Venison Dog Food
This venison dog food recipe is a wholesome bowl that combines lean ground venison with nutrient-dense organ meat, oily fish and fresh vegetables. It’s designed to keep mealtime exciting and flavorful for your dog.
Venison is an excellent alternative protein, especially for dogs who may be sensitive to more common meats like beef or chicken. Paired with chicken livers, sardines, colorful vegetables and healthy fats, this homemade meal is both hearty and thoughtfully crafted.
This was a first taste of venison for our dogs as it was not available in Saint Lucia. They loved it and would have eaten a second bowl if served! We are going to be making this again! The venison was not as expensive as I had feared, but that might vary seasonally. Plus we are in the countryside where venison is more readily available.
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What’s In This Post
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs are naturally drawn to rich, meaty flavours — and this venison dog food recipe delivers exactly that.
- Deep, hearty taste: Venison has a bold, slightly sweet flavour that many dogs find irresistible.
- Savory organ boost: Chicken livers add an intense, meaty richness that enhances aroma and taste.
- Tender, juicy texture: The combination of sardines and olive oil keeps the meal moist and satisfying.
- Natural sweetness: Carrots and butternut squash add subtle sweetness that balances the savoury proteins.
- Fresh finishing touch: A cracked quail egg on top makes the meal feel extra special — like a gourmet treat.
Benefit of Venison for Dogs
Dogs can eat Venison and it is a highly nutritious protein source that offers several advantages:
- Lean & High in Protein
Venison is naturally lower in fat than many traditional red meats while still being rich in quality protein to support muscle maintenance and energy.
- Great for Sensitive Dogs
Because it’s less commonly used in commercial dog food, venison can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to more common proteins.
- Rich in Essential Nutrients
- Iron (supports healthy blood)
- Zinc (immune function)
- B vitamins (energy metabolism)
- Phosphorus (bone health)
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and get ready to cook! We served with quail eggs as I thought that they would pair well with game meat, as well as finding some in the supermarket! This is entirely optional and you could serve with some ground eggshells instead.
Ground Venison – A lean, high-quality novel protein rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Supports muscle maintenance, energy levels, and is often well tolerated by dogs with sensitivities.
Chicken Livers – A nutrient powerhouse packed with vitamin A, iron, and essential B vitamins. Helps support vision, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Sardines (Canned in Water) – An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. Also provides calcium and vitamin D.
Carrots – Naturally sweet and rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor). Supports eye health and provides gentle fiber for digestion.
Butternut Squash – High in fiber and antioxidants. A great source of vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and digestive health.
Shiitake Mushrooms – Contain beneficial compounds that may support immune health. Also provide B vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants.
Green Beans – Low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Great for digestive support and adding bulk without excess calories.
Ground Flaxseed – Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Supports skin health and promotes healthy digestion.
Turmeric (with Black Pepper) – A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. Black pepper enhances turmeric absorption for better effectiveness.
Fresh Ginger – Supports digestion and may help reduce inflammation. Adds a subtle freshness to the meal.
Olive Oil – A source of healthy monounsaturated fats that support skin, coat, and overall cellular health.
Quail Eggs (to serve) – Highly bioavailable protein with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Adds a nutrient-dense finishing touch.
How To Make Venison Dog Food
We cooked this in one pan on the stove. Next time we will try it in our slow cooker.
Cook the venison and liver in a pan.
Add the vegetables.
Stir in the sardines and seasonings.
Ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Venison – Cook the ground venison just until no pink remains. Overcooking can dry out this naturally lean meat and reduce moisture in the final dish.
- Finely Chop the Chicken Livers – Because liver is nutrient-dense, you want it evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Finely chopping or lightly blending helps prevent picky dogs from eating around it.
- Lightly Mash the Sardines – Mix sardines thoroughly into the warm meat mixture to distribute omega-3s evenly and enhance flavor throughout the batch.
- Add Water – for a wetter dog food, or a dog friendly stock during cooking.
