Medical Disclaimer
This recipe can be fed two ways:
- As a topper/treat with no supplements.
- As a complete & balanced diet when prepared with an AAFCO-compliant supplement mix.
Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has health issues, food sensitivities, or unique nutritional needs. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with medical conditions often require specialized diets.
Table of Contents
Why Dogs Deserve Fresh Food
Kibble is convenient, but it’s also processed, dry, and often full of mystery ingredients. Dogs thrive when they get real, fresh food alongside their regular balanced diet.
The Lamb & Kale Raw Power Bowl can be made in bulk, portioned, and frozen, so you always have fresh meals ready. With the right supplement mix, it can even serve as a complete and balanced raw diet.
Bulk Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 8 cups (roughly 8 meals for a 50‑lb dog)
Ingredients
Protein Base
- 4 cups ground lamb (raw, human-grade, fresh from fridge)
- 4 raw egg yolks
Veggie Power
- 8 cups fresh kale (stems removed, finely chopped)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
Healthy Fats
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil (room temperature)
- 4 teaspoons fish oil
Supplements (for AAFCO-complete option)
- 2 teaspoons ground eggshell powder (calcium source)
- 1 canine multivitamin/mineral premix formulated for AAFCO compliance (e.g., Balance IT Canine, Hilary’s Blend, or similar)
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (extra fiber and omega-3s)
⚠️ Without the supplement mix, this recipe is not complete and should only be used as a topper or treat.
Steps
Prep Work
- Wash kale thoroughly, remove stems, and chop finely.
- Shred carrots with a cheese grater.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb and egg yolks.
- Add kale and carrots.
- Mix in coconut oil, fish oil, and supplements if making the complete version.
- Stir until evenly combined.
Serving & Storage
- Portion into Souper Cubes, silicone trays, or airtight containers (1 cup per portion for a medium dog).
- Freeze immediately for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Profile (per 1 cup serving, complete version)
- Calories: ~285 kcal
- Protein: ~18 g
- Fat: ~20 g
- Carbs (from veggies): ~6 g
- Calcium/Phosphorus ratio: Balanced with supplement
- Vitamins/Minerals: Meets AAFCO minimums for adult maintenance when fed with premix
Feeding Table (Complete Diet Option)
Dog Size | Weight Range | Daily Amount | Calories | Cost per Day* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 5–25 lbs | ½–1½ cups | 140–425 kcal | $1.38–$4.13 |
Medium | 26–60 lbs | 1½–2¾ cups | 425–780 kcal | $4.13–$7.56 |
Large | 61–100 lbs | 2¾–4 cups | 780–1140 kcal | $7.56–$11.00 |
Extra-Large | 100+ lbs | 4+ cups | 1140+ kcal | $11.00+ |
*Cost estimate based on ~$2.75 per cup using average U.S. grocery prices for lamb, kale, and supplements.
Active dogs may need more food, while couch potatoes may need less. Always adjust portions based on body condition, not just weight.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High-quality protein: Lamb supports strong muscles and provides energy without common allergens like chicken or beef.
- Nutrient-rich greens: Kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and bone health.
- Healthy fats: Coconut oil and fish oil keep skin soft, coats shiny, and joints flexible.
- Raw advantage: Serving raw preserves natural enzymes that aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Batch-friendly: Preparing a large batch and freezing in portions saves time and ensures you always have meals ready.
- Complete option: With supplements, this recipe meets AAFCO standards for adult dogs.
- Nutrient release: Freezing breaks open plant cell walls, making veggie nutrients easier for dogs to absorb.
Seasonal Switches
One of the best parts about making your own raw meals is flexibility. Dogs benefit from variety, and rotating ingredients with the seasons keeps things fresh, affordable, and nutrient-dense.
- Spring: Add spinach, parsley, or fresh peas for extra antioxidants. Lamb is often plentiful in spring, making it cost-effective.
- Summer: Swap kale for lighter greens like romaine or collard greens. Add blueberries or zucchini for hydration and antioxidants.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin or butternut squash for fiber and beta-carotene. These also help with digestion as the weather cools.
- Winter: Add warming ingredients like sardines (rich in omega-3s) or extra coconut oil for energy. Root veggies like parsnips and beets can also be used in moderation.
Rotating ingredients seasonally not only keeps your dog interested but also helps cover a broader spectrum of nutrients naturally.
Storage Advice
Raw food must be handled with care to protect both dogs and humans.
Storage Method | Duration | Best For
- Refrigerator | 24 hours | Thawed portions ready to serve
- Freezer | 1 month | Complete pre-portioned meals
- Room temperature | 30 minutes | Serving time only
Freezing the entire mix is safe, practical, and even beneficial. Dogs don’t care if kale softens after thawing — in fact, freezing helps break down plant cell walls, making nutrients more bioavailable.
Always wash bowls, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw food. Use airtight containers or silicone trays, label with dates, and thaw in the fridge (never on the counter).
Transitioning Steps
Switching foods too quickly can upset a dog’s stomach. A gradual transition helps their digestive system adjust.
- Week 1: Mix 25% new food with 75% old food.
- Week 2: Increase to 50/50 mix.
- Week 3: Move to 75% new and 25% old.
- Week 4: Serve fully as a topper or complete meal.
Watch your dog’s stools and energy levels throughout the process. If soft stools or tummy troubles last more than a couple of days, slow down the transition.
FAQ: Raw Food & Safety
Q: Is raw food safe for dogs?
Yes, most healthy adult dogs tolerate raw meat well thanks to their strong stomach acid. Many owners notice improved digestion and energy after adding raw meals.
Q: What about bacteria like salmonella?
Raw food can carry bacteria. Dogs are usually resistant, but humans are not. That’s why strict hygiene is essential: wash hands, bowls, and prep areas thoroughly after every use.
Q: Is it safe if I have infants or toddlers in the house?
Extra care is needed. Babies and toddlers often touch or lick dog bowls, which can spread bacteria. To minimize risk:
- Feed dogs in a separate area away from children.
- Wash bowls immediately after meals.
- Disinfect feeding areas daily.
- Never let infants handle or mouth dog bowls.
Q: Can this recipe replace kibble completely?
Yes — but only if prepared with the AAFCO-compliant supplement mix. Without supplements, it should only be used as a topper or treat.
Q: Can puppies or seniors eat this?
This recipe is best for healthy adult dogs. Puppies and seniors have different nutritional needs and should only eat raw diets formulated specifically for them.
Shopping List Bonus (with Estimated Costs)
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for one bulk batch (8 cups total):
- Ground lamb (2 lbs) – $12.00 ($6.00/lb)
- Eggs (4 large yolks) – $1.50 (from a dozen at $4.50)
- Kale (1 large bunch, ~8 cups chopped) – $2.50
- Carrots (2 cups shredded, ~3 medium) – $1.00
- Coconut oil (4 tbsp) – $0.75 (from a $7 jar)
- Fish oil (4 tsp) – $1.50 (from a $20 bottle, ~80 servings)
- Eggshell powder (2 tsp) – $0.25 (DIY from saved shells or ~$8 for a jar)
- Multivitamin/mineral premix – $3.00 (varies by brand, ~30 servings per container)
- Ground flaxseed (1 tsp) – $0.10 (from a $6 bag)
Total Batch Cost: ~$22.60
Cost Per Cup: ~$2.75
Cost Per Day (50‑lb dog): ~$5.50
Prices vary by region and brand, but this gives a realistic ballpark. Buying in bulk (especially lamb and supplements) can lower costs further.
Final Thoughts
The Lamb & Kale Raw Power Bowl can be whatever you need it to be: a fun topper, a nutritious treat, or — with the right supplements — a complete and balanced raw diet that meets AAFCO standards.
Batch-prepping and freezing in portions makes it practical for everyday use. Dogs don’t mind softer veggies after thawing, and the nutrient boost from broken-down cell walls makes it even better for them.
With seasonal ingredient swaps and smart shopping, this recipe is not only healthy but also affordable. It’s a safe, cost-effective, and tail-wagging way to feed your best friend.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.