I’ve always believed in the power of fresh, whole foods, for myself and my animals. So when I brought home an energetic Border Collie pup named Scout, I wanted to feed him with the same intention. The idea of a “Farmer’s Diet” for him just made sense—utilizing wholesome, farm-fresh ingredients like lean meats, garden vegetables, and whole grains, prepared simply and nutritiously. It’s about getting back to the basics of what dogs thrive on: real food.
I started with ingredients I could source locally from my farmer’s market or butcher. The difference in Scout was palpable. His energy was sustained, his digestion was impeccable, and his coat took on a vibrant, healthy shine. It was clear that this simple, from-the-earth approach agreed with him completely. It felt good to know exactly where his food came and to support local producers in the process.
These five recipes are a tribute to that simple, farmer’s market philosophy. They are built on the pillars of rustic, wholesome cooking: high-quality protein, seasonal vegetables, and hearty grains. They are designed to be flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what’s fresh and available, just like a true farmer would.
Why Make Homemade Farmer’s Dog Food Special for Your Dog
A “Farmer’s Diet” for your dog is about embracing a farm-to-bowl ethos. It prioritizes whole, minimally processed ingredients that are often more nutrient-dense than their commercially rendered counterparts. You’re providing food in its most natural and bioavailable state, which can lead to improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and overall vitality.
This approach offers unparalleled transparency. You know the provenance of your ingredients—the farm where the eggs were laid, the butcher who provided the meat, the soil that grew the carrots. This control is invaluable for avoiding the fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality meat meals found in some commercial foods.
Furthermore, this style of cooking is inherently flexible and resourceful. It allows you to use seasonal produce, make use of leftover safe kitchen scraps (like carrot peels or zucchini ends), and adapt proteins based on what’s available, reducing waste and keeping meals interesting and nutritious for your dog.
1. Farmstead Chicken & Root Vegetable Bake
This hearty recipe is a complete farm-style meal. Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein for strong muscles. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They are also excellent sources of dietary fiber for digestive health. The olive oil adds a boost of healthy fats for skin and coat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (or 1.5 lbs boneless)
- 2 cups sweet potato, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup parsnips or turnips, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- A vet-recommended balanced vitamin/mineral supplement
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan or baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Airtight storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken thighs in a large roasting pan.
- Toss the sweet potato, carrots, and parsnips with 1 tbsp of olive oil and scatter them around the chicken.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from oven. Once cool enough to handle, remove the chicken from the bone, shred the meat, and discard the bones and skin.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, roasted vegetables, and chopped raw green beans for a fresh crunch.
- Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and any juices from the pan.
- Crucially, mix in a vet-recommended balanced supplement to ensure the meal is nutritionally complete.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The roasted flavor of this dish is deeply appealing to dogs. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
2. Hearty Beef & Garden Veggie Skillet
This one-pan meal is robust and satisfying. Lean ground beef is an excellent source of iron, zinc, and protein. The “garden mix” of peas, green beans, and pumpkin provides a wide spectrum of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The rolled oats add soluble fiber, which is gentle on the stomach and helps keep your dog feeling full.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rolled oats (or 1 cup dry, cooked per instructions)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- A vet-recommended balanced vitamin/mineral supplement
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for oats
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Drain off all excess fat.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the rolled oats according to package directions.
- Lightly steam the peas and green beans until bright green and tender-crisp.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained beef, cooked oats, steamed vegetables, and pumpkin puree.
- Drizzle with sunflower oil and stir to combine.
- Always add a vet-recommended balanced supplement and mix thoroughly.
- Let the mixture cool before serving.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. This is a dense, energy-rich meal perfect for working dogs or highly active pets.
3. Farm-Fresh Egg & Greens Scramble
This quick recipe celebrates the incredible egg. Eggs are a complete protein and a top source of biotin and other B-vitamins essential for skin and coat health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are powerhouses of vitamins A, C, and K. Cottage cheese adds protein and calcium for strong bones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-sodium)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- A vet-recommended balanced vitamin/mineral supplement
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, heat the oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs. Pour them into the skillet with the spinach.
- Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the scrambled egg mixture, cottage cheese, and cooked quinoa.
- This is critical: Add a vet-recommended balanced supplement and mix well.
- Serve at room temperature.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This is not ideal for freezing due to the scrambled egg texture. It’s a perfect, quick meal for using up fresh garden greens.
