Homemade Dog Food Recipes

There is convenience in buying a bag of kibble at the store. You just open the pack, pour it in the bowl and dinner is served. The comfort does not, however, beat making your own homemade dog food. You have the luxury to pick and choose the ingredients to cook nutritious and fresh meals. These boost a dog’s health and temperament a lot.

The Importance of Homemade Dog Food

Store-bought dog food often has low-quality fillers and preservatives. Your dog's health may suffer if they only eat store-bought for a long time. The meals you make at home only have the best quality ingredients. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a marked improvement has been observed in their coat, skin and energy levels when canines are moved from store bought to homemade food. Fresh dog food made from scratch is also a way of strengthening your bond with your dog. You will learn their preferences and adjust recipes to suit their tastes. 

Nutritional Needs of Dogs

What is necessary for your dog's health? Vitamins, minerals, lipids, carbs and protein are on the list. For those dog parents who intend to make homemade food a regular occurrence, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) highly advises to consult with their veterinarian first. They also put a lot of emphasis on following vet approved homemade dog food recipes to avoid any complications. 

Basic Ingredients for Dog Food Recipes

A meal containing largely the same ingredients as what we generally eat constitutes healthy dog food. It’s better for pets to derive their proteins from sources like fish, poultry, lamb, beef and turkey. Serve them with starchy foods (sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, or oats). Apples, blueberries, peas, and carrots are really valuable additions and a good idea for dogs with a sweet tooth. They add vitamins and good fiber. The top sources of fats are olive, fish, and flaxseed oils.

Easy Dog Food Recipes

Simple Chicken and Rice Recipe

An uncomplicated recipe that is timeless. It is a wonderful delight for dogs with delicate stomachs. Ideal, soothing, and nutritious canine cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup of brown rice

• 1 cup of chopped carrots

• 1 tablespoon of oil (olive preferably)

Instructions:

1. Fully cook the chicken by boiling.

2. Check package instructions to cook rice.

3. Shred the chicken before mixing it with the rice.

4. Carrots can be steamed or boiled till soft. Stir them into the mixture.

5. Pour the olive oil as a source of healthy fat.

6. Cool to room temperature and serve.

Beef and Sweet Potato Delight

This here is a filling and hearty recipe for when you want to give your pup a savory meal. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup of chopped green beans

• 1 tablespoon of fish oil

Instructions:

1. Use a skillet to brown the ground beef. Remove excess fat.

2. Soften the sweet potatoes by boiling and then mash.

3. Cook the green beans with the beef till tender.

4. Mix everything together and stir in the fish oil.

5. Cool the food before serving.

Fish and Veggie Mix

Brimming with flavor and omega-3s, this dish makes the dog’s coat glossier and healthier.

Ingredients:

• 2 white fish filets like cod or tilapia fish

• 1 cup of quinoa

• 1 cup of chopped spinach

• 1/2 cup of peas

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Follow the package directions to cook quinoa.

2. Steam cook the fish and flake into tiny bits.

3. Spinach and peas should be steamed till tender.

4. Combine everything in a bowl and add the flaxseed oil.

5. Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving.

Advanced Recipes for Dogs With Special Needs

Recipe for Dogs With Allergies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of venison or duck meat

• 1 cup of quinoa

• 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam the venison/duck so that it is well done.

2. Cook quinoa by following the instructions on the package.

3. Mix together the meat and the quinoa. Pour the pumpkin puree in.

4. Stir in the coconut oil.

5. Let it cool before serving.

Senior Dog Recipe

This recipe caters to the delicate stomachs of aging dogs. It is nutrient-rich to support their bodies’ requirements.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lean turkey

• 1/2 cup of cooked barley

• 1/2 cup of chopped carrots

• 1/4 cup of chopped spinach

• 1 teaspoon of fish oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the turkey until it’s no longer pink.

2. Boil the barley until it’s soft and tender.

3. Steam the carrots and spinach until they’re cooked through.

4. Combine all the ingredients and add the fish oil.

5. Let it cool before serving.

Tips for Storing and Serving Homemade Dog Food

Store your dog's homemade food properly. Refrigerate for up to 3 days only. Use sealed containers. For longer storage, divide into individual portions and plop into the freezer. It will be good for at least 3 months. 

Bring the food to room temperature or warm it up a little before serving. Start by mixing their regular kibble with a bit of homemade food. Once the unsuspecting pup gets used to the home-cooked version, increase its amount and reduce the kibble. This keeps unexpected stomach issues at bay. 

Conclusion

Just pick one of many homemade dog food recipes available online that look simple enough. You can add and subtract ingredients until you achieve the ideal ratio that pleases your dog's specific palate.