7 Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes (2024)

If you are looking for super healthy, nutrient-rich, and vet-approved homemade dog food recipes for your furry friend, you are at the right place. The best way to ensure that your dog is on a proper diet is to prepare the meals yourself. But we usually do not have enough time for that. There are numerous dog food recipes available with simple ingredients that are time-saving too. We looked through several recipes and separated some easiest and favorite ones to give you the best in one place. Whether you are a new pet parent or an experienced one, you can use them as these recipes are nutritious and wholesome and dogs love them all. Be sure about any food allergies and consult your vet before switching to homemade meals.

Is a Homemade Diet Safe?

Homemade diets are growing in popularity because you can control the ingredients. Moreover, they are healthier as every parent wants the best for their dogs. Homemade diets are better than processed dog food. But, consider some factors before giving a homemade diet to your dog.

• Choose a recipe that contains all the nutrients in the right proportion.
• Invest enough time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly.
• Check the cost of the ingredients used in making homemade food for your dog.
• You may need to source multiple recipes to change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Nutrition

Dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, so you cannot share your supper with them. Feeding an imbalanced diet can cause a deficiency in dogs. Dogs need some calories too to meet their energy level. You can take the assistance of your veterinarian to determine the per-day calories need for your dog. A homemade dog diet should contain an appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, Vitamins, and minerals.

Read Also: How To Deal With Pet Obesity: Problems And Treatment

Observations While Feeding Homemade Dog Food

Keep an eye on your dog for any changes due to switching to homemade food. Stay in touch with your veterinarian and inform him about any weight fluctuations of your pet. Check its weight and body condition every week and keep a record. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea and report these or any other signs of illness to your veterinarian.

What is grain-free food for dogs?

“Grain-free” refers to any dog food that is produced without wheat, corn, rice, or other grains. However, dogs still require carbohydrates for energy. The alternative sources of carbohydrates used in no-grain dog diets are potatoes and pea flour.

Grain-free diets are a substitute for vegetables or legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) for grains like rice and corn as a source of carbohydrates. Grain-free diets have not yet been proven to be superior to diets that include grains.

What is Raw food for dogs?

Raw dog food can be prepared at home, purchased from a store, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. Organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bones, raw eggs, fresh produce safe for dogs, dairy products like yogurt, and organ meats and muscle meats are typical components of a raw diet.

Is raw food better for dogs?

It is best to consult your veterinarian and, ideally, a veterinary nutritionist before deciding to either feed your pet a raw food diet. In order to assist you to make an informed choice, your veterinarian can discuss the potential risks of feeding your dog a raw food diet, especially if it is a young, old, or disabled animal.

What is a homemade low-fat diet for dogs?

A low-fat diet is one that contains less than 10% fat or fewer than 17% of its calories from fat. A reasonable amount of fat is regarded as being found in diets with 10-15% fat or 17–23% of calories coming from fat. Diets that are heavy in fat more than 20% are referred to as such.

Why low-fat diet is recommended for dogs?

Pancreatitis is one condition for which veterinarians advise pet owners to offer a low-fat diet to their pets. Liver illness is another prevalent condition that low-fat dog food is often used to treat. This is due to the fact that diets with a larger proportion of carbs and a smaller proportion of protein assist lower the excessive levels of ammonia in the bloodstream.

While feeding your dog low-fat food may be advantageous, keep in mind that your dog still requires some fat to flourish. Too-low-fat foods don’t supply enough of the fat-soluble vitamins. To maintain a healthy coat and skin, your dog requires fat. Additionally, a dog with insufficient fat may experience exhaustion and hunger.

What is homemade dry food for dogs?

The ingredients for homemade dry food are quite similar to those for canned food, but instead of adding sauce and canning the product, the meat combination is ground into a uniform dough that may be baked. After being fried, the dough is forced through precisely designed holes to create kibble.

Indian Homemade Recipes for Dogs

The common notion of Indian families is to feed the leftovers to pets. Though it is important to note that the food which is cooked for humans contains different proportions of nutrients. It doesn’t go along with pets. To feed dogs, you must consult a veterinarian and as per the nutritional requirements, you can plan a diet for your pet.

Does homemade food help in weight loss for dogs?

The first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assist you in ensuring that you are giving your dog the proper nutrition and portion sizes. Before choosing a recipe, you should consider the size, age, and amount of exercise of your dog.

The fact of the matter is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to make dog food for weight reduction at home! Your dog can lose weight by sticking to low-calorie foods like non-starchy vegetables and lean proteins. Poultry, fish, and chicken are terrific lean meat options, and low-cost veggies like cabbage and carrots are nutritious.

Preparations

When preparing a diet at home for your dog, you must choose an appropriate and balanced recipe.

1. Firstly, you should have a food scale, food processor, pots, pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.

2. Always buy fresh and high-quality ingredients.

3. Avoid foods that are harmful to your dog.

4. Measure the ingredients using a scale for accuracy.

5. Cook according to the directions.

6. Mix food and supplements well.

7. Store the food in the refrigerator as it stays fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about 2 to 6 months. Avoid feeding frozen homemade dog food after six months.

