Homemade dog food can be a great option if you’re looking to give your dog fresh, simple meals with fewer preservatives and more control over ingredients. Whether you’re switching to homemade meals for health reasons or just want to know what’s going into your dog’s bowl, starting with easy, balanced recipes can help you feel more confident in the kitchen. These recipes use everyday ingredients and are designed to be beginner-friendly.
Things to Know Before You Start
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Before changing your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian. Homemade meals should meet your dog’s nutritional needs based on size, age, activity level, and any health concerns.
Follow Balanced Recipes
Dogs require the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Some homemade meals may need added supplements to meet these needs.
Keep Ingredients Safe
Avoid harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and artificial sweeteners. Always double-check before adding anything new.
1. Chicken and Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Boil or bake chicken breast until fully cooked. Shred into small pieces.
- Steam carrots and peas until soft.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Let cool before serving.
Personal Note
This was the first homemade meal I tried for my dog. It’s simple, and most dogs adjust to it easily.
2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Mix
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tablespoon fish oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook quinoa and set aside.
- In a large pan, brown the ground turkey.
- Steam or boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Add chopped spinach to the pan to wilt.
- Combine all ingredients. Mix in fish oil if using.
- Cool before serving.
Observation
Sweet potatoes are a good carb source and easy to digest.
3. Beef and Veggie Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Steam or boil green beans and carrots.
- Cook rice and stir in vegetables.
- Scramble the egg and mix into the dish.
- Combine everything, cool, and serve.
Tip
This works well for picky eaters who like a mix of textures.
4. Salmon and Brown Rice Plate
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked salmon, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup zucchini, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
Instructions
- Bake or grill salmon until fully cooked. Flake into small pieces.
- Steam vegetables until soft.
- Mix with rice and salmon.
- Add flaxseed oil.
- Let cool completely.
Note
Omega-3s from salmon and flaxseed are helpful for coat health.
5. Chicken and Oatmeal Comfort Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup steamed green peas
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Cook oats and set aside to cool.
- Mix in cooked chicken and vegetables.
- Stir in coconut oil.
- Cool before serving.
Personal Tip
Pumpkin can help regulate digestion if your dog has loose stools.
6. Lamb and Brown Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
Instructions
- Cook lamb thoroughly in a skillet.
- Steam or boil vegetables until soft.
- Mix with brown rice.
- Stir in sunflower oil.
- Cool and serve.
Observation
Lamb can be a good protein option for dogs with chicken allergies.
7. Tuna and Veggie Mash
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup shredded cooked carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and serve after cooling.
Tip
Use tuna in moderation due to mercury levels. Not for daily feeding.
8. Egg and Cottage Cheese Scramble
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach
- 1/4 cup cooked peas
Instructions
- Scramble eggs and cook fully.
- Stir in spinach and peas until warm.
- Let cool slightly and mix in cottage cheese.
Note
This makes a quick protein-rich meal that’s soft and easy to eat.
9. Chicken Liver and Rice Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound chicken liver
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Boil chicken liver until cooked through. Chop finely.
- Steam vegetables.
- Mix with rice and oil.
- Cool before serving.
Caution
Liver is nutrient-dense. Use only once or twice a week.
10. Turkey and Barley Blend
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions
- Cook turkey and drain fat.
- Steam vegetables until soft.
- Mix with barley and oil.
- Cool before feeding.
Note
Barley is a good alternative to rice if you want to vary grains.
Portion Guidelines and Storage Tips
Serving Size
As a general rule, start with about 1/2 to 1 cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight, divided into two meals a day. Adjust as needed based on your dog’s weight and activity.
Safe Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can freeze meals in portions for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog food can be a healthy choice when done correctly. Start with simple recipes, keep portions balanced, and always talk to your vet about your dog’s individual needs. With a little planning, you can provide fresh meals that help support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
