Venison & Zucchini Feast: The Caveman Diet Your CrossFit Buddy Won’t Shut Up About

A simple, allergy-friendly meal to fuel your dog’s adventures

Does your dog need more energy for long hikes but struggles with tummy troubles from common proteins like chicken or beef? You’re not alone. Many dogs miss out on fun because regular kibble leaves them tired, itchy, or sick.

This homemade venison and zucchini recipe is packed with lean protein and gentle vegetables. It avoids the most common allergens while giving your dog steady energy, strong muscles, and a shiny coat. Whether you’re raising a puppy, caring for a senior, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought food, this recipe can be adapted to fit.

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Quick Recipe

This meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and uses only a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground venison (lean, no seasoning)
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth, vegetable broth, or plain water
• Optional: a pinch of dried herbs such as oregano or thyme (skip if your dog has sensitivities)

🚫 Leave out onion, garlic, salt, and pepper — these are unsafe for dogs.

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground venison, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in the diced zucchini and let it soften for 4–5 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth or water and simmer for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid cooks off.
5. Allow the food to cool before serving. Portion according to your dog’s size using the table below.

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Feeding Guide

Getting the right amount matters for your dog’s health. Split the daily amount into two meals, morning and evening. Puppies generally need twice as much as adults their size, spread across three to four meals. Senior dogs often do better with slightly smaller portions.

Dog Weight	Daily Amount	Per Meal
10–20 lbs	½ – 1 cup	¼ – ½ cup
21–40 lbs	1 – 2 cups	½ – 1 cup
41–60 lbs	2 – 3 cups	1 – 1.5 cups
61–80 lbs	3 – 4 cups	1.5 – 2 cups
81–100 lbs	4 – 5 cups	2 – 2.5 cups
100+ lbs	5+ cups	2.5+ cups

Keep an eye on your dog’s body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, and when viewed from above, their waist should be visible. If your dog is gaining or losing too much weight, adjust portions accordingly.

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Cost and Calorie Breakdown

Homemade food doesn’t have to break the bank, and this recipe proves it. Venison is lean and protein-rich, while zucchini stretches the meal without adding unnecessary calories. Here’s an approximate breakdown per cup of the cooked recipe:

Dog Size (Weight)	Average Daily Portion	Calories (Approx.)	Protein (g)	Cost (USD)
10–20 lbs	½ – 1 cup	150 – 300	20 – 40	$2 – $4
21–40 lbs	1 – 2 cups	300 – 600	40 – 80	$4 – $8
41–60 lbs	2 – 3 cups	600 – 900	80 – 120	$8 – $12
61–80 lbs	3 – 4 cups	900 – 1200	120 – 160	$12 – $16
81–100 lbs	4 – 5 cups	1200 – 1500	160 – 200	$16 – $20
100+ lbs	5+ cups	1500+	200+	$20+

These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on your source of venison, the exact fat content of the meat, and whether you add extra vegetables or supplements. Still, this gives you a realistic idea of what it costs to feed dogs of different sizes with this recipe.

Compared to many premium commercial foods, the price per serving is competitive — especially considering the quality of protein and the absence of fillers. You’re paying for real nutrition, not marketing.

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Why This Recipe Works

Venison is a lean, high-quality protein that builds muscle without adding unnecessary fat. It’s also one of the less common meats used in commercial dog food, making it a good option for dogs with allergies to chicken or beef. Because it contains all the essential amino acids, venison supports muscle repair and immune health.

Zucchini, meanwhile, is light, easy to digest, and full of vitamins C and K along with potassium, which supports hydration and muscle recovery. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, so it helps dogs feel full without adding extra weight. Together, venison and zucchini form a balanced base that fuels energy, supports joint health, and keeps sensitive stomachs calm.

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Variations

This recipe can be adjusted depending on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health needs. For weight loss, replace half the venison with extra zucchini or green beans to reduce calories while keeping meals satisfying.

Puppies benefit from about 30% more venison to fuel their rapid growth and endless energy. Serving smaller, more frequent meals works better for their small stomachs. Adding a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt provides calcium for strong bones and probiotics for gut health.

Senior dogs often prefer softer textures. Cooking the zucchini until very tender and adding bone broth to the mix makes it easier to chew and also sneaks in extra hydration. A little sweet potato can add gentle carbohydrates for steady energy without sugar spikes.

If your dog has allergies, venison can be swapped for rabbit, duck, or turkey, and zucchini can be replaced with squash or sweet potato. For ultra-sensitive dogs, skip herbs and seasonings altogether and stick to the basics.

Picky eaters may respond better if the food is served warm, since heat releases more aroma. A spoonful of bone broth or a sprinkle of freeze-dried liver powder can also make the meal irresistible.

