7 Lean Rabbit and Swiss Chard Dog Food Recipes

This recipe is a fantastic starting point for any pet parent new to home cooking. It’s simple, creates a firm loaf that’s easy to slice and portion, and it stores beautifully in the fridge. Think of it as a healthy meatloaf for your most deserving family member!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground rabbit
• 2 cups finely chopped swiss chard (stems included)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs (follow package instructions)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground rabbit, chopped swiss chard, cooked brown rice, grated carrots, beaten eggs, and ground flaxseed.
3. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon until well combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Gently press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it’s even.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect recipe for busy pet owners who love to meal prep. The loaf style makes it incredibly easy to manage portions throughout the week, ensuring your pup gets a consistent and delicious meal every time.

Who doesn’t love a ‘set it and forget it’ meal? This slow-cooker stew is incredibly easy and fills your home with an amazing aroma. The long, slow cooking time makes the rabbit exceptionally tender and creates a nutrient-rich broth your dog will lap up.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs rabbit, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 cups chopped swiss chard
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• A pinch of dried parsley (for fresh breath!)
• A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs (add after cooking)

Instructions:

1. Place the rabbit chunks, diced sweet potato, and green beans into the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped swiss chard on top.
3. Pour the broth and melted coconut oil over all the ingredients.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the rabbit is tender and shreds easily.
6. Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly before shredding the rabbit with two forks.
7. Stir in the parsley and the appropriate amount of your chosen supplement once the stew has cooled to a warm temperature (heat can degrade some vitamins).
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Ideal for the pet parent with a packed schedule. You can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and have a delicious, healthy meal ready for your pup by dinner time. It’s also fantastic for dogs who need extra moisture in their diet.

These little patties are not only a complete meal but also double as fantastic high-value training treats or meal toppers. They are easy for dogs to handle and are perfect for convincing a picky eater to clean their bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground rabbit
• 1.5 cups finely minced swiss chard
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (can be omitted for grain-free)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (rich in omega-3s)
• A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients: ground rabbit, minced chard, pumpkin puree, oats (if using), egg, fish oil, and the supplement.
3. Mix until just combined.
4. Form the mixture into small, 2-inch patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.
6. Let them cool completely before serving or storing. They can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a winner for dogs with discerning palates. The patty form is often more appealing than a simple scoop of food. It’s also a fantastic choice for owners who want a versatile recipe that can be used for both meals and training.

For our furry friends who are sensitive to grains, this recipe is a lifesaver. We’re swapping out grains for nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and blueberries, providing complex carbohydrates for energy and a boost of antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground rabbit
• 2 cups chopped swiss chard
• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground rabbit and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Once the rabbit is cooked, drain off any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped swiss chard to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until it’s wilted.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rabbit and chard mixture with the mashed sweet potato.
7. Gently fold in the blueberries and the vitamin/mineral supplement.
8. Serve warm. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the go-to recipe for any dog with known or suspected grain allergies or sensitivities. The combination of lean protein, fibrous greens, and antioxidant-rich fruit makes it a wholesome and delicious choice for maintaining optimal health.

Our senior companions deserve extra love and care, especially at mealtime. This recipe is designed to be extra soft, easy to chew, and gentle on aging digestive systems. We’ve also added ingredients like turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties to support joint health.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground rabbit
• 2 cups swiss chard, steamed and pureed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup bone broth (for extra moisture and collagen)
• 1 tablespoon fish oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• A balanced senior dog vitamin/mineral supplement

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground rabbit over medium heat until browned. Break it into the smallest pieces possible as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rabbit, pureed swiss chard, and cooked quinoa.
4. Stir in the bone broth, fish oil, and turmeric until you have a soft, moist consistency.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before stirring in the senior vitamin supplement.
6. Serve in a shallow bowl for easy access. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl for your senior dog. It addresses the common challenges of aging, such as dental problems and joint stiffness, making mealtime a comfortable and enjoyable experience again.

