7 Novel Protein Venison And Butternut Squash Dog Food Recipes

Let’s start with a classic! This hearty stew is simple to make, packed with goodness, and a perfect introduction to homemade cooking for your pup. It’s a one-pot wonder that will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your dog’s tail wagging with anticipation.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for fiber)
• 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
3. Add the butternut squash, carrots, green beans, and water/broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. If using, stir in the rolled oats during the last 5 minutes of cooking to help thicken the stew.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving. You can mash it slightly for smaller dogs or serve as is for larger breeds.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for beginners in the homemade dog food world. It’s straightforward, uses common vegetables, and provides a wonderfully balanced meal for adult dogs of all sizes.

For the busy pet parent, the slow cooker is your best friend. This ‘set it and forget it’ recipe allows all the delicious flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a tender, nutrient-dense meal that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 6 cups water or low-sodium beef broth

Instructions:

1. Place the venison stew meat, butternut squash, and sweet potato into the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the venison is fall-apart tender.
4. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley. They will cook quickly from the residual heat.
5. Let the meal cool to room temperature. Shred the venison with two forks before mixing it all together and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for pet owners with a hectic schedule. You can start it in the morning and have a week’s worth of delicious, healthy dog food ready by the evening. It’s especially great for senior dogs who may need softer food.

Think of it as meatloaf for your dog! This loaf is easy to portion, simple to store, and has a firm texture that many dogs love. It’s a great way to incorporate eggs for an extra protein boost and other healthy ingredients in a neat, sliceable package.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 cup cooked and mashed butternut squash
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, mashed butternut squash, grated carrots, rolled oats, beaten eggs, and chopped spinach.
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 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is cooked through and firm to the touch.
6. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cool, you can slice it into portions appropriate for your dog’s size.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a fantastic choice for pet parents who value convenience and portion control. It’s also great for using as a high-value training treat when cut into small cubes.

Looking to add a superfood punch? Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. This power bowl is a nutrient-dense option for active dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 2 cups cooked butternut squash, mashed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil
• A handful of chopped kale

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground venison in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. While the venison is cooking, steam or wilt the kale in a separate pan until tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked venison, mashed butternut squash, cooked quinoa, and wilted kale.
4. Drizzle with the flaxseed oil and gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is tailor-made for athletic or highly active dogs that need an extra boost of energy and nutrients for muscle repair and joint health. The addition of antioxidants from blueberries makes it a true super-meal.

Sometimes, simpler is better, especially for dogs with extremely sensitive stomachs or multiple allergies. This limited ingredient recipe strips it back to the essentials, providing core nutrition without any potential irritants.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 tbsp calcium carbonate powder or crushed eggshells (for calcium)
• A high-quality fish oil supplement (added at serving)

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed butternut squash in a pot with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the squash is boiling, cook the ground venison in a separate skillet until browned. Drain the fat.
3. Drain the squash, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
4. In a large bowl, mash the cooked squash until it’s smooth. Add the reserved water if needed to reach a desired consistency.
5. Mix the cooked venison and the calcium powder into the mashed squash until well combined.
6. Let it cool completely. Add the fish oil supplement to individual portions just before serving to preserve its benefits.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for dogs on an elimination diet or those who have a hard time tolerating many ingredients. It’s a gentle, soothing meal that still delivers the benefits of venison and squash. Always work with your vet when using a limited ingredient diet.

Who says dog food can’t be a fun treat? On a hot day or for a teething puppy, these frozen ‘pupsicles’ are a fantastic way to serve a nutritious meal. They’re hydrating, soothing, and a wonderful enrichment activity.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb cooked ground venison, cooled
• 1 cup cooked and pureed butternut squash
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir
• 1/4 cup water or low-sodium bone broth

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the pureed butternut squash, yogurt/kefir, and water/broth. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir the cooked ground venison into the puree.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. For a fun touch, you can stick a dog-safe chew (like a carrot stick or dental stick) into each mold to act as a ‘handle’.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
5. Pop one out and serve it to your pup for a refreshing and delicious treat!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for all dogs as a special treat, but it’s particularly beneficial for teething puppies or as a cooling snack during the summer months. It’s a fun way to add variety to your dog’s diet.

For a meal that feels a bit more like ‘people food’ (but is made just for them!), this rice pilaf is a winner. Brown rice adds excellent fiber and B vitamins, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish for your canine companion.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb venison, cubed or ground
• 1.5 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 cups butternut squash, finely diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the venison and cook until browned.
2. Add the diced butternut squash, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the cooked brown rice and pour in the broth.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to be absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is an excellent option for healthy adult dogs without grain sensitivities who enjoy a more textured, varied meal. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and is packed with a wide range of micronutrients from the different vegetables.

Switching to homemade dog food is a rewarding journey, but it’s important to do it right. It’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your pup’s meals are safe, balanced, and delicious.

Sourcing Your Ingredients

The quality of your dog’s meal starts with the quality of its components. For venison, look for a reputable source. This could be a local butcher, a specialty pet food supplier, or even a trusted hunter. Ensure the meat is handled safely and is free from contaminants. For your butternut squash and other veggies, opt for organic if possible to minimize pesticide exposure. Fresh is best, but frozen (without added salt or sauces) is a great, convenient alternative.

The Balancing Act: Essential Supplements

Meat and vegetables alone do not make a complete diet. Commercial dog foods are fortified with a precise balance of vitamins and minerals that dogs need to thrive. When you cook at home, you need to add these back in. The most critical additions are:

• Calcium: Venison is high in phosphorus, which must be balanced with calcium for bone health. You can use calcium carbonate powder or finely ground eggshells. The general rule is about 800-1000mg of calcium per pound of meat.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are crucial for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. A high-quality fish oil (like salmon or sardine oil) or flaxseed oil is an easy addition to each meal. Add it just before serving, as heat can degrade it.
• Multivitamins: To cover all your bases, consider a multivitamin/mineral supplement powder designed specifically for homemade dog food.

Crucially, you must talk to your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you formulate a recipe that is perfectly balanced for your dog’s specific age, breed, weight, and health status.

Batch Cooking and Storage

To make homemade feeding sustainable, cook in batches! Most of these recipes can be easily doubled or tripled. Once cooked and cooled, portion the food into individual meal-sized containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the portions. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To serve, simply thaw a portion in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving, as it can create hot spots that could burn your dog’s mouth.

Is venison really good for dogs with allergies?

Yes, it’s one of the best options! Food allergies in dogs typically develop over time from repeated exposure to a certain protein. Since most dogs have never eaten venison, their immune system is unlikely to recognize it as a threat, making it a perfect ‘novel protein’ for an elimination diet or for long-term feeding for sensitive pups.

Can I substitute butternut squash with another vegetable?

Absolutely. Pumpkin is a near-perfect substitute and is also great for digestion. Sweet potatoes are another excellent option, though they are higher in sugar. You can also use carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, and zucchini. Avoid onions, garlic, and leeks, as they are toxic to dogs.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This is a critical question that depends heavily on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For a 50-pound dog, this would be 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. It’s best to consult your vet for a precise recommendation and monitor your dog’s body condition, adjusting as needed.

How long can I store this homemade dog food?

In the refrigerator, your freshly made dog food will last for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, it freezes beautifully. You can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months without significant nutrient loss.