10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (2024)

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Dogs are part of the family, and while you only want to feed your kids the very best foods, the same goes for our pups.

We’ve all read about the scary dog food recalls and some of the sketchy things that go into lower-grade dog foods. If you buy quality dog food, you’re fine. But it can be comforting to know exactly what is going into your dog’s food.That’s why some pup parents make their own dog food from scratch.

Making homemade dog food is also a good option for pups with chronic health issues, like diabetes or intestinal issues. It’s something to consider, too, if you have a dog who is overweight or older.

We bring our dog Toby to doggy daycare a few times a week, and the manager, a super sweet gal named Jen, feeds her two rescue pups homemade dog food every day. One of them was having major stomach issues, and a blander diet did wonders for her health. She’s like a new dog because of it.

Just a note: Before you make any big changes to your dog’s diet, always consult with their veterinarian. And keep an eye on your pup after feeding them the new food to see how they’re doing. Chances are they’ll be just fine, perhaps with even more pep in their step, but you just want to be sure.

To get you inspired, here are 10 easy and nutritious dog food recipes you can make at home right now.

1. Turkey & Veggie Dog Food Recipe

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (1)

Natural, human-grade ingredients like ground turkey, carrots, broccoli and zucchini make this a healthy homemade dog food recipe packed with good-for-you nutrients.

Get recipe at Skinny Ms.

2. DIY Dog Food

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (2)

Cheaper than store-bought dog food, this recipe from DamnDelicious combines ground turkey, brown rice and lots of veggies. It’s easier on your wallet and on your dog’s tummy.

Get recipe at DamnDelicious

3. Slow Cooker Dog Food

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (3)

Slow cookers make preparingmeals much easier, and dog food is no exception. All you have to do with this recipe is chop up ingredients, dump in the slow cooker and then stir to mash together. That’s it!

Get recipe at Life in Pearls and Sports Bras

4. Make-Ahead Doggie Stew

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (4)

Stews are hearty yet nutritiousdishes that fill you up, and Skinny Ms. has a version just for dogs that is packed with protein.

Get recipe at Skinny Ms.

5. Vegan Dog Food

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Here’s an interesting twist on homemade dog food. This completely vegan version has only four ingredients– quinoa, bananas, frozen peas and sweet potatoes– creating a simple, clean dish for dogs.

Get recipe at Veg Annie

6. Homemade Dog Food in the Instant Pot

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The instant pot speeds up cooking times by 2-10x and uses up to 70 percent less energy. If you have one, use it to make this nutritioushomemade dog food recipe. And if you don’t have one, consider purchasing one –you’ll get more use out of it than you’d ever imagine!

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (7)

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Get recipe at Traditional Cooking School by Gnowfglins

7. Crockpot Chicken Dog Food Recipe

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If you’ve never made homemade dog food before, this is a good place to start. It’s easy and super tasty for the furbabies.

Get recipe at Dogvills

8. Homemade Dog Beef Stew

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An easy one-pot recipe, this homemade dog beef stew is straightforward and simple to make and will provide your dog with lots of healthy nutrients.

Get recipe at Life at Cloverhill

9. DIY Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs

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Unfortunately, some dogs, especially older or overweight ones, develop diabetes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help with their health, like feed them this homemade dog food recipes developed especially for diabetic dogs.

Get recipe at My Untangled Life

10. Turkey and Rice Homemade Dog Food

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And finally, this no-frills recipe is hearty and healthy. The combination of chicken and rice is easy on their stomach, so if your dog isn’t feeling well, this is a good recipe to make.

Get recipe at All Recipes

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10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (15)

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.

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10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (2024)

FAQs

What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? ›

Good homemade food for healthy dogs includes all the vitamins, calcium, proteins and minerals your pet needs to stay healthy. You can add ground beef, chicken, lamb or venison, as well as vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

What homemade food is good for dogs everyday? ›

Here are seven different foods and meals that are safe for your dog to eat and tips on how to prepare them.
  • Chicken. Cooked chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. ...
  • Lean Ground Turkey. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Raw or Steamed Vegetables. ...
  • Fresh Fruits. ...
  • Boiled Potatoes. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Yogurt.
Sep 12, 2023

What should be the number 1 ingredient in dog food? ›

The best dog foods will always have meat as the top ingredient, and you should look for recipes that emphasize real animal proteins, rather than just meat meals. Because your dog's food should have more meat than any other ingredient, it's vital to choose a meat source that will benefit your dog's health.

What is the ratio of meat to rice in homemade dog food? ›

Bland diet recipe

The goal should be to maintain a ratio somewhere between 50:50 to 75:25 rice to protein.

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.

What three ingredients should not be in dog food? ›

Corn, wheat, and soy are cheap, commonly used fillers in many commercial dog foods. While they may provide some nutritional value, they are also some of the most common allergens in dogs. Many dogs have trouble digesting these ingredients, which can manifest as skin irritations and other health issues.

Is oatmeal or rice better for dogs? ›

Filling your dog's diet with too much human food may result in nutrient deficiencies. If you're considering oatmeal as an easily digestible option for a dog with an upset stomach, go for white or brown rice instead. “Those are much more tried-and-true and safe,” Watkins says.

Can I feed my dog chicken and rice every day? ›

Chicken and rice isn't meant to be given as an everyday dog food, nor is it suitable to be used in place of regular dog treats. It's simply a short-term bland diet option intended for a sick dog.

What is the best cooked meat for dogs? ›

Chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast are animal-based proteins, which help dogs grow strong. A few rules apply: Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked.

What can I mix in my Dogs food everyday? ›

7 Ways to Improve Your Dog's Kibble
  • Add digestive enzymes. ...
  • Top with a boost of freeze-dried raw dog food. ...
  • Add raw or lightly steamed veggies. ...
  • Add raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs. ...
  • Add oils for essential fatty acids. ...
  • Add goat's milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, or canned fish. ...
  • Feed raw, meaty parts of poultry.

What is the number one food you should never feed your dog? ›

Fatty foods

Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.

What is the best meat to put in homemade dog food? ›

Very lean ground beef or poultry- This is the main source of protein and has to be lean since dogs have a high amino acid requirement. Compared to ground beef, ground chicken and turkey are lower in protein, iron, and zinc, so you'll need to make up for it with extra beef liver.

Can I feed my dog rice and meat everyday? ›

Rice and chicken are a great combination for dogs, and they can be a part of a healthy diet if you feed them in moderation. If your dog is overweight, you should try to limit her carb intake, but if she's healthy she can eat a moderate amount of carbs and still be healthy.

What ingredients should be in homemade dog food? ›

Your pet needs protein (animal meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs), fat (from meat or oil) and carbohydrates (grains or vegetables). They also need calcium (from dairy or an ingredient such as egg shells), and essential fatty acids (from certain plant oils, egg yolks, oatmeal, and other foods).

What are the best fillers for homemade dog food? ›

FILLERS --- (Oats, Brown rice, Yams, Cooked potatoes, and Pasta.) These healthy fillers will keep the dog food together. RECIPE: Ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and peas. Add water, as necessary.

Do vets recommend homemade dog food? ›

“Homemade food is a great option for many pets, but we recommend that owners avoid general recipes from books and the Internet and instead consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist,” Larsen said.

What are the best vegetables to put in homemade dog food? ›

Veg-to-Bowl

With nine different vegetables for dogs (including potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, broccoli, peas, celery, and beets), all you have to do is add water, fresh protein, and oil, and the meal is complete.

References

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