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Healthy and easy dog food recipes you can make at home

More dog owners are turning to homemade meals to ensure their pets eat nutritious, clean food. In this article, we explore the benefits of homemade dog food, share simple dog food recipes, and explain what you need to know to keep your pup healthy and well-fed.
8 minutes
|
April 30 2025
|
Pet
|
Life expectancy
Alessia Casali

Why feed your dog homemade meals?

Many owners are choosing to prepare dog food recipes at home to:

  • Avoid artificial preservatives, fillers, and low-quality meat by-products
  • Customize meals based on allergies or medical conditions
  • Ensure freshness and ingredient transparency
  • Save money over time with batch cooking

Homemade food gives you control — but it also requires careful balance to meet your dog’s dietary needs.

Nutritional needs of dogs

Dogs need a mix of:

  • Protein (from meat, eggs, legumes)
  • Fats (for energy and coat health)
  • Carbohydrates (whole grains and vegetables)
  • Vitamins and minerals (from a variety of sources)

A vet or pet nutritionist can help ensure you’re including the right ratios. You may also need to add supplements, such as:

  • Calcium (especially if no bones are included)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (for skin and joint health)
  • Multivitamins (to ensure complete coverage)

Easy and healthy dog food recipes

Here are a few vet-approved recipes you can try:

1. Chicken and rice bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1/2 cup boiled, shredded chicken (no bones)
  • 1/4 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup peas
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:Boil the chicken until fully cooked. In a separate pot, cook the rice and vegetables. Mix everything together with a drizzle of olive oil and allow to cool before serving.

2. Turkey and sweet potato mix

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
  • 1 egg (cooked and chopped)

Instructions:Cook the turkey in a skillet until browned. Steam or boil the sweet potatoes and green beans. Combine everything, stir in the egg, and serve cooled.

3. Beef and veggie stew

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Instructions:Cook the beef thoroughly. Add veggies and cook until soft. Mix in rice. Let cool and portion for meals.

Feeding tips

  • Transition gradually from kibble to homemade food over 5–7 days.
  • Feed based on weight: Most dogs eat about 2–3% of their body weight in food daily.
  • Store portions in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freeze for later use.
  • Avoid harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol).

When homemade isn’t enough

While cooking for your dog can be rewarding, it may not be practical for everyone. Some dogs have complex health needs or require therapeutic diets — in those cases, consult your vet before making major changes. You can also mix homemade meals with high-quality commercial dog food.

Health benefits of a home-cooked diet

Many owners report:

  • Shinier coats
  • Better digestion
  • Fewer allergic reactions
  • More enthusiasm at mealtime
  • Weight stability

It’s not just about food — it’s a way to express love and take active part in your dog’s health.

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