At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for your dog. They have such a short lifespan, and we have to try to give them any advantage possible to make these years healthy, comfortable, and fulfilling. I feel like a healthy diet, free from processed kibble, is a great place to start- and using an Instant Pot makes this a simple task.
DRIFTWOOD CORNER
This basic recipe is a wholesome and unbelievably easy alternative to a processed kibble. I use this as a supplement to her air-dried food. More on that later… but first, Bailey’s diet and how the pressure cooker revolutionized this task.
I have had bailey since she was a bottle-fed 2-1/2-week-old puppy. Although that early transition can be tough on some dogs, she thrived; and we formed a strong bond.
After the goat’s milk feedings throughout the days & nights, she moved on to homemade food. I cannot even begin to describe how much anxiety and time went into researching natural dog food alternatives. At the beginning of the kibble research, I just started her on an organic meatloaf concoction: Ground organic chicken or turkey with oats, eggs, sweet potato, and a green veggie. For fear she was missing out on important vitamins/minerals, I began supplementing the homemade with a little organic kibble. I found that the Canadian brand dog foods had the highest quality ingredients overall- Orijen, Fromm, Merrick, Acana, etc. These brands were comprised of organic free ranged, grub-eating poultry (vs GMO-corn feed).
Then everything changed.
The disheartening day came when these highly reputable companies sold to large processing facilities in the US.
“as we previously reported, ACANA and Orijen brand natural pet foods, are going through a production transition. They are moving from a Canadian factory to a new production facility called Dogstar Kitchens located in Kentucky, USA.”
Jun 28, 2016 Krisers.com
As with most changes, the promises were made that the quality of ingredients would remain the same and that the only difference was the location of the processing plant. This may have been the intention, but before long the first of many recalls were announced.
The lawsuit claims Champion pet foods (Acana and Orijen) “contain levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium” “known to pose health risks to humans and animals, including dogs” and interestingly for a kibble pet food…the lawsuit claims the dry pet food contained “BISPHENOL A (“BPA”)”.
www.animalhealthfoundation.net, 2018
Fortunately for Bailey, we had made the transition away from these brands when the initial announcement about the new processing plants was made(2016). I decided to revisit the dog food research and was led to the raw food diet. This diet made the most sense- it was ancestrally correct for these animals who were once wild. Bailey was slowly introduced to raw food. Every weekend after hiking, we’d head over to a local organic butcher in Westport, CT for the frozen logs of raw food – which comprised of meat, processed bone, organs, kale, and blueberries.
The positive effects were almost immediate, as she became incredibly lean and her energy soared. I really wanted to make the switch to raw exclusively, but unfortunately, it was a diet that left her hungry all the time and more aggressive when begging. The absolute end was when she developed an infection in her mouth from a minor stick cut- the bacteria from the raw food, in a small cut under her tongue, festered internally. She went back to her healthy self, eating her favorite homemade food immediately following that incident.
That brings us to the late fall of 2016, after a summer of raw food trials, when I found the Instant Pot!.
I was searching for an all-stainless-steel slow cooker (if one existed- which it did!). Upon research for a device that was free from non-stick chemical coatings, the highest reviewed result was the infamous Instant Pot. Let me just say, in the four years of having it, I have never actually used it as a slow cooker – that function is quite lacking.
The process of preparing Bailey’s homemade meatloaf was completely transformed with this machine– From a high-temperature baked meatloaf to a healthier, steam poached stew. The prep work decreased significantly, as now her mix was a simple dump-and-go meal. The most helpful change was the ability to throw a block of frozen meat into the pot. I cannot tell you how many times I would forget to take the ground meat out of the freezer – you cannot mash together a meatloaf with an ice block of ground turkey!
THE BASIC RECIPE
The dragon steam diverter? I get a lot of messages about that…you can find it here on Amazon: Make sure to put it on before starting the pot. Steam is directed away from cabinets perfectly with this little guy.
THE RECIPE EXTRAS
NO COCONUT OIL ADDITIVE?!
