A look inside my weekly dog food meal prep—and the whole foods and supplements I've added to Buster's bowl.
A month ago, Buster was struggling to get up.
If you've followed our adventures for any length of time, you probably know Buster. He's my 10-year-old black Lab/Blue Heeler mix, my traveling companion, my camping buddy, and the four-legged sidekick who has been beside me through more miles and seasons of life than I can count.
Watching him struggle broke my heart.
There were days when getting up was difficult. His mobility had declined, and I could see that my boy simply wasn't moving like himself anymore. He was unable to get up stairs, jump in and out of the car, and just had troubles getting up from the floor.
After a trip to the vet, I discovered he had severe arthritis in his spine. In my opinion the vet visit wasn't very thorough and I have some assuptions that he has some hip and joint issues as well.
Fast forward one month...
Buster is running around like a little puppy again.
Praise God! 🙌🏼😭💕
Now, let me be very clear: I am not claiming that food “cured” Buster or that what I feed him is a magic recipe for every dog but I know God put food and herbs on this earth for us to heal our bodies.
After Buster received veterinary care, I immediately took him off kibble and started this food regimen. I also took him in and had 2 chiropractic visits for the severe arthritis in his spine and neck. He had 2 spots in his spine that needed adjusting. The second visit was just to ensure the adjustments stayed, which they did so the chiropractor said he didn't need to return.
I know my remedies may not be a cure all, but I also believe that what we put into our bodies using ingredients God put on this earth for us to heal matters—and I believe the same is true for our animals.
After sharing videos of Buster and his progress, I have had so many people ask me:
“What do you feed him?”
So today, I'm finally taking you into my kitchen and showing you exactly how I meal prep Buster's food for the week.
Why I Started Making Buster's Food
My approach to Buster's food is very similar to the approach I've taken with my own health over the years.
I want to know what is going into his body.
Whole foods.
Real ingredients.
Foods I can actually recognize.
Not to mention the added benefit of saving money. I used to get fresh dog food and the prepackaged meals, which I still noticed health issues increasing with those and I was spending almost $500 a month on his food! Then when I started traveling full time, I switched to kibble and thats when his health went down. My food budget for Buster is pennies compared to what I spent on food and supplements before!
I started looking at his bowl and asking myself the same kinds of questions I've asked about my own food:
What nutrients am I giving his body to work with?
Buster is a senior dog. He has arthritis. He has dealt with dry, itchy skin. He has lumps and bumps (fatty lipomas) that tend to come with age. And after watching his mobility decline, I wanted to be more intentional about supporting his body through the food I was giving him.
This is the routine I've developed for my dog, based on his needs and what he tolerates well.
A Quick Note Before We Get Into Buster's Bowl
And just because I have to say this to avoid any reporcussions from indusstries who try to keep us from healing naturally, this post is simply me sharing what I personally feed Buster.
"It is not intended to be a nutritionally complete recipe formulated for every dog, and it is not veterinary advice. A dog's nutritional needs can vary based on weight, age, breed, activity level, medications, and health conditions.
If you want to feed a completely homemade diet long-term, I encourage you to talk with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist about your dog's individual nutritional needs."
I will say the supplements should be dosed according to your dog's weight, health history, and the directions on the specific product you're using so be sure to follow the labels on the supplement packaging.
Please don't copy Buster's supplement amounts blindly. Use the label directions for your dog's weight and talk with your veterinarian when appropriate.
Now let's get into Buster's bowl! 🐾
What I Meal Prep for Buster Each Week
Once a week, I prep the base of Buster's food.
I keep his vegetable mixture and protein separate in the refrigerator and build his bowl fresh at each meal.
Here's what I typically use for approximately one week of Buster's food.
The Vegetable & Whole-Food Mix
1 Shredded Zucchini
Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that contains water, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. It's great for digestion, filled with antioxidants, good for weight loss, immunity, bones, hydration, eyes, heart...it's so good for humans and doggies!
I love adding vegetables with naturally high water content to Buster's meals, especially since fresh food already gives me another opportunity to add moisture to his diet.
4 Medium Sweet Potatoes
I dice the sweet potatoes, toss them with a little melted coconut oil, and roast them in the oven.
Buster is apparently a food critic because he does not like his sweet potatoes mashed into his food. 😂
If he did, I would probably just boil them.
Instead, I roast them until they're tender but not completely mushy and add them to his meals.