4. Rustic Turkey & Apple Harvest Bowl
This recipe has classic harvest flavors. Turkey is a lean, easily digestible protein. Apples provide vitamin C and fiber (ensure seeds are removed). Squash is rich in beta-carotene. Flaxseed is a fantastic plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and promote a shiny coat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed and roasted or steamed
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- A vet-recommended balanced vitamin/mineral supplement
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Baking sheet (if roasting squash)
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink. Drain any fat.
- Cook the butternut squash by roasting or steaming until soft.
- Allow the turkey and squash to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, squash, and chopped apple.
- Sprinkle the ground flaxseed over the mixture and drizzle with coconut oil.
- Always add a vet-recommended balanced supplement and mix thoroughly.
- Let cool before serving.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. The apples add a lovely sweetness that dogs enjoy.
5. Simple Poached Fish & Potato Potage
This gentle, stew-like dish is inspired by simple, coastal cooking. White fish like cod is a lean, novel protein source that’s great for dogs with allergies. Potatoes provide energy-boosting carbohydrates. The broth base ensures excellent hydration, and the fish oil delivers a direct dose of skin-supporting Omega-3s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock), skinless
- 4 cups low-sodium fish or vegetable broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 tbsp fish oil
- A vet-recommended balanced vitamin/mineral supplement including calcium
Equipment You’ll Need
- Stockpot
- Knife and cutting board
- Airtight storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a stockpot, bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes and carrots. Cook for 10 minutes until beginning to soften.
- Place the fish fillets into the simmering broth. Poach for 5-7 minutes, until the fish flakes easily.
- Remove the fish and break it into flakes, checking for any bones.
- Allow the potage (stew) to cool completely.
- Before serving, stir the flaked fish back in, along with the fish oil and the vet-recommended supplement.
- Serve as a hearty stew.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Refrigerate for up to 3 days due to the fish content. The broth makes this highly palatable and hydrating, especially for older dogs or picky eaters.
FAQ
1. What is The Farmer’s Dog food?
The Farmer’s Dog is a commercial service that delivers pre-portioned, fresh, human-grade dog food to your door. These recipes are inspired by that same philosophy of fresh, whole ingredients but are designed for you to make at home.
2. Is homemade food cheaper than The Farmer’s Dog?
Yes, typically. Making these recipes yourself can be more cost-effective than a subscription service, especially if you can buy ingredients in bulk or use seasonal produce. It requires more of your time but offers greater flexibility.
3. What is the best grain to put in homemade dog food?
Excellent whole grain options include rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley. These provide digestible carbohydrates and fiber. Always cook grains thoroughly to aid in digestion.
4. What vegetables can dogs not eat?
Always avoid onions, garlic, chives, leeks, and mushrooms. Also never feed grapes, raisins, or macadamia nuts.
5. Do I need to add supplements to homemade dog food?
Yes, this is non-negotiable. To ensure the diet is balanced and doesn’t lead to deficiencies over time, you must add a vitamin/mineral supplement formulated for dogs, as recommended by your veterinarian.
6. Can I use raw meat in farmer-style dog food?
You can, but it requires careful handling to avoid bacterial contamination for both you and your pet. If you choose a raw diet, it is essential to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure it is complete and balanced.
7. How long does homemade farmer’s dog food last?
Most cooked recipes will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers. They can be frozen for 2-3 months.
8. How much does it cost to make The Farmer’s Dog food at home?
The cost varies based on your ingredient sources but is generally comparable to high-end commercial fresh food and is often cheaper than subscription services when buying ingredients yourself.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a “Farmer’s Dog” approach to feeding Scout transformed mealtime from a routine task into a connected, purposeful practice. There’s a deep satisfaction that comes from crafting his meals from simple, wholesome ingredients I can see and name. His health, energy, and enjoyment are the greatest rewards.
It is absolutely essential to remember that these recipes are designed to be nutritionally complete only when a veterinarian-recommended supplement is added. Please consult your vet before beginning any homemade diet. They can help you determine correct portion sizes and recommend the right supplement to ensure your dog’s long-term health.
This journey back to basics is one of the most fulfilling choices you can make. It fosters a profound connection to your dog’s well-being and allows you to provide the kind of rustic, honest nourishment that every dog deserves. Here’s to healthy, happy dogs and the simple, wholesome food that fuels them.