Recently one of my dogs had a minor injury in his leg causing him to limp and it was recommended to us that we begin giving him glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Only problem is that these supplements are quite expensive, especially if you want to make sure that you are giving them quality ingredients. I have found in the past that supplements and medications (even over the counter stuff) is not something you should cheap out on. In a lot of cases - groceries, etc, store brands are either of comparable or even equal quality to bigger, national, more expensive brands. However, this is not usually the case with supplements/vitamins, and meds. This need for these supplements is one reason I started looking into making our own dog food - not as a main food source, but as a way to limit the amount of glucosamine supplements needed, and just to give our dogs a more natural, healthy food in addition to their Walmart-bought kibbles - on a budget.
Unfortunately, our budget is a deciding factor in what we give our dogs. Our pups are a part of our family; they're our babies, so naturally, I want to give them the best of everything. They get lots of cuddle, love, and play time, special treats on occasion, and more toys than they know what to do with. However, these are all things that are within our budget. The latest favourite toy is a big hard plastic pink pony that we picked up from Value Village in the kids' toy section for $2, and it's lasted longer than almost any other pet store toy that costs 10 times as much (our dogs are both male: a 7 year old Shepherd/Collie, and a 3 year old Rottie mix. Having said that, dog food is very expensive, and similar to human food, the better for you the food is, the more it costs. This recipe that I created is packed with health benefits for the dogs, as listed below the recipe. With all the healthy ingredients in this food, I didn't know if my dogs would enjoy it, but they absolutely love it, and hopefully yours will too!
It is important to note that this recipe is meant for medium to extra large dogs. Some ingredients should be reduced for small dogs (apple, spinach, peanut butter), as I have found that their digestive tracts are usually a bit more sensitive.
Please read to the end to find out why some of these foods should be prepared certain ways to ensure your dog gets all the benefits from the ingredients in this yummy, healthy food!
Happy cooking! Feel free to share!
Budget-Friendly Healthy Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat (I used chicken, but turkey/beef/lamb will work as well. We prefer turkey)
1/3 cup frozen/canned peas
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 small handful spinach
1 banana
2 apples
1/3 cup peanut butter
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
Optional:
1-2 tbsp bacon/other meat fat (purely for taste)
1 can tuna with juice or salmon
Carrots can be substituted for an equal amount of pumpkin puree, which is excellent for your dog's digestion!
Preparation:
1. Once your meat is fully thawed, start cooking in a big frying pan on medium heat
2. Once the meat is almost fully cooked, add 1/3 cup of water, more as needed as it cooks off, and add peas, carrots, and spinach. If you are adding the tuna, add it now and omit the water.
3. Lightly beat the 3 eggs together in a small bowl and add to the meat mixture, stirring often.
4. In a food processor/strong blender, puree the apples (chopped and cores/seeds removed), peanut butter, and banana.
5. Once the meat mixture is fully cooked, add it to the food processor with optional ingredients if you choose and blend until a thick puree is achieved.
6. Store in a sealed container in the fridge and serve up to 1 cup a day, preferably mixed with kibbles.
-- Keep in mind that this is a fairly rich food, and if your dog is not used to canned/wet food, it may take a couple of days for their tummies to adjust. If they do get an upset stomach, begin by feeding a smaller amount until their tummies do adjust, then you may start gradually feeding more daily.
Health Benefits
Meat: 
Please read here to find out why protein from fresh meat such as turkey, beef, and lamb are best for your dog. Important points: Do not feed you dog raw fish, as it can contain parasites. Pork is not the best meat for dogs' digestive tract, and being a fattier meat, other meats are preferable. Always buy lean ground meat whenever possible.
Peas: 
Peas contain a high content of fibre, protein, and vitamins K and B, which help with strong bones. They are also low in calories, so they provide the nutritional benefits for you and your dog without worry of weight gain. Peas also help boost the immune system, increase energy levels, reduce aging symptoms and provide anti-inflammatory properties. Peas are a great additive for your dog food, especially if you have an aging dog. Read more about the health benefits of peas for dogs here. Just remember, all things in moderation. Do not overfeed peas. In moderation, they help with constipation, but too much can upset your dog's digestion.
