Instructions
Select the best ground meat; ground beef is most often recommended. Use a ratio of 2 parts extra lean ground beef to 1 part ground chunk. This will ensure your dog gets a healthy amount of fat. If using ground chicken or turkey, look for a product that is no more than 15% fat.
Saute the meat, breaking into small chunks as if you were making taco filling. Cook fully to a temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that any e. coli or other pathogens in the meat are killed. Fully cooking ground meats is essential to preventing food poisoning.
Combine cooked ground meats with grain and vegetables. If making a batch of dog food with 5 pounds of meat, you will need to add approximately 40 ounces of grain, like oats or rice, as well as 8 cups of chopped vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes.
Store in an airtight container in your fridge and use within 3-5 days.
How to Cook Ground Meat for Dogs
Some dog owners elect to make dog food for their loyal companions, rather than rely on store-bought dog food products. Some do this to pamper their pets, to control their dog's weight or to reduce loose stools in their furry friend. Cooking ground meats such as beef for a dog is relatively easy, though it does involve selecting the correct type of meat and making sure that it is fully cooked to kill off any bacteria.