Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (2024)

Published: Last Updated: by Marye 1151 words. | About 6 minutes to read this article.

20 minutes mins

Homemade dog food for dogs who've been put on low protein diets by their vet. ALWAYS check with your own vet before changing your dog's diet!!

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Homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs and those with medical issues aren't as difficult to make as I thought they would be. If you use my tips it doesn't even take that much time! Just a note - I am not a vet. This recipe was given to me by my vet to feed to my dog that has kidney failure. It is meant to be low protein. You should not feed this (or any new food) to your dog without talking to your vet first.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (1)

If you are following the Restless Chipotle Facebook page you already know that we had a serious issue with Cuddles, our pit bull (yes... Cuddles. If you have a pit you understand why that name, I'm sure).

We aren't sure how it happened but he got a bacterial infection and his kidneys began to shut down. He spent a week in doggie ICU -- refusing to eat.

When he got home he refused the special low-protein dog food and he just got thinner and thinner. It was time for some homemade dog food recipes!

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (2)

I finally started making a dog food gruel that he would eat and he began to make a comeback.

It was a long, hard road! When I took him in for his check up and talked to the vet she gave me a recipe that she approved of. You see, although we have always fed our dogs premium dog food the protein was way too high for Cuddles now.

My vet explained that even our older dogs who were healthy should have less protein than before. She said dog food recipes for Cuddles had to be under 20 grams of protein but under 10 was better.

This recipe has 6.9% protein and Cuddles loves it. In fact, our older dog does, too. He is playing and jumping around like a puppy.

The other two (yes, we have four -- 2 yorkies that moved in when my husband and I got married and my old dog which is a long haired chihuaha mix-up, and then Cuddles) like the food as well so I mix it in with their dog food.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (3)

Cuddles is a rescue dog - both of my dogs are.

We found him under our porch one day. When my son coaxed him out we saw that his chest and shoulders were basically shredded. He had been used as a bait dog -- thrown in with pit bulls being trained to fight.

I am horrified to say that there is a lot of that in my area. Anyway, my son had been wanting a pit bull and praying for one -- who am I to argue with God?

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (4)

We found him on a Saturday so of course there were no vets open. I wasn't sure if he wasn't going to need his leg amputated it was so bad.

Shreds of flesh and muscle infested with maggots. I had my husband and son hold him so I could clean the wounds with cotton swabs and a copious amount of peroxide.

I was nervous because here I was digging into this dog's wounds and he was a big dog with big teeth -- even if he was skinny.

That dog never even snapped at me. He looked it me with those big eyes and pushed at my hand with his nose. That was all. I

cleaned those wounds a couple times a day all weekend long and then to my vet.They kept him overnight, put him out, scrubbed a couple of pounds of mud and dried blood off of him, then fixed him up.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (5)

Tip

When you make homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs, and those with kidney failure, it's important to use the fattiest, cheapest ground beef you can find. You want more fat and less protein.

Totally the opposite of what I do when I'm making meatballs for us, for example.

I get a big chub pack and cook all of it up at once with the eggs that go in the recipe. Then I divide in in portions and freeze it. When I need another batch of food I thaw it and add the rest of the ingredients. So easy!

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (6)

The recipe calls for boiled eggs but I crack raw eggs into the nearly cooked ground beef and then cover the pan until everything is cooked and the yolks are cooked through. Then I chop them into the ground beef.

You May Need...

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Thanks so much for being a part of Restless Chipotle!

It's very important that you use a kitchen scale to make this and to serve it. It must be done by weight.

This is similar to the kitchen scale I use and it works really well.

Escali Glass Digital Kitchen Scaleis thin and accurate plus easy to clean. Just remember to put your dogs bowl on the scale and zero the scale out before measuring in the food.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (7)

Measure everything very accurately and be sure not to make any substitutions or changes. The food should be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within three or four days.

Also - get a good canine multivitamin like (another affiliate link) Pet MD Multivitamin plus Minerals.This is extremely important because your food will not be enriched like the commercial foods are.

