6 Homemade Dog Food Recipes (2024)

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We humans don’t deserve all the fun. While we stress about how to make dinner interesting, our furry friends often get treated to the same ol’ meal, day in and day out. We can only imagine how boring that must be.

Why not actually treat them to something — as in, something homemade? These DIY dog food recipes are simple, cheap, and sure to make your pup love you…even more than they already do.

If you’re into formulas to make life easier (yes, please), most of the dog food recipes break down like this:

  • 50 percent cooked protein
  • 25 percent produce
  • 25 percent cooked complex carbs

Here are some general guidelines for how much chow you’ll need, depending on the weight of your dog. Keep in mind, you may need to cook more if your pooch is super active.

Dog weightFood per day
12 pounds1 cup
25 pounds2 cups
50 pounds4 cups
100 pounds8 cups

Before you dive into the doggie delicacies below, check in with your vet about what your four-legged friend really needs.

Each breed has different nutritional requirements to consider. Plus, many purebreds, like Frenchies and pugs, are known to be more prone to food allergies. Always work with a pup professional you trust.

It’s also a good idea to transition dogs slowly when introducing a new diet. Though they’ll beg you otherwise with those big, beautiful eyes, only give them a little new food at a time to prevent stomach upset.

Feed Your Best Friend Better is an amazing resource for those looking to mix it up in the kitchen and give their bestie all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they require. Hint: it’s a lot.

1. DIY homemade dog food

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While dogs and humans enjoy some of the same foods (peanut butter straight out of the jar, comes to mind), what we need to stay healthy and fit is different.

This recipe has a balance of 50 percent protein with ground turkey and peas, 25 percent veggies with spinach, carrots, and zucchini, and 25 percent grains with brown rice, but it can be easily adjusted for any dog’s nutritional needs.

Here’s the best part: Making this batch of food is cheaper than buying many popular all-natural store-bought varieties.

2. Healthy homemade dog food

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We talk a lot about food allergies… but dog food allergies? Yep, it’s a thing.

It could be super obvious, like smelly omg-what-did-you-eat farts or little piles of vomit on the floor. It could also be less obvious, like your doggo licking the area around their joints, a sign of inflammation.

If you suspect your dog has a sensitive stomach, call your vet to make an appointment and then try this recipe. This meal uses pumpkin purée, coconut oil, ground protein, grains, and a slew of colorful produce to create a feast that even finicky dogs can stomach.

It smells so darn good when it’s cooking, we’ve been tempted to eat it ourselves. (OK… we might’ve tried it.)

3. Homemade dog food

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Making homemade dog food may not be realistic to incorporate into your everyday routine, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend can’t benefit from a little DIY here and there.

In fact, this blogger only incorporates homemade meals about twice per week — better than never, right? The recipe includes many DIY dog food staples, like protein, grains, apples, and carrots.

This dish also throws in some blueberries, a known heart-healthy treat for humans, thanks to their rich polyphenol content.Rodriguez-Mateos A, et al. (2014). Berry (poly)phenols and cardiovascular health. DOI: 10.1021/jf403757g

Turns out, the protective effects of berries against free radical damage may have a similar impact on dogs with heart failure, though more research is needed.Sagols E, et al. (2010). Oxidative stress in dog with heart failure: The role of dietary fatty acids and antioxidants. DOI: 10.4061/2011/180206

4. Easy Crock Pot dog food

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When using a slow cooker, it’s important to use sturdy veggies that stand up to the heat and extra-long cook time.

This recipe sticks to the classics like brown rice, beans, ground beef, squash, carrots, and frozen peas. The dense ingredients ensure that the food freezes well, so you don’t always have to cook it from scratch (glory hallelujah).

5. DIY homemade dog food with chicken

If you think about a dog’s closest modern relative, the grey wolf,Pendelton AL, et al. (2017). Comparison of village dog and wolf genomes highlights the role of the neural crest in dog domestication. DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0535-2 it makes sense that a canine’s diet should incorporate at least some produce — perhaps a few greens in the belly of whatever omnivorous animal the wolf hunted down (sorry, little guy).

To that end, this recipe includes some of the other ingredients you’ve seen already, plus a few cups of spinach. Dogs don’t need much in each serving — a little greenery goes a long way.

Pro tip: You can also sub in ground turkey for this recipe.

