Homemade Dog Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Dog Food offers a nutritious, customizable, and wholesome alternative to commercial pet food. Preparing meals at home allows you to control ingredients, avoid fillers and artificial additives, and cater to your dog’s specific dietary needs. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition tailored to their size, breed, and health conditions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground turkeybrown ricecarrotsgreen beanspeaszucchiniolive oilcalcium supplement (vet-approved)fish oil (optional)

directions

Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and set aside.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until no longer pink.

Add chopped carrots, green beans, peas, and zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender.

Stir in the cooked rice and mix thoroughly.

Drizzle with olive oil and add any vet-approved supplements like calcium or fish oil.

Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings (depending on dog size).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey depending on your dog’s preference.

Swap brown rice with quinoa or oats for grain variety.

Add pumpkin or sweet potato for digestive support.

Use bone broth instead of water for added flavor and nutrients.

Include cooked eggs for extra protein and omega-3s.

storage/reheating

Store homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in the microwave until lukewarm—never serve hot food to pets.

FAQs

Is homemade dog food better than store-bought?

It can be, as long as it’s balanced and meets all your dog’s nutritional needs. Always consult your vet before switching diets.

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, freezing in portion sizes makes it easy to serve later.

How do I know if my dog is getting the right nutrients?

Consult your vet or a pet nutritionist to ensure your recipe is complete and balanced.

Can I add raw vegetables?

It’s best to cook or steam vegetables to make them easier to digest.

Should I include supplements?

Yes, especially calcium and sometimes fish oil or multivitamins—ask your vet for guidance.

How often should I feed homemade food?

Feed based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Typically, 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day.

Can I use canned vegetables?

Use low-sodium canned veggies if fresh or frozen aren’t available.

Do I need to rotate proteins?

Yes, rotating between turkey, chicken, and beef helps provide a range of nutrients.

Can puppies eat this?

Yes, but make sure the food is specially formulated to meet their developmental needs.

Is this safe for dogs with allergies?

Yes, especially since you control the ingredients—omit anything your dog reacts to.

Conclusion

Homemade Dog Food is a loving and health-conscious choice for pet owners who want to provide the best for their dogs. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a rewarding way to boost your pup’s health and happiness. Just be sure to work with your vet to ensure a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Print