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When my 13-year-old Boston Terrier was suspected of having Cushing’s disease, I decided to take control of their diet. Today, I made my first batches of homemade dog food, packed with healthy ingredients and love. Here’s how it went!
Recently, I discovered that my senior Boston Terrier (13 years old) might have canine Cushing’s disease. This news motivated me to dive into research and start making homemade food for my pups. Today, I feel incredibly accomplished after preparing two recipes—one with turkey and another with beef.
Why I Started Cooking for My Dogs
The possibility of Cushing’s disease in my senior dog inspired me to take control of their nutrition. I wanted to ensure they get high-quality, wholesome meals tailored to their needs.
Ingredients I Used
Both recipes share a variety of nutritious ingredients split between them, including:
- Proteins: Turkey, beef, chicken liver, beef liver, eggs (including ground shells for calcium while waiting for supplements).
- Vegetables: Sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, green beans, peas, pumpkin, spinach.
- Fruits: Blueberries.
- Carbs & Fats: Rice, coconut oil.
- Spices: Turmeric (anti-inflammatory).
- Supplements: Fish oil, a multivitamin, calcium, and bone broth powder (to be added).
- Probiotic: Greek yogurt (to be included as a spoonful in each serving).
Recipes I Followed
Turkey Recipe
- 3 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 container chicken livers (processed)
- 1.5 large sweet potatoes (roughly peeled)
- 3 carrots
- 16 oz green beans
- 3/4 cup peas
- 1/2 can pumpkin
- 2 TBS coconut oil
- 1 TBS turmeric
- Added at the end:
- 2.5 cups cooked rice
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup spinach
Beef Recipe
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 2 beef livers (processed)
- 1.5 large sweet potatoes (roughly peeled)
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 can pumpkin
- 16 oz broccoli (processed)
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 2 TBS coconut oil
- 1 TBS turmeric
- Added at the end:
- 2.5 cups cooked rice
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup spinach
Storage and Future Plans
- The food is not shelf-stable (not canned) but will be frozen for freshness.
- The meat is fully cooked.
- I’m considering trying my hand at canning next year for better storage options.