Update

I am sad to update this to say that Cuddles succumbed to his kidney disease but he lasted longer than the vet thought he would. His kidneys were just very weak.

We miss him terribly but within a few months two more pitties were at our kitchen door, starved and abused. We just couldn't resist Toby and Bisous.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (8)

Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (9)

3.96 from 170 votes

Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs

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Homemade dog food for dogs who've been put on low protein diets by their vet. ALWAYS check with your own vet before changing your dog's diet!!

Course Homemade Pet Food

Cuisine American

Servings:1

Calories:

Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • ¼ pound ground beef, (do not use lean)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice, (no salt)
  • 1 hard cooked egg, , peeled and chopped
  • 3 slices white bread, , crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate, (blend a bottle of calcium carbonate in the blender until it's a powder then keep in a resealable plastic bag)

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Cook the beef until it is cooked through.

  • Stir in the remaining ingredients and mix it well.

  • Feed twice a day.

  • Be sure to give your dog a vitamin supplement.

Notes

Body Weight Feed per day:
5 pounds feed ¼ pound
10 pounds feed ½ pound
20 pounds feed 1 pound
40 pounds feed 1 ½ pounds
60 pounds feed 2 pounds
80 pounds feed 2 ½ pounds
100 pounds feed 3 pounds

You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Basic Kitchen Skills and Recipes

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them. She's been around the culinary block more than once, turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wit, she makes cooking feel like a piece of cake (which she can also teach you to bake perfectly). When she's not conjuring up delicious dishes, you might find her sharing laughs with her family, reading by the fire, or scribbling down her next big recipe idea. Marye believes that a good meal and a hearty laugh are the best parts of life. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Pat

    Can I add carrots I’m told they are very good for fur babies with kidney problems. Haven’t asked vet

    Reply

    • Marye

      You'll need to check with your vet but I'd think it would be ok.

      Reply

      • Lisa

        Can I substitute ground chicken for the ground beef?

      • Marye

        No. Chicken has too much protein.

  2. Nancy

    This recipe was originally published in the 1990's by Hill's Pet Food. I've used it several times on our dogs. Here's the printed recipe I have in my possession-
    Canine Restricted Protein Diet
    1/4 lb. ground beef (do not use lean round chuck), 2 cups cooked rice, 1 hard-boiled egg finely chopped, 3 slices white bread, crumbled, 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate, one balanced vitamin-mineral supplement.
    Cook beef in skillet stirring until lightly browned. Stir in remaining ingredients & mix well. This mixture is dry & you can add a little water(not milk). Keep covered in refrigerator. Yield 1 & 1/4 lbs.
    Protein-6.4% Fat-5% Carbs-21.0% Calories 740 Kcal/lb
    Feeding Guide 5lb-1/4 lb. 10 lb-1/2 lb. 20 lb.-1 lb. 40 lb.-1 1/2 lb. 60 lb.-2 lbs. 80 lbs.-2 1/2 lbs. 100 lbs. 3 lbs.

    I've always drained the beef in a strainer. When I go to the grocery store there's 3 types of beef-chuck, ground & sirloin. You want to use the middle one-ground. Chuck is too fatty & Sirloin doesn't have enough fat. Instead of calcium carbonate my vet told me to use the shell off of the hard boiled egg. Chop it up fine.

    Reply

  3. Paula Schiavitti

    This is the same diet my vet recommended I love that you have a double and triple recipe saved me time doing math! Is there a recipe for dog treats for this particular diet?

    Reply

    • Marye

      I don't have a recipe for treats. 🙁

      Reply

    • Marye

      I don't - but check with your vet.

      Reply

  4. Mia

    Hi! Would 1 pound be equivalent to whatever can fit into 2 - 8 ounce cups? Or do I need to weigh out 1 pound on a kitchen/food scale? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Marye

      you'll need to weight it out.

      Reply

  5. Beth Anne

    Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (14)
    Hi, Wondering about how many mg of the calcium carbonate. There are a lot of options! Thanks for the recipe! Giving it a try ASAP.

