Making Your Own Dog Food

• 150g (5oz) carrots, finely diced
• 125g (4 oz) fresh or frozen peas
• 500g (1 lb) fresh minced turkey or chicken
• 75g (3 oz) fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs, made with wheat and gluten free bread (preferably)
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 15g (1/2 oz) parsley, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and shelled


• Parsley to garnish


• Makes 8-10 portions


• Preparation time: 25 minutes


• Cooking time: 1 hour

• Steam the carrots and peas until just tender and set aside to cool. Mix the minced turkey with the bread crumbs, tomato puree, parsley and beaten eggs until well combined. Stir in carrots and peas.
• Roll the mixture into a ball and divide in half. Place half of the mixture in the base of a greased 1kg (2 lb) loaf tin, pressing firmly down into the corners. Make a slight dip along the centre.
• Place the boiled eggs in a row down the centre of the tin on top of mixture. Place the remaining mixture on top and press firmly around the sides and on top to comjpletely cover the eggs.
• Cover with foil and bake on the middle shelf of a preheated oven, 180C (350F), Gas Mark 4 for 1 hour. Turn out on to a plate and leave to cool. Cut into slices, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.


• Store leftover slices in the refrigerator or freeze portions for future use.

• Carrots are a great source of Vitamin C benefiting your dog’s vision, heart, skin and lungs. They are also rich in beta-carotene which helps protect against cancer.


• are an excellent source of protein, amino acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. Can help to absorb calcium and phosphorus.


• Tomato puree has antioxidant properties that are known to protect against cancer. Also a source of vitamin A and C. Don’t feed raw tomatoes, skins or stalks.

Mutt-Balls

Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven 180C (350F), Gas Mark 4 for 15-20 mins until golden brown. Remove balls from the oven and leave to cool.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Alternatively, place in resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 weeks until required.

Gourmutt Gravy

Place left over chicken/lamb bones in a large stock pot, add a few vegetables and cover with water, simmer for 45 mins-1 hour.

Important: do not add salt. Discard bones. Blend stock (including veg) to make gravy. Freeze in portions and use as required.

Don’t use gravy granules as these are high in salt.

Serve with a couple of muttballs.

Top with a dash of gourmutt gravy and a sprig of parsley (good for fresh breath)

So as you can see home cooked dog food doesn’t have to be complex or time intensive. Pupcakes by Stephanie Mehanna, features 35 tasty and healthy recipes, including 'Magic Muttballs', 'Christmas Doggerations', 'Apple and Cinnamon Lollipups' and 'Pupp-eroni Pizza', all of which feature 'Tips and Tails' boxes listing variations, fascinating facts and the benefits of the recipe.

There are also ideas for dogs with allergies or on special diets. From training tidbits to puppy presents, or if you simply want to treat your pooch for fleas or bad breath, you will find the perfect pupcake for every occasion!