Beef Pumpkin & Peas For Dog – Easy Homemade Dog Food

Making homemade meals for your dog doesn’t need to be stressful or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a wholesome, filling, and tasty meal that your dog will love. This beef, pumpkin, and pea recipe is perfect for anyone looking to give their dog nutritious food without relying on fillers, preservatives, or mystery ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make in one pot, and ideal for batch cooking, so you can prepare meals for the whole week with minimal effort.

Using everyday items like ground beef, canned pumpkin, and peas, this recipe is gentle on most dogs’ stomachs. You don’t need any fancy or expensive ingredients, and cleanup is quick thanks to the one-pot method. While most dogs can enjoy this recipe, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian if your pup has special dietary requirements.

Beef, Pumpkin & Peas – Easy Homemade Dog Food

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean is ideal)
  
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
  
• 1 cup frozen peas
  
• 1 cup white rice (brown rice can be used if your dog tolerates it)
  
• 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium beef broth (avoid onion or garlic)
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil or 1 tsp fish oil (optional for healthy fats)
  
• 1 large carrot, finely diced (optional)
  
• Pinch of turmeric (optional)
  

Important: Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or seasoning blends.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This recipe is designed to be simple, balanced, and supportive of your dog’s health. Ground beef, pumpkin, and peas are easy to find, gentle on the stomach, and provide essential nutrients. Adding rice and optional fish or olive oil gives your dog energy and healthy fats.

Pumpkin adds fiber that supports digestion and keeps things regular, which can be especially helpful for dogs with sensitive tummies. You can also swap in different vegetables or grains based on what your dog likes or tolerates, always following guidance from your vet.

It’s also batch-friendly: you can cook a large quantity at once and store portions in the fridge or freezer, making mealtime convenient and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly – Running cold water over the rice until it’s clear helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming sticky.
   
2. Brown the beef – Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet (if using) and cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon until there’s no pink left. Drain any excess fat to keep the meal light.
   
3. Add water and rice – Pour in the rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups of water or low-sodium broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   
4. Mix in the vegetables – Stir in the pumpkin puree, peas, and diced carrot. Make sure the pumpkin is spread evenly throughout the mixture for a consistent flavor and texture.
   
5. Simmer and cover – Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 15–20 minutes if using white rice, or 35–40 minutes for brown rice, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
6. Add healthy fats – After removing the pot from heat and letting it cool slightly, stir in fish oil if you’re using it. This preserves the nutrients that can be lost with high heat.
   
7. Cool completely – Let the food reach room temperature before serving. This prevents burns and gives the food a better texture.
   
8. Portion carefully – When trying the recipe for the first time, serve a small portion to see how your dog reacts.
   

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to four days.
  
• Freezer: Portion into meal-sized containers or silicone molds and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until lukewarm. Avoid overheating or reheating multiple times, as this can degrade nutrients.
  
• Labeling: Mark containers with the date and use the oldest portions first to ensure freshness.
  

Why This is Good for You

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose:

• Beef: A high-quality source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, supporting muscle health and energy.
  
• Pumpkin: Packed with fiber and beta-carotene, which aid digestion and support overall gut health.
  
• Peas and carrots: Add vitamins, minerals, and a bit of texture without excess calories.
  
• Rice: Provides a simple, easily digestible carbohydrate source that binds the meal.
  
• Healthy fats: Olive or fish oil contributes to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
  

Homemade meals like this can form part of a balanced diet, but long-term feeding may require supplements to ensure your dog gets all necessary vitamins and minerals. Always discuss with your vet about adding a canine multivitamin or calcium if this becomes a primary diet.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Onion or garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and should never be included.
  
• Too much fat: Use lean beef and drain excess fat to prevent digestive upset.
  
• Overfeeding: Homemade meals can be calorie-dense. Adjust portions based on your dog’s weight and activity.
  
• Improper storage: Hot food sealed in containers can spoil faster; cool completely before storing.
  
• Skipping supplements: Feeding homemade food regularly without vet-approved supplements can lead to nutrient gaps.
  
• Pumpkin pie filling: Contains sugar and spices; only use plain pumpkin puree.
  

Variations You Can Try

• Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can be used if your dog prefers poultry. Cook thoroughly and drain excess fat.
  
• Grain options: Quinoa or oats work well as alternatives to rice. Adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
  
• Different veggies: Green beans, zucchini, or spinach can replace peas or carrots. Avoid corn if your dog is sensitive.
  
• Add calcium: A canine calcium supplement can support bone health if advised by your vet.
  
• Pumpkin alternatives: Butternut squash or sweet potato can be used for variety.
  

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?
Start with ½ to ¾ cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on age, activity level, and body condition. Your vet can help refine portions.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes. For an Instant Pot, sauté the beef first, then cook on high pressure for about 6 minutes with a natural release. For a slow cooker, brown the beef, then cook everything on low for 3–4 hours, adding peas in the last 30 minutes.

Is canned pumpkin safe every day?
Plain pumpkin is generally safe in moderation. Too much fiber can lead to loose stools. Limit to 1–2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight per meal unless your vet advises otherwise.

Do I need a supplement?
Occasional homemade meals don’t require supplements. For a primary homemade diet, consult your vet about canine multivitamins and calcium.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook and can be harder to digest. White rice is easier on sensitive stomachs.

What if my dog has allergies?
Swap proteins and carbs that your dog tolerates. Always check labels for hidden onion or garlic and consult your vet for guidance.

Can I add salt or seasoning?
No. Dogs do not need added salt, and many seasonings can be harmful. Keep it simple.

Wrapping Up of Beef Pumpkin & Peas For Dog

This beef, pumpkin, and peas recipe is simple, wholesome, and easy to make in batches. With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes of cooking time, you can provide meals that are nutritious, filler-free, and satisfying for your dog. It’s a reliable, flexible base recipe that can be adjusted to your dog’s preferences and dietary needs under your vet’s guidance, making mealtime easy, healthy, and stress-free.