies by dog! A general rule of thumb for raw feeding is to feed about 2-3% of your dog’s ideal adult body weight daily, divided into one or two meals. So, if your dog should ideally weigh 25 kg, you’d feed them roughly 500-750 grams of this raw dog food with sardines per day. But this is just a starting point! Active dogs might need a little more, senior dogs or less active dogs might need less. Watch your dog’s weight and adjust accordingly. If they seem to be gaining too much, feed a bit less; if they’re looking too thin, feed a bit more. Your vet can also give you a good idea of your dog’s ideal weight.

Can I substitute other fish in this raw dog food recipe?

You sure can! Sardines are fantastic because they’re small fish lower on the food chain, meaning they tend to have less mercury. They’re also packed with those great omega-3s we talked about. But if you can’t find sardines, or want to mix things up, other small, oily fish like mackerel or anchovies are good options. Always choose fish packed in water, not oil or brine. Avoid large, predatory fish like tuna or swordfish regularly due to higher mercury levels. Stick to smaller fish for the best and safest source of healthy fats in your homemade dog food.

How long can I store homemade raw dog food?

Once you’ve mixed up your batch of raw dog food with sardines, you can safely store portions in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they’re in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent any smells from taking over your fridge! For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend. Properly portioned and stored in airtight freezer bags or containers, homemade raw dog food can last in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. Just remember to pull out a portion and let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before feeding it to your pup. Never thaw it on the counter!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note on the nutritional stuff! While this raw dog food with sardines recipe is designed to be super healthy and balanced, it’s really hard to give exact nutritional values like calories, protein, or fat per serving. Why? Because it totally depends on the specific type of ground meat you use, the brand of sardines, the exact veggies, and even the size of the egg! So, please consider any nutritional information you might see as a general estimate only. The most important thing is using fresh, quality ingredients and observing your dog to make sure the portion size is right for them.

Share Your Experience

Okay, so now that you’ve got all the secrets to making this raw dog food with sardines, I would absolutely LOVE to hear how it goes for you and your pup! Did they gobble it up? Did you make any fun tweaks? Please, please share your experience in the comments below! It helps me and other dog parents who are trying this recipe. And hey, if you loved it (which I bet you will!), don’t forget to give it a rating. Happy feeding!

raw dog food with sardines: 1 amazing meal