    Reply

    • Marye

      Check with your vet - it depends on the size of the dog.

      Reply

  6. Atonya

    Where do you get the calcium carbonate

    Reply

    • Marye

      Amazon, health food store, pretty much anywhere.

      Reply

  7. Michelle

    Thank you for the ideas. My senior is super picky and I am preparing meals for her but she won’t eat all that rice. If my ratio of rice is greater than the protein she won’t eat it. Any ideas to substitute rice?

    Reply

    • Marye

      I'm not sure. Rice is very low protein and low gluten... some sort of gluten free starch - but be sure it's ok for dogs. Ask your vet?

      Reply

    • Rachelle Hauzer

      Hi Michelle,
      I have a fur baby named Kodi, who is also a rescue 🐾. He is 14 years old (I’ve had him since he was a puppy) He was just diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. He will not eat the prescribed fog food so I have been desperate to find something I can make for him. The vet was not very helpful and the internet is very contradicting 🙁
      I want to thank you for your recipe! I am going to start him on it tonight!
      I was wondering if you would mind sharing how long Cuddles lived with his kidney disease before he passed? (I’m so sorry for you loss)
      I’m heart broken about Kodi’s diagnosis and want to do the best I can for him ♥️

      Reply

      • Marye

        about 2 years but we got him when he was older AND he had a terrible start in life. 🙂

  8. BEVERLY BARNEY

    I have an older dog just diagonsed withe the kidney failure. so I saw the you tube video for this one and then another you did with pumpkin. parsley apples vegs etc. so which one is better? why 2 of them? is this the original? i am confused to which to use

    Reply

    • Marye

      I didn't do a you tubevideo - that must be someone else.

      Reply

  9. kimri smith

    Thanks for the recipe, my Airedale loves it. A question though how do I make larger portions so I can refrigerate and also do you drain the ground beef after cooking?

    Reply

    • Marye

      Multiply the ingredients.

      Reply

  10. Annie

    I'm confused as to how this recipe is low protein diet because I understand that eggs and beef are high in protein. ????

    Reply

    • Marye

      Even on a low protein diet your dog needs some protein. This has a lot of rice and carbs to make it filling on the least amount of protein possible - at least that's what my vet says. Always consult your vet.

      Reply

  11. Sindy Scott

    Thanks for posting recipe do you have any more
    recipe I can use because my fur baby does not like the kidney failure dog food I got from the vet. The only way she will eat it if I mix it with some table food.

    Reply

    • Marye

      No I'm sorry, I don't.

      Reply

    • Penny Harveson

      I add water and to the prepared food. I let it soften a bit and she is more likely to take it. Failing that, I give her just some of the juice from a tin of tuna in spring water. Tinned fish has always been a favourite, I give her just enough to flavour the food, not to add extra protein.

      Reply

  12. Danny and Nancy Robinson

    My 10 year old pit has just been diagnosed with cistine stones and needs a low protein diet thank you so much! Can I ask why cuddles passed

    Reply

    • Marye

      The kidney failure eventually caused his kidneys to shut down despite all we did.

      Reply

  13. Jessica

    I'm read in a previous post that Cuddles passed away. I'm so sorry. Your family is wonderful for adopting him and giving him the amazing life he deserved. There's no doubt he is healthy and happy in heaven.

    Reply

    • Marye

      Thank you Jessica - we've since been adopted by 2 pitties that were skin and bones when they showed up. We miss Cuddles but we love Toby and Bisous.

      Reply

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Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Low Protein) (2024)

FAQs

What can I feed my dog for a low protein diet? ›

If your dog needs a low-protein kick, here are 10 top-rated options:
  • Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function.
  • Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food.
  • Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Dry Dog Food.
  • Purina NF KidNey Function Canned Dog Food.
Mar 10, 2024

What can I cook for my dog who has kidney problems? ›

  • 10 Homemade Recipes for Kidney Failure Dogs.
  • Chicken with Egg. ...
  • Chicken with Vegetables. ...
  • Green Tripe with Sticky.
  • Beef with Butternut.
  • Mackerel with Sticky Rice. ...
  • Pork with Yogurt. ...
  • Hamburger and Rice.