People prepare food in large quantities and store it in the freezer. But, initially, you might want to begin by making smaller quantities so you can see how your dog does. In this blog, we will tell you about 7 homemade dog food recipes which are approved by veterinarians. Let’s dive into the topic without wasting time:

Vet-approved Homemade Dog Food for Small Dogs

1. The Old Standard

This meal is so-called because it has some common ingredients you have likely seen in many a homemade dog meal like brown rice, turkey, and veggies. It is healthy, easy to cook, and economical. It is the perfect meal to make in large batches and then freeze.

Ingredients:

• Brown rice: 1 1/2 cups
• Shredded carrots: 2
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Shredded zucchini: 1
• Ground turkey: 3 pounds
• Peas: 1/2 cup
• Chopped baby spinach: 3 cups

Directions:

• In a large saucepan, add 3 cups of water to cook rice and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large vessel and cook turkey until browned for about 3-5 minutes.
• Add spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas, and brown rice and stir for about 3-5 minutes. Let it cool and serve.
• Calories: 412 per cup

Read Also: Pet Parent’s commonly asked questions on pet nutrition

2. Stew

A stew takes about 15 minutes of prep and then 5-8 hours in a slow cooker. It stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days and smells good. Once you make it the first time, the dogs will stalk the crockpot and leave piles of drool on the floor in front of it while it finishes cooking.

Ingredients:

• Water: 2 & 1/2 Cups
• Brown rice: 1 Cup
• Cubed sweet potato: 2 Cups
• Chicken breasts: 2 (cut each into six pieces)
• Frozen mixed veggies: 2 Pounds

Directions:

• Place ingredients in a slow cooker in the order listed, covering the chicken with vegetables
• It will take 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low
• Now, shred the chicken and stir into the rice and veggie mixture evenly.
• Store in the fridge or freezer for up to three days.
• You can add some bone broth powder into the stew as it is healthy and enhances the taste.

3. Meatballs

Meatballs are close to actual human meals and look delicious to your pup. The recipe is great because it has pumpkin and oat bran which helps with a healthy digestive system.

Ingredients:

• Ground meat: 5 kg
• Cubed bread: 3 slices
• Oat bran: 2 cups
• Eggs: 4
• Pumpkin puree: 3 cups
• Some Salt
• Carrots: 4 (boiled and mashed)
• Flour
• Kale stalk leaves: 4 (chopped finely)

Directions:

• Put all ingredients together and mix them to form them into small balls
• Spread some flour over the balls and bake them in a 400-degree oven until done.
• It takes about 25 minutes to get ready.

Read Also: 10 Things To Know Before Going Hiking With A Do

Vet-approved Homemade Dog Food for Large Dogs

4. Spinach and Salmon Scramble

Fish oils are excellent for pups, and surprisingly it was tough to find many recipes that incorporated fish in their ingredient list. This yummy dish is another that you can share with your canine companion, as the meal works perfectly well for its human counterparts.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil: A spoon of
• Salmon: 1/2 bowl (Skinless and boneless)
• Boiled spinach: 1/2 cup
• Eggs: 2

Directions:

• In a small nonstick pan, heat the oil over a medium flame
• Put the spinach and salmon till cooked
• Add the eggs and stir for about 2 minutes.
• Let it cool and serve.

5. Vegan Dog Bowl

A perfect vegan meal because it contains wholesome ingredients. It is easy to cook, and digest and is pocket-friendly.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potato: 1 large
• Black beans: 1 cup
• Brown rice: 2 cups (cooked)
• Kale leaf stems: 6 (broken into 1-inch pieces)

Directions:

• Pierce sweet potato with a fork and bake or roast it.
• Cut it into small parts after it cools down.
• Cook rice or use cooked rice.
• Mix rice, beans, sweet potatoes, and kale stems. Divide them into three equal servings.
• Each serving contains 356 calories.

Read Also: How To Find A Lost Dog In India: Ultimate Guide

6. Mini Omelette

It is a three-ingredient dish that is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe takes only ten minutes to prepare. It is healthy and super versatile as you can replace any item with other vegetables or shaved smoked ham. You can even add whatever your dumpster loves. The egg offers a protein boost, but be sure that it is well cooked because raw eggs can cause an upset stomach for canines.

Ingredients:

• Eggs: 2 (Organic)
• Green diced pepper or other veggies
• Thinly sliced smoked salmon

Directions:

• Lightly grease the pan with olive oil. Crack eggs directly into it.
• Add everything and stir with a fork or beater until combined.
• Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Allow to cool and serve.

Vet-approved Homemade Dog Food for Puppies

7. Crunchy Kibble

This recipe is perfect for the pup who loves dry food. You can add herbs and spices to the kibble, excluding the toxic ones such as onions or garlic. It is a perfect first recipe if you like to dip your toe into making at-home meals but do not want to go too over the top.

Ingredients:

• Flour (white, whole wheat, or oat): 6 cups
• Eggs: 3
• Powdered milk: 1 cup
• Oil: 1/3 cup
• Mixing bowls: 2
• Milk, broth, or water: 2-1/2 cups

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Celsius.
• Mix the flour and powdered milk in one bowl and the eggs, baking oil, and liquid in another bowl.
• Combine the material of both bowls to form a thick and moist dough. You can add cheese, shredded meat, pureed fruits, or vegetables.
• Use the wooden roller to spread the dough on a greased baking tray and put it in the oven.
• Bake it for 45 minutes. Take the cookies out and break them into bite-sized pieces.
• Store them in an airtight container.

8. Chicken and Spinach Homemade Puppy Food

This is a healthier food alternative for your puppy. The ideal combination is this chicken and spinach dish! This dish is appropriate for small dogs weighing 5 to 8 lbs. and can yield up to 60 servings.

Ingredients:

• Chicken – 4 lbs.
• Dried brown rice – 1 1/2 cups
• Tomato sauce – 15-ounce in a can
• Fresh spinach – 4-5 cups
• Yam – 1 extra-large (2 medium-sized)
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp.

Directions:

• Start by cooking the brown rice
• After cleaning, pierce the yam(s) with a fork. After that, cook for 7 minutes on high in the microwave, or until tender. Then, after completing the second iteration, spin the yam once. Lastly, after chilling, cut it into cubes.
• The oil and chicken should be added to a big soup pot. The chicken should then be completely cooked over medium heat.
• Add all the cooked brown rice, tomato sauce, yams, and raw spinach after turning off the heat in the saucepan. Then combine everything with a large spoon.
• Blend them in a blender. There shouldn’t be any hefty pieces. Put it in the refrigerator for the night after allowing it to cool for an hour. By cooling, the mixture can solidify. big parchment-lined baking sheets Then, use an ice cream scoop to portion out individual portions.
• After that, freeze the trays in the freezer. Take the frozen puppy food out of the freezer and place it in Ziplock bags. The remainder of the puppy food can be stored in the freezer for the next weeks, while a week’s worth can be kept in the refrigerator.

Homemade Plant-Based Vs Homemade Chicken Food

Dogs eat both meat and plant-based foods since they are omnivores. Though, the British Veterinary Association does not advocate feeding a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, despite the fact that it is technically possible to do so because it is much simpler to get the balance of important nutrients from a meat-based diet.

Now Homemade chicken food is always favorable for dogs, as it’s clean, hygienic, and well-cooked. To feed your dog you just have to cook the raw meat till it’s semi cook and then mix it well with a bit of stock.

There has been a lot of trend for vegan food in the last few years. Over years of research, it has proved to be effective on humans but how effective it is for dogs we still aren’t sure. Though there are many recipes online available on “How to prepare vegan food for dogs at home”. Still, we’d recommend you only feed your dog after consulting the diet with a veterinarian.

Did you know?

• University of Guelph researchers discovered that dogs on plant-based diets lived an average of 14.1 years, while dogs on meat-based diets lived an average of 12.6 years. According to a recent North American study, dogs on plant-based diets may live up to 18 months longer than those on meat-based diets.
• Your dog’s behavior can be affected by diet, a greater proportion of canine behavior issues can be attributed to toxic preservatives, flavors, and artificial colors included in commercial dog foods.
• For the most part, grains are suitable for dogs and typically provide more nutrients than the majority of their substitutes in grain-free foods. Additionally, you should be aware that the FDA is looking into a possible connection between grain-free meals and canine cardiovascular disorders.
• Sugar increases the risk of becoming obese and hinders your dog’s ability to metabolize calcium, proteins, and other vital elements. Additionally, studies have shown that sugar might cause behavioral issues and impede the formation of beneficial gut microorganisms.

Conclusion

So, you have seven vet-approved homemade dog food recipes. We hope you have found a few that speak to you and your pup and that you will like them all. Try them in your kitchen and start cooking as they are easy and healthy. Together, we can make mealtime for our pets more pleasurable and fun.

Read Also: 10 Common Dog Behavior Problems And Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Which is the best nutritionist-recommended diet for dogs?

Dogs’ overall health can be greatly improved by feeding them a diet made of natural, real foods like meat, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries. These foods also promote heart health, boost energy, make coats shiny and breath fresher, improve eyesight, and even have an effect on a dog’s stool.

Q. What are the few low-fat foods for dogs?

First, consult a vet before choosing a low-fat diet for your dog. A few common low-fat diets are Rice, chicken, wheat, barley, corn gluten meal, poultry, Lamb meal, oatmeal, ground brown rice, and much more.

Q. Can I feed homemade dog food to my puppy?

Making your own puppy food will help you save some money and let you create a diet specifically for your pooch. All developing puppies require a healthy diet.

Q. Is Salmon good for dogs?

Yes, Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in salmon and help to boost the immune system and may reduce inflammation, also help to maintain your dog’s coat healthy and lustrous. Salmon is a good source of protein, along with a few other varieties of fish.

Q. Why human food is not OK for dogs?

The digestive system of a dog differs from that of a human. A dog cannot effectively digest typical human food since it is too rich and fatty; doing so might result in vomiting, diarrhoea, and even more serious illnesses like pancreatitis. Numerous human foods likewise include harmful levels of salt for canines.