Sweet potatoes provide fiber and are a source of beta-carotene, which the body can convert to vitamin A. They also contain potassium and several B vitamins. They're rich in nutrients, supports eye health, boosts immune system, aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, supports heart health, enhances energy, supports bone health and healthy skin and muich more.
1 Bag Shredded Carrots
Carrots contain fiber and beta-carotene and add a little natural sweetness to the vegetable mixture. They support eye health, boosts immunity, improves digestion, promotes healthy skin and heart, rich in antioxidants, supports bone health and helps maintain blood sugar. Food heals!
I buy a 2 pound bag and shred them with my food processor. You can buy preshredded stuff at the store but they usually have icky preservatives to keep them fresh so I do the extra work.
1 Bunch Fresh Parsley
I run an entire bunch of parsley through my food processor.
Parsley contains vitamins and plant compounds and is an easy fresh herb to mix throughout Buster's vegetable blend. It's rich in nutrients, boosts immunity, improves digestion, anti-inflammatory, filled with antioxidants, freshens breath, and it helps detoxify the body...helping getting rid of all the toxic ingredients from the kibble out of the liver.
5 Pieces of Raw Turmeric Root
I shred fresh turmeric root directly into the vegetable mixture.
Turmeric contains curcumin and other plant compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant and inflammatory pathways. It also supports heart health, enhances brain function, relieves joint pain, boosts immunity, aids digestion, promotes healthy skin, may prevent cancer and also improves mood and cognition.
Because Buster deals with arthritis and joint stiffness, turmeric is one of the whole-food ingredients I personally choose to include in his diet. I also put a few shakes of black pepper in his meals to ensure the turmeric gets absorbed into the body fully.
3 Apples
I use the whole apple including the cores and seeds and shred the apples in my food processor. There are tremendous anti cancer benefits to eating the seeds. It also aids in balancing cholesterol, boosts immunity, adverting asthma, aids in diabetes, helps wieght loss, prevents cataracts, hydrates skin, and aids in hair growth.
Apples provide fiber and naturally occurring plant compounds.
1 Package Spinach or 1 Bunch Fresh Kale
I rotate between spinach and kale depending on what looks best when I'm shopping.
Leafy greens provide fiber and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Great for vitamins A, K, C, calcium and iron. Improves digestion & gut health, supports heart health, strengthens bones, boosts immunity and eye health, reduces inflammation, supports brain function, improves blood sugar, promotes healthy skin.
If you have a weed hanging around your yard (that’s not sprayed with pesticides) call lambs quarter, it’s even more packed with vitamins A & C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, maganese, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. Plus protein, fiber, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, lutein and cartenoids. So good for you!
I shred them finely so they're mixed throughout Buster's food instead of leaving him giant pieces of kale to dramatically spit onto the floor.
Because yes...he would. 😂
2 Beets
I shred two whole beets in my food processor.
Beets contain fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, and naturally occurring pigments called betalains. Beets improve heart health, boosts energy & stamina, supports detoxification of liver, fights inflammation, enhances digestion, high in fiber, and it even speeds up recovery…the antioxidants fight inflammation and muscle soreness.
And yes, beets will turn your entire food processor pink unless you have a glass bowl for your food processor like I do.
You've been warned. 😂
Baked Eggshell Powder
Buster gets a raw farm egg with his meals, but I save the shells.
Throughout the week, I place the shells in a container. On meal prep day, I spread them on a baking pan and bake them until they're completely dry and crunchy.
Then I blend the shells into a very fine powder using my food processor.
I mix the eggshell powder throughout Buster's vegetable mixture.
Eggshells are primarily calcium carbonate, which is why some homemade dog food recipes use carefully measured eggshell powder as a calcium source.
Calcium is one area where more is not automatically better. The calcium-to-phosphorus balance of a homemade diet matters, so I don't recommend guessing at eggshell amounts for your own dog. I find that the egg shells from 7 eggs when I make a weekly batch is not going to be overpowering the maximum daily intake.
Buster's Protein
For Buster's protein, I usually rotate between:
- 2 pounds of ground turkey
- 4 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
If I use chicken, I boil it plain and run it through my food processor after cooking.
No onion. No garlic. No seasoning.
Once the shredded meat has cooled completely, I place it in a separate gallon-size storage bag for the week.
Turkey and chicken provide animal protein and essential amino acids that the body uses for muscle and tissue maintenance.
For a senior dog, preserving healthy muscle is especially important to me because those muscles help support his aging joints and mobility.
Sardines
Buster gets one sardine in each meal.
