Beef, Oats & Spinach – Nutritious Dog Dinner

This hearty homemade dog dinner brings together lean beef, wholesome oats, and fresh spinach for a balanced meal your pup will love. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and full of nutrients that support energy, digestion, and overall health. If you’re looking for a reliable go-to recipe that’s both nourishing and tasty, this one checks the boxes.

You can cook it in one pan, portion it out, and have meals ready for days. Plus, it’s easy to tweak for different sizes and sensitivities.

Print Recipe

Beef, Oats & Spinach – Nutritious Dog Dinner

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or leaner)
• 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant, not steel-cut)
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (optional for added fiber)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil (optional for healthy fats)
• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) low-sodium water or unsalted beef broth
• Optional supplement: canine multivitamin/mineral and fish oil as guided by your vet

Instructions

• Brown the beef: Warm a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add liquids and oats: Stir in the water or unsalted broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the rolled oats.Mix well so nothing sticks to the bottom.
• Cook the oats: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and most liquid is absorbed.
• Stir in veggies: Add the chopped spinach and grated carrot. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the carrots soften slightly.
• Add healthy fats: Remove from heat and stir in olive oil or salmon oil, if using. This boosts flavor and supports skin and coat health.
• Cool completely: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or shallow dish to cool faster.Food should be cool to the touch before serving.
• Portion and serve: Serve appropriate portions based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Start small if introducing this for the first time.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Balanced nutrition: Protein from beef, fiber and slow-release carbs from oats, and vitamins from spinach.
• Easy on digestion: Lightly cooked oats and chopped spinach are gentle for many dogs.
• One-pan cooking: Minimal cleanup and quick prep on busy days.
• Customizable: Simple to adjust textures, portion sizes, and add-ons based on your dog’s needs.
• Whole-food ingredients: No fillers, artificial flavors, or mystery additives.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or leaner)
• 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant, not steel-cut)
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (optional for added fiber)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil (optional for healthy fats)
• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) low-sodium water or unsalted beef broth
• Optional supplement: canine multivitamin/mineral and fish oil as guided by your vet

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Warm a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.

   Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add liquids and oats: Stir in the water or unsalted broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the rolled oats.

   Mix well so nothing sticks to the bottom.

3. Cook the oats: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in veggies: Add the chopped spinach and grated carrot. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the carrots soften slightly.
5. Add healthy fats: Remove from heat and stir in olive oil or salmon oil, if using. This boosts flavor and supports skin and coat health.
6. Cool completely: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or shallow dish to cool faster.

   Food should be cool to the touch before serving.

7. Portion and serve: Serve appropriate portions based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Start small if introducing this for the first time.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into single servings, then 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—stir well and test temperature before serving.

• Batch prep: Double the recipe and freeze in labeled containers to make future meals quick and easy.

Why This is Good for You

• Lean ground beef: Rich in high-quality protein and essential amino acids for muscles and repair. Provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins that support metabolism and immune function.
• Rolled oats: Gentle source of carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Helps keep energy steady and can support healthy digestion and stool quality.
• Spinach: Supplies vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate and antioxidants.

  These nutrients support eyes, skin, and overall cellular health.

• Healthy fats: Olive or salmon oil adds omega fatty acids, supporting skin, coat, and joint health.
• Moisture-rich: Cooking with water or broth increases hydration, which is helpful for many dogs.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Seasoning: Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or spices. Many seasonings are unsafe for dogs.
• Too much fat: Avoid high-fat beef or added butter. Excess fat can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.
• Portion control: Even healthy meals can lead to weight gain if portions are too large.

  Adjust based on your dog’s size and activity.

• Incomplete nutrition long term: Homemade meals can be low in certain micronutrients over time. Consider a vet-approved supplement plan if feeding as a primary diet.
• Texture issues: Some dogs prefer softer food. If needed, add a splash of warm water and mash lightly.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey or chicken swap: Use lean ground turkey or chicken if your dog prefers lighter proteins.
• Grain-free option: Replace oats with riced cauliflower or mashed sweet potato for dogs who don’t tolerate grains.
• Extra veggies: Add finely chopped green beans, zucchini, or peas for fiber and variety.

  Keep portions moderate.

• Bone broth boost: Use unsalted bone broth to add collagen and flavor. Make sure it’s free from onion and garlic.
• Sensitive tummy version: Boil the oats separately until very soft, then mix in with the cooked beef and wilted spinach.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

Portions vary by size, age, and activity level. As a general guide, many medium dogs do well with about 1 to 1.5 cups per meal, twice daily.

Start on the lower end, monitor weight and energy, and adjust. When in doubt, ask your vet for a personalized feeding plan.

Can I feed this every day?

Yes, but long-term daily feeding should be balanced with a complete vitamin and mineral profile. Consider a vet-approved canine multivitamin and an omega-3 supplement to round out nutrients if this becomes a regular diet.

Is spinach safe for dogs?

In moderate amounts, yes.

Cooked or wilted spinach is easier to digest. Keep portions reasonable, especially for dogs with kidney issues, and consult your vet if you have concerns.

Can I use instant oats?

It’s better to use old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats can become mushy and may contain additives if flavored.

Rolled oats offer better texture and steadier digestion.

What if my dog has a beef sensitivity?

Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lean pork. Introduce any new protein slowly and watch for signs of itching, GI upset, or ear issues.

Do I need to add supplements?

If you’re serving this occasionally, probably not. For regular feeding, a vet-recommended canine multivitamin and fish oil (EPA/DHA) can help cover micronutrients like vitamin D, E, iodine, copper, and manganese.

Can puppies eat this?

Puppies can enjoy it in small amounts, but they have specific growth needs.

If feeding as a consistent meal, work with your vet to ensure calcium, phosphorus, and total calories are appropriate for your puppy’s breed and age.

How do I transition from kibble?

Switch gradually over 5–7 days. Start with 25% new food and 75% old, then increase to 50/50, 75/25, and finally 100%. This helps prevent stomach upset.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes.

Thaw it first, drain well, and stir it in at the end. It works just as well as fresh and is convenient for batch cooking.

What if my dog won’t eat it?

Warm the food slightly and add a spoon of unsalted bone broth for aroma. You can also try mashing the mixture or chopping it finer for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Beef, Oats & Spinach dinner is a simple, nourishing recipe that fits easily into real life.

It uses everyday ingredients, cooks in one pan, and can be tailored to your dog’s taste and needs. For occasional meals, it’s a great upgrade from plain kibble; for regular feeding, pair it with smart supplementation and your vet’s guidance. With a little prep, you’ll have wholesome food ready to go—and a happy, well-fed pup waiting at the bowl.

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 😉

Related posts:

Fast and Easy Tasty Pasta Recipe for Dogs Apple & Buckwheat Cookies: A Delicious, Allergy-Friendly Treat! Vegan Chickpea & Brown Rice – A Protein-Packed, Flavorful Meal for Your Dog Carrot and Oat Cookies for Dogs: A Healthy Treat