I have seen many dog recipes and articles that rave about the benefits of adding coconut oil to your dog’s food. We may have different opinions, but I feel this is a completely unnecessary additive. I argue that adding a high fat, although being considered a “healthy fat”, to an already high animal-protein food is excessive. The only oil additive Bailey gets is natural krill oil supplements. I HIGHLY recommend these. Bailey has been on this formula for almost 6 months and the results are astonishing. She had a hind leg limp that would happen after lying down for a while and she was becoming hesitant on the stairs. After about 2 months it became an ailment of the past! She is now jumping and handling stairs like a puppy. Unknowingly, this supplement has been shown to help eye health – this was a benefit I was completely unaware of until I noticed significant changes in the distance of squirrels she was noticing from inside the house! I was in complete disbelief until I researched if krill oil can positively affect eyesight- it most certainly does! Needless to say, we will continue this regimen indefinitely. As a side note, the krill oil was for her joints – I had purchased Cosequin MSM from the vet for her weak leg and couldn’t believe the additives in it; I knew there had to be a version of glucosamine/ chondroitin without any other unnecessary ingredients.
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THE PROBIOTIC
Probiotics with dinner. Bailey is one of those deep-chested dogs – it almost doesn’t match her medium body. Deep chested and larger dogs (ie. Great Danes, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) have a natural propensity toward developing bloat at some point in their lives. Bloat, also known as gastric dilation with subsequent torsion, is a fatal condition in which the stomach fills with air causing it to twist and cut off all blood supply to the organs. It is important to research and be aware of the signs, as immediate treatment can prevent death. Probiotics daily have been shown to help prevent bloat – so I make sure to add a tablespoon of organic yogurt with one meal daily. Probiotics, in general, offer a wide range of gut health benefits for dogs and humans alike, so it really can’t hurt to incorporate a small amount daily. * Always make sure the yogurt is unflavored (plain) and contains absolutely no sugar or sugar substitutes (xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, aspartame, sucralose, sucrose, maltodextrin, corn syrup). It is important to remember that dogs can be sensitive to dairy – with probiotics, only a small amount is needed for optimal efficacy.
THE CARB
I will argue that dogs do need a little carb in their food to sustain themselves. I understand that dogs in the wild never got a side of wild rice with their roadkill, but these domesticated animals seem to do well with a small portion of carbs. For this recipe, I use organic white rice, brown rice, or oats. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to digest- sensitive stomachs do better with white rice or oats. I usually do a mix.
BAILEY’S HOMEMADE REGIMINE
Morning: Homemade exclusively. + 1 krill supplement w/glucosamine
Evening: Homemade mixed with air-dried “kibble“, Vitamin C, and a tablespoon of probiotic yogurt.
It’s important to note that the printable recipe card below has variations to this recipe – sometimes I’ll use oats + rice or turkey instead of chicken. The recipe card will show you different options to find what your pup likes the best.
Ziwi Peak is our “kibble” of choice. Made in New Zealand with the highest quality, free-range meat – hence the price. However, when you add a small portion to this homemade it’s extremely cost-effective. This air-dried meat contains organ meat as well as other vital minerals making it a standalone dog food that meets daily requirements as it is.
You do not have to mix with raw air-dried “kibble”. For a solid, vet-approved well-balanced diet mix in calcium citrate supplemental powder, bone powder/organ powder to fill ancestral nutrition gaps (or homemade organic bone broth)- this is my favorite, well-trusted, non-gmo, organic brand of bone, organ, and colostrum powders https://amzn.to/3gdRHyI
And the snacks:
It is difficult to say that a specific meal plan works for all dogs – like humans, it does not work that way. What works for my pup, may not for others. Its also important, if you embark on the journey of kibble alternatives, to pay close attention to their behavior, energy, and outside waste. You can learn a lot from this process and find the best solution quickly by monitoring them.
Always remember: “The only thing we can’t protect them from is time, so hike and hug often”
DRIFTWOOD cORNER
A FEW NOTES:
Frozen fruit and veggies work well year-round. These vegetables and fruits are flash-frozen within days of being harvested – preventing the nutrient loss that occurs over time. Some fruits, especially, lose their health benefits rapidly.
Frozen Chicken will not fit in the 3 qt, so if you are using an ice block of meat, you’ll need to use a 6 or 8qt Instant Pot. It is also a good idea, if possible, to make a double batch when you are using the bigger pot. The cook time stays the same. Just double the ingredients – except the water – add 2 cups of water for each additional batch (not 4). Freeze the additional batch.
I have found that using frozen components makes the process even easier. I recommend storing all of the open bags of fruits and veggies in one large freezer bag so that the next time you can just grab all of those ingredients without having to fish through a freezer. This is also beneficial in keeping track of how much you have left for the dog, as well as separating it from your own family’s food.
Make a double batch (at the same time) and freeze in individual mason jars – I use the 8 oz or 4 oz jelly jars from Ball. I take them out 2 nights ahead of time to defrost slowly in the fridge.
Hand mixer: Using a hand mixer to whip up all the cooked ingredients is a game-changer. Within a minute, the chicken breasts are shredded beautifully (see pictures below). Blend until you get the consistency your dog will love best.
As for Bailey, we mix it up a little extra to hide the peas and green beans.
What green beans?!
This is because someone is not a fan of green vegetables and would never touch food that has them in it; hence why I try to pulverize beyond recognition. Every so often a pea will slip through the cracks, and ONLY with this new recipe, does she still scarf up the whole bowl around it.
Don’t forget to follow Bailey on Facebook Instagram
Have an Instant Pot? I’ve put together 35 of my go-to quick & easy dinners, that have been used for 6 years now, into an eBook. These are tried and true ones that wont let you down. Click here for more info: https://driftwoodcorner.net/product/album-2/
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Instant Pot Dog Food
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20+ minutes
- Yield: Makes approx. 16 cups
- Category: dog food
- Method: Instant Pot
Description
Homemade dog food in your Instant Pot! Super simple recipe utilizing frozen or fresh meat. Makes approx. 10-16 cups depending on the ingredient quantities you choose below.
Ingredients
1.5–3lbs fresh or frozen boneless chicken -ground or breasts (try with beef, turkey or lamb variations)
5 cups of water (increases dogs hydration/water consumption without compromising protein/nutrient content %) – If you have homemade bone broth, without seasonings, sub 1-2 cups water with the stock!
1–1.5 cups (with 3lb meat, 1.5–2 cups of rice depending on dogs activity level) uncooked long grain rice, organic oats, or a mix of both. (white rice is easiest to digest. Oats and brown rice take more digestion- not ideal if your pup is sick or has food sensitivities).
1.5 cups green beans (we only use the organic frozen OR 1 cup green beans + 1/2 cup carrots (not baby carrots, as they are blanched in bleach water to preserve)
1/2 cup frozen peas, zucchini, kale or spinach
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) canned pumpkin, squash, or sweet potatoes
1/4 cup blueberries OR 1/8c Blueberries + 1/8 cup cranberries (cranberries help with kidney function- every other batch I add cranberries to)
Optional, not necessary: 1/8 cup plain applesauce or 1/2 medium apple, cored (no sugar, no sugar alternatives)
Instructions
- Place meat in the pot with water
- Add the rest of the ingredients with rice/oats being last. Do not mix
- Make sure the sealing ring is properly placed inside the lid. Close the Instant Pot and turn the vent to sealing
- Set IP to Manual (High Pressure) for 15 minutes (fresh meat) or 23 minutes (frozen).
- Allow a full Natural Pressure Release.
- Using a hand mixer, blend the contents together (this will shred the chicken at the same time)
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 10 days. You can also make a double batch and freeze half. See blog notes. Defrost in the fridge.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen fruits and veggies. Organic + Non-GMO will ensure that no herbicides/pesticides/glyphosates/gmo corn/soy are in the fruits/meats – most dog allergies to chicken are because of the chicken feed and pesticides. Non-organic fruits can be rinsed in distilled vinegar: water to remove pesticides (1:10 ratio)
I store in individual containers- add hot water to warm it up before serving (should be no more than lukewarm). Or a 1-gallon ziplock bag and scoop out a serving into a bowl, mixing with hot water until no more than lukewarm.
Morning: Homemade exclusively. + 1 krill supplement w/glucosamine Evening: Homemade mixed with 1/2 cup air-dried raw “kibble“, a tablespoon of probiotic yogurt, ester-c powder, and 1/2 krill supplement (without glucosamine)
You do not have to mix with raw air-dried “kibble”. For a solid, vet-approved, well-balanced diet mix in a quality bone powder/organ powder to fill ancestral nutrition gaps (or homemade organic bone broth). This is my favorite, well-trusted, non-gmo, organic brand of bone, organ, and colostrum powders (not just for humans) https://amzn.to/3gdRHyI
1 thought on “Instant Pot Dog Food”
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I have 3 dogs. Between 2 of them, they are allergic to 57 different things, including white potatoes, corn, carrots, turkey, lamb, duck, soy, dairy and basically everything found in commercial dogfood. The vet had us feeding them a mixture of boiled ground beef and white rice with Purina One True Instinct kibble. Your recipe could be a game changer! They love blueberries, pumpkin and apples and greem beans my 3rd, non- allergic dogs dislikes all of the above, but loves chicken and other meat, so who knows? Thank you! This will be my next batch of dog food!
★★★★★
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