There’s something heartwarming about watching your dog devour a bowl of fresh food, tail wagging and eyes bright with excitement. That’s exactly what made me switch to raw dog food with vegetables—I wanted meals that felt as nourishing and real as the ones I cook for my family. This recipe combines fresh meats, chopped veggies, and a boost of essential nutrients to support your pup’s health from the inside out.
When I started feeding this raw mix to my Labrador, Finn, I noticed his coat got shinier, his energy went up (which, wow, I wasn’t ready for!), and even his breath improved. I did a lot of reading and checked in with our vet before making the switch—definitely recommend you do the same. But once I got the green light, this became our go-to.
It’s simple, wholesome, and way more affordable than boutique raw blends. Plus, I can tweak it based on what’s in season or what Finn’s loving that week. If you’ve ever wondered about making your own raw meals at home, this is such a great place to start.
Ingredients for Raw Dog Food with Vegetables
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a fresh batch of this balanced raw dog food with vegetables. I like to prep all the ingredients at once and mix in a big bowl so it comes together fast:
- 2 lbs raw ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey – go for pasture-raised if you can)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (peeled and finely diced)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (loosely packed, stems removed)
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini (washed but not peeled)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- 2 tbsp fish oil (wild-caught if possible – I use salmon oil when I have it)
- 2 raw eggs with shells, crushed finely (yep, shells too – they’re full of calcium)
- 1 tsp ground seaweed (like kelp powder for natural iodine)
All the veggies should be fresh and washed well before chopping. I often rotate the vegetables each week to keep things exciting for my pup’s palate!
How to Make Raw Dog Food with Vegetables
Making this raw dog food is way easier than it sounds, I promise. Once you’ve got your ingredients prepped, it all comes together in under 20 minutes. I usually do this once a week and freeze portions—makes daily feeding a breeze. Here’s how I do it step by step:
Prepping the Vegetables and Meat
- Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables. I scrub the carrots and zucchini under cool water, even if I’m peeling them. Spinach gets a quick soak and rinse to remove grit.
- Chop everything finely—tiny pieces help with digestion and make sure the mix blends evenly. I go for about pea-sized bits.
- Place your raw ground meat into a large mixing bowl. Make sure your hands and tools are clean, and always wash up well after handling raw meat—safety first!
- Add the chopped vegetables straight into the bowl with the meat and stir to combine. I use a sturdy spoon or just dive in with clean hands for a thorough mix.
Adding Nutrients to the Mix
- Now add in the pumpkin puree, fish oil, and ground seaweed. These need to be mixed in really well so every spoonful has a bit of everything.
- Crack the raw eggs right into the bowl. Crush the shells into a fine powder before adding them—they’re packed with calcium, but you don’t want sharp bits. I use a mortar and pestle, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin works too.
- Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. It should look like a colorful, meaty mash. At this point, Finn usually starts hovering around the kitchen!
Storing and Portioning
- Scoop the mixture into meal-sized containers. I like to use BPA-free plastic or silicone molds—whatever’s easy to stack in the freezer.
- Freeze portions you won’t use within 3 days. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Keep fresh portions in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always give it a sniff before feeding—if anything smells off, toss it.
Once you get into the rhythm, this becomes second nature. Your dog will definitely thank you with those “where’s dinner?” eyes every time you open the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Raw Dog Food with Vegetables Recipe
This recipe has become a total lifesaver in my house—and not just because it saves me money. It checks all the boxes for healthy, happy mealtime with zero stress. Here’s why you and your pup will love it too:
- No preservatives or fillers – just real, whole ingredients you can see and trust.
- Nutrient-rich and balanced – includes natural calcium, healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- No cooking required – perfect for busy days (and hot kitchens!).
- Easy to customize – switch up veggies based on what your dog likes or what’s in season.
- Great for picky eaters – the mix of textures and flavors keeps them coming back for more.
- Vet-friendly formula – built with input from our vet and backed by research on canine nutrition.
Whether you’ve got a sensitive eater or just want to know exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl, this recipe delivers every time.
Tips for Success with Raw Dog Food with Vegetables
Once you’ve made this recipe a few times, it becomes second nature—but there are a few tricks that’ll make the whole process smoother and healthier for your pup:
- Rotate your veggies weekly – Dogs benefit from variety just like we do. Try swapping in green beans, kale, or sweet potato now and then.
- Use high-quality meat – Go for pasture-raised or hormone-free options when possible. It makes a big difference in nutrition and taste.
- Adjust serving sizes by your dog’s weight – A 20-pound dog eats a lot less than a 70-pound one. When in doubt, ask your vet for portion guidance.
- Introduce new foods slowly – If your dog’s new to raw feeding, start by mixing a little of this into their usual food and increase gradually.
- Always check with your vet – Especially if your dog has allergies or health conditions. A quick consult can help tailor this to your pup’s needs.
Above all, watch how your dog responds—energy, coat, digestion—those are the best signs you’re on the right track!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Every ingredient in this raw dog food with vegetables recipe has a purpose, and I’ve picked them for both taste and nutrition. Pumpkin puree is my go-to for fiber and digestive support—it helps keep things moving, if you know what I mean! The crushed eggshells might seem odd, but they’re an excellent natural source of calcium, especially when ground finely.
If you’re out of spinach, kale is a great stand-in—just remove tough stems. For fish oil, I sometimes swap in sardine oil, which my dog goes wild for. Just make sure whatever oil you use is safe and high-quality. And please, never include onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins—those are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
This recipe’s flexible, but a few safe swaps make all the difference in keeping it healthy and dog-approved.
Variations of Raw Dog Food with Vegetables
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to mix things up. You can swap the ground meat—try pasture-raised chicken, lean turkey, or even a beef/lamb combo if your pup tolerates it well. For veggies, sweet potato (steamed and cooled), green beans, or chopped kale are great alternatives. I like rotating ingredients every week to keep Finn excited and make sure he’s getting a range of nutrients.
Just remember: introduce new ingredients slowly and one at a time to keep your dog’s tummy happy. Watch for any changes in digestion or behavior.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition per 1 cup serving of this raw dog food with vegetables. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g (Saturated: 5g, Unsaturated: 10g)
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
If your dog has specific dietary needs, your vet can help tailor the recipe or suggest modifications that suit them best.
FAQ About Raw Dog Food with Vegetables
Got questions? You’re definitely not alone. Here are some of the things I wondered about when I first started making raw dog food with vegetables—and what I’ve learned along the way:
Can I cook the vegetables instead of serving them raw?
Yes, especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy. Lightly steaming carrots or zucchini can make them easier to digest. Just don’t overcook—soft, not mushy!
Is raw meat really safe for dogs?
Dogs have stronger stomach acid than we do, which helps them handle raw meat. That said, always use fresh, high-quality meat and practice good kitchen hygiene. When in doubt, check with your vet.
How often should I feed raw meals?
Most adult dogs do well with two meals a day. If you’re switching from kibble, start by mixing in a little raw food and increase gradually over a week or so.
Can I make this in bulk?
Absolutely! I batch prep a week’s worth at a time and freeze the rest. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re good to go.
What if my dog has allergies?
Start simple. Try one protein and one veggie, then add new ingredients slowly. If you’re unsure, your vet can help with an elimination plan or allergy testing.
What to Do Next
Ready to give your pup the freshest meals possible? Try this raw dog food with vegetables recipe and see the difference for yourself. I’d love to hear how it goes—drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or share it with your fellow dog-loving friends. Just remember to check in with your vet before making any big changes to your dog’s diet. Homemade food like this is such a rewarding way to support your dog’s health, one bowl at a time!
Print
Raw Dog Food with Vegetables That Transformed My Dog in 10 Days
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A balanced raw dog food recipe combining fresh meats, vegetables, and essential nutrients to support your dog’s health.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs raw ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp fish oil
- 2 raw eggs (with shells)
- 1 tsp ground seaweed
Instructions
- Wash and finely chop all vegetables.
- Mix ground meat with vegetables in a large bowl.
- Add fish oil, pumpkin puree, and ground seaweed.
- Crush eggshells into powder and stir in eggs.
- Portion mixture into meal-sized containers.
- Freeze unused portions for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet
- Use fresh ingredients within 4 days of preparation
- Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s weight
- Rotate vegetable varieties weekly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Pet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg