Feeding our pups nutritious meals doesn’t have to drain the wallet truly. When money got a little tight in my household, I started relying more on batch cooking and stretching ingredients creatively. That’s when this budget friendly Homemade Dog Food with Frozen Veggies came to life. I swapped pricey fresh produce for affordable frozen options, and guess what? Milo never noticed a difference. He licked his bowl clean every single time, tail thumping like a drum!
This simple recipe keeps costs low while still giving your dog comforting, wholesome, homemade meals. Everything comes together quickly, uses minimal prep, and relies on easy to find ingredients you likely already have in your freezer or pantry.
Why This Budget Friendly Frozen Veggie Dog Food Works
This recipe is all about two things: saving money and saving time without sacrificing nutrition. Frozen vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and flash frozen, which helps preserve their nutrients. They’re also far cheaper than fresh produce and don’t spoil in your refrigerator before you get to them.
Another perk? No peeling, scrubbing, or chopping. Just measure, toss, simmer, and you’re done. It’s one of the easiest homemade dog meals you can make.
What You’ll Need
This small ingredient list is intentional simple, safe, affordable, and dependable.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and green beans only)
- 400g (about 14 oz) chicken breast
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) water
Note: Stick exactly to these veggies for safety and proper texture. Avoid anything containing onions, garlic, corn, or other additions.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Everything cooks together in one pot, so cleanup is minimal and the flavors blend beautifully.
1. Start with the Base
In a large pot, combine the water and uncooked rice. Bring it to a strong boil over high heat.
2. Add the Protein and Veggies
Once boiling, gently place the chicken breast into the pot. Add the frozen peas, carrots, and green beans. Turn the heat down immediately to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 35–40 minutes, letting everything soften and meld together.
3. Shred, Stir, and Cool
Turn off the heat. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot after the long simmer, it should fall apart effortlessly. Give the mixture a good stir so the rice, broth, vegetables, and chicken all combine into a hearty, cohesive meal.
Important: Allow the food to cool completely before serving. Warm food can upset a dog’s stomach, so chill as needed.
Tips for Customizing and Using This Recipe
Adjusting Portions for Larger Breeds
If you’re feeding a big dog, you can scale up the recipe easily. Just keep all ingredients proportional so the meal stays balanced. For very large batches, you may need to cook in two pots or in stages just be sure everything cools thoroughly before storing or serving.
Storing and Freezing
This batch keeps about three days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, divide into airtight, freezer safe containers and freeze for up to two months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before feeding.
Safe Additions
If you’d like to add variety occasionally, choose dog safe ingredients only. A few options:
- A spoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt for probiotics
- A tiny drizzle of flaxseed oil for healthy fats
- A pinch of dried parsley for fresher breath
Keep additions simple and economical while staying within safe guidelines.
Protein Swaps
Chicken is affordable and gentle on the stomach, but you can switch to ground turkey or another lean protein if it’s on sale. Just ensure the substitute is thoroughly cooked and maintain the same rice and veggie ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other frozen vegetables?
Stick with peas, carrots, and green beans only. Many common frozen blends include unsafe ingredients like onions or garlic.
Is this suitable for puppies?
Puppies have different nutritional needs, so always talk with your veterinarian before feeding homemade meals to a growing pup.
Do I need to cook the rice separately?
No everything cooks together. The rice absorbs the broth as the chicken and veggies simmer, making the process easier and more flavorful.
My dog is picky about texture any tips?
If your dog prefers softer or finer textures, lightly pulse the cooked mixture in a food processor. Don’t over blend; just a few pulses makes it smoother and easier for picky eaters.
Estimated Nutritional Overview (Per Serving of 4)
These are rough estimates, based on the standard ingredients divided into four portions:
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal
- Protein: ~30–35g
- Fat: ~5–8g
- Carbohydrates: ~45–50g
Great for a lean, balanced meal but always check with your vet if this will be your dog’s primary long term food source.
Wholesome DIY Dog Meal Made with Frozen Vegetables
Feeding our pups nutritious meals doesn’t have to drain the wallet truly. When money got a little tight in my household, I started relying more on batch cooking and stretching ingredients creatively. That’s when this budget friendly Homemade Dog Food with Frozen Veggies came to life. I swapped pricey fresh produce for affordable frozen options, and guess what? Milo never noticed a difference. He licked his bowl clean every single time, tail thumping like a drum!
This simple recipe keeps costs low while still giving your dog comforting, wholesome, homemade meals. Everything comes together quickly, uses minimal prep, and relies on easy to find ingredients you likely already have in your freezer or pantry.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and green beans only)
- 400g (about 14 oz) chicken breast
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) water
Instructions
1. Start with the Base
In a large pot, combine the water and uncooked rice. Bring it to a strong boil over high heat.
2. Add the Protein and Veggies
Once boiling, gently place the chicken breast into the pot. Add the frozen peas, carrots, and green beans. Turn the heat down immediately to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 35–40 minutes, letting everything soften and meld together.
3. Shred, Stir, and Cool
Turn off the heat. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot after the long simmer, it should fall apart effortlessly. Give the mixture a good stir so the rice, broth, vegetables, and chicken all combine into a hearty, cohesive meal.
Important: Allow the food to cool completely before serving. Warm food can upset a dog’s stomach, so chill as needed.
Notes
This batch typically provides around four days of meals for a medium sized dog. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze portions for as long as two months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 350-400 kcalTotal Fat: 8gCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35g