Beef, Carrots & Sweet Potato – Healthy Dog Meal

This simple homemade dog meal is hearty, wholesome, and easy to make. It uses everyday ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s stomach while packing in plenty of nutrients. If you’re looking for a balanced option that’s better than most store-bought meals, this is a great place to start.

It’s lightly seasoned (meaning not at all) and cooked in a way that keeps flavor without upsetting your dog’s tummy. You’ll love how straightforward it is, and your dog will love what’s in the bowl.

Print Recipe

Beef, Carrots & Sweet Potato – Healthy Dog Meal

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, dog-safe and adds variety)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or salmon oil (optional for healthy fats)
• Water or low-sodium, onion-free beef broth (optional for simmering)
• Vet-approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (optional but recommended if feeding regularly)

Instructions

• Prep the veggies: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to chew.
• Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the diced sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
• Steam or boil the carrots: In the same pot or a steamer basket, cook the carrots for 6–8 minutes until fork-tender.Drain and set aside.
• Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Do not add salt or seasonings. If there’s excess fat, drain it well.
• Add moisture if needed: Stir in a splash of water or onion-free, low-sodium broth to keep the mixture moist without being greasy.
• Combine everything: Add the cooked sweet potatoes and carrots to the skillet with the beef.Stir gently to mix. If using peas, fold them in now and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
• Add healthy fats: Off the heat, stir in olive oil or salmon oil for extra omegas and calories, if your vet approves.
• Cool completely: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving. Hot food can burn your dog’s mouth and warm food is easier to portion safely.
• Portion and serve: Serve appropriate portions based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.For general guidance, see the FAQ below and adjust with your vet’s input.
• Supplement if needed: If feeding this regularly, mix in a vet-approved canine supplement to ensure complete nutrition.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Simple, recognizable ingredients: Lean ground beef, carrots, and sweet potatoes are easy to find and dog-friendly when cooked properly.
• Balanced and gentle: Sweet potatoes provide slow-release energy and fiber, while carrots bring vitamins and crunch. Beef delivers quality protein and iron.
• No unnecessary extras: No salt, onion, garlic, or seasoning—just whole foods prepared safely for dogs.
• Budget-friendly meal prep: You can cook once and portion for several days, saving money and time.
• Flexible base: Add a vet-approved supplement to round out micronutrients and make it more complete for long-term feeding.

Shopping List

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, dog-safe and adds variety)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or salmon oil (optional for healthy fats)
• Water or low-sodium, onion-free beef broth (optional for simmering)
• Vet-approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (optional but recommended if feeding regularly)

Instructions

1. Prep the veggies: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.

   Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to chew.

2. Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the diced sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Steam or boil the carrots: In the same pot or a steamer basket, cook the carrots for 6–8 minutes until fork-tender.

   Drain and set aside.

4. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Do not add salt or seasonings. If there’s excess fat, drain it well.
5. Add moisture if needed: Stir in a splash of water or onion-free, low-sodium broth to keep the mixture moist without being greasy.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked sweet potatoes and carrots to the skillet with the beef.

   Stir gently to mix. If using peas, fold them in now and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.

7. Add healthy fats: Off the heat, stir in olive oil or salmon oil for extra omegas and calories, if your vet approves.
8. Cool completely: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving. Hot food can burn your dog’s mouth and warm food is easier to portion safely.
9. Portion and serve: Serve appropriate portions based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

   For general guidance, see the FAQ below and adjust with your vet’s input.

10. Supplement if needed: If feeding this regularly, mix in a vet-approved canine supplement to ensure complete nutrition.

Keeping It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into meal-sized containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Flatten bags for faster thawing.
• Thaw safely: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Reheat gently: Warm slightly in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.

  Stir well and make sure there are no hot spots before serving.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High-quality protein: Lean beef supports muscles, immune function, and overall health.
• Digestive support: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and easy on sensitive stomachs.
• Vitamins and antioxidants: Carrots and sweet potatoes provide vitamins A and C and natural antioxidants for eye and skin health.
• Hydration and palatability: Light moisture and natural fats make the meal tasty without seasoning.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt for different dogs’ needs with simple swaps and supplements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding onion, garlic, or seasoning: These are unsafe for dogs. Keep it plain.
• Using very fatty beef: Too much fat can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis. Choose lean beef and drain excess fat.
• Serving too hot: Always cool to room temperature before feeding.
• Skipping portion control: Even healthy food can lead to weight gain if overfed.
• Not consulting a vet for long-term feeding: For daily meals, add a canine supplement and confirm portions with your vet.

Variations You Can Try

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lean lamb instead of beef if your dog prefers it or has sensitivities.
• Grain add-in: Mix in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or oats for extra fiber and energy.

  Keep portions modest.

• Veggie rotation: Swap carrots for green beans, zucchini, or pumpkin. Always cook and chop small.
• Omega boost: Add a little salmon oil or flaxseed oil for skin and coat health.
• Bone broth splash: Use plain, low-sodium, onion-free bone broth for flavor and hydration.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

For a general starting point, feed about 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day, split into two meals. For example, a 20 lb (9 kg) dog might eat roughly 6–9 ounces (170–255 g) of food daily.

Adjust based on age, activity level, and your vet’s advice.

Is this recipe complete and balanced?

On its own, it’s a wholesome base but not fully complete for long-term feeding. Add a vet-approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement to cover micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and trace minerals if this will be a daily diet.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of sweet potato?

Yes, plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) can replace some or all of the sweet potato. It’s high in fiber and great for digestion.

Start with small amounts to avoid loose stools.

Can puppies eat this?

Puppies have higher nutrient needs for growth. They can enjoy this recipe occasionally, but for everyday feeding, work with your vet to ensure it’s balanced for puppies, especially calcium and phosphorus ratios.

What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

This recipe is gentle, especially if you use very lean beef and introduce it slowly. Start by mixing a small amount into your dog’s regular food and increase over several days.

If issues persist, consult your vet.

Can I cook everything in one pot?

You can, but cooking separately gives better texture control. If using one pot, brown the beef first, drain, then add chopped veggies with water and simmer until tender. Keep everything unseasoned.

Are peas safe for dogs?

Yes, in moderation.

Peas are a common, dog-safe add-in. If your vet has advised limiting legumes, skip them and use green beans or zucchini instead.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in airtight containers, it keeps well for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2–3 months.

In Conclusion

This Beef, Carrots & Sweet Potato meal is a straightforward way to feed your dog something wholesome and tasty.

It uses simple ingredients, cooks quickly, and stores well for busy weeks. For long-term feeding, add a canine supplement and confirm portions with your vet. Most of all, keep it plain, keep it lean, and enjoy the tail wags at mealtime.

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 😉

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