Homemade Kibble
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 2 large baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small cookie scoop (1 tsp capacity)
- Wire cooling rack
- Zip-top freezer bags
Ingredients
Main Dough
- 2 lbs ground chicken raw, lean
- 1.5 cups cooked sweet potato mashed, skin removed (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats not instant
- 0.5 cup plain canned pumpkin 100% pumpkin, not pie filling
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon fish oil or flaxseed oil for omega-3s — omit if unavailable
- 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth as needed to bring dough together
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- Cook and mash the sweet potatoes if you have not already. Pierce two medium sweet potatoes and microwave on high for 6–8 minutes until completely tender, or bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth. Measure out 1.5 cups and let cool slightly.
Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw ground chicken, mashed sweet potato, rolled oats, canned pumpkin, beaten eggs, and fish oil. Mix thoroughly with clean hands or a sturdy spatula until a uniform, moldable dough forms.
- If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add low-sodium chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it just comes together. It should hold its shape when squeezed but not be sticky or wet.
Portion the Nuggets
- Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 teaspoon capacity) or two spoons, portion the dough into small, uniform nuggets roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. Roll briefly between your palms to form a smooth ball.
- Place the nuggets at least 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. You will likely need to bake in two rounds depending on your oven size.
First Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the nuggets are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. They will still be somewhat soft at this stage — that is expected.
- Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 225°F (107°C).
Second Bake (Dehydration Stage)
- Return the nuggets to the oven at 225°F and bake for an additional 40–45 minutes, until the nuggets are thoroughly dried out, hard, and crunchy all the way through. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible to extend shelf life and replicate the texture of dry kibble.
- To test for doneness, break one nugget in half — the center should be dry and crumbly, not moist or gummy.
Cool and Freeze
- Transfer the finished nuggets to a wire cooling rack and cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Do not rush this step — any residual warmth will create condensation and icy clumping in the freezer.
- Divide the cooled nuggets into weekly portion amounts and pack into zip-top freezer bags, pressing out all excess air before sealing. Label with the date. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To serve: thaw one week's worth of nuggets in the refrigerator overnight. Serve directly from the fridge. Store thawed portions in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
Notes
⚠️ Always consult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a homemade diet, especially for puppies, seniors, pregnant dogs, or dogs with specific health conditions. A vet may recommend adding a canine multivitamin or calcium supplement to ensure full nutritional completeness.
🐾 Serving size: Adjust daily quantity based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. As a general guide, dogs eat approximately 2–3% of their body weight in food per day.
🔄 Protein swaps: Ground turkey, lean ground beef, or canned salmon (in water, no salt added) all work in place of chicken.
🥦 Dog-safe vegetable add-ins: Finely grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be folded in. NEVER use onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any allium vegetables — these are toxic to dogs.
📦 Storage: Freeze up to 3 months. Refrigerate thawed portions and use within 5–7 days. Do not leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 18kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 0.5gSodium: 8mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.2g