Amazing 4-Ingredient Chicken, Quinoa Dog Food

Oh, keeping those big guys happy and healthy can feel like a huge job, right? They eat *so much* food! I remember trying to scale up regular recipes and just ending up with mountains of leftover stuff or realizing the proportions were totally off for my Great Dane. It’s exhausting trying to find balanced, wholesome meals that don’t have sneaky fillers. That’s why I got obsessed with creating simple, high-quality options that skip the common irritants like turkey. Trust me, this recipe for Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) is a game-changer. It’s straightforward, uses organic basics, and gives you the peace of mind that you’re fuelling your large breed pup right. If you’re looking for more ideas on feeding your giant companion, definitely check out these 10 homemade dog food recipes for large dogs firsthand. This scaled perfectly for my needs, and I know it will for yours too!

Why This Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) Works

When you’re feeding a giant breed, you need dense nutrition that doesn’t come loaded with fillers or weird additives. This combination hits that sweet spot, giving you quality ingredients known for supporting bone structure and maintaining energy for those long walks. It’s about giving them the best fuel possible without the guesswork or the drama.

We’re sticking to whole foods here because, honestly, my dog deserves the same clean fuel I try to give myself! Check out some other great ideas for wholesome recipes over at healthy homemade dog food recipes.

• Lean protein base that’s incredibly easy to digest.
• Wholesome grains that offer sustained energy, not just a quick sugar spike.
• Tons of micronutrients packed into simple veggies.

Protein for Big Muscles: The Role of Chicken

Lean ground chicken is just fantastic, especially for large dogs who are always building and maintaining serious muscle mass. It’s a straightforward source of high-quality protein without the high fat content you sometimes see in other meats. It keeps them strong for running around the yard, which is exactly what we want for our powerful pups!

Quinoa and Spinach: Fiber and Micronutrients in Your Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Don’t underestimate that spinach! It’s loaded with vitamins K and A. Then you have the quinoa, which is one of nature’s perfect pantry staples because it’s a complete protein and brings necessary fiber. For breeds who need consistent energy throughout the day, this combo keeps their systems running smoothly. It’s truly functional food!

Gathering Ingredients for Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Getting your ingredients ready is half the battle when you’re cooking for a big fur-baby. You want things clean and measured precisely because we’re aiming for perfect balance here, not just a tasty stew. Since we’re dealing with large dogs, I always recommend sourcing the highest quality stuff you can afford, especially the chicken and veggies. Buying organic just gives me extra peace of mind that I’m not sneaking anything funky into their bowls. I found a great resource for other vet-approved options if you ever want to branch out here, too.

Make sure you have everything on the counter before you even think about turning on the stove. This keeps the cooking process smooth and stops you from forgetting important components, especially the calcium boosters!

Clarifying Ingredient Measurements

Okay, let’s nail down exactly what you need for this batch, keeping in mind we are making this specifically for the keyword recipe. Grab these supplies:

• 1 lb lean ground chicken (We’re swapping beef/turkey for chicken since that’s what our recipe calls for!)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (Don’t skip this; it’s essential for the fiber and structure!)
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup crushed eggshells (Yes, really! This is our natural calcium source.)
• 1 tbsp fish oil (This is optional, but great for their coat.)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Don’t let the ingredient list scare you! We’re keeping this simple because we want to spend time petting our dogs, not hovering over the stove for hours waiting for 45 minutes of prep is honestly quick enough for a weekly batch. The key is getting your components ready sequentially. We start with the grain, then move to the meat, and then bring it all together. It’s really straightforward cooking, I promise! If you’re in a hurry later, you can always check out this 15-minute chicken quinoa dog meal recipe for a quicker fix, but this larger batch is worth the small extra wait.

Preparing the Quinoa Base

First things first, get that quinoa going. You need a nice, fluffy base for our big guys. Just follow the package instructions, but typically it’s one part quinoa to two parts water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat way down, and just let it simmer covered for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Once it’s done, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly. This step must happen first!

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Now grab that large pot. We’re going to heat up that tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat—it smells so good, right? Add your pound of ground chicken and cook it until it’s all nicely browned. Then, toss in your chopped carrots, green beans, and spinach. You just want to stir this around until those veggies start looking a little bit soft, not mushy! This part takes maybe 10 minutes, so we’re still way under that 30-minute cook window.

Combining and Finishing Your Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Once the veggies are softened, it’s time to mix! Gently stir in the pre-cooked quinoa and those crushed eggshells—that’s your calcium boost! Mix everything gently so you don’t smash the goodies. Immediately take the pot right off the heat. You must let this cool down completely before you even think about serving it, okay? Once it’s cool to the touch, drizzle on that tablespoon of fish oil, if you’re using it, give it one last stir, and boom—you’re done!

Tips for Success Making Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Since we are making this big batch, a couple of small tips will make sure your efforts last all week without any texture issues. If you find the mix seems a little too dry after cooling—which sometimes happens depending on how much water your quinoa soaked up—don’t panic! Just stir in a tablespoon or two of low-sodium chicken broth or just plain water until it has a nice, slightly moist consistency that’s easy to eat.

Also, scaling up is honestly how I manage feeding my big guy. Once cooled, divide this batch of Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) into individual, daily serving containers before freezing the rest. This saves you from having to thaw the entire batch at once. If you want more tips on batch cooking routines, you should check out this guide on weekly dog food prep. It’s a lifesaver when you’re busy!

