15 Delicious and Nutritious Dog Food Recipes

Are you tired of feeding your furry friend the same old store-bought kibble? Want to take control of what goes into your dog’s bowl? You’ve come to the right place!

This guide will introduce you to 15 mouthwatering dog food recipes that will have your pup begging for more. From hearty stews to healthy treats, we’ve got something for every canine palate.

Read on to see how you can become your dog’s personal chef and provide them with the nutrition they deserve.

Why Make Your Own Dog Food?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why homemade dog food is worth the effort:

1. Control over ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s food.
2. Freshness: No preservatives or mystery ingredients.
3. Customization: Tailor recipes to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.
4. Bonding: Preparing meals for your dog can strengthen your relationship.
5. Cost-effective: In the long run, homemade food can be cheaper than premium dog foods.

Now, let’s get cooking!

1. Turkey and Veggie Dog Food

This recipe is a great starting point for homemade dog food beginners.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup cooked lentils or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in carrots and spinach, cooking until vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add lentils or rice and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage:

Serve 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 10 pounds of body weight. Adjust as needed based on your dog’s activity level and weight goals.

Storage Tips:

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months.

2. 30-Minute Stovetop Dog Food

When you’re short on time but still want to provide a nutritious meal for your pup, this quick recipe is perfect.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 egg
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in zucchini, spinach, carrots, and turmeric. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Push the mixture to one side of the skillet and crack the egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg and mix it into the turkey and vegetable mixture.
5. Stir in the cooked rice until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as Recipe 1.

3. Beef and Butternut Squash Dog Food

This hearty recipe is perfect for active dogs who need a little extra energy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs organic grass-fed ground beef
• 1 cup chopped butternut squash
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 2 cans sardines in water (drained)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the squash is tender.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as previous recipes. This recipe is particularly rich, so you may need to adjust portions accordingly.

4. Easy Homemade Dog Food with Rice

This simple recipe is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground sirloin or chicken
• 2 cups brown rice (cooked)
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add shredded carrots and chopped parsley to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until carrots are slightly softened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked brown rice and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Adjust based on your dog’s weight, following the guidelines from previous recipes. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze portions for later use.

5. Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Food

This recipe is packed with nutrients and flavors that dogs love.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 large sweet potato (diced)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)
• Water or low-sodium chicken broth as needed

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Add enough water or broth to just cover the ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as previous recipes.

6. Lentil and Veggie Dog Food

This vegetarian option is great for dogs with meat sensitivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (cooked)
• 2 cups spinach (chopped)
• 1 carrot (shredded)
• 1/2 zucchini (shredded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add cooked lentils and stir in chopped spinach, shredded carrot, and shredded zucchini.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
4. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Adjust based on your dog’s weight. This recipe may be less calorie-dense than meat-based options, so portions may need to be larger.

7. Fish and Potato Dog Food

This recipe is excellent for dogs who need an omega-3 boost.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans tuna in water (drained)
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (no butter or seasoning)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon fish oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix drained tuna with mashed potatoes and peas.
2. Stir in fish oil for added omega fatty acids.
3. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a little water or low-sodium chicken broth.
4. Serve at room temperature.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as previous recipes. Be cautious with portion sizes, as this recipe is quite rich.

8. Pork and Apple Dog Food

This recipe offers a nice balance of protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 apple (cored and diced)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground pork over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add diced apple and chopped carrots to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and stir to combine.
4. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Adjust based on your dog’s weight. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze portions for later use.

9. Quinoa and Veggie Dog Food

This protein-packed recipe is great for active dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
• 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped carrots and peas, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetables.
4. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as previous recipes. This recipe is less calorie-dense, so portions may need to be larger.

10. Beef Stew for Dogs

This hearty stew is perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into small pieces
• 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup potatoes (diced)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine beef and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Simmer for another 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
3. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Adjust based on your dog’s weight. This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for later use.

11. Egg and Spinach Dog Food

This quick and easy recipe is great for breakfast or any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups spinach (cooked and chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. Stir in cooked spinach and turmeric.
3. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

This recipe is less calorie-dense than others, so portions may need to be larger. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

12. Turkey and Pumpkin Dog Food

This recipe is great for dogs with digestive issues.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree and chopped green beans. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Follow the same guidelines as previous recipes. The high fiber content may mean smaller portions are needed.

13. Chicken and Rice Casserole for Dogs

This comforting casserole is perfect for dogs recovering from illness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with cooked rice and mixed vegetables.
3. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until heated through.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Adjust based on your dog’s weight. This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for later use.

14. Vegetable Medley Dog Food

This recipe is great as a side dish or mixed with other recipes for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and green beans work well)

Instructions:

1. Steam mixed vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Allow to cool before serving as a side dish or mixed with other recipes.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Serve as a side dish, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s weight and dietary needs. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze portions.

15. Homemade Beef Jerky Treats

These treats are perfect for training or as an occasional snack.

Ingredients:

• Lean beef, sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or marinade

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef slices in soy sauce for at least an hour.
2. Preheat oven to 175°F (80°C).
3. Place beef slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 6 hours or until fully dried.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving as treats.

Feeding Dosage and Storage:

Offer as an occasional treat, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for longer storage.

What are some other protein sources I can use in homemade dog food?

You can use a variety of protein sources, including:

• Chicken
• Fish (like salmon)
• Lamb
• Pork
• Plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas

Always ensure the meat is fully cooked and avoid seasoning.

How can I ensure my dog is getting all the necessary nutrients from homemade food?

Consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to create balanced meals. They can help you include the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Consider adding a canine multivitamin if recommended by your vet.

Are there any vegetables that should be avoided in dog food?

Yes, some vegetables can be harmful to dogs. Avoid:

• Onions and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Avocados
• Mushrooms

Always research or consult with your vet before introducing new ingredients to your dog’s diet.

Can I use the same recipes for puppies and adult dogs?

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They require more protein and calories for growth. Consult your vet for appropriate adjustments to these recipes for puppies or dogs with specific health needs.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making homemade dog food?

Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Not consulting with a vet or pet nutritionist
• Using toxic ingredients
• Not balancing nutrients properly
• Failing to store food correctly
• Overfeeding or underfeeding

The End…

Congratulations! You’re now equipped with 15 delicious and nutritious dog food recipes. By making your own dog food, you’re taking a big step towards ensuring your furry friend gets the best possible nutrition.