This time of year, we are often thinking about a fresh start, including paying closer attention to our own health. We know that eating more fresh whole foods and less processed junk is beneficial for our health as humans, so it should come as no surprise the same holds true for our pets.  

Feeding your dog nutritious food is surprisingly easy and probably a lot less challenging than trying to cook for a whole family of picky human eaters. That’s why our friends at JustFoodForDogs are sharing one of their most popular fresh whole food recipes that they prepare daily in their own kitchens but that you can do in yours.

JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato Recipe:

Yields: 5.75 pounds

Ingredients:

  • 28.5 oz. ripe russet potatoes with skin, cubed into bite size pieces
  • 15 oz. sweet potatoes with skin, cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • 40 oz. lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15), raw weight
  • 1.25 oz. beef liver, diced or ground, raw weight
  • 2.5 oz. carrots, finely chopped
  • 2.5 oz. green beans, finely chopped
  • 1.25 oz. green peas, finely chopped
  • 1.25 oz. green or red apples, washed, cored, finely chopped
  • 4.5 tbsp safflower oil
  • 0.5 tbsp fish oil (JustFoodForDogs sells it here or use any 18 percent EPA/12 percent DHA)
  • 4.5 tsp. multivitamin mix like JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend

Cooking:

Boil potatoes and sweet potatoes until cooked (about 10-15 minutes), then plunge in ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set them aside to cool.

In a nonstick skillet, brown beef and beef liver over a medium-high heat, stirring frequently. You do not need to add any butter or oil; the beef will cook in its own fat. When the beef is 50 percent brown and 50 percent pink, add carrots, green beans, peas, and apples. Continue to sauté until beer is fully cooked and vegetables are soft. Do not drain away any of the fat; it is part of the recipe.

Let the mixture cool until warm to the touch. In a very large mixing bowl, combine met and vegetable mixture with potatoes and sweep potatoes and add the oils. While combining and stirring, slowly sprinkle the proper amount of the nutrient blend.

Divide into individual servings sizes for you dog in zipper bags or glass or plastic storage containers. Store in refrigerator for four to five days, or up to three months in the freezer.