Storage and Serving Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Since we are making a big, beautiful 4-serving batch of this Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), storage planning is key! You want to keep that fresh goodness safe, especially when feeding a large breed who eats a bit more daily. For the next few days, you can keep one portion sealed tight in the fridge; it should stay great for up to four days.

For the other three servings, I highly recommend freezing them right away. Pop the portions into freezer-safe containers. They freeze beautifully and will last for up to three months. It’s wonderful knowing you have healthy meals ready to go when you’re rushing out the door in the morning! To thaw, just move a container to the fridge the night before, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Looking for more make-ahead ideas? Take a peek at these freezer-friendly homemade dog food recipes crockpot might inspire you for your next batch!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Homemade Dog Food

Even though we focused on making this Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), I always hear questions about swapping things out. Don’t worry, this recipe is already nicely set up to meet that ‘Turkey-Free Canine Diet’ need, which is perfect if your pup has sensitivities!

Let’s talk about those slightly unusual additions. Those crushed eggshells? They aren’t just there for show; they are the critical, natural calcium boost we need to balance out the meat and grains, especially since we aren’t using commercial supplements. If you’re worried about sourcing or using them, check out these other recipes for skin allergies just in case you need alternative ideas.

And that splash of fish oil? It’s totally optional, but wow, the benefits for glossy coats and joint health are worth it for big dogs. If you skip it, just know you might want to add a tiny bit of flaxseed oil instead for those omega fatty acids your large dog needs.

Addressing Common Questions About This Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

When you start making your own meals, questions pop up constantly. I totally get it—you want everything to be just right for your big fella!

Is this Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) recipe nutritionally balanced?

This recipe is based on whole food principles and includes protein, veggies, and a grain, plus the added eggshell calcium. It’s a wonderful, clean meal! However, since every dog is different, especially large breeds with high needs, you should always run the finished ingredients past your vet, just to be sure you hit all their specific targets. For more recipes vetted by professionals, take a look over at vet-approved recipes for dogs.

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa in this homemade dog food?

You certainly can swap it, but quinoa is my preference here because it’s a complete protein source. If you use brown rice, just make sure you cook it well, and remember you might be losing a tiny bit of the nutritional punch that quinoa offers. It’s a close second choice, though!

How much of this food should my large dog eat daily?

That really depends on your dog’s exact weight, age, and activity level. Since this batch yields four servings, if you have a 75 lb dog, they might eat one serving a day. Always use your vet’s recommended daily caloric intake as your starting point and measure out one portion to see how your dog manages their weight!

Nutritional Estimate for Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Okay, I’m putting this out there with the huge caveat that this is just an *estimate*, since swapping in chicken and adding quinoa changes the exact makeup from the original beef/turkey specs! But based on the core components, here’s what you can roughly expect per serving. We’re aiming for something satisfying and dense for our big guys. Remember, I always double-check these specific numbers with my guide at everyday balanced dog food bowls just to be safe!

• Calories: Around 400 per serving
• Protein: Roughly 30g
• Fat: About 20g
• Carbohydrates: About 10g

Share Your Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) Experience

I really want to hear what you think! Once you whip up a batch of this Chicken, Quinoa & Spinach Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), please come back and leave me a rating. Did your big pup gobble it down? Seriously, send me photos of them enjoying their healthy meal!

Tag us on social media when you share the goodness! You can always find support and share your triumphs over at the Melt It Clean blog section if you need more inspiration after this great recipe.

About the Recipe Creator

When I was sorting out my own habits, I realized something important that totally applies to making food for our furry friends too: our bodies—and theirs—are already designed to thrive. They just need support, not a bunch of restrictive nonsense or mystery ingredients thrown at them. That’s why I built MeltItClean—it’s all about intentional, clean, nourishing daily habits that actually stick around, whether you’re talking about humans trying to feel energetic or a large dog needing solid, balanced meals.

My Journey to Clean Support

For years, I felt stuck chasing every diet fad out there. Juice cleanses, low-carb everything—I tried it all! But I always ended up tired and frustrated. I didn’t just want to lose a few pounds; I wanted real energy and clarity without having to sacrifice my joy or sanity. That realization—that my body already had the power, it just needed the right support—changed everything. This whole approach of clean, intentional nourishment is what I bring to everything I create, including recipes like this homemade dog food.

By EMILIA, Founder of MeltItClean.com

Hi, I’m EMILIA, the founder of MeltItClean.com – your digital space for natural weight loss, real wellness habits, and clean-living inspiration that actually fits your life.

For years, I struggled with the ups and downs of dieting. I tried everything — juice cleanses, low-carb crazes, fitness challenges — but I always ended up back where I started: tired, bloated, and frustrated. I didn’t just want to “lose weight” — I wanted energy, mental clarity, glowing skin, and confidence without sacrificing my joy or sanity.

After years of experimenting, learning, and unlearning, I discovered a simple truth: your body is already powerful — it just needs support, not restriction. That’s when I created Melt It Clean — a site dedicated to real transformation through clean, intentional, and nourishing daily habits that anyone can follow.

My goal was simple: build a place where people could feel informed, supported, and empowered without being overwhelmed by wellness fads.