Sardines are one of my favorite foods to add to his bowl because they naturally provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re low in mercury, high in omega 3, vitamins D & E, calcium, selenium, CoQ10, and a good source of minerals.
I choose plain sardines packed in water without added seasonings whenever possible.
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are especially interesting to me because of their roles in normal inflammatory processes, skin and coat health, and overall cellular function.
Bone Broth
I add approximately ½ cup of bone broth to Buster's bowl.
The benefits of bone broth are amazing! It improves amino acid imbalances, supports stronger immune system, helps weight loss, improves digestion, aids in reducing stress, supports bones & teeth, improves skin elasticity, improves sleep, reduces inflammation in resperatory system, provides collagen to repair skin; tissues; and joints; gently detoxes heavy metals, battles insomnia, relieves cold & flu, neutralizes stomach acid, and increases energy.
It makes his meal nice and soupy, which he loves, and adds additional fluid to his food.
If you're buying bone broth for your dog, read the ingredients carefully. Many broths made for humans contain onion, garlic, and large amounts of sodium.
I use a dog-safe broth or a plain homemade broth made without ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
Raw Farm Eggs
Buster gets one raw farm egg with the shell removed in each meal.
Eggs provide quality protein, fat, choline, good cholesterol, DHA, ARA, calcium, magnesuim, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, vitamins B6, B12, A, D, E & K, thiamin, ioron, zinc, folate and several vitamins and trace minerals.
I personally use farm-fresh eggs and add the raw egg directly to his bowl.
Frozen Blueberries
I add approximately ¼ cup of frozen blueberries to each meal.
Blueberries contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and naturally occurring plant compounds called anthocyanins. They also boost brain function, supports heart health, filled with antioxidants, promotes good skin, aids digestion, rich in essential nutrients, strengthens immunity, and supports eye health.
Anthocyanins are the pigments responsible for that beautiful blue-purple color.
Buster also thinks frozen blueberries are treats, so that's a win. 😂
Banana
Buster gets ½ of a banana, diced, in his meal.
Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. It’s rich in potassium, supports energy levels, aids in muscle function, boosts heart health, improves digestion and even enhances mood.
They also contain natural sugars, so portion size is something to keep in mind—especially for smaller dogs or dogs who need to watch their weight.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I also add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to Buster's food.
Apple cider vinegar is one of those ingredients that gets a lot of attention in the natural wellness world.
I use it as part of Buster's personal whole-food routine, but I don't consider it a treatment or cure for a medical condition. The chiropractor I took Buster to suggests for both people and our furry friends with arthritis to take 1 tablespoon of ACV per day.
Because vinegar is acidic and may not agree with every dog's digestive system, this is another ingredient I would introduce cautiously rather than assuming every dog needs it. Just start small.
The Supplements I Add to Buster's Food
This is probably the section I get the most questions about.
Again, please dose supplements according to your dog's actual weight and the directions on the product you're using.
Buster's serving is for Buster.
Super Snouts Joint Power Green-Lipped Mussel Powder
I add Super Snouts Joint Power to Buster's food according to the serving I'm using for his joints.
The container lasts me approximately two months.
The only ingredient in the Joint Power powder I use is green-lipped mussel, which naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans—compounds associated with cartilage and joint tissues.
With Buster's severe arthritis and previous mobility struggles, joint support is obviously a major focus for me.
And if you've watched him running around lately...
You understand why people keep asking me what I'm feeding this dog. 😂🐾
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
I specifically wanted a quality omega-3 support in Buster's routine because of his joints, skin, coat, and age.
I use the weight-based serving for Buster and recommend following the current directions on your own bottle rather than copying another dog's amount.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder
I add a half teaspoon of turkey tail mushroom powder to Buster's food.
Turkey tail, or Trametes versicolor, contains naturally occurring polysaccharides, including compounds that have been studied for their effects on immune function.
There has even been veterinary research involving compounds derived from turkey tail mushrooms in dogs with certain cancers. That does not mean turkey tail is a cancer cure but if God put it on this earth, it was for a reason…to heal us.
I include it as part of Buster's personal wellness routine because immune support is something I think about with an aging dog.
The exact product matters to me, and I prefer products that clearly identify the mushroom species and provide transparent sourcing and testing information. Make sure you get a quality one that doesn’t have any fillers, just the turkeytail mushroom extract.
Optional Foods You Can Add
There are a few other whole foods I've considered adding to Buster's mixture.
Quinoa
Cooked plain quinoa can provide additional protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals.
Ground Flaxseed
Flaxseed provides fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds provide fiber, plant-based omega-3s, and some protein.
