Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple beef, pumpkin, and pea recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and easy to batch-cook for the week. It uses everyday ingredients and comes together in one pot, so cleanup is quick.

If you’re looking for a wholesome option without fillers or mystery ingredients, this is a great place to start. Always check with your vet if your dog has special dietary needs, but for most pups, this one hits the sweet spot of taste and balance.

Print Recipe

Beef, Pumpkin & Peas – Easy Homemade Dog Food

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean is a good target)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain, not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup white rice (or brown rice if your dog tolerates it)
2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth (no onion, no garlic)
1 tbsp olive oil or 1 tsp fish oil (optional for healthy fats)
1 large carrot, finely diced (optional)
Pinch of turmeric (optional)
Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or seasoning blends

Instructions

Simple ingredients: Ground beef, pumpkin, and peas are easy to find and gentle on most stomachs.
Balanced add-ins: A bit of rice and optional fish oil help round out energy and healthy fats.
Great for sensitive tummies: Pumpkin provides fiber that can help keep digestion regular.
Customizable: Swap in different veggies or grains to suit your dog’s preferences and vet guidance.
Batch-friendly: Cooks well in larger quantities and freezes nicely for future meals.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Close-up detail shot: A steaming skillet of the finished beef, pumpkin, and peas dog food mid-simmer

Simple ingredients: Ground beef, pumpkin, and peas are easy to find and gentle on most stomachs.
Balanced add-ins: A bit of rice and optional fish oil help round out energy and healthy fats.
Great for sensitive tummies: Pumpkin provides fiber that can help keep digestion regular.
Customizable: Swap in different veggies or grains to suit your dog’s preferences and vet guidance.
Batch-friendly: Cooks well in larger quantities and freezes nicely for future meals.

Shopping List

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean is a good target)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain, not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup white rice (or brown rice if your dog tolerates it)
2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth (no onion, no garlic)
1 tbsp olive oil or 1 tsp fish oil (optional for healthy fats)
1 large carrot, finely diced (optional)
Pinch of turmeric (optional)
Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or seasoning blends

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tasty top-down final presentation: Overhead shot of a neatly portioned bowl of the cooked beef–pum

Rinse the rice. Run cold water over the rice until it runs clear. This helps it cook evenly and reduces excess starch.
Brown the beef. In a large skillet or pot, add olive oil (if using) and ground beef.
Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add water and rice. Stir in the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Toss in veggies. Add pumpkin puree, peas, and diced carrot.
Mix well so the pumpkin spreads evenly through the mixture.
Simmer and cover. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes (white rice) or 35–40 minutes (brown rice), until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Finish with healthy fats. Remove from heat. When slightly cooled, stir in fish oil if using. This preserves its nutrients.
Cool completely. Let the food cool to room temperature before serving.
This helps prevent mouth burns and improves texture.
Portion appropriately. Serve a small test portion the first time to see how your dog tolerates it.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into meal-size containers or silicone molds and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until just lukewarm. Avoid hot spots.
Do not reheat multiple times.
Label and rotate: Mark dates on containers and use the oldest portions first.

Why This is Good for You

Beef: Provides protein, iron, and B vitamins for muscle maintenance and overall energy.
Pumpkin: Offers fiber and beta-carotene. Many dogs handle pumpkin well when they need gentle digestion support.
Peas and carrots: Add vitamins, minerals, and a bit of texture without heavy calories.
Rice: A simple carbohydrate source that’s easy to digest and helps bind the meal.
Healthy fats: A small amount of olive oil or fish oil supports skin and coat health.

Note: Home-cooked meals can be part of a balanced diet, but they may not provide every micronutrient long-term without a vet-approved supplement. If feeding homemade regularly, ask your vet about adding a canine multivitamin/mineral blend and calcium if needed.

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Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Onion or garlic: Both are toxic to dogs.
Avoid broths or seasonings that include them.
Too much fat: Very fatty beef can upset stomachs. Choose lean beef and drain excess fat.
Overfeeding: Homemade food can be calorie-dense. Start with moderate portions and adjust based on your dog’s weight and activity.
Not cooling before storage: Hot food sealed in containers can cause condensation and spoil faster.
Skipping supplements long-term: For full-time homemade feeding, discuss appropriate supplements with your vet.
Using pumpkin pie filling: It contains sugar and spices.
Use plain pumpkin puree only.

Variations You Can Try

Protein swap: Try ground turkey or chicken if your dog prefers poultry. Cook thoroughly and drain excess fat.
Grain options: Substitute quinoa or oats if rice isn’t a good fit. Adjust liquid and cook time as needed.
Different veggies: Green beans, zucchini, or spinach (chopped) all work well.
Avoid corn if your dog is sensitive.
Add calcium: If advised by your vet, add a measured canine calcium supplement to support bone health.
Pumpkin alternatives: Try butternut squash or sweet potato, cooked and mashed.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

Start with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals. Adjust up or down based on your dog’s age, activity level, and body condition. Your vet can help refine the portion.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes.

For an Instant Pot, sauté the beef first, then add remaining ingredients and cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes (white rice) with a natural release. For a slow cooker, brown the beef on the stove, then cook everything on Low for 3–4 hours, adding peas in the last 30 minutes.

Is canned pumpkin safe every day?

Plain pumpkin is generally safe in moderate amounts. Too much fiber can cause loose stools, so keep it to roughly 1–2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight per meal unless your vet suggests otherwise.

Do I need a supplement?

If this is an occasional meal or topper, likely not.

If you plan to feed homemade as a primary diet, ask your vet about a complete canine vitamin-mineral supplement and appropriate calcium to ensure long-term balance.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it takes longer to cook and can be harder to digest for some dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, stick to white rice or cook brown rice very soft.

What if my dog has allergies?

Swap in proteins and carbs your dog tolerates and choose single-ingredient substitutions. Always check labels for hidden onion/garlic and consult your vet for a tailored plan.

Can I add salt or seasoning?

No.

Dogs don’t need added salt, and many seasonings can be harmful. Keep it simple.

Wrapping Up

This Beef, Pumpkin & Peas dog food is simple, wholesome, and easy to make in batches. It’s a solid base recipe you can tweak under your vet’s guidance to fit your dog’s needs.

With a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have meals you feel good about serving—no fillers, no fuss.

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 😉