Carrots:
Carrots contain vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, and B6. We all know that carrots help with healthy eyes, but they also help with general health and the immune system, and are good for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Carrots are good for doggy digestion, and can be a problem-solver when your dog has diarrhea. Some dogs will really enjoy raw carrots as a healthy treat. Just remember, don't give them too much, as carrots are high in carbohydrates. All things in moderation! Read more here about the health benefits of carrots for dogs.
Spinach: 
Spinach is an iffy one. If your dog were to eat a diet with a ton of spinach, the oxalates would make them sick. However, spinach is healthy in small - moderate doses, such as in my recipe above. Spinach has a multitude of health benefits for your dog, such as vitamins A, C, B, K, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, fibre, manganese, and folates. Spinach can prevent cancer and is good for the heart. Read more here to find out about all the benefits of spinach.
Banana: 
Bananas contain high levels of vitamins B and C, as well as potassium and fibre. Bananas are high in antioxidants, which means they are good for your dog's skin and coat. They strengthen the immune system and boost energy. Bananas can also help with your dog's digestion. Always remember, feed in moderation! Learn more about giving your dog bananas here.
Apples: 
Apples add flavour to this food and are great for overall health. Having said that, they are not a necessity to a dog's diet and don't add a ton of health benefits as dogs don't absorb the vitamins and minerals that are so good for our human bodies. Make sure you remove the skin, core, and seeds before giving your dog apple, and it is best served as prepared in this food - pureed with other ingredients. On their own, apples can cause digestive issues. However, that is not a worry with this food recipe, as there are other ingredients that combat this and are good for doggy digestion. If your dog has an upset tummy after eating this food, feel free to reduce or eliminate the apples from the recipe. All dogs react differently to different foods, especially if they are new to them, just like humans - so don't worry, adjust your recipe and try again. Read more here about apples for your dog.
Peanut Butter: 
Peanut butter adds a ton of flavour to this recipe that dogs love! It is of course, better if you can get an all-natural brand, sans preservatives, and organic is always better. Peanut butter also contains healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals that boost your dog's immunity and energy levels. It reduces bad cholesterol in dogs, helps with canine diabetes, and is good for your pup's stinky breath. As peanut butter is quite oily, too much of it could result in loose bowels. However, up to 1 tablespoon a day for large dogs should be fine. Limit to 1 teaspoon a day for small dogs. If the food is given as directed, it should last for a week or so, meaning that you may even be able to add more peanut butter to the recipe as long as your dog's tummy is ok with it! Read more here about the health benefits of peanut butter for your pup.
Eggs: 
Eggs are high in cholesterol, but this doesn't affect dogs as much, or in the same way, as it does humans, so it's not really a concern.Yolks are actually better than whites, as the whites can have a negative effect on the digestive system if given in high quantities. Eggs contain high quality protein and essential amino acids. Even the shells are good for your dog, so feel free to throw them in the food, too! Eggs boost energy, and can be great for your dog's skin and coat as well. Read more here.
Salmon/Tuna: 
Fish is great for dogs and humans! Salmon is high in Omega-3's. It is great for your dog's skin and coat, and for their brain, as well as joints - meaning it can help with dogs suffering from arthritis. It can help with skin irritations and immune system. Tuna is great too, and it's cheaper so this may be a factor when deciding which fish to feed your dog. However, tuna is also a bit saltier. Try to find tuna prepared without salt and canned with water, not oil. Fish is very good for your dog and adds a flavour they'll enjoy. Be careful, though! raw fish can contain parasites, so prepare the fish as directed in the above recipe: cook it thoroughly and blend into a puree with the other ingredients, to eliminate the risk associated with ingesting those tiny bones! Read more about salmon here.
Please click here for a good list of things to NEVER FEED your dog. Some of the common foods that people mistakenly give their dogs are: onions, garlic, raisins, apple seeds, chocolate, grapes, mushrooms, rhubarb leaves (check your yard!), salt, tomato leaved and stems (watch your garden!), and walnuts. Steer your pet clear of these, as they are toxic to doggies.
