Wholesome Turkey & Veggie Bowl

If you’re anything like me, you’ve stood in the dog food aisle wondering what’s really in those bags. That’s what pushed me into the kitchen—chopping, stirring, and testing until I landed on recipes I’d feel good feeding my own pup.

This one’s become a favorite in our home. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with ingredients you can actually recognize: ground turkey, brown rice, and a mix of veggies. Nothing fancy. Nothing fake. Just real food for real dogs.

Let’s make it together—one pot, one bowl, one happy tail at a time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this recipe. Nothing complicated—just real food your dog will actually enjoy.

• 1 pound ground turkey – lean protein that’s easy on the tummy
• 6 cups water – or low-sodium chicken broth if you want extra flavor
• 2 cups brown rice – hearty, fiber-rich, and filling
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – optional, but great for digestion in small amounts
• ½ (16-ounce) bag frozen mixed veggies – look for a blend with broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower (no added seasoning)

Tip: Check the frozen veggies label—make sure there’s no onion, garlic, or seasoning added.

How to Make It

You’ll only need one big pot and about half an hour. No stress. Here’s how I do it:

• Start with a large pot or Dutch oven.
  Toss in the ground turkey, water (or broth), brown rice, and rosemary. Use a spoon to break up the turkey so it cooks evenly.

• Bring it all to a boil.
  Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir now and then so the rice doesn’t stick.

• Add the frozen veggies.
  Stir them in and keep it simmering for another 5 minutes or so—just until the veggies are soft but still colorful.

• Let it cool completely.
  This part’s important. Hot food can burn your pup’s mouth, so give it time to cool before serving or storing.

That’s it. One pot, a handful of ingredients, and you’ve made a batch of fresh dog food from scratch.

How Much to Feed + Storage Tips

Every dog’s different, but here’s a simple starting point that’s worked for me:

• Feeding Guide: About 1 cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight, split between meals.
  (So a 40-pound dog might eat 2 cups a day—morning and evening.)
  Adjust based on your dog’s age, energy level, and how they respond.

Always check with your vet if you’re switching foods or planning to feed homemade long-term.

Storage Tips

• Let the food cool completely before storing.
• Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze extra portions in zip-top bags or containers. I like freezing in meal-size batches—it makes things way easier during the week.

Optional Swaps & Add-Ins

Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll probably want to mix things up a bit. Good news: this recipe’s super flexible—and if you want even more variety, I’ve put together a whole guide full of easy dog food recipes you can try next.

Protein swaps:

• Ground chicken
• Lean ground beef
• Canned salmon or sardines (just make sure they’re boneless and in water, no added salt)

Grain options:

• Quinoa
• Rolled oats (cooked)
• White rice (if your dog needs something extra gentle)

Extra boosters (in small amounts):

• Plain pumpkin purée (great for digestion)
• A soft-boiled egg
• Plain Greek yogurt for probiotics

Avoid these: onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and anything seasoned. They’re toxic for dogs—even in small amounts.

Final Thoughts & Feeding With Love

There’s something special about cooking for your dog. It’s not just about the food—it’s about slowing down, paying attention, and giving them something made with real intention. That’s what this recipe is for me. Simple ingredients, a little time, and a whole lot of love in every bowl.

Whether you’re just starting your homemade journey or looking to change things up, remember: you’re doing something good. Keep learning, stay curious, and always trust your gut—and your dog’s tail wag.

And hey, if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop a comment, share your own twists, or just say hi.