This homemade dog food recipe is designed with your pup’s skin health in mind, especially if they struggle with itchy skin. Ground turkey serves as a lean protein base, while sweet potato and carrots provide vitamins and minerals that are great for the skin. Coconut oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, adds healthy fats that can help soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin. This recipe is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a week or frozen for longer storage, ensuring your furry friend always has a nutritious meal ready. Serve twice daily and watch your pup enjoy every bite.
This homemade dog food for itchy skin is packed with nutritious ingredients known to support skin health and reduce irritation. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this simple, skin-soothing meal for your furry friend.INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds ground turkey: Provides a lean protein source that’s easy on your dog’s digestive system.
- 1 large sweet potato, chopped: A great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and coat.
- 1 medium carrot, chopped: Contains beta-carotene and antioxidants to support immune health.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Adds a touch of green and provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.
- 2 cups water: Keeps the food moist and easy for your dog to eat.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Sauté the ground turkey in a medium-sized saucepan with the coconut oil over medium heat until the turkey is fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Step 2:
- While the turkey is cooking, chop the sweet potato and carrot into small, manageable pieces for your dog.
- Step 3:
- Once the turkey is cooked through, add the chopped sweet potato, carrot, and water to the saucepan.
- Step 4:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Step 5:
- After simmering, stir in the frozen peas and allow the food to cool completely before serving to your dog.
- Step 6:
- Once cooled, serve the homemade dog food to your pup, following the recommended serving size based on their body weight.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve about 1/2 cup of this dog food for every 20-25 pounds of your dog’s body weight, twice daily.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, portion and freeze the food in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving, and warm slightly if needed to make it more appealing to your pup.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure that the coconut oil is evenly distributed to help moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.
- If your dog prefers a softer texture, mash the cooked vegetables slightly before serving.
Tips from well-known pet nutritionists
- Dr. Karen Becker suggests adding a small amount of bone broth for extra hydration and flavor.
- Dr. Jean Dodds recommends using organic vegetables whenever possible to avoid pesticides.
- Pet nutrition expert Rodney Habib advises using unrefined coconut oil for maximum skin health benefits.