If you’re anything like me, giving your dog the absolute best feels non-negotiable. I spend so much time making sure *my* meals are clean and nourishing, so why should my pup be any different? That’s where this super simple, whole-food recipe comes in. Seriously, making homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated or require a million gadgets. This recipe for Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food is my go-to when I want to guarantee a quality meal using just a few easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll get such peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going into that bowl!
Why This Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food Recipe Works for Wellness
When I started looking into alternatives to kibble, I realized that simple, recognizable ingredients offer the most support for my dog’s overall wellness. This Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food hits all the right notes without any complicated additives. It’s the kind of quality I look for in my own meals, scaled down for my furry best friend. Trust me, seeing them thrive on something you prepared yourself? That’s real joy.
Here is why these three core components are powerhouse additions to your dog’s rotation:
- Venison provides incredible, lean fuel.
- Brown rice offers slow-releasing energy.
- Peas pack a punch of vitamins and fiber.
If you want to dive deeper into general best practices for homemade pet nutrition, I always recommend checking out these dog food tips. It helps you build confidence when you start preparing meals like this one!
Lean Protein Source in Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
Venison is my top choice when I’m whipping up a batch of this recipe. It’s super lean, which is fantastic for keeping weight in check, but more importantly, it’s often much easier on sensitive tummies. If your pup ever gets itchy or has skin flare-ups, switching to a novel protein like venison can make a huge difference. It’s premium fuel without the common allergens found in standard proteins.
Digestible Carbohydrates and Fiber
We want sustained energy for our busy dogs, right? White rice digests too fast sometimes. That’s why we stick to brown rice here. The complex carbohydrates release energy slowly, keeping them satisfied but not sluggish. And peas? They’re not just filler! They add essential fiber for healthy digestion and throw in some beneficial vitamins for good measure. If you want to see how grains and veggies partner up nicely, check out this awesome lamb, brown rice, and carrots recipe!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
Okay, grabbing the supplies is the easiest part! I always lay everything out on the counter first—it helps me keep track since I try to make a few days’ worth at a time. Remember, clarity on the ingredients is crucial when you are cooking for your pet. We need that lean venison, heart-healthy brown rice, and those little green powerhouses: the peas.
For a batch that lasts about seven days, here’s exactly what you need to pull together. If you’re making your first batch, stick precisely to the amounts listed here!
Meat and Grains Required
This section is the hearty core of the meal. Make sure you grab the ground venison—we want that lean cut for minimal added fat.
- Venison, ground: 1 lb (Make sure it’s the lean cut!)
- Brown rice, uncooked: 1 cup
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (Remember to thaw these first!)
Water and Oil Components
These are simple additions, but they are important for properly cooking the rice and getting a beautiful saute base. I swear by using olive oil here; it’s just a cleaner fat source for the pan.
- Water: 2 cups (Used specifically for cooking the rice)
- Olive oil: 1 tsp
It’s helpful to check out a few different whole-food dog recipes, like this salmon and brown rice option, to see how different proteins pair with the grains. But for now, let’s get that rice cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
This is where the magic happens! Honestly, the whole process for this Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food takes about an hour total, and most of that is just waiting for things to simmer. If you’re making this massive batch, you might find it helpful to check out guides on making dog food in bulk so you have good storage containers ready to go. Let’s walk through it together, step by step, so we don’t miss a beat!
Cooking the Base Grains
First things first, we need to tackle that brown rice. Grab your large pot and cook the brown rice according to the directions on the package, using exactly 2 cups of water. You want that rice perfectly tender, so once it’s done—meaning all the water is absorbed—just set it off to the side. We aren’t adding it yet, but it needs to be ready when we are!
Preparing the Venison
Now for the skillet! Heat up that teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. I always use a skillet instead of just boiling the meat because browning it first locks in so much more flavor for your dog (and honestly, better flavor means better enjoyment, even if they often eat too fast to notice!). Add your pound of ground venison and use your spoon—or a potato masher if you have one handy—to break it all up into fine bits as it cooks. Once the venison is completely browned through, you *must* drain off any excess fat. We want lean protein here, not heavy grease!
Combining and Finishing the Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
This is the fun merging stage! Take that cooked rice you set aside and stir it directly into the skillet with your browned venison. Next, toss in your thawed frozen peas. Mix everything together really cheerfully until it looks uniform. Then, let it all cook together for about five more minutes, just long enough to make sure those peas get nice and warm. The absolute final step, and this is critical for safety, is removing it from the heat and letting it cool down—completely! You can’t ruin a perfect meal by serving it too hot, so patience here is key!
Tips for Success When Making Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
Making this Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food shouldn’t involve any mystery, but a couple of small pointers can really guarantee your results are top-notch every single time. First, let’s talk about the venison. Since you’re working with a leaner meat, it can dry out fast if you overcook it! Keep that heat at medium and pull it off the skillet right when it loses all the pink; it will finish cooking when you mix in the hot rice.
