7 High-Protein Copycat Orijen Recipes on a Budget

1. The ‘Hearty Chicken & Quinoa’ Power Bowl

This recipe is a fantastic starting point for any aspiring dog food chef. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with lean protein and complex carbs for sustained energy. Chicken is a highly digestible protein source, while quinoa (a seed, not a grain!) offers all nine essential amino acids.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 large carrots, finely diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for fresh breath!)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
2. Add the water or broth, carrots, and quinoa to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the chicken is tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Stir in the green beans and spinach, and cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the beans are tender-crisp.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for active adult dogs without poultry sensitivities. It provides a fantastic balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to fuel their daily adventures.

2. The ‘Rich Beef & Sweet Potato’ Mash

For dogs that need a little more oomph in their diet, this beef and sweet potato recipe is a winner. Ground beef provides iron and protein for strong muscles, while sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and complex carbohydrates for slow-release energy.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 apples, cored and chopped (no seeds!)
• 1/2 cup bone broth (no salt added)
• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• A handful of kale, stems removed and chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off most of the excess fat.
2. While the beef is cooking, place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot with water to cover. Boil until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them.
3. Add the cooked beef, mashed sweet potatoes, chopped apples, bone broth, and kale to a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and ground flaxseed. The residual heat will warm the peas.
5. Allow the mixture to cool completely before portioning and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for active dogs, working breeds, or dogs that need to gain a healthy amount of weight. The combination of rich flavors makes it a go-to for even the fussiest of eaters.

3. The ‘Lean Turkey & Lentil’ Loaf

If your pup is watching their waistline, this turkey and lentil loaf is a fantastic, low-fat option that’s still packed with protein and fiber to keep them feeling full and satisfied. It bakes up like a meatloaf, making it super easy to slice and portion.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked brown lentils
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup rolled oats (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess water)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup cranberry, unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked lentils, beaten eggs, rolled oats, grated zucchini, grated carrots, cranberries, and rosemary.
3. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the loaf is cooked through and the center is no longer pink.
6. Let the loaf cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect meal for less active dogs, seniors, or any pup that needs a calorie-controlled but highly nutritious diet. It’s also great for dogs with sensitive stomachs thanks to the lean protein and fiber.

4. The ‘Omega-Rich Sardine’ Scramble

Looking for a recipe to boost that coat and shine? This is it. Sardines are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids which are amazing for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. Combined with protein-packed eggs, this quick meal is a true superfood breakfast (or dinner!).

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cans (3.75 oz each) of sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• A handful of chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs together.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the entire contents of the sardine cans (water and all) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break them up. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. Gently stir and fold the mixture until the eggs are cooked through, like a scramble.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked oatmeal and fresh dill.
6. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is an excellent supplemental meal or topper for any dog, but it’s especially beneficial for dogs with dry skin, dull coats, or joint stiffness. Its quick prep time makes it a great option for busy pet parents.

5. The ‘Digestive Pork & Pumpkin’ Stew

Pork is a highly palatable protein that many dogs love, and pumpkin is a well-known superstar for digestive health. It’s rich in soluble fiber, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea. This gentle, warming stew is perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork loin or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
• 2 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 4 cups of water or low-sodium pork broth

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, brown the pork cubes in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the water or broth, pumpkin puree, celery, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it stew for 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
4. Stir in the chopped cabbage and blueberries and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving this delicious stew to your pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for dogs experiencing mild digestive upset or those who are prone to sensitive stomachs. It’s gentle, hydrating, and packed with gut-friendly ingredients.

6. The ‘Novel Duck & Berry’ Bake

If your dog suffers from food allergies, particularly to common proteins like chicken or beef, a novel protein like duck can be a game-changer. This recipe pairs duck with antioxidant-rich berries and grain-free flours for a unique and hypoallergenic meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground duck
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen
• 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground duck, mashed sweet potato, eggs, coconut flour, parsley, and chia seeds.
3. Gently fold in the mixed berries.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is cooked through.
6. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a lifesaver for pet parents dealing with food sensitivities. It offers a delicious and nutritionally dense meal that avoids common triggers, helping to soothe itchy skin and upset stomachs.

