Jump to Recipe

This Homemade Beef and Potato Cottage Pie Dog Food recipe is sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission. All opinions are my own.

We love our pups, our fur babies, our best friends! So with all that love, it makes sense to feed them with healthy food, so they can live longer and be stronger.

That's why homemade dog food recipes are ideal, and this easy DIY beef "cottage pie" dog food recipe is a great place to start.

Cottage Pie Pet Food in a Bowl

I know this is not the usual recipe post, but it is indeed a recipe that is just geared for a furry four legged loved one.

My pup is not exactly a little thing anymore, she's more of a medium-sized dog with the appetite of a rottweiler! She would eat all day if she could, but to her dismay, that's not happening.

She also still tries to sit on my lap as if she were still a wee little puppy, and acts as if she's a sassy cat. Either way, she's happily spoiled and brings lots of joy to our family!

Bijou enjoying the sun

Her name is Bijou, and she definitely lives up to the meaning of her name, jewel. We adopted her a couple of years ago and love her to the moon and back!

So you have a pup! The first thing to do is get them potty trained, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered if you aren't planning on creating a mini overrun colony of more pups to feed and train.

Why Make Your Own Pet Food?

With the crazy supply and demand chain being all over the place, it's not only nice to know that when in a pinch, you can still give your pup a great bowl of healthy kibble, but you'll also know what's going into her food. Your pup will be happy, healthy, and yes, very grateful!

Ingredients for Cottage Pie Homemade Dog Food

One of the ingredients that are easily found and ideal for making your own homemade dog food happens to be a personal favorite of mine, Idaho Potatoes.

Idaho Potatoes on a white table

Not only are they perfect for your dinner table, but your sweet pup can also enjoy their own in this recipe inspired by a family favorite, cottage pie, sometimes referred to as shepherd's pie.

When making your own dog food, it's important to note that your "best friend" should not have any added spices or seasonings, so skip the salt and pepper and stick to the basic flavors.

Stack of Cottage Pie Patties Pet Food

To find out more about Idaho Potatoes and discover loads of great recipes for both your family and your pet, visit them at www.idahopotato.com!

Bowl of homemade pet food
Dog Bijou enjoying dinner in her food bowl

Other Idaho Potato Recipes to Try:

  • How to Make Baked Cod and Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
  • Kid-Friendly: Easy to Make Loaded Potato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • Vegetable Potato Nuggets Kid-Friendly Snack Recipe

How to Make Cottage Pie Dog Food:

Ingredients

  • 2 large russet Idaho Potatoes, cleaned, peeled, and diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup green peas, shelled
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. In a large pot of boiling water, add the diced potatoes and bring them to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 8 - 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender when tested with a knife or fork. Drain, and mash until the texture of mashed potatoes, add a little water if needed to make the desired consistency. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and brown ground beef. Add in the carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the carrots are tender. Finally, add the green peas into the beef mixture and cook an additional 3 - 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. If needed, drain any fat from the mixture.
  3. Combine the meat mixture with the mashed potatoes, along with the shredded cheese. Mix until well incorporated. If the mixture is too dry to hold together, you can add about 1/4 cup of water to bring it together.
  4. Use about 1 cup of mixture and form into a hamburger shaped patty. You should have about 6 patties. Wrap each patty in plastic wrap, and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to feed your pup. When ready, simply crumble the mixture into their serving bowl and let them enjoy!

Notes

You can increase the amount to double the recipe and freeze half of the patties in the freezer, pulling them out the night before use to defrost.

I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a gallon-sized freezer bag, or you can use quart-sized freezer bags to pull out a couple at a time.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 397 Total Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 8g Cholesterol: 87mg Sodium: 222mg Carbohydrates: 25g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 3g Protein: 28g