Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Pressure Canning Time: 90 minutes (quart jars) or 75 minutes (pint jars)
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: Makes about 7 quart jars (approximately 28 cups)
Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
- 8 pounds lean ground turkey or lean beef
- 4 cups brown rice
- 6 cups chopped carrots
- 4 cups chopped green beans
- 3 cups chopped sweet potatoes
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 8 cups water or unsalted homemade bone broth
- 2 tablespoons fish oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ground eggshell powder or veterinarian-approved calcium supplement
Equipment
- Pressure canner
- 7 sterilized quart canning jars with lids and rings
- Large stockpot
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
- Jar funnel
- Bubble remover or plastic spatula
- Clean towels
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook it according to the package directions until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large stockpot, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broth to the cooked meat.
Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir the cooked brown rice into the meat and vegetable mixture. Add the fish oil and calcium supplement if using. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill the Jars
Using a canning funnel, fill each sterilized jar with the hot dog food mixture. Leave 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Remove trapped air bubbles using a bubble remover or plastic spatula. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth and secure the lids and rings until fingertip tight.
Step 6: Pressure Can
Place the filled jars into your pressure canner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Process:
- Pint jars: 75 minutes
- Quart jars: 90 minutes
Adjust pressure according to your altitude as recommended in your pressure canner manual.
Step 7: Cool the Jars
When processing is complete, allow the pressure canner to depressurize naturally. Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel-lined counter.
Let them cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Step 8: Check the Seals
After cooling, remove the rings and check that every lid has sealed properly. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within 3–4 days.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warmed. Portion sizes depend on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health.
Always provide fresh drinking water.
Storage
- Pantry (sealed jars): Up to 12 months
- Refrigerator (opened): 3–4 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months if not canned
Tips for Success
- Always use a pressure canner, never a boiling water bath, for recipes containing meat.
- Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and excessive salt, as these are toxic to dogs.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional quality.
- Label each jar with the preparation date.
- Consult your veterinarian before feeding homemade diets long-term to ensure they meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Estimated Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving)
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 75 mg (without added salt)
- Calcium: 160 mg
- Iron: 3 mg