Mini Shepherd’s Pie For Dogs
Shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish for humans, and now you can make a dog-friendly version for your furry friend! This mini shepherd’s pie for dogs is packed with wholesome ingredients and is easy to make. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potato, ground lamb and veggies, it’s a perfect blend of flavor and health. Topped with a cheesy, golden crust, this meat pie for dogs will have tails wagging in no time!
My dogs went crazy for these so I will have to make these again for a treat. This treat is not meant to replace your dog’s regular diet but can be a fun addition to their routine. These mini doggie shepherd’s pie can be served by themselves with some toppers for a tasty meal or part of their dinner.
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Can Dogs Eat Shepherd’s Pie
Traditional shepherd’s pie made for humans is not safe for dogs due to ingredients like onions, garlic, excessive salt, butter, and seasonings, which can be toxic or harmful to dogs.
We have swapped the high carb potato mash topping of a traditional shepherd’s pie with sweet potato and replaced the peas with broccoli to keep the carbs lower for a doggie version.
What Makes Doggie Friendly Shepherd’s Pie Safe?
In a dog-specific shepherd’s pie:
- No onions, garlic or harmful seasonings are included.
- Ingredients like ground lamb, sweet potato, broccoli and carrots are healthy for dogs in moderation.
- Small amounts of cheddar cheese are typically safe, but it should be avoided if your dog is lactose intolerant.
- Coconut oil and parsley are dog-friendly and add nutritional value.
Portion Size & Moderation
Even with a dog-friendly recipe, shepherd’s pie should be served as an occasional treat and not as a daily meal. Always consult with your vet if you’re introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, especially if they have specific dietary needs or health concerns.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients we use to make this doggie friendly shepherd’s pie. Feel free to change the vegetables to other dog friendly ones.
- Sweet Potato – Acts as a healthy base for the “mash,” offering a natural sweetness. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, it supports your dog’s vision, skin and digestion. We swap the traditional high carb potato with sweet potatoes for this dog friendly recipe.
- Lean Ground Lamb – A great source of high-quality protein and essential fats, lamb is both flavorful and easy to digest for most dogs. Ground beef can be substituted.
- Grated Carrot – Adds a touch of crunch and sweetness while delivering vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants.
- Finely Chopped Broccoli – A powerhouse of nutrients, broccoli provides vitamins C and K and fiber, supporting your dog’s immune system and digestion. Finely chopped green beans can be substituted.
- Cheddar Cheese – Adds a cheesy topping that most dogs love! It also contributes calcium and protein in small, dog-safe amounts. Can be omitted if your dog is lactose intolerant.
- Egg – Acts as a natural binder to the filling while adding protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins for a shiny coat and strong muscles.
- Parsley – Known for its fresh taste and breath-freshening properties, parsley is also a source of vitamins A, C and K.
- Coconut Oil – Provides healthy fats that support your dog’s skin, coat, and energy levels.
How To Make Shepherd’s Pie For Dogs
This is a recipe you can make ahead and bake when you are ready to give to your dog.
Cook the sweet potato.
Mash and add the Cheddar Cheese.
Cook the ground lamb.
Add the carrot and broccoli.
Add the egg and parsley.
Spoon into silicone muffin liners.
Top with the mashed sweet potato and baked.
Remove the mini pies from the silicone cases.
Serve to hungry faces!
Recipe Tips
Allow the pie to cool completely to prevent burns. Dogs have sensitive mouths and tongues!
If your dog has an egg allergy, you can use a small amount of mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Bake in a large pie dish and serve in adequate portions if you don’t want to make mini versions.
Storage
Keep the shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions to room temperature or slightly warm before serving. Ensure there are no hot spots that could burn your dog’s mouth.
Freezing
Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation, which can cause freezer burn.
Thaw portions in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently until room temperature before serving
Watch How We Make This
More Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Mini Shepherd’s Pie For Dogs
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Ingredients
Topping
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
Filling
- 1/2 lb lean ground lamb
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
Make the Topping
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes. Boil or steam the sweet potato cubes until soft (about 10-15 minutes).
- Mash the cooked sweet potato with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the Cheddar cheese and mix. Set aside.
Make the Filling
- Add the coconut oil to a medium skillet and cook the ground lamb until fully browned. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure it's evenly browned.
- Stir in the grated carrot and finely chopped broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the egg and parsley. Mix well.
Bake the Pies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with silicone muffin liners (or greased paper muffin liners)
- Spoon the lamb mixture into the muffin tin, pressing gently to pack it in.
- Add the sweet potato mash on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove the mini pies from the oven, and allow to cool. Remove the silicone muffin liners and serve.
- Serve one portion at a time, based on your dog’s size and dietary needs
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.