Broccoli
Plain broccoli can add fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and other plant nutrients.
I haven't consistently added quinoa, flax, or chia seeds to Buster's current recipe yet, but they're foods I've researched and considered.
How I Meal Prep Buster's Food for the Week
Now for the actual process!
This is what you see me doing in the video.
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
I dice four medium sweet potatoes and toss them with a small amount of melted coconut oil.
Then I roast them until they're cooked but still have some texture.
Again, Buster does not appreciate mashed sweet potatoes.
His complaints have been formally documented. 😂
Step 2: Shred the Vegetables
Using my food processor, I shred:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Parsley
- Apples
- Zucchini
- Kale or spinach
- Fresh turmeric root
- powdered baked eggshells
Then I mix everything together really well.
I store the vegetable mixture in a gallon-size bag in the refrigerator for the week.
Step 3: Prepare the Protein
I cook either my ground turkey or plain chicken breasts.
If I'm using chicken, I boil the breasts and shred them in my food processor.
I let the meat cool completely before placing it in a separate gallon-size bag in the refrigerator.
The Glass-Bowl Food Processor I Use
I know someone's going to ask what food processor I'm using in the video. 😂
I specifically chose a food processor with a glass bowl.
Over the years, I've become much more intentional about reducing plastic in my kitchen—especially when food is warm or hot.
One thing I love about my glass-bowl food processor is that I can also blend roasted vegetables to make warm soups without putting hot food into a plastic container.
If you're interested in some of the other changes I've made in my home, you can read my post of The Non-Toxic Swaps I've Made Over the Years.
I definitely didn't replace everything in my home overnight.
My journey has been one swap at a time.
How I Build Buster's Bowl at Each Meal
When it's time to feed Buster, I build his bowl fresh.
I add:
- ½ cup vegetable mixture
- ½ cup shredded chicken or ground turkey
- 1 sardine
- ½ cup bone broth
- 1 raw farm egg
- ½ banana, diced
- ¼ cup frozen blueberries
- ½ tsp Apple cider vinegar
- Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil — weight-based serving
- Turkey tail mushroom powder — according to the product and Buster's routine
- Super Snouts Joint Power — weight-based serving
Then I mix everything together...
And serve it to the world's most spoiled traveling dog. 😂🐾
Is Buster's Progress Only Because of His Food?
I want to be honest here.
I don't know.
And I don't want to make a claim that I can't prove.
Buster has received chiropractic care.
We've made changes to how he gets in and out of vehicles.
I'm more conscious of his movement and activity.
I've added targeted joint support.
And I've become incredibly intentional about what goes into his bowl.
What I can tell you is what I've witnessed with my own eyes.
A month ago, my boy was struggling to get up.
Today, I watch him run around and play like a puppy.
And every time I see it, my heart just about bursts.
The other day, I took him to a friend’s cabin at the lake. You should have seen him barreling down the stairs to go swimming. I haven’t seen him run that fast down steps in years!
Praise God.
I truly believe God created our bodies—and the bodies of the animals He entrusted to us—with incredible complexity.
Food contains protein.
Fats.
Vitamins.
Minerals.
Fiber.
Plant compounds.
All these little building blocks the body uses every single day.
For me, feeding Buster this way is simply one way I can be intentional about caring for the animal God has trusted me with.
“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.”
— Psalm 104:14
Buster has traveled thousands of miles with me.
He's slept beside my tent.
Sat next to countless campfires.
Waited patiently while I photographed sunsets.
Followed me through some of the hardest and most beautiful seasons of my life.
He's taken care of me in more ways than he'll ever understand.
So if spending one day a week shredding beets, baking eggshells, and turning my kitchen into a dog-food assembly line gives me more healthy adventures with my boy...
I'll happily do it. 💕🐾
See Exactly How I Make Buster's Food:
Watch the video below to see my entire weekly meal-prep process.
And if you have questions about something I add to Buster's bowl, leave me a comment!
Because based on the number of messages I've received...
A lot of us are trying to help our old babies feel young again. 💕🐾
✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey
Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures
Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.
Medical Disclaimer
This post shares my personal experience and what I feed my own dog. It is not veterinary or animal nutrition advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Homemade diets can be deficient or excessive in essential nutrients when they are not professionally formulated. Talk with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist about your dog's individual needs, particularly before replacing a complete and balanced diet or adding supplements.
My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.
About Sharla
Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only share tools, resources, and products I’ve personally used, researched, or believe genuinely support healing.