Beef, Apple & Veggie Dog Food: The Tail-Wagging Power Bowl Your Pup Will Beg For

Skip the overpriced “gourmet” kibble with 20-syllable ingredients. This wholesome Beef, Apple & Veggie Dog Food turns simple kitchen staples into a shiny-coat, happy-gut, zoomies-for-days meal. It’s fast to make, budget-friendly, and your dog will stare at you like you invented dinner.

Plus, you know exactly what’s in it—no mystery powders. Ready to be your dog’s favorite chef?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whole-food ingredients you can actually pronounce—lean beef, crisp apples, and real vegetables.
Easy prep with one pot and minimal cleanup. Your future self will thank you.
Flexible for sensitivities—swap grains, rotate veggies, adjust texture.
Balanced approach with protein, complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats for everyday feeding.
Dog-approved flavor with a slight sweetness from apples that keeps pups excited.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
1 cup uncooked brown rice (or quinoa for grain-free)
3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth (or water)
1 medium apple, cored and finely diced (skin on for fiber; no seeds)
1 cup carrots, finely chopped or shredded
1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil (or salmon oil for omega-3s)
1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, anti-inflammatory)
1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, tummy support)
Calcium source: 1/2 tsp eggshell powder per cup of finished food, or a vet-approved calcium supplement
Dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement (as directed by your vet)

The Method – Instructions

Rinse the rice. Place brown rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until clear.This improves texture and removes excess starch.
Brown the beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed. Keep it slightly moist; dry beef = sad dog.
Add broth and rice. Stir in the broth and rice.Bring to a low boil.
Simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 25–30 minutes until rice is tender. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
Add veggies and apple. Stir in carrots, green beans, peas, and diced apple. Cook another 5–8 minutes until just tender.You want vibrant veggies, not mushy confetti.
Season (dog-safe). Add olive oil, turmeric, and ginger if using. Mix well. No salt, onions, garlic, or spice blends—those are a hard no for dogs.
Cool completely. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet to cool faster.Hot food + excited dog = chaos.
Supplement smartly. Once cool, portion into meal-size containers. Stir in eggshell powder or calcium and a vet-approved supplement according to directions. Do not add supplements while hot.
Serve. Start with a small portion to assess tolerance.Adjust serving size based on your dog’s weight and activity (see FAQ).

Preservation Guide

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Portion into weekly packs or silicone molds. Freeze up to 2–3 months.
Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid microwaving supplements; add them after reheating and cooling slightly.
Meal prep hack: Freeze individual patties for grab-and-go portions.FYI, flat bags freeze and thaw faster.

Why This is Good for You

Protein power: Lean beef delivers essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy. It’s the hero of satiety and strength for dogs who love their walks (and couches).

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Complex carbs + fiber: Brown rice provides slow-release energy. Apple skin, carrots, and green beans add fiber for smoother digestion and a happier tummy.

Micronutrient mix: Apples bring quercetin and vitamin C; carrots offer beta-carotene; green beans and peas add B-vitamins and manganese.

Balanced micronutrients = shiny coat, solid stools, better vibes.

Healthy fats: Olive or salmon oil supports skin, coat, and joint health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, which is great for seniors or high-activity pups.

Low-sodium, no junk: You’re avoiding fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Translation: cleaner nutrition, fewer question marks.

Avoid These Mistakes

Skipping calcium: Meat-heavy diets without calcium can cause mineral imbalances.Use eggshell powder or a vet-approved supplement, always.
Overcooking veggies: Mushy veggies lose texture and appeal. Lightly tender is the sweet spot.
Adding unsafe ingredients: No onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, xylitol, nutmeg, or high-sodium broth. Ever.
Guessing portions: Overfeeding leads to weight gain.Use weight-based guidelines and adjust.
Skipping a supplement plan: For long-term feeding, a complete multivitamin/mineral made for dogs is recommended. Homemade doesn’t mean “nutritionally perfect” by default.
Serving hot: Let it cool thoroughly to avoid burns and preserve nutrients when adding supplements.

Mix It Up

Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or venison work. Keep it lean and fully cooked.
Grain options: Quinoa or oats instead of brown rice.For grain-free, try cauliflower rice plus extra peas.
Veggie rotation: Swap in zucchini, pumpkin, or spinach (chopped). Variety helps cover micronutrient bases.
Texture tweaks: For small dogs or dental issues, pulse the cooled mixture in a food processor briefly. Not baby food—just softer.
Flavor boost: A splash of low-sodium bone broth or a sprinkle of dried parsley can entice picky eaters.Keep it simple, IMO.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

A general starting point is 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day in food, split into 2 meals. For example, a 20 lb (9 kg) dog might eat 6–9 oz (170–255 g) daily. Adjust based on activity, age, and body condition.

Monitor weight weekly and tweak portions.

Is this recipe complete and balanced?

It’s a strong base but requires calcium and ideally a dog-specific multivitamin/mineral to be complete for long-term feeding. For puppies, seniors, or special conditions, consult your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to tailor it.

Can I use white rice instead of brown?

Yes. White rice is gentler for sensitive stomachs and cooks faster.

It’s slightly less fibrous, so consider keeping the apple skin and veggies for fiber balance.

Are apples safe for all dogs?

Most dogs tolerate apples well. Always remove seeds and core (seeds contain cyanogenic compounds). Introduce gradually if your dog is new to fruit to avoid gas or loose stool.

How do I add calcium correctly?

Use 1/2 teaspoon finely ground eggshell powder per cup of finished food, or follow your supplement’s label directions.

Add after cooking and cooling. Don’t wing it—calcium-phosphorus balance matters.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Sauté the beef on Sauté mode, add rice and broth, then cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, quick release, stir in veggies and apple, and let residual heat soften them for 5–8 minutes.

My dog has a sensitive stomach.

Any tweaks?

Use white rice, skip turmeric/ginger initially, and start with a 75/25 mix of this recipe with your dog’s current food for 3–5 days. Add a spoon of plain pumpkin if stools get loose.

How long can I store it?

Refrigerate 3–4 days; freeze up to 2–3 months. Label with date and portion size so you don’t play freezer roulette later.

Can I add eggs?

Absolutely.

A scrambled or hard-boiled egg mixed in adds protein and biotin. If you feed eggshells, make sure they’re finely ground to a powder for safe digestion.

Is this safe for puppies?

With vet guidance, yes—but puppies have specific calcium, phosphorus, and calorie needs. Use a puppy-appropriate supplement plan and confirm portions with your vet.

Final Thoughts

Beef, Apple & Veggie Dog Food hits that sweet spot: simple, nutritious, and actually exciting for your dog.

You’re controlling the ingredients, cutting the fluff, and delivering real food that supports energy, digestion, and coat health. Start with the base, supplement wisely, and iterate to your dog’s needs. Your pup will vote with their bowl—spoiler: it’ll be empty fast.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