Puppies have unique nutritional needs to support their rapid growth and development. This recipe is specifically formulated with extra calcium for strong bones and DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground rabbit
• 1.5 cups finely chopped swiss chard
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt or cottage cheese (for calcium)
• 2 boiled eggs, mashed
• 1 tablespoon of a high-quality fish oil (rich in DHA)
• A balanced puppy vitamin/mineral supplement

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground rabbit in a large pot over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the finely chopped swiss chard and cook until wilted.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rabbit mixture with the cooked oatmeal, yogurt or cottage cheese, and mashed boiled eggs.
5. Drizzle with the fish oil and add the puppy supplement, mixing everything gently until well combined.
6. Serve in smaller, more frequent meals as appropriate for your puppy’s age and breed.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for the new puppy parent who wants to start their little one off on the right paw with a whole-food, homemade diet. This recipe provides the building blocks for a healthy, happy, and thriving puppy.

For the dogs who are always on the go—the agility stars, the hiking buddies, the tireless fetch players—this recipe provides an extra boost of energy. It has a higher protein content and incorporates healthy fats to fuel their active lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs ground rabbit
• 2 cups chopped swiss chard
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/4 cup shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds (for Vitamin E and healthy fats)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• A balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for active dogs

Instructions:

1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground rabbit and cook until browned.
2. Add the chopped swiss chard and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in the cooked lentils, sunflower seeds, and chopped parsley.
4. Remove from heat and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Allow the food to cool before mixing in the vitamin/mineral supplement.
6. Serve a portion appropriate for your dog’s activity level and weight.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate fuel for the canine athlete. If your dog is your running partner or spends weekends dock diving, this high-energy meal will help them recover, rebuild muscle, and stay on top of their game.

Switching to homemade dog food is a rewarding journey, but it’s important to do it right. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your pup’s meals are both delicious and nutritionally complete.

Why Rabbit and Swiss Chard?

We’ve chosen these two ingredients for very specific reasons. Rabbit is a ‘novel protein,’ which is a fancy way of saying it’s not commonly found in commercial dog foods. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef. It’s also incredibly lean and packed with B12. Swiss Chard is a leafy green giant, loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. It supports everything from bone health to vision.

Sourcing Your Ingredients

Always aim for high-quality ingredients. Look for rabbit from reputable butchers or online suppliers that specialize in game meats. Ensure it’s meant for human consumption. For your vegetables and other ingredients, organic is a great choice to minimize pesticide exposure, but fresh and well-washed is the most important thing.

The Importance of Balance

This is the most critical part of homemade diets. Dogs cannot live on meat and vegetables alone. They require a specific ratio of vitamins and minerals to thrive. That’s why every single one of our recipes calls for a ‘balanced vitamin/mineral supplement.’ You can find these online or at pet stores. Options like Balance IT or Just Food For Dogs’ DIY Nutrient Blends are designed by veterinary nutritionists to complete homemade meals. Never skip the supplement! Calcium is especially important and is often lacking in homemade diets, so ensure your supplement provides it.

Cooking, Portions, and Storage

Always cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. When starting out, introduce the new food slowly by mixing a small amount with their old food, gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old over a week. For portion sizes, consult your vet. A general rule of thumb is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day, but this varies wildly with age and activity level. Most of these meals can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months.

1. Can I substitute the rabbit or swiss chard?

Absolutely! If you can’t find rabbit, other novel proteins like venison, duck, or even pork can work well, provided your dog isn’t allergic. For the swiss chard, other dark leafy greens like spinach or kale are great substitutes. Just be mindful that spinach is high in oxalates, so it should be used in moderation and always cooked.

2. How do I know the right amount to feed my dog?

This is a crucial question and one that is best answered by your veterinarian. They can calculate your dog’s daily caloric needs based on their weight, age, breed, and activity level. They can then help you determine the exact portion size of your chosen homemade recipe to meet those needs without causing weight gain or loss.

3. Is it more expensive to make my own dog food?

It can be, but not always. The cost depends heavily on where you source your ingredients. Buying in bulk or taking advantage of sales can significantly reduce the cost. While it might be more expensive than a low-end kibble, it’s often comparable to or even cheaper than premium, fresh commercial dog food brands. Plus, many owners feel the investment in high-quality nutrition pays off in long-term health and fewer vet bills.

4. Do I need to add bones or calcium?

You must add a source of calcium. However, you should never add cooked bones to your dog’s food, as they can splinter and cause serious internal injury. Raw bones carry their own risks and should only be given under supervision. The safest and most reliable way to add calcium is through a carefully formulated supplement that provides the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is vital for your dog’s health. This is why using a pre-formulated supplement designed for homemade diets is so important.