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Seasonal Swaps

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility throughout the year. In summer, fresh zucchini is abundant and inexpensive, making it the perfect base. In fall, venison season begins, and pairing fresh meat with late-season squash is both practical and nutritious.

During winter, when zucchini can be expensive, you can swap in butternut squash or sweet potato. Both provide similar nutrients and a slightly sweeter taste many dogs love. In spring, early squashes and fresh herbs can refresh the recipe. Frozen zucchini also works year-round — just thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.

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Batch Cooking Made Simple (Instant Pot Method)

If you want to save time, the Instant Pot is your best friend. You can cook several days’ worth of meals in one go, portion them out, and have healthy food ready for your dog without standing over the stove. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1 – Prep the ingredients
Dice your zucchinis into small cubes and measure out your venison. For a standard 6-quart Instant Pot, 2–3 pounds of venison and 4–5 zucchinis work well. Have your broth or water ready.

Step 2 – Sauté the meat
Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or coconut oil. Toss in the ground venison and break it up as it browns. This usually takes 5–7 minutes.

Step 3 – Add vegetables and liquid
Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced zucchini. Pour in about 1½ cups of broth or water. Give everything a quick stir.

Step 4 – Pressure cook
Cancel the “Sauté” function. Put on the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer is done, do a quick release.

Step 5 – Cool and portion
Open the lid carefully and give the mixture a stir. Let it cool until it’s safe to handle. Then portion the food into containers — one per meal makes life easiest.

Step 6 – Store smart
Keep what you’ll use in the next three days in the fridge. Freeze the rest in airtight containers or freezer bags, labeled with the date. Frozen portions last up to three months.

That’s it. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a week’s worth of dog meals ready to go. When it’s time to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat with a splash of water or broth.

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Time-Saving Weekly Routine

A little planning goes a long way. Here’s a simple routine many dog owners find helpful:

• Sunday: Cook a big batch of venison and zucchini using the Instant Pot method. Portion it into daily containers.
• Monday–Wednesday: Keep three days’ worth in the fridge for quick serving.
• Thursday–Saturday: Pull frozen portions from the freezer the night before and thaw in the fridge.
• Saturday evening: Check your freezer stash. If you’re running low, plan your next batch for Sunday.

This rhythm means you only cook once a week, your dog always has fresh meals, and you never scramble at the last minute.

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Transitioning Your Dog

Switching foods too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach. Start by mixing 25% of the new recipe with 75% of their current food for the first three days. Increase to half-and-half for days four through six, then move to 75% new food by the end of the first week. By day ten, most dogs can fully transition to the venison and zucchini meal without issues.

Watch for signs of digestive upset such as loose stools, vomiting, or loss of appetite. If these occur, slow the transition or consult your veterinarian.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other meats instead of venison?
Yes. If venison is hard to find or too expensive, you can substitute rabbit, duck, turkey, or lean beef. Always choose unseasoned, lean cuts, and avoid processed meats like sausage.

Is zucchini safe for all dogs?
For most dogs, zucchini is perfectly safe and easy to digest. If your dog has never had it before, start with small amounts to make sure it doesn’t cause gas or loose stools.

Do I need to add supplements to this recipe?
This recipe provides protein, fiber, and key vitamins, but it isn’t a complete diet by itself. For long-term feeding, many vets recommend adding a canine multivitamin, calcium (if bones aren’t included), and omega-3s from fish oil. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements.

How long can I store the food?
In the fridge, the recipe lasts up to three days. In the freezer, it keeps for up to three months. Always cool the food completely before storing, and thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight.

Can I feed this to my puppy?
Yes, but puppies need more calories and protein than adults. Increase the venison by about 30% and feed smaller, more frequent meals (three to four times per day). Ask your vet about calcium and DHA supplements to support growth.

Is this good for senior dogs?
Absolutely. Venison is lean and easy to digest, while zucchini is gentle on the stomach. For seniors with dental issues, cook the zucchini until very soft and add a little extra broth for moisture.

What if my dog is overweight?
You can reduce calories by replacing half the venison with zucchini or green beans. This keeps meals filling without overloading on protein or fat.

Can I serve it raw instead of cooked?
This recipe is designed to be cooked. Cooking helps break down zucchini for easier digestion and kills any bacteria in the meat. If you’re interested in raw feeding, consult your vet to ensure it’s balanced and safe.

What if my dog doesn’t like zucchini?
You can swap zucchini for other dog-safe vegetables like butternut squash, pumpkin, or green beans. Just avoid onions, garlic, and anything seasoned.

Final Note

Every dog is unique, and no single recipe suits them all. Always check with your veterinarian before making major diet changes, especially if your dog has allergies, medical conditions, or special nutritional needs. With a little preparation and the right adjustments, this venison and zucchini recipe can become a reliable, healthy staple that fuels your dog’s adventures year-round.