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

Published: Last updated: by Jessi LarsonAffiliate Disclosure: We hope you love the products we've recommended! As an Amazon Associate we earn a small share from qualifying purchases.

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

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (5)

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

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (6)

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)

Instant Pot Cooker

$99.95

Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

Buy Now

03/30/2024 03:01 pm GMT

Get recipe at Traditional Cooking School by Gnowfglins

7. Crockpot Chicken Dog Food Recipe

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (8)

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

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (9)

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

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

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

10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Parent Should Know (11)

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

Share this post:

Share on X (Twitter)Share on FacebookShare on PinterestShare on Email

Recommended for you:

  • 14 Clever Ways to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Dog Food
  • 5 Genius Tricks for Storing Dog Food
  • 5 Human Foods That Are Insanely Good for Your Dog

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.

Check out more articles about:

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

FAQs

What homemade food can dogs eat everyday? ›

7 Foods to Cook For Your Dog
  • Chicken. Cooked chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. ...
  • Lean Ground Turkey. Lean ground turkey is a safe food to cook for your dog. ...
  • Eggs. Cooked eggs are a safe, healthy food with lots of minerals and vitamins. ...
  • 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 can dogs eat everyday instead of dog food? ›

What To Feed Your Dog if You Ran Out of Dog Food
  • Canned chicken or tuna in water.
  • Canned vegetables (rinsed or salt-free)
  • Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • Plain steel-cut or old-fashioned oats.
  • Whole grains like brown rice and barley.
  • Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
  • Gluten-free grain alternatives like millet and quinoa.

Is oatmeal or rice better for dogs? ›

Plain rice is the way to go—your dog will still find it delicious. Use whole grain oatmeal and steer away from quick oatmeal. In particular, do not give your dog flavored instant oats that may have a lot of added sugar, or even sweeteners, like xylitol, that are toxic to dogs.

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

It is not healthy to give dogs their dog food mixed in with chicken and rice daily. While chicken and rice are both healthy foods for dogs, they do not contain all of the nutrients that dogs need. A diet of chicken and rice alone can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause health problems in the long term.

What should top 3 ingredients be in dog food? ›

What are the top 3 ingredients to look for in dog food? The top ingredients to look for in dog food are high-quality proteins (named meat sources - chicken, beef, fish, and lamb), natural carbohydrates (whole fruits and vegetables), and healthy fats (animal fats or plant-based oils).

Can I feed my dog ground beef and rice everyday? ›

Rice, carrots, beef, and broccoli can all be part of a balanced diet for dogs, but it's important to include the right proportions of each ingredient to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

What meat is best for homemade dog food? ›

CHOOSING THE MEAT FOR A HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
  • Beef: Lean pre-ground stewing meat, heart, boneless steak or roast.
  • Lamb: Pre-ground boneless stewing meat shank, leg, or butt.
  • Poultry: Pre-ground boneless, skinless breast fillet, or thigh.
  • Venison: Pre-ground stewing meat neck, shank, or shoulder.

What ingredient isn t good in dog food? ›

The Dirty Dozen – 12 Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid
  • Dangerous and disgusting ingredients in dog food.
  • Wheat. The number one allergen in dogs and a contributing factor to canine obesity.
  • Corn. ...
  • Corn Gluten Meal. ...
  • Soy. ...
  • Animal Digest. ...
  • By-Product Meal. ...
  • Ethoxyquin.

What should the top 5 ingredients be in dog food? ›

Research has proven, and your veterinarian will tell you, that a healthy, well-balanced diet for your dog must include whole-food ingredients that provide the following: protein, fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What is the healthiest meat for dogs? ›

Among the three (chicken, turkey, and beef), the most balanced meat is chicken — as it is high in protein but also low in fat which makes it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.

Can I give my dog a scrambled egg? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Can I feed my dog chicken, rice, and carrots everyday? ›

Yes! Rice and chicken go great together, and they go great in your dog's diet, too. In general, the amount of grains in your dog's diet should be lower than the amount of protein.

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

Yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, you may have noticed rice featured as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. However, a rice meal on its own should not be a daily affair – rice should only be part of a varied diet that offers all the nutrients your dog needs.

Can I feed my dog meat and vegetables every day? ›

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 5269

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.