Look, I know what you’re thinking. You’ve spent the entire month planning your meals and now your dog is staring at you expectantly while poking at their kibble with a forsaken-looking paw. Homemade dog meals your furry bestie will beg you for seem so far out of reach. Trust me. I’ve been there.
When I first started cooking homemade meals for my dog, it was out of concern that she wasn’t finishing her food and wasn’t particularly excited about dinner time. Once I got into a routine, it honestly didn’t feel like a big deal. Most of these recipes are effortless and are made with common ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. I designed this list with dog parents in mind who maybe don’t consider themselves to be great cooks. There are no funky ingredients or crazy cooking techniques. Just simple, drool-worthy homemade dog meals your furry pal will go mutts over.
Homemade Dog Meals? Really?
Ok, so why cook for your dog at all? Isn’t the dog food they’re eating good enough? Truthfully, it depends on your pup. Many dogs do just fine on commercial dog food. However, if your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, is extremely picky, or has had digestive issues, we often recommend making food at home. When you’re cooking meals from scratch, you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog. No more guessing at ingredients listed as “meat by-products” or wondering how many artificial preservatives your dog is consuming.
The biggest rule of thumb when it comes to preparing homemade dog meals your fur baby will dream about is balance. Dogs require the right combination of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. If you plan to make homemade food a regular part of your dog’s routine, be sure to consult your veterinarian to ensure the foods you’re preparing meet your dog’s individual nutritional needs. That being said… onto the recipes!
Recipes
Chicken and Brown Rice Bowl
Ah yes, the timeless classic that every dog parent lands on eventually. Boiled chicken breast shredded and served over cooked brown rice is super digestible and just about every dog will love it. Feel free to stir in a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree to help keep things regular.
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Cooked ground beef stewed with sweet potatoes and green beans makes a filling, nutritious meal. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and beta-carotene, which helps support your pup’s immune system.
Turkey and Vegetable Mash
Ground turkey is a leaner meat than beef and works well mixed with mashed carrots and peas. This feels kind of fancy but is actually ready in less than 30 minutes.
Salmon and Quinoa Dinner
Cooked salmon is not only delicious, but also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support skin, coat, and joints. Serve it over cooked quinoa with some steamed broccoli for a meal that’s sure to vanish from your dog’s bowl.
Egg and Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Did someone say breakfast? Scrambled eggs mixed with plain cooked oatmeal is sure to warm your pup up on cold mornings. Top with a few blueberries for some extra antioxidants!
Lamb and Lentil Stew
Feeling like mixing it up from chicken and beef? Lamb is a great protein to introduce to your dog. Simmer it with red lentils, carrots, and parsley for a filling meal that packs a punch.
Chicken Liver and Vegetable Medley
Nutrient-dense organ meats like chicken liver are a great once-in-a-while treat to spice up your dog’s diet. Only a little goes a long way here — cook it with zucchini, peas, and brown rice for a meal full of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Sardine and Potato Bowl
Flaky, omega-3-rich canned sardines in water are cheap and easy to throw into your dog’s diet. Feel free to mix with boiled potatoes and a bit of cooked spinach.
Pork and Apple Stir
Lean ground pork cooked in unsweetened applesauce with butternut squash is a sweet and savory meal that dogs go CRAZY for. Just be sure there are no seeds in the apple before mixing it in!
Duck and Sweet Potato Blend
Duck is another great protein to introduce if your dog has struggled with food sensitivities in the past. Pair with mashed sweet potato and green beans for a healthy meal they’ll be sure to enjoy.
Ground Beef and Spinach Rice
Need a staple recipe? Look no further. Ground beef cooked and drained of fat, mixed with white rice and spinach, is ready in under 20 minutes. This one’s cheap too!
Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
Creamy shredded chicken simmered in low-sodium chicken broth, mixed with plain pumpkin puree and a dash of turmeric, is like a hug for your pup’s belly. Perfect for dogs who are getting over an upset stomach.
Tuna and Brown Rice Patties
Take canned tuna in water and mix with cooked brown rice, one egg, and a handful of chopped parsley. Form into small patties and bake until firm. This can be used as a meal or a high-value treat!
Beef and Carrot Meatballs
Same concept as the tuna patties but with ground beef, grated carrots, and a bit of oat flour for binding. Roll into balls, bake, and freeze for easy meal prep!
Chicken and Banana Smoothie Bowl
Okay, hear me out on this weird combo. Blend up cooked chicken with a slice of banana and plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed doggie smoothie bowl. The banana adds potassium and the yogurt is a great source of probiotics.
Venison and Vegetable Hash
Ground venison is one of the leanest meats you can feed your dog. Cook with sweet potato, peas, and a touch of coconut oil for a filling hash.
Mackerel and Mashed Peas
Flaky mackerel mashed up with green peas and a scoop of plain mashed potato creates a soft meal that’s easy for dogs with dental problems to eat.
Turkey and Pumpkin Breakfast Scramble
Cook up some ground turkey with scrambled eggs and a spoonful of pumpkin puree for a high-protein breakfast option that will keep your pup feeling full through their morning adventures.
Chicken, Oats, and Blueberry Dog Food Bowl
Shredded boiled chicken mixed with cooked oats and blueberries? Simple, antioxidant-rich meal your dog will love. Perfect for those warm summer days when they don’t want anything heavy.
Beef Bone Broth Bowl
Want to really wow your dog? Simmer beef bones with water, ACV, and dog-safe veggies like carrots and celery for several hours. Strain the bone bits out and you’re left with a power-packed bone broth you can pour over their usual meal or feed straight from the bowl. Bone broth is rich in collagen and incredibly beneficial for joint health.
Mixed Protein and Veggie Power Bowl
My absolute favorite recipe on the list because you can really mix whatever you have in your fridge. Throw a scoop of chicken on the dog’s food in the morning, maybe some ground beef or salmon. Serve over brown rice and add in a couple of dog-safe veggies from your fridge — peas, carrots, spinach, green beans. Keep it flexible and you’ll never run out of ideas for what to feed your pup.
Things To Remember
Before you go crazy throwing things into a pot for your dog, there are a few key things you should always remember. First, double-check that none of the ingredients you’re using are toxic to dogs. Onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and avocado should never be fed to dogs. Period.
The homemade dog meals your furry little angel will salute you for also need to be portioned appropriately. This will vary based on your dog’s weight, age, and how active they are. Overfeeding can be just as bad as feeding your dog bad food.
Finally, if you’re switching your dog from commercial food to homemade meals, do it gradually. Transitioning slowly over the course of a week or two will help you spot any ingredients that don’t agree with your pup. Start by mixing a little homemade food into the regular meal and work up from there.
FAQ
Can I make homemade dog meals in bulk and freeze them for later?
YES. Almost all of these recipes freeze very well. I like to portion mine out into muffin tins and then pop the silicone mold into the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, I pop the individual servings into zip-lock bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge the night before serving.
Do I need to add vitamins or supplements to homemade dog meals?
Maybe. If this is going to be an occasional meal you make for your dog every now and then, you can probably get away with nothing. However, if you’ll be replacing all or most of their current food with homemade meals, you may want to ask your vet about adding a multivitamin or calcium supplement to their diet.
How will I know if my dog likes the food?
You’ll know. Dogs aren’t shy about showing you when they love something.
Are raw ingredients ok to use?
This is up to you! Some people swear by feeding their dog a raw food diet and it works for them. Raw meat can carry bacteria that can make you and your family sick, as well as your dog. I prefer to make and use cooked foods for my dog, but this is definitely something to discuss with your vet.
Closing Thoughts
Making food for your dog is one of the most loving gifts you can give them. Yes, it takes a little bit of work. But the look on your dog’s face when they’re ridiculously excited to eat their dinner will make all the work you put in worthwhile. These recipes are just a starting point for you to discover what your dog loves.
With a few rules and your vet’s guidance, you can craft the ideal meal plan for both you and your dog. Try one of these recipes tonight and let us know how it goes in the comments below!
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