- Add Functional Ingredients After Cooking – Stir in flaxseed, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and olive oil once the food has slightly cooled. This helps preserve beneficial compounds and healthy fats.
- Balance the Calcium – Because this recipe contains muscle meat and organ meat, make sure to add a calcium source (like finely ground eggshell powder) if feeding regularly.
Substitution Suggestions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Venison | Ground turkey, chicken, lamb, lean beef | Adjust cooking time for fattier meats; keep proportions the same |
| Chicken Livers | Beef liver, turkey liver, kidney | Use small amounts (1–2 oz per pound of meat) |
| Sardines (canned) | Mackerel, salmon, anchovies | Choose fish in water, low sodium |
| Carrots | Sweet potato, pumpkin, parsnips, butternut squash | Steam or chop for digestibility |
| Butternut Squash | Pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini | Provides fiber and natural sweetness |
| Shiitake Mushrooms | Cremini mushrooms, portobello | Avoid wild mushrooms — some are toxic to dogs |
| Green Beans | Peas, broccoli (steamed), zucchini | Keep portions moderate |
| Ground Flaxseed | Chia seeds, hemp seeds | Add after cooking for maximum nutrient retention |
| Turmeric + Black Pepper | Ginger alone (if turmeric unavailable) | Black pepper enhances absorption of turmeric |
| Olive Oil | Coconut oil, avocado oil | Healthy fat source for skin and coat |
| Quail Eggs | Chicken eggs, omit | Adjust based on overall protein in the recipe |
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Proper storage helps maintain freshness, nutritional value, and food safety.
Refrigerator Storage
- Allow the food to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep at or below 4°C (40°F).
Tip: Glass containers help reduce moisture buildup and odours.
Freezing Instructions
Homemade dog food freezes beautifully and is ideal for batch cooking.
- Portion into meal-sized containers before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe airtight containers or silicone molds.
- Label with the date and protein type.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
For convenience, you can freeze in:
- Individual daily portions
- Silicone muffin trays
- Flat freezer bags for stackable storage
Thawing & Serving
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Do not thaw at room temperature.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Never microwave quail eggs — add them fresh after warming.
If warming the food, heat gently and avoid overheating to preserve nutrients.
How Many Servings Does This Recipe Yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4–6 cups of finished food. Portion sizes can vary depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Check with your vet though:
- Small dogs (10–20 lbs): about ½–¾ cup per serving
- Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): about 1 cup per serving
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1½–2 cups per serving
More Homemade Dog Food Recipes
If you enjoy making food for your dogs, try these other recipes.
Turkey and Salmon Slow Cooker Dog Food
Nutritional Disclaimer
While this venison dog food recipe is made with whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, homemade diets should be carefully balanced if fed long-term.
Meat-heavy recipes require proper calcium-to-phosphorus balance and may benefit from additional:
- Calcium
- Iodine
- Vitamin E
- Trace minerals
For long-term exclusive feeding, consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog’s individual needs are met based on age, weight, activity level, and health history.
Homemade feeding can be incredibly rewarding — but balance is key.
Venison Dog Food
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1.5 oz chicken livers chopped
- 3 oz sardines in water
- 3 oz finely chopped carrots
- 3 oz finely chopped butternut squash
- 2 oz shiitake mushrooms, chopped
- 3 oz green beans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric with a pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely ground fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 small quail eggs, to serve optional
Instructions
- Cook the ground venison over a medium heat in the olive oil. Once cooked through, add the liver and cook.
- Add the carrots, squash, mushrooms, green beans, cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add the sardines and mash them into the mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add water for a more moist meal.
- Stir in the turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and flaxseed and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow to cool, serve with the quail egg (optional, or other calcium source)
Video
Notes
- Small dogs (10–20 lbs / 4.5–9 kg): ½ cup per day
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs / 9–23 kg): 1 cup per day
- Large dogs (50–80 lbs / 23–36 kg): 2 cups per day
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.