Okay, listen up fellow dog parents! If you’ve ever felt a little… *blah* about pouring those dry kibble bits into your furry friend’s bowl, you are NOT alone. I used to feel that way too! I mean, we eat fresh, healthy food (mostly!), shouldn’t our best pals get the same? That’s exactly what got me started on this journey to making my own raw beef and liver dog food. And let me tell you, the difference I’ve seen in my pups is just incredible.
It all started with my oldest, Buster. He had some skin issues that just wouldn’t clear up, no matter what fancy food we tried. I stumbled down the rabbit hole of raw feeding research, and while it seemed a little intimidating at first (raw meat?!), the logic behind it just made sense. Dogs, at their core, are built to thrive on raw. Their digestive systems are totally different from ours!
So, I took a deep breath, did a *ton* of reading (and maybe watched a few too many YouTube videos!), and decided to give this homemade raw dog food thing a shot. The first batch of this raw beef and liver mix felt like a science experiment, but seeing Buster gobble it down with such enthusiasm, and then seeing his coat start to shine and his itching disappear? Wow. It was a game-changer. Now, making this raw beef and liver dog food is just part of our routine, and it feels so good knowing exactly what they’re eating.
Why Make Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food?
Okay, so you might be thinking, “Is this *really* worth the effort?” And my answer is a resounding YES! Making your own raw beef and liver dog food gives you so much control and offers some pretty amazing benefits for your furry family members. It’s not just about ditching the bags; it’s about giving them truly nourishing food.
Here’s why I absolutely love making this raw beef and liver mix for my crew:
- Packed with Nutrients: Raw meat and organs like liver (a superfood for dogs!) are loaded with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that just aren’t the same in processed kibble. It’s like nature’s perfect meal!
- Potential Health Boosts: I’ve seen things like shinier coats, better digestion, and even improved energy levels in my dogs since switching. While every dog is different, many raw feeders report similar positive changes.
- You Know Exactly What’s Inside: No mystery ingredients, fillers, or artificial stuff here! You control the quality of the beef, the freshness of the liver, and the exact veggies that go into their bowl. That peace of mind is priceless.
- Tailored to Your Dog: Once you get the hang of it, you can slightly adjust the recipe based on your dog’s specific needs or preferences (with vet guidance, of course!).
Honestly, seeing how much my dogs thrive on this raw beef and liver diet is the best reward!
Equipment for Making Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Alright, so you’re ready to dive in? Awesome! The good news is, you don’t need a fancy setup to make this raw beef and liver dog food. You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already. Here’s what I usually grab:
- A good, sturdy cutting board (you’ll be chopping meat!)
- A sharp knife (makes cutting so much easier and safer)
- A big mixing bowl – seriously, you want one with plenty of room to get everything combined nicely.
- Measuring cups and spoons for the liquids and veggies.
- Storage containers – airtight ones are key for keeping everything fresh, or freezer bags if you’re making a big batch.
That’s pretty much it! Simple, right?
Ingredients for Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Now for the good stuff! This recipe for raw beef and liver dog food uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Think of it as building a super-powered meal from the ground up. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to get started on this delicious (to your dog, anyway!) journey:
- 2 lbs beef (I usually go for something like beef chuck or stew meat – whatever looks fresh and is a good price!)
- 1 lb beef liver (this is the powerhouse ingredient!)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (a mix of carrots, spinach, and broccoli works great – I just chop them pretty fine)
- 1/4 cup bone broth (unsalted, of course!)
- 2 tbsp raw egg (one large egg usually does the trick)
- 1 tsp fish oil (make sure it’s good quality!)
See? Nothing crazy or hard to find! Just real food.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, a couple of quick notes on those ingredients. Quality really matters here since we’re feeding it raw! Try to get the freshest beef and liver you can find. I like to buy from a butcher I trust. For the veggies, feel free to mix it up! Sweet potato, green beans, or pumpkin are also great options. Just make sure they are dog-safe and chopped small. As for the bone broth, unsalted is non-negotiable. And if you don’t have fish oil, you could use salmon oil instead – just make sure it’s specifically for pets or human-grade and pure.
How to Prepare Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy! Making this raw beef and liver dog food is surprisingly simple once you get into the rhythm. It’s not like baking a soufflé; it’s more about honest-to-goodness mixing. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have happy pups in no time.
First things first, safety! Make sure your cutting board and knife are super clean before you start working with the raw meat. This recipe doesn’t involve cooking, so cleanliness is key. Okay, ready?
- Chop it Up: Grab your beef and beef liver. You want to cut these into chunks that are small enough for your dog to eat comfortably, but not so small they just swallow them whole. For my medium-sized dogs, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces work well. If you have a tiny dog, go smaller; a giant breed, maybe a little bigger. Don’t stress about perfection; just get it into manageable pieces.
- Veggie Add-In: Toss those chopped beef and liver pieces into your big mixing bowl. Now, add your chopped vegetables right on top.
- Liquid Gold & Goodness: Next, pour in the bone broth. Crack that raw egg directly into the bowl (shell and all if you like, it’s a great calcium source, just make sure it’s clean!). Drizzle in the fish oil.
- Get Mixing! Now for the fun part. You gotta get in there and mix everything together. I find using my (clean!) hands is the easiest way to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Squish it all together until the meat, liver, veggies, and liquids are well combined. You want that fish oil and egg to coat everything nicely.
- Portion and Store: Once it’s all mixed, it’s time to divide it up. This is a big batch, so I portion it out into individual meal sizes for my dogs. This makes feeding time super easy. Use your airtight containers or freezer bags for this step.
And that’s it! Seriously. Your raw beef and liver dog food is ready. See? Not so scary, right?
Tips for Success with Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Making this raw beef and liver dog food is pretty straightforward, but a few little things can make a big difference and help you feel confident. Trust me, I learned a few of these the hard way!
First off, always, always use **fresh** ingredients. Since you’re not cooking, the quality really shines through (and is safer!). When you’re chopping the meat and liver, make sure your knife is sharp – it’s safer and way less frustrating. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there to mix everything; it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly distributed. And most importantly, listen to your vet! Every dog is different, and getting their professional opinion before switching to raw is crucial. They can help you figure out the right amount to feed your specific pup.
Storing and Reheating Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Okay, so you’ve made your glorious batch of raw beef and liver dog food! Now, how do you keep it fresh and ready to go? It’s super simple. Any portions you plan to use within a day or two can hang out in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For everything else, the freezer is your best friend! I just pop the individual meal portions into freezer bags or containers and they’re good for a couple of months.
When it’s time to feed, just take a frozen portion out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t ever microwave raw food to thaw it! Plan ahead a little, and you’ll always have a healthy meal ready for your furry pal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raw Beef and Liver Dog Food
Okay, so you’ve read through everything, and maybe a few questions are still bouncing around in your head. That’s totally normal! Making your own raw beef and liver dog food can feel like a big step, so let’s tackle some common things people ask.
Is raw beef and liver dog food safe?
This is probably the most frequent question, and it’s a really important one! Yes, feeding raw beef and liver dog food *can* be safe, but it requires careful handling. Think of it just like preparing raw meat for yourself. Source high-quality, fresh ingredients. Keep everything super clean – your hands, your cutting boards, your dog’s bowl. Proper storage (refrigerated for a couple of days, frozen for longer) is also key. It’s all about good hygiene and common sense!
How much raw beef and liver dog food should I feed my dog?
This is where consulting your vet is absolutely crucial! The amount of raw beef and liver dog food your dog needs depends on so many factors: their size, age, activity level, metabolism, and overall health. A general starting point is often around 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day, divided into meals. But honestly, your vet is the best person to help you figure out the perfect portion size for *your* specific dog.
Can I use other meats in this raw beef and liver dog food recipe?
Absolutely! Once you’re comfortable with the basic raw beef and liver recipe, you can definitely experiment with other proteins. Chicken, turkey, or even lamb can be great alternatives or additions. Just make sure you’re still including that vital organ meat (like chicken or turkey liver) and balancing it with muscle meat and veggies. Variety is great for dogs, just introduce new proteins slowly!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, a quick but important note here! Because you’re making this raw beef and liver dog food yourself with fresh ingredients that can vary (different cuts of beef, different brands of bone broth, etc.), I can’t give you super precise nutritional counts like you’d find on a bag of kibble. Things like calories, protein, and fat will vary based on the exact ingredients you use. This recipe is designed to be a balanced starting point based on common raw feeding principles, but it’s not a scientifically formulated, exact nutritional breakdown. Think of it as a template! Always chat with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist to make sure your homemade raw beef and liver dog food diet is meeting all of your dog’s individual needs.
Share Your Experience
So, are you ready to give this raw beef and liver dog food recipe a try for your furry best friend? I really hope you do! If you make it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how your dog likes it and if you saw any positive changes! And hey, don’t forget to give the recipe a rating if you loved it. Happy feeding!
Print
Unleash 1 Secret to Happy Raw Beef And Liver Dog Food
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 3 lbs
- Diet: None
Description
Make homemade raw dog food with beef and liver. This recipe provides essential nutrients for your dog’s health.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef
- 1 lb beef liver
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, spinach, broccoli)
- 1/4 cup bone broth
- 2 tbsp raw egg
- 1 tsp fish oil
Instructions
- Cut beef and liver into small chunks.
- Combine beef, liver, and vegetables in a bowl.
- Mix in bone broth, raw egg, and fish oil.
- Divide into meal portions and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh and high-quality.
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Pet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Varies by dog size
- Calories: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies