Making your dog’s food at home might sound overwhelming at first, but with a bit of guidance and the right ingredients, it becomes a loving routine that benefits your dog’s health and strengthens your bond. This DIY Homemade Dog Food recipe is a balanced, vet-approved base formula that can be tailored to meet your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. It’s built on whole, natural ingredients like lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome grains. These are foods you’re likely already using in your own meals, making it easy to prepare everything at once—just set aside a portion for your pup before adding any spices or extras for the human plates.
This DIY recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. It’s straightforward, kid-friendly (with simple steps even little helpers can manage), and ideal for prepping in bulk. Whether you’re supplementing your dog’s kibble or switching entirely to homemade meals, this recipe is a great place to start.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped green beans
- ½ cup green peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (optional, for extra protein)
- 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Pro Tips
- Cook in batches. This recipe makes enough for several meals depending on your dog’s size. Freeze in portions for easy future use.
- Chop vegetables small. This ensures quicker cooking and easier digestion, especially for small breeds.
- Use lean meats. Turkey and chicken are ideal for most dogs and easy on the stomach.
- Cool before serving. Serve the food at room temperature to avoid mouth burns or digestive issues.
- Check with your vet. Every dog is different. It’s a good idea to run your homemade food plan past your vet or a pet nutritionist.
Tools Required
- Large pot or skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Storage containers or freezer-safe bags
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef, lamb, or even flaked salmon for variety. Make sure it’s fully cooked and free of added seasoning.
- Grains: Switch white rice with quinoa, barley, or sweet potato if your dog has sensitivities.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, zucchini, or pumpkin all work well, but avoid onions, garlic, and leeks—they are toxic to dogs.
- Fat: Coconut oil or flaxseed oil can be used instead of olive oil for extra skin and coat benefits.
Make Ahead Tips
This is a perfect meal prep recipe. Once cooked and cooled, divide the food into daily or meal-sized portions. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and label each with the date and portion size.
Instructions
1. Cook the rice
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is soft and fluffy. Set aside.
2. Cook the protein
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
3. Add vegetables
Stir in chopped carrots, green beans, and peas. Add ½ cup water or broth and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, or until veggies are tender.
4. Combine with rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined. If using egg, crack it in now and stir constantly until it’s fully cooked into the mixture.
5. Cool and portion
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Divide into portions according to your dog’s size and daily needs.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cooled dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze in individual servings and thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm slightly before serving, but never serve hot.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog homemade meals is one of the most rewarding choices you can make as a pet parent. Not only does it give you complete control over what goes into your dog’s bowl, but it also brings peace of mind knowing you’re nourishing them with real, whole foods.
This DIY Homemade Dog Food recipe is a great base that you can adjust based on your dog’s needs. Once you try it, you may never look at kibble the same way again. Whether you prepare it weekly or freeze batches for later, your pup is sure to notice the love and care in every bite.
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for your pup. Leave a comment below with your dog’s review or any questions—I’m always happy to help!