What meat is best for dogs with kidney disease? ›

(1) Fresh meat – preferably raw kangaroo meat, due to its high nutrient profile, and low fat content. It is free range /organic, and affordable. Try and get preservative free. Avoid chicken mince and beef mince if possible.

What can dogs with kidney disease eat naturally? ›

For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3's or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.

How to reduce protein levels in dogs? ›

To lower a dog's protein intake, choose dog food with lower protein percentages, ensuring overall nutritional needs are met. Incorporate carbohydrates and fats for balance, and transition gradually to the new diet under veterinary guidance.

Are eggs low protein for dogs? ›

Eggs are high in protein and other important nutrients, which makes them a great supplement to your dog's diet. With a balanced diet, additional cooked eggs during the week can provide nutritional value. They can even be good for your dog's digestive system and can help calm an upset stomach.

Is boiled chicken ok for dogs with kidney disease? ›

While protein is necessary for dogs, those with kidney disease require a diet with moderate or lower protein levels to reduce the kidney workload. Avoid feeding your dog high-protein sources like red meat and poultry.

Is white rice ok for dogs with kidney disease? ›

For example, diets for kidney disease must be lower in phosphorus. White rice, and especially the glutinous variety is extremely low in this mineral (and a great source of manganese) which allows some diets to include small amounts of other foods which would be impossible otherwise.

Is chicken broth good for dogs with kidney disease? ›

Nutrient Boost: Broth is a source of various essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These can provide a nutritional boost to CKD dogs, helping to address potential deficiencies caused by the condition.

What not to feed a dog with kidney failure? ›

However there are foods that may exacerbate symptoms which tend to contain high protein, high salt or high phosphorus levels; all of which are hard for damaged kidneys to tolerate. For this reason it's best for your dog to avoid foods such as red meat, jerky, pigs' ears, rawhide and bones.

Is pumpkin good for dogs with kidney disease? ›

Potentially high in sodium.

Some canned pumpkin brands with salt can have nearly 600 milligrams of sodium per cup, which is too much sodium for a dog with heart or kidney disease.

Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease? ›

For dogs with kidney failure, this protein should be fed in moderation and with care as the yolk has high amounts of phosphorus. Unless your vet tells you that an occasional egg is okay to feed your dog, it is best to avoid giving eggs to dogs with kidney disease, to be on the safe side.

What veggies can dogs with kidney disease eat? ›

Supplement your dog's vitamin intake with pet-safe fresh produce; carrots, green beans and broccoli are some of the best vegetables for dogs with kidney disease.

Is sweet potato good for dogs with kidney disease? ›

But, can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Sweet potatoes are a great treat for all dogs, even those living with kidney disease! Once we found our groove, there was no going back.

Can dogs with kidney disease eat peanut butter? ›

Some dogs with underlying health conditions should avoid eating peanuts altogether, including: Dogs with heart disease or kidney issues. Peanut butter usually contains a lot of sodium or salt, which may worsen your dog's heart and kidney problems.

What happens to dogs on a low protein diet? ›

Many foods are high in protein, but don't have the necessary amount of these critical amino acids your dog needs to thrive. The resulting deficiency can cause problems with skin, hormones, growth and soft tissue. It can even cause behavioral changes. So getting the proteins right is pretty important.

Is chicken OK for dogs with kidney disease? ›

Dogs with kidney disease should avoid eating processed meats, organ meats, nuts, beans, lentils, most dairy products, bread, and sardines. Chicken is safe for dogs with kidney disease. White rice is also safe for dogs with kidney disease.

Is peanut butter OK for dogs with kidney disease? ›

Can dogs with kidney disease have peanut butter? Lots of dog parents feed their pooches peanut butter and see no issue, but when it comes to dysfunctional kidneys, you'll definitely want to steer clear. Peanut butter contains harmful trans fats, which aren't nutritious at all and tough for a dog to digest.

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