My other big non-negotiable tip is cooling. I know you’re excited to give your dog this delicious new, clean meal, but serving it too hot is a real risk. Even if it smells heavenly, make sure you spread it out on a baking sheet for a few minutes to cool down quickly before putting it into the airtight container. If you’re interested in making sure your homemade recipes are meeting all those important dietary guidelines, I always point people toward checking out vet-approved homemade dog food recipes advice just to stay informed!
When it comes to the peas, use frozen—don’t bother with fresh ones for this specific recipe. Frozen peas generally have a more consistent water content, which helps keep the overall moisture level of the final product exactly where we want it.
Storage and Reheating Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
Since this recipe makes a lovely batch that should last about a week, good storage is everything! The recipe notes say you can keep leftovers in an airtight container right in the refrigerator for up to seven days. That means less cooking time during your busy week, which I totally appreciate!
Now, if you made a huge batch and didn’t manage to finish it within the week, don’t sweat it. You can absolutely freeze this! I love using small, freezer-safe portions. If you’re looking for more ideas on making food ahead of time, check out these freezer-friendly homemade dog food recipes for other freezer hacks. Reheating is easy—just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it’s room temperature. Remember, we never want to serve it hot!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Dog Food
I always advocate for flexibility in the kitchen—even when it comes to Fido’s dinner! While my heart belongs to this Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food recipe because venison is so exceptionally lean and great for sensitivities, I know it can sometimes be tricky to source. If you can’t find good quality ground venison, don’t panic!
You can absolutely swap it out for another very lean ground meat like turkey or even lean ground beef (just make sure you drain that fat really well). Similarly, if you need a grain alternative to brown rice, you could use quinoa in a pinch, but always remember that brown rice offers that complex carbohydrate structure we are aiming for. If you are experimenting with substitutions, it’s always smart to check out how other recipes pair ingredients, like this great one featuring lamb, brown rice, and carrots for inspiration on swapping proteins!
The key is keeping the ratio balanced: you want a good amount of protein alongside the complex carbs and veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
I know when you start making your dog’s food yourself, you’re going to have questions—I certainly did! It’s all about being intentional and responsible, which is why I love diving into what readers are asking about this Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food. Addressing these little uncertainties helps us all feel more confident in providing clean, supportive habits for our pets!
Is this Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food recipe nutritionally complete?
That is such an important question, and I admire you for asking it! Think of this recipe as a fantastic, high-quality addition to their diet or a rotation meal. While it’s loaded with lean protein and good carbs, for long-term, every single-day feeding, you really should chat with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you ensure that every single necessary vitamin and mineral is covered, especially compared to something like a vet-approved turkey, rice, and spinach number. We always want to support their body, not just fill the bowl!
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this dog food?
You can, but I strongly recommend sticking to the brown rice if you can manage it. The main difference is the fiber content. Brown rice keeps that outer bran layer intact, which means more beneficial fiber for your dog’s digestive tract and slower energy release. White rice is less fibrous and digests much quicker. For sustained energy in this specific meal, brown rice is the clear winner!
Estimated Nutritional Data for Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food
Now, I’m all about real food, but I also like understanding the numbers, just like I track my own eating habits. These estimates are based purely on the ingredients used in this specific batch of Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food, so think of them as a good ballpark figure, not a strict guarantee. You’re looking at roughly 350 calories per serving, balanced nicely with about 30g of protein and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic, clean energy mix! If you’re ever comparing different homemade meals, looking at these top-tier healthy homemade dog food recipes can give you perspective on nutrient density.
Share Your Experience with This Recipe
Alright, my friend, now it’s your turn! You’ve made a beautiful, clean meal full of venison and wholesome grains. I am so excited to hear how your pup reacted to their Venison, Brown Rice & Peas Dog Food.
Seriously, I want to know everything! Did they gobble it down in thirty seconds flat? Did you notice a little extra pep (or maybe a better nap!) later that afternoon? Please take a minute to rate this recipe using the stars below (five is the best, obviously!) and leave a comment telling me all about it.
Also, if you decided to try a slight ingredient swap—maybe you used chicken instead of venison, or added a tiny bit of sweet potato—share your modification! Seeing how others adapt my simple recipes helps support the entire community. I try to pop over to the blog comments every day to chat with you all!
Happy cooking, and enjoy watching your dog feel amazing!
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.
Venison Brown Rice and Peas Dog Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the brown rice according to package directions using 2 cups of water. Set aside when finished.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground venison to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir the cooked brown rice and the thawed peas into the skillet with the cooked venison.
- Mix all ingredients together well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving to your dog.