7. The ‘Hearty Lamb & Root Veggie’ Roast

A truly decadent and nutrient-dense meal perfect for a chilly day or for a dog that deserves some extra TLC. Lamb is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, while root vegetables provide earthy, slow-release energy. The aroma from this roast will have your dog drooling!

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs lamb stew meat, cut into cubes
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups of low-sodium beef or lamb broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, lightly brown the lamb cubes on all sides.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, butternut squash, and parsnips.
4. Pour in the broth, ensuring the meat and veggies are mostly covered.
5. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Let it roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is fall-apart tender.
6. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the broccoli florets.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool to a safe temperature. You can shred the lamb further if desired before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This slow-roasted meal is perfect for senior dogs who benefit from soft, easy-to-chew food, or for any dog that’s a bit of a food snob. Its rich flavor and tender texture are almost guaranteed to win them over.

Your Guide to Crafting the Perfect Homemade Dog Food

Switching to homemade dog food is an exciting journey, but it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. To truly mimic the nutritional balance of a high-quality food like Orijen, you need to keep a few key principles in mind.

1. The Balancing Act: Macronutrients

A dog’s diet needs a careful balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. While high-protein is our goal, fat is essential for energy and nutrient absorption, and healthy carbs provide fiber and vitamins. A general guideline for active dogs is around 40-50% protein, 20-30% fat, and 20-30% carbohydrates and vegetables. However, this is just a starting point. Always consult your vet, as your dog’s needs will vary based on age, breed, and activity level.

2. Don’t Forget the Micros: Vitamins & Minerals

This is the trickiest part of DIY dog food. Commercial foods are fortified with a precise blend of vitamins and minerals. When you cook at home, you need to ensure these aren’t missing. Key nutrients to consider are calcium and phosphorus. Simply adding meat and vegetables will almost always be deficient in calcium. You can add this through supplements like ground eggshells (after sterilizing them) or a commercial vitamin/mineral mix designed for homemade dog food. A veterinary nutritionist is your best resource here.

3. Sourcing on a Budget

Making budget-friendly food doesn’t mean skimping on quality. Look for deals on meat at your local grocery store, especially family packs or cuts that are on sale. Buying vegetables that are in season is always cheaper. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and can be much more affordable. Consider visiting a local butcher who may have organ meats like liver or heart for a low price—these are incredibly nutrient-dense!

4. Proper Preparation and Storage

Always cook meat thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. You can make large batches of these recipes to save time. Let the food cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It will typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. This makes mealtime as easy as thawing and serving!

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Dog Food

1. How do I safely transition my dog to a homemade diet?

Slow and steady wins the race! A sudden switch can cause digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new homemade food (about 25%) with their old food (75%). Over the course of 7-10 days, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the amount of their old food until you’ve fully transitioned.

2. Can I make these recipes in bulk?

Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. Cooking in bulk is a huge time-saver. All of these recipes freeze beautifully. You can use freezer-safe bags or containers to store meal-sized portions. Just be sure to thaw them safely in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3. What supplements should I add to homemade dog food?

This is a critical question and one that is best answered by your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. The most common deficiencies in homemade diets are calcium, zinc, iodine, and omega fatty acids. A good multi-vitamin/mineral supplement designed for dogs on homemade diets is often recommended, as is a quality fish oil for Omega-3s. Never add human supplements without professional guidance.

4. Is homemade food really cheaper than high-end kibble?

It certainly can be, especially if you shop smart. While the initial grocery bill might seem high, when you break it down per pound or per meal, it often comes out ahead of ultra-premium brands like Orijen. Buying ingredients in bulk, shopping sales, and using seasonal produce will significantly lower your costs.