Homemade dog food recipes are fresh, nutritious, and can be custom-made! Skip expensive store-bought commercial pet food. Let's create one of the best home cooked dog food recipes perfect for your furry friend with these 30+ ideas. And watch them lick the bowl clean...
Why Make Your Own Dog Food?
Both of my Shih Tzus, Lucky and Sassy suffered from allergies to chicken from dry commercial dog food, expensive fancy wet food, and treats.
I began to think, is it worth it to make your own dog food and treats? So I set out to make the best homemade dog food and quality shih tzu food for them.
Let's discuss ingredients and recipes for homemade dog food vet approved that will possibly help picky or senior dogs that won't eat with sensitive stomachs and or skin allergies!
You Will Love Home-Cooked Dog Meals!
Are there any benefits to feeding your dog homemade pet food? And why should I feed my dog homemade food?
- Homemade Cooked Dog Food vs Store Bought: There are advantages as you control the ingredients for allergies which can cause issues for your pet. Avoid unwanted preservatives, fillers, and shelf stabilizers in yucky canned adult dog food. And also by making homemade puppy food, you start them off right!
- Protein Choices: Always use cooked raw meat like ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken in food for dogs homemade. It is going to taste better than dog foods that sit in a bag or on the shelf. NOTE: You need at least 1 gram of protein per pound weight of your dog. First, try using different proteins! Ground beef dog food recipes were the answer for my dog and approved by my vet.
- Best Senior Dog Food: Senior dogs lose their appetite and need soft food in small pieces as sometimes they don't have all their teeth to chew. Another great reason to try recipes for home cooked dog food!
- Economical: You can use up ingredients you have on hand from your freezer and not throw them in the trash. So is it cheaper to feed your dog homemade food? The answer it may be depending on the quantities you make and the ingredients you use. Homemade dog food recipes for small dogs are usually quite cost effective vs. expensive delivery or chilled fresh pet products.
Oh and since then, I've also created a recipe for her very own super clean Dog Biscuits with her name, on them-so cute so check those out!
And receive a free Cookout Planner as our thank you!
How To Make Homemade Food For Dogs
Your dog will absolutely love this easy homemade dog food recipe.
As pet owners, we want the best for our dogs, and yes it takes a couple of hours of home cooking to make their food every couple of months. But it is worth it in my opinion. The quality of our dog's life is worth it. I also think I saved a small fortune at the vets' office!
You can create your own custom version or try this one to start. And will find it is almost the same price as dry food for small dogs!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ground beef (7 cups cooked crumbled ground beef)
- 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt (skip if using bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 28 ounces beef stock (optional) + ½ cup water 28 oz = 3.5 cups, add ½ cup water for the proper ratio to make rice
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli (shredded, cut finely or in a 12 oz frozen bag)
- 2 cups fresh carrots (shredded, cut into small coins - 2 large carrots)
- 2 cups sweet potatoes (small cubes or shredded - 1 large sweet potato)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Step 1: Make Flavored Rice
Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water with beef bouillon or beef stock, you can scale up or down check your rice package instructions. Feel free to swap in beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for better flavor. I also LOVE Better Than Beef Buillon or a box of beef stock to flavor the rice. Both options are totally Sassy approved.
Bring the stock/water to a boil, add rice and salt (skip salt if using bullion). And if you want to add a pat of butter, it makes rice taste even better. Cover the pot and simmer for 18 minutes on low and don't remove the lid. Brown rice takes 30 minutes. Check the rice, and if done turn off the heat, replace the lid, and let it rest for several minutes in the steamy pan. Use a fork to fluff it up!
Step 2: Cook Meat Protein and Veggies
Brown and crumble 3 lbs of ground beef in a large skillet. Place in a large bowl with the fat drippings. Dogs need some fat. You can also use ground turkey or other protein suggestions.
PRO TIP: Chop, shred, or process all the veggies. My dog is a small dog and prefers the veggies finely shredded in a food processor. You can also use a knife or a box grater to chop it even finer.
In a large pot (cast-iron pan or skillet), briefly saute carrots, broccoli, and sweet potato until just soft for a few minutes on medium heat.
After cooking, place the dog food mix into the largest bowl you have. Add the cooked ground beef, warm rice, warm sauteed veggies, and fresh spinach. Mix well with a large spatula.
After some trial and error, I learned Sassy's favorite recipes for home cooked dog food have finely minced ground beef (and sometimes ground turkey) with a wide variety of fine grated vegetables, and beef broth to cook the rice!
Step 3: Mix and Portion Homemade Cooked Dog Food
When making home cooked food for dogs, how much do you feed them?
I have a small dog, so using this recipe I calculated the calories she needs per day. You will need to research this number. Measure a few days supply based on your dog's caloric needs. Then, portion it into a 5-day supply for your dog so it is food-safe after it defrosts in the fridge.
The best way to store fresh pet food for your doggie is to freeze it using use freezer bags!
Step 4: Can Fresh Dog Food Be Frozen?
Yes! Simply pull out a freezer bag of new food and let it defrost in the fridge every 5 days. I give her ⅕ of the baggie daily in correct calorie portions per the weight of my dog.
The bags compress flat in the freezer or you can place them in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container or larger zip-top bag in the freezer.
Cost Effective: Is making your own dog food cheaper than buying it?
So, will it be cheaper to buy dog food or make your own? What is the Cost of Homemade vs. Store-Bought food? The ingredients and portions will make a difference. Here is the math I came up with.
$20 of ingredients made 40 individual 1 cup homemade servings or about $.50/serving. Store-bought dry food is about $.41 per serving. So yes, homemade is a tiny bit more expensive, but the fresh nutrition and ingredients I believe are good for your dog, after all, dogs ate human leftovers and scraps way before dog food was manufactured!
This serving size is for my 11-pound dog, she is small. So you would need to calculate the number of daily calories your dog needs.
You will need to do some research on how many calories your dog needs per day based on your dog's activity level and your dog's weight. There are so many factors to consider that will vary due to the breed, size, age, and activity of your pet. My dog needs about 400 calories a day and is a small dog weighing just 11 pounds.
PRO TIP: You can use this handy homemade dog food calculator to check the nutrition of the dog food you create here at BalanceIt. Puppies, adult dogs, and especially senior dogs have different needs.
Do Vets Approve Homemade Dog Food For Nutritional Needs?
So, do vets recommend homemade dog food? Well, mine does. And always asks what I feed her and says she looks great at 13! Making dog food at home has been very good for Sassy.
There needs to be a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. Supplementing a dogs' food with liquid vitamins or fish oil is also a good idea.
To conclude, be sure to talk with your vet. Use good ingredients and quality proteins that are safe for them to consume.
You may need a referral to a veterinary nutritionist if your dog has unique conditions or seek out a vet that focuses on canine nutrition. They might have specific vet approved homemade dog food recipes for your pets unique situation.
- Main Protein (use high quality meat, seafood, dairy or eggs)
- Fat (from animal or organ meat, fish, fish oil)
- Carbohydrates (grains, legumes, or vegetables)
- Vitamins & Minerals like calcium
- Essential fatty acids (egg yolks or oatmeal)
DISCLAIMER: Seek the advice of a good vet, I am a food blogger and not able to provide any medical advice or comment on your dog's needs or situation. This recipe is not meant to be all your dog consumes in their daily diet. You have to choose what are the pros and cons of making your own dog food!
Deciding To Make DIY Dog Food Recipe
Dog owners can be concerned about feeding their dogs human food and scraps. I had a long chat with Sassy's vet at her annual check-up. The truth is , each dog is totally unique. Some have food sensitivities, easily get upset tummies and some have digestive issues, so regular commercial food might be best for those dogs. Other dogs can eat most anything without a problem.
Care In Trying New Dog Recipes
The best advice is to slowly introduce new foods to our dogs. Food changes can cause issues to their digestive tract. What works for one won't work for another. Fresh dog food recipes have ingredients your dog might be trying for the first time so go slow, with small portions. Sassy could not handle chicken stock cooked into the rice, due to her allergies. So I use beef stock when I cook the rice, and she loves it.
Cost