Learn how to make simple homemade dog food in your pressure cooker with fresh, healthy ingredients.
On the Christy homestead, we have two dogs named Rodeo and Wyatt. Together since birth, the duo of brothers love living the small town country lifestyle. Exploring, hunting and protecting the homestead is what they do most days. No critter — flying, creeping or crawling — is going to get past their mighty line of defense … or so they like to think.
Life can be ruff on the homestead. Guarding our home (or occasionally my parents 3 acre farm) can make our dogs have quite the appetite come suppertime. What better way to fill their bellies than with a wholesome, home cooked meal?
Five years ago when I first got our two puppies, I only bought them the most expensive dog food. Just like a new parent with their baby, I felt my pups had to have the best of the best. As time went by, I realized that wasn’t really necessary and to be honest, they were just as happy with the high end treats as they were with those artificial snacks. However, feeding them junk impacted their attitude and health. My country-lovin’ dogs were slow, sore and lethargic.
Fast forward a few months to when my family and I began learning more about nutrition and homesteading. This not only included healthy, homegrown food for us to eat but also for our pets and livestock. First, I experimented with some soft baked treats. Then expanded into chicken jerky snacks using my dehydrator. Both were successful.
Next, I delved into the realm of homemade dog food. After some trial and error, and feedback from the food critics, aka Rodeo and Wyatt, I found a recipe that they loved. Who knew one that enjoyed putting a barn mouse in their mouth would be so opposed to a sweet potato on their dinner plate?
Since feeding them homemade dog food, they are happier, healthier pups, with loads of energy to defend the property from invaders.
How to Make Homemade Dog Food Using an Instant Pot
Add the rice, carrots and peas to the instant pot.
Next place the chunks of pork on top of the vegetables.
Pour the chicken broth and water over the rice, veggies and meat.
Place the lid on the instant pot. Set the pressure valve to seal. Push the “Meat” button on the front of the instant pot to 1 hour.
When the time is up, select the “Cancel” button. Allow the instant pot to naturally release the pressure for 45 minutes. Open the pressure valve and release the remaining pressure.
Take the lid off of the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat and remove the remaining bones.
Carefully, use an immersion blender (food will be hot) to process the food until mostly smooth. A few small chunks is fine. (You can also use a food processor for this step.)
Serve. Freeze leftovers.
Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients to Make Homemade Dog Food
1 1/2 cups of brown rice
4 large organic carrots cut into chunks
2 cups of frozen organic peas (green beans can be substituted if you don’t have any peas)
1 1/2 lbs of pork shoulder (bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will also work)
4 cups of chicken or beef broth
1 cup of water
Instructions to Make Dog Food at Home
Add each dry ingredient into the instant pot in the order listed above.
Cover with broth and water.
Place the lid on the instant pot. Set the pressure valve to seal. Select the “Meat” button on the front of the instant pot to 1 hour.
When the time is up, select the “Cancel” button. Allow the instant pot to naturally release the pressure for 45 minutes. Open the pressure valve and release the remaining pressure.
Take the lid off of the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones.
Carefully, use an immersion blender (food will be hot) to process the food until mostly smooth. A few small chunks is fine.
Homemade Dog Food Tips
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. In any case, I only link to products we actually use on our homestead and that I believe can truly benefit to you. See my full disclosure here.
- Do not skip naturally releasing the pressure from the instant pot. Opening the release valve too soon will cause liquid to spray out of the valve, causing quite a mess.
- I love to freeze the excess dog food into 1 cup Souper Cubes. It’s easy to store and thaw out a small portion whenever I need it.
- If you do not have an immersion blender, a food processor works just as well.
Pin for Later
Instant Pot Homemade Dog Food
Learn how to make simple homemade dog food in your pressure cooker with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of brown rice
- 4 large organic carrots cut into chunks
- 2 cups of frozen organic peas (green beans can be substituted if you don’t have any peas)
- 1 1/2 lbs of pork shoulder (bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will also work)
- 4 cups of chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Add each dry ingredient into the instant pot in the order listed above.
- Cover with broth and water.
- Place the lid on the instant pot. Set the pressure valve to seal. Select the “Meat” button on the front of the instant pot to 1 hour.
- When the time is up, select the “Cancel” button. Allow the instant pot to naturally release the pressure for 45 minutes. Open the pressure valve and release the remaining pressure.
- Take the lid off of the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones.
- Carefully, use an immersion blender (food will be hot) to process the food until mostly smooth. A few small chunks is fine.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 482Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 233mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 39g
Broth often has onion and garlic added and a lot of salt.
You are correct, when making broth for humans, the addition of onion, garlic and salt add great flavor. However, since this Instant Pot recipe is made for dogs, we skip the seasoning and do not add onions and garlic since both of these are not good for dogs. If you’d prefer to add them into your own homemade dog food, feel free to do so.
Does this have all the nutrition that dogs need? What amount is good to give for an 8.8 pound Shih Tzu?
I am unfamiliar with a Shih Tzu’s dietary needs. I have two mid size mutts myself so they eat differently than your small dog. My best recommendation is to ask your vet how much to give your dog and what nutrition is best for him/her.