A Hearty, Homemade Meal for Strong, Healthy Dogs
Looking for a filling and nutritious homemade dog food that’s easy to make and full of flavor your pup will love? This Beef & Oatmeal Dog Food Recipe is a great go-to. It’s hearty, wholesome, and made with simple ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s digestion while supporting muscle, coat, and gut health.
Beef is a rich, flavorful source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins—all essential nutrients for maintaining energy, strong muscles, and a healthy immune system. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a gentle, high-fiber grain that supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps keep your dog full and satisfied.
When you combine the two, you get a well-balanced homemade dog food that’s suitable for dogs of all sizes and life stages.
What’s great about this recipe is its flexibility. You can add vegetables for extra vitamins, choose the type of fat your pup tolerates best, and make a big batch to store in the fridge or freezer for easy meal planning. It’s ideal for pet parents who want to feed whole foods without mystery ingredients, fillers, or preservatives.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or flaxseed oil
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
Pro Tips
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to avoid excess fat, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Cook oats thoroughly to improve digestibility and texture.
- Add frozen peas at the end of cooking to keep their color and nutrients intact.
- Cool before serving—oats and beef retain heat longer than kibble.
- Freeze in meal-sized portions for easy weekday meals or travel food.
Tools Required
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Storage containers or freezer-safe bags
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb.
- Vegetables: Use chopped green beans, spinach, or zucchini instead of carrots and peas.
- Fats: Use salmon oil for added Omega-3s or coconut oil for a boost of healthy fat.
- Grains: Substitute oats with cooked quinoa or brown rice if needed.
- Flavor Boost: Add a spoonful of pumpkin or bone broth for added nutrients and digestion support.
Make Ahead Tips
This is a fantastic recipe for bulk prepping. After cooking and cooling, portion into containers or silicone molds. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Always thaw in the fridge and serve at room temperature or lightly warmed—never hot.
Instructions
1. Cook the oats
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or broth to a boil. Stir in the rolled oats, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and thick. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Brown the ground beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add vegetables
Stir in the chopped carrots and cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Add peas in the final 2 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
4. Combine and stir
Reduce heat to low. Stir the cooked oats into the beef and vegetable mixture. Add olive oil and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
5. Cool and portion
Remove from heat and allow the food to cool completely. Portion into bowls for immediate use or storage containers for later.
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Never serve homemade dog food while hot.
Conclusion
This Beef & Oatmeal Dog Food Recipe brings together hearty protein, wholesome grains, and colorful veggies to create a complete and satisfying homemade meal. It’s affordable, easy to prep, and a great option for dogs who need energy, digestible fiber, and immune-supporting nutrients. Whether your dog is active, aging, or simply deserves better food, this meal delivers.
Feeding homemade doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few real ingredients and about 30 minutes of prep, you can give your pup a meal that’s not only good for them—but made with love. Plus, the joy of seeing their clean bowl and wagging tail makes it all worth it.
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear how your pup enjoyed it! Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s keep creating healthy, homemade meals—one happy dog at a time.