6. Easy homemade dog food Crock Pot recipe with ground chicken

Chicken, kidney beans, butternut squash, and green beans served over a bed of white rice? Not only is this recipe super simple to make, this is basically a regular stay-at-home dinner for humans. Why not?

Chicken livers also work great in this recipe, though we understand if you are now less keen to take a bite. Make extra servings so you can store plenty of leftovers in the freezer.

If your dog seems less-than-enthusiastic about the nightly ritual of dried kibble — we all know that look — then why not put your cooking skills to good use? It’s just one of the many ways we can show appreciation for our best bud.

With a generous helping of protein, fresh produce, and hearty grains, these recipes will get that tail wagging again. Don’t be surprised when that bowl is licked clean.

Hilary I. Lebow is a health journalist with fitness and nutrition certifications through the Yoga Alliance and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). When she’s not working, you’ll find her playing on the beach with her two dogs or exploring around Miami, the beautiful city she calls home. Read more of her work here.

6 Homemade Dog Food Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are 6 common ingredients in dog food? ›

Dog Food Ingredients
  • Animal Derivatives. Meats are generally good sources of protein, essential fatty acids, iron and some B-group vitamins. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Dairy products and eggs. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Cereals and cereal by- products. ...
  • Fats and oils (animal and vegetable) ...
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements. ...
  • Sodium and chloride.
Oct 21, 2022

What should be the main ingredient in homemade dog food? ›

WHAT IS THE RATIO FOR HOMEMADE DOG FOOD? Dogs are obligate carnivores, so their diet should mainly consist of meats and protein. A good recommendation is 80% meat, 10% vegetable, and 10% Know Better Pet Food Premix.

What is the correct ratio for homemade dog food? ›

The general rule of thumb for a home-made diet for a healthy canine patient is 75% meat/15%vegetables/10% carbohydrate. Variety is the key to a healthy diet so be sure to vary your meat, carbohydrate and vegetable sources from time to time.

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.

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.

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 base for homemade dog food? ›

What are the essential ingredients for homemade dog food? In general, a nutritionally complete homemade dog food recipe should include: At least 10 percent protein, such as chicken, fish, turkey, or lean beef. Up to 50 percent carbs, like rice, pasta, and potatoes (also a great source of fiber!)

What veggies to put in homemade dog food? ›

These are the 10 best vegetables for dogs to add to your pet's diet:
  • Asparagus. Add one to two ounces of lightly steamed asparagus tips (cut into small pieces to prevent choking) to add variety, flavor, vitamins, and minerals to a dog's meal. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Green Beans. ...
  • Kale. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Parsley. ...
  • Pumpkin.
Dec 6, 2023

How many cups of homemade dog food should I feed my dog? ›

Food Calculator
DOG'S WEIGHTAMOUNT TO FEED
10 LB1 CUP PER DAY
15 LB1 1/4 CUP PER DAY
20 LB1 1/2 CUP PER DAY
25 LB1 3/4 CUP PER DAY
3 more rows

What is the best meat to cook for dogs? ›

Some of the better options for lean meat cuts are chicken breasts, lean cuts of beef such as sirloin or flank steak, and pork tenderloin. These kinds of cuts can be boiled, baked, or grilled, but you'll want to avoid adding seasonings or other ingredients that might be harmful to your dog.

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

Carbohydrates: Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Sources include rice, pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa.

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.

How much homemade dog food to feed per day? ›

There are other ways to calculate how much to feed. For example, Dr. Judy Morgan, a nutrition expert and one of our favorite podcast guests, recommends feeding a dog about 2-3% of their body weight when using homemade food, and I think that's an excellent place to start.

What are the top ingredients to avoid in dog food? ›

To help you with this, we have listed ten ingredients to avoid in dog food.
  1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) First on our list is butylated hydroxyanisole, also known as BHA. ...
  2. White Flour. ...
  3. Meat Meal. ...
  4. Artificial Food Coloring. ...
  5. Corn Syrup. ...
  6. Rendered Fat. ...
  7. Vegetable Oil. ...
  8. Farmed Salmon.
Nov 12, 2021

What is the number one 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 are the six important parts of a dog food label? ›

A diet is as important for pets as people. Understanding the pet food label can help you feed your pet an appropriate diet.
  • Principal Display Panel.
  • Information Panel.
  • Guaranteed Analysis.
  • Feeding Guidelines.
  • Ingredient List.
  • Manufacturer Name and Address.
  • Expiration Date.

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