Beef, Rice & Peas – Homemade Dog Food Idea

If your dog’s bowl could talk, it would probably ask for something warm, simple, and tasty. This beef, rice, and peas recipe is a straightforward homemade meal that many dogs love and tolerate well. It uses easy-to-find ingredients and basic cooking steps.

You’ll get a wholesome batch you can portion out for the week. Always check with your vet before switching foods, but this is a solid place to start for a gentle, balanced meal at home.

Print Recipe

Beef, Rice & Peas – Homemade Dog Food Idea

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• White rice (plain, not seasoned or instant mixes)
• Frozen or fresh peas (no added salt, garlic, or onions)
• Low-sodium beef or chicken broth (optional, for flavor)
• Olive oil or coconut oil (a small amount for cooking, optional)
• Water
• Dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement (vet-recommended, optional but helpful)
• Fish oil or algal oil (optional for omega-3s, vet-guided)

Instructions

• Rinse the rice. Measure your rice and rinse under cool water until it runs clear.This helps remove excess starch and keeps the final mix fluffy.
• Cook the rice. In a pot, combine 1 cup of white rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.Fluff with a fork.
• Brown the beef. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned. Drain off excess fat.If your dog needs fewer calories, rinse the cooked beef briefly with hot water to remove more fat.
• Add peas. Stir in 1 to 1.5 cups of peas. If frozen, add them straight in and cook for 3–5 minutes until tender. If fresh, cook until bright green and soft.
• Combine. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef and peas.Stir to combine. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or low-sodium broth until it reaches a moist, scoopable texture.
• Cool completely. Spread the mix on a sheet pan or in a shallow dish to cool quickly. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps texture nice.
• Portion. Divide into containers based on your dog’s size and daily needs.Label with the date.
• Optional supplements. Once the food is completely cool, mix in a vet-recommended dog multivitamin and omega-3 oil according to directions. Do not add supplements while hot.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients most dogs digest well. Lean ground beef gives high-quality protein and important nutrients.

Rice provides gentle carbs for energy and is easy on the stomach. Peas add fiber and a bit of natural sweetness that many dogs enjoy. Best of all, it’s quick to cook, budget-friendly, and easy to customize for your pup’s needs.

Shopping List

• Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• White rice (plain, not seasoned or instant mixes)
• Frozen or fresh peas (no added salt, garlic, or onions)
• Low-sodium beef or chicken broth (optional, for flavor)
• Olive oil or coconut oil (a small amount for cooking, optional)
• Water
• Dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement (vet-recommended, optional but helpful)
• Fish oil or algal oil (optional for omega-3s, vet-guided)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice. Measure your rice and rinse under cool water until it runs clear.

   This helps remove excess starch and keeps the final mix fluffy.

2. Cook the rice. In a pot, combine 1 cup of white rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

   Fluff with a fork.

3. Brown the beef. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned. Drain off excess fat.

   If your dog needs fewer calories, rinse the cooked beef briefly with hot water to remove more fat.

4. Add peas. Stir in 1 to 1.5 cups of peas. If frozen, add them straight in and cook for 3–5 minutes until tender. If fresh, cook until bright green and soft.
5. Combine. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef and peas.

   Stir to combine. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or low-sodium broth until it reaches a moist, scoopable texture.

6. Cool completely. Spread the mix on a sheet pan or in a shallow dish to cool quickly. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps texture nice.
7. Portion. Divide into containers based on your dog’s size and daily needs.

   Label with the date.

8. Optional supplements. Once the food is completely cool, mix in a vet-recommended dog multivitamin and omega-3 oil according to directions. Do not add supplements while hot.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into meal-size containers or silicone trays and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until just lukewarm.

  Stir and test the temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

• Food safety: Discard any food left at room temperature for over 2 hours.

Health Benefits

• High-quality protein: Lean beef supports muscle maintenance and provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Digestible carbs: White rice is easy on sensitive stomachs and can help firm up stools when needed.
• Fiber and micronutrients: Peas contribute fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, and plant-based antioxidants.
• Hydration support: The moist texture helps increase water intake, which can be helpful for some dogs.
• Customizable: You control fat levels, texture, and add-ons to match your dog’s needs and vet guidance.

What Not to Do

• Do not add onions, garlic, chives, or leeks. All are toxic to dogs.
• No salt, seasoning packets, or spicy ingredients. Dogs don’t need added salt or spices.
• Don’t use fatty or seasoned meats. Avoid sausage, meatloaf mixes, or pre-marinated beef.
• Don’t undercook rice or meat. Raw or undercooked ingredients can cause stomach upset or illness.
• Don’t skip vet advice. Homemade diets can be low in certain nutrients if not balanced; ask your vet, especially for long-term feeding.
• Don’t feed it hot. Let the food cool to a safe, lukewarm temperature.

Alternatives

• Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or lean pork can replace beef. Choose 90% lean or higher and cook thoroughly.
• Carb swaps: Try cooked quinoa, barley, or sweet potato for variety. Introduce changes gradually.
• Veggie swaps: Green beans, carrots, or pumpkin puree are dog-friendly options.

  Keep pieces small and soft.

• Low-fat version: Use extra-lean meat and rinse after cooking. Add more veggies for volume.
• Sensitive stomach tweak: Use white rice, extra water, and go light on peas at first. Keep seasoning-free.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

Portions depend on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and health.

A general starting point for a balanced homemade meal is about 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day, split into two meals. For example, a 20-pound dog might start around 6–9 ounces of food per day. Always adjust based on body condition and ask your vet for a tailored plan.

Is this a complete and balanced diet?

On its own, this simple recipe is a good short-term or rotational meal, but it may not provide every micronutrient your dog needs long-term.

To make it more complete, use a veterinarian-recommended canine multivitamin/mineral blend and consider an omega-3 supplement. For full-time homemade feeding, ask your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help you balance the recipe.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but introduce it slowly. Brown rice has more fiber, which can be great for some dogs but may cause gas or loose stools in others.

Cook it until very soft and monitor how your dog responds.

Are peas safe for all dogs?

Most dogs tolerate peas well. However, if your dog has a history of kidney issues or is on a specific veterinary diet, ask your vet first. Keep portions moderate and avoid pea proteins or concentrates unless your vet approves.

Can I cook everything in one pot?

You can, but you’ll get better texture if you cook the rice separately and then fold everything together.

If you prefer one pot, cook beef first, drain, add rice and water, then simmer, adding peas near the end. Watch liquid levels so nothing sticks.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw as needed.

Can I add eggs or cheese?

Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs can be a nice protein boost for many dogs.

Cheese should be minimal due to fat and lactose—some dogs are sensitive. If you add extras, reduce the main portion slightly to keep calories in check.

What if my dog gets diarrhea?

Stop new add-ins and feed small amounts of the plain beef-and-rice mix. Ensure water is available.

If diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours, or if you see blood, lethargy, or vomiting, contact your vet.

Wrapping Up

Beef, rice, and peas make a simple, dog-friendly meal that’s easy to cook, store, and serve. It’s a gentle option for many dogs and a great base you can tweak with your vet’s guidance. Keep the ingredients clean, the seasonings out, and the portions right for your pup.

With a little planning, you can prep a wholesome batch that keeps tails wagging all week.

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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