Farmer’s Dog Copycat Recipe: Easy & Nutritious Homemade Meals Your Dog Will Love

As a dog lover, I’ve always wanted to provide my furry friend with healthy, wholesome meals. Discovering Farmer’s Dog was a game-changer—they prioritize fresh, nutritious ingredients tailored just for dogs. Their commitment to quality inspired me to try making similar meals at home.

But what if you want to whip up these delicious dishes right in your own kitchen? That’s why I created this Farmer’s Dog copycat recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and packed with the nutrients your pup deserves. Whether you’re new to homemade dog food or looking to switch things up, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Protein Sources

• Chicken Breast – 2 pounds, boneless and skinless, diced
• Lean Beef – 1 pound, ground
• Eggs – 2 large, organic

Vegetables

• Carrots – 1 cup, finely chopped
• Spinach – 1 cup, fresh and washed
• Sweet Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced

Grains

• Brown Rice – 1 cup, uncooked
• Quinoa – ½ cup, rinsed

Supplements

• Fish Oil – 1 teaspoon, omega-3 rich
• Calcium Powder – ½ teaspoon, for bone health
• Vitamin E – ¼ teaspoon, antioxidant support

Tools And Equipment

To create the perfect Farmer’s Dog copycat recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements ensure your dog receives a balanced meal every time. I rely on:

• Digital Kitchen Scale: For precise weighing of proteins and grains.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for consistent portions of vegetables and supplements.
• Liquid Measuring Cup: Perfect for oils and other liquid ingredients.

Cooking Equipment

Having the right equipment streamlines the preparation process. My kitchen setup includes:

• Large Mixing Bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Stainless Steel Pots: Suitable for cooking grains and proteins without sticking.
• Baking Sheets or Casserole Dishes: Great for baking and storing the finished meals.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and ensuring safety.
• Silicone Spatula: Useful for mixing and scraping every bit of the mixture.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers keep the meals fresh in the refrigerator or freezer.

With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare nutritious and delicious meals that your furry friend will love.

Instructions

Creating a homemade version of Farmer’s Dog is both rewarding and straightforward. Follow these steps to prepare a nutritious and delicious meal for your furry friend.

Prep Ingredients

1. Measure Proteins: Weigh out 1 pound of chicken breast and 1 pound of lean beef using my digital kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice 2 carrots and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Make sure the pieces are small to make it easy for your dog to eat.
3. Cook Grains: Rinse 1 cup of brown rice and 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any impurities.
4. Prepare Supplements: Measure 1 tablespoon of fish oil, 1 teaspoon of calcium powder, and ½ teaspoon of vitamin E using my measuring spoons.

Cook Protein

1. Grill the Chicken: Heat a stainless steel pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and cook the chicken breast for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove and let it cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
2. Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the lean beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside with the chicken.

Prepare Vegetables

1. Steam the Carrots: Place the diced carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes until they’re tender but still retain some crunch.
2. Sauté the Spinach: In a separate pan, lightly sauté the fresh spinach with a silicone spatula for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.

Combine And Mix

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, beef, steamed carrots, sautéed spinach, rinsed brown rice, and quinoa.
2. Add Supplements: Sprinkle in the calcium powder and vitamin E, then drizzle the fish oil over the mixture.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Use a silicone spatula to ensure all ingredients and supplements are evenly distributed throughout the meal.
4. Portion and Store: Divide the mixture into individual servings using my storage containers. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your dog’s meals in advance ensures they enjoy fresh, nutritious food every day. Here’s how I make portioning and freezing a breeze.

Portioning

1. Determine Serving Sizes

• Based on your dog’s weight and dietary needs, measure each serving using a digital kitchen scale for accuracy.

1. Use Quality Containers

• Choose airtight containers or resealable freezer bags to keep each portion fresh. I prefer using BPA-free plastic containers for their durability.

1. Label Each Portion

• Clearly label each container with the date and portion size. This helps in keeping track of freshness and ensures you serve the right amount.

1. Organize Portions in Batches

• Group portions into weekly batches. This organization simplifies meal planning and makes it easier to grab a serving when needed.

Freezing Tips

1. Cool Before Freezing

• Let the prepared meals cool completely to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. This prevents condensation and ice crystal formation.

1. Use Flat Freezing Method

• Lay freezer bags flat in the freezer. Once frozen, they stack easily and save space, making it simple to defrost only what you need.

1. Maintain Freezer Temperature

• Ensure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to keep the meals fresh and prevent bacterial growth.

1. Thaw Safely

• Thaw portions overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat the food and degrade nutrients.

1. Rotate Stock Regularly

• Place newer portions at the back and use older ones first. This rotation ensures that all meals are used within their optimal freshness period.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can confidently provide your furry friend with delicious, homemade meals without the daily hassle.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your homemade dog meals stay fresh and retain their nutritional value. Here’s how I manage storage to keep every batch as delicious as the day it was prepared.

Refrigeration

1. Cool the Meals

Allow the cooked meals to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup inside the containers.

1. Portion into Containers

Divide the meal into individual serving sizes based on my dog’s weight. Typically, a serving is around 1 cup, but adjust as needed. Using a digital kitchen scale helps ensure accuracy.

1. Use Airtight Containers

I store portions in high-quality airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odors. Glass containers with secure lids are my preferred choice as they are durable and do not retain smells.

1. Label Each Portion

Clearly label each container with the date of preparation and the contents. This makes it easy to track freshness and rotate the stock regularly.

1. Refrigerate Immediately

Place the labeled containers in the refrigerator promptly.

Freezing

1. Prepare for Freezing

After cooling the meals, portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. I use vacuum-sealed bags to minimize freezer burn and save space.

1. Flat Freezing Method

Lay the freezer bags flat on the baking sheet before transferring them to the freezer. This method allows for quicker thawing and saves space in the freezer.

1. Label and Date

Label each freezer bag with the preparation date and contents. This helps in keeping track of how long the meals have been stored.

1. Maintain Freezer Temperature

Ensure that the freezer is set at 0°F (-18°C) to keep the meals safely frozen.

Thawing

1. Plan Ahead

Move the desired portion from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before feeding. This gradual thawing preserves the texture and flavor of the meal.

1. Do Not Refreeze

Once thawed, do not refreeze the meal. Instead, use it within 24 hours to ensure your dog receives the best quality food.

Rotation

1. First In, First Out (FIFO)

Organize your storage system so that older meals are used first. This practice minimizes waste and ensures that all portions are consumed while fresh.

1. Regular Checks

I routinely check my stored meals for any signs of spoilage. If a meal smells off or shows any signs of deterioration, I discard it immediately to maintain the health and safety of my dog.

Storage Durations and Temperatures

Conclusion

Watching my dog wag its tail with each meal is truly rewarding. Making these homemade recipes has deepened the bond we share and ensures my furry friend gets the best nutrition possible. It’s simple knowing I can provide healthy, tasty meals right from my kitchen.

Embracing this approach has brought peace of mind and joy to our daily routine. I encourage fellow dog owners to give this copycat recipe a try and see the positive difference it can make. Here’s to happy, healthy pets enjoying every bite!