Copper Dogs in the Kitchen: Homemade “Wet” Dog Food

Humans are not the only creatures in the animal kingdom that can be picky eaters, as all dog owners know, dogs are some of the pickiest. And whether it is because you need something to coax your dog to eat with, or because your dog needs the extra protein, sometimes turning to “canned” or “wet” dog food feels like the only option.

However, if you are like our household, we’re skeptical about what is actually in that chunky gravy with questionable rice and veggies. Side note – when I was 6, my older sister made me eat wet dog food when I told her I was hungry while under her supervision. I’m still living 24 years later, so maybe the ingredients aren’t that bad, but after knowing what it tastes like, no way could I smell that on my dog’s breath for the rest of their lives. So, we set off to create our own wet kibble topper with ingredients we trusted and cooks we knew (us).

Before setting out to make your own food, be sure to do some research on your dog’s breed, the quantity they should be eating, and if this will be their main food source or a supplemental source. We knew that it was not sustainable to feed two 55+ dogs homemade food everyday, when they both would need 1 pound of protein, 3.5 cups of carbohydrates, and a cup of vegetables every. day. Which is why we opted to go for the supplemental route. I will add though, during hunting season when the activity is a lot higher, I will make bigger serving sizes.

When it comes to actually making the food, it is really easy! And since it’s literal dog food, you don’t have to worry about seasonings or the presentation of the food. The first step is to determine your source of protein and its form. This can be ground or cubed meat. I opt for ground because it’s quicker and it feels like it goes farther. I also own a meat processing machine, so grinding my own meat isn’t a hard feat. Rhyme not intended.

Choose a protein that is appropriate for your dog (always remember you can ask your vet, they would be more than happy to give recommendations), and that it is sustainable. You can also choose two separate proteins, just be sure that you don’t mix it up too often. Our choice of protein is venison and game birds. The majority of the time it’s ground venison that is used as the supplemental protein choice. When it comes to how you cook your meat, again it’s your preference, but I go with the boiling method, only so I can get that gravy like texture that’s just all added flavor and you don’t lose the protein from the meat’s fat rendering down.

The next choice is if you are going to include a carbohydrate. I usually forego during winter when activity levels are lowered, since he is still getting his daily amount of kibble a day. When I do include a carb, I go with brown rice. I make the rice either by normal ricing cooking methods, or I will make it in my instant pot for big batches. When I make it in the instant pot, I will include the veggie (usually carrots) in that mixture. The rice will come out smelling like sweet carrots, and might actually make you want to take a bite. However, stop top work just well, too!

Which brings us to the vegetable. This is completely optional, but does add a nice flavor and nutritional benefit to your dog’s food. There are tons of different veggies to choose from, like pumpkin, peas, and carrots. Here’s a list of veggies & fruits dogs can have. In our household, Roper prefers carrots and pumpkin puree. So I usually go back and forth between the two. But remember, don’t switch it up too frequently. Like I explained above, one way I cook the carrots is with the rice in the instant pot. When I cook if stovetop, I go for a good ol’ classic steam. Once they are soft or semi-soft, I transfer them to the rice and give a good mix.

Once everything is cooked, I separate it all into daily servings, unless it’s protein only, into mason jars. Mason jars have been the only thing I found that doesn’t allow the rice to dry out. After that, you’re done! Besides the dishes unfortunately. The process is really simple and becomes part of the routine. I will add that I cook seven days amount at a time, only to cut back on the actual process. To make the food stay fresh that long, I’ll freeze three jars and pull them out in the morning the day of.

If you only want the meat gravy as a topping, follow the below recipe for just the meat steps, and then store it in one airtight container (aside from the three days, still freeze that!). Then, each day take out a half a cup of the meat gravy and mix into your dogs kibble.

The Copper Dogs Kibble Topper – Wet Dog Food Recipe (Download Available Below):