You’ve probably noticed the bags of frozen raw dog food at the pet store – the ones with fancy labels and price tags that make your eyes water. I’ll admit, I was skeptical too… until my golden retriever, Biscuit, started turning his nose up at kibble like it offended his ancestors. That’s when I dove headfirst into homemade raw dog food with chicken, armed with my butcher paper and a determined (some might say obsessive) spreadsheet comparing canine nutrition studies.

Let me tell you – watching Biscuit’s coat go from dull to show-dog shiny after just two weeks of this recipe? That’s the kind of kitchen victory that makes you want to high-five your food processor. But here’s the real secret they don’t put on those fancy packages: making balanced raw meals isn’t about complicated formulas. It’s about fresh ingredients, proper ratios, and – this part’s crucial – working with your vet. (Mine still laughs about the time I brought a Tupperware of chicken livers to our consultation. “Most people bring stool samples,” she said. “You’re… enthusiastic.”)

This recipe became our game-changer after months of tweaking. We’re talking skin-on chicken thighs for healthy fats, organ meats packed with nutrients commercial foods can’t match, and veggies even I’d consider eating. I’ll walk you through every step – from safely handling raw ingredients to portioning freezer meals like a pro. Because let’s be real, our dogs deserve better than mystery meat in a bag. They deserve dinner that makes their tails thump like a metronome set to “joy.”

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken

Let’s cut to the chase – your dog’s going to lose their furry mind over this recipe, and you’ll love it even more. Here’s why this homemade raw dog food with chicken beats store-bought every time:

Tail-wagging nutrition: I saw Biscuit’s energy levels skyrocket within days. The combo of muscle meat, organs, and veggies covers everything from vitamin A (thanks, liver!) to digestion-friendly fiber. His coat? Shiny enough to see my reflection.
Wallet-friendly fuel: Surprise! Making 5 cups costs less than half the price of frozen commercial raw food. I buy chicken thighs in bulk when they’re on sale – skin-on for those good fats dogs crave.
No mystery ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your pup’s bowl. No sketchy preservatives, questionable fillers, or “natural flavors” that somehow outlive the apocalypse.

Plus, there’s something wildly satisfying about meal prepping for your dog. Mine now does a full-body wiggle when I open the freezer – he knows what’s coming!

Ingredients for Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken

Gather these fresh staples – your dog’s nose will twitch with anticipation before you even open the fridge:

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (skin-on): Leave that fat cap intact – it’s crucial for energy
1/2 lb chicken liver: Rinsed and patted dry (trust me, it’s less messy this way)
1/2 lb chicken heart: Trim any tough connective tissue
1 cup chopped spinach: Fresh only – frozen gets too watery
1/2 cup grated carrots: Use the fine side of your box grater
1/4 cup chopped broccoli: Florets only – stems can be tricky to digest
1/4 cup apple (cored): No seeds! Dice smaller for toy breeds
2 tbsp ground flaxseed: Pre-ground saves time, but grind whole seeds for maximum freshness
1 tbsp coconut oil: Unrefined for that extra nutrient boost

Heads up: Swapping ingredients? Run it by your vet first. Subbing beef liver for chicken liver changes the vitamin balance – safety first, pups!

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s geek out on why these particular ingredients make tails wag:

Chicken liver isn’t just cheap – it’s nature’s multivitamin. One ounce delivers 300% of a dog’s daily vitamin A needs. I saw Biscuit’s dry nose disappear within a week of adding this.

Flaxseed brings the omega-3s. Not the wimpy plant kind – we’re talking ALA that converts to EPA/DHA. Translation? Less itching, fewer “hot spot” emergencies at 2 AM.

Coconut oil does double duty. Its medium-chain triglycerides help nutrient absorption (goodbye, undigested carrot confetti in the yard!) and give that signature “I just left the groomer” coat sheen.

How to Make Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken

Let’s get messy – in the most sanitary way possible! I’ve burned through three food processors perfecting this method, but trust me, your pup’s drool puddles will be worth it.

Preparing the Protein

Grab your dedicated meat grinder (or that old food processor you never liked for human food). Here’s my no-fail process:

Cube chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, trimming any rubbery cartilage (Biscuit calls those “texture crimes”)
Toss livers and hearts into the processor – pulse for 45 seconds until it looks like chocolate pudding (weird, but dogs adore it)
Keep raw meats separate from veggies until mixing – I use red cutting boards for proteins, green for plants

Pro tip: Freeze organs for 15 minutes first. Less smears, more cheers when cleaning up!

Mixing and Storing

This is where the magic happens – and where my dog plants himself like a furry sentinel under the mixing bowl:

Combine all ingredients in your largest stainless steel bowl (plastic absorbs odors – learned that the hard way)
Mix until it resembles confetti meatloaf – every bite needs veggie confetti to prevent picky eating
Portion into silicone muffin tins (perfect for small dogs) or deli containers (my go-to for Biscuit’s 1-cup servings)
Freeze solid within 2 hours – I stack mine like raw food Jenga in the deep freezer

Thaw servings in the fridge overnight, never on the counter. If your dog’s like mine and forgets to chew? Smash frozen chunks with a meat mallet – instant summer pupsicle!

Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers! After six months of tweaking this recipe (and three vet check-ins), here’s what we’re working with per 1-cup serving:

Calories	250
Protein	22g
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Heads up: These estimates can swing ±10% depending on your chicken’s fat content. I once used super-lean thighs from a fancy butcher and had to add extra coconut oil – Biscuit gave me serious side-eye until his calorie quota was met!

For active pups, bump up portions by 1/4 cup. Senior dogs? My vet suggested scaling back to 3/4 cup and adding joint supplements. Always keep that vet’s number handy – mine knows me as “the chicken thigh lady” now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can puppies eat this homemade raw dog food with chicken?
While the base recipe works for adults, puppies need extra calcium for bone development. My vet had me add 1/2 tsp eggshell powder per cup for Biscuit when he was growing. Always consult your vet first – large breed pups especially need tailored nutrition!

How long does homemade raw dog food last frozen?
3 months in airtight containers is my rule, though I’ve pushed it to 4 during busy weeks. Thawed portions keep 48 hours max in the fridge. Pro tip: Write dates on lids with a grease pencil – no one wants to play “mystery meat roulette” at 6 AM!

Is spinach safe for dogs?
In moderation! The oxalic acid in spinach can cause issues if overdone. My vet-approved ratio: 1 cup spinach per 2 lbs meat. For dogs prone to kidney stones, we swap in chopped zucchini. (Biscuit actually prefers the crunch!)

What if my dog refuses to eat it?
Some pups need a transition period. Mix 25% raw food with 75% kibble for a week. For picky eaters, I stir in a teaspoon of canned pumpkin – the smell drives Biscuit wild. Never use garlic or onions as flavor boosters – they’re toxic!

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken

Think of this as your dog’s personal chef moment – presentation matters! I like to crumble a freeze-dried beef liver treat over Biscuit’s bowl for crunch (his version of “sprinkles”). For pups needing extra fiber, mix in a spoonful of pumpkin puree – it’s like gravy that keeps things moving smoothly.

On hot days, I’ll stuff a Kong with frozen raw food and bone broth, creating a lickable popsicle that keeps him busy for hours. Just avoid dairy toppings – turns out, my golden’s “ice cream dreams” lead to… let’s call them aromatic consequences. Always serve thawed food slightly cool, not room temp – that fresh-from-the-fridge chill makes the meaty smells pop for sensitive dog noses!

Customizing Your Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken

Let’s face it – even our dogs get bored! The beauty of homemade raw dog food with chicken is how easily you can mix things up. When Biscuit started ignoring his spinach, I swapped in shredded kale (massaged first to soften) and watched him devour it like a furry vacuum. Blueberries became our go-to “superfood sprinkle” during summer – frozen ones make great training treats too!

Safe swaps I’ve tested with vet approval:

Spinach → kale, dandelion greens, or zucchini
Carrots → peeled sweet potato (grated raw)
Apple → pear (still cored, seeds removed)

Red alert: Never improvise with garlic, onions, or grapes – I keep a list of toxic foods taped to my fridge. That time my niece almost added raisins “for sweetness”? Let’s just say I now have a “dog-only” prep zone. When in doubt, text your vet a photo – mine’s seen enough questionable ingredients to write a canine cookbook!

Rate This Recipe

Did your pup do the “happy food dance” with this homemade raw dog food with chicken? Snap a pic of their spinach-streaked muzzle or that telltale coconut oil shine on their coat! I’d love to see your kitchen creations – Biscuit still photobombs every bowl shot with his expert drool-artist cameos.

Homemade Raw Dog Food with Chicken Saves 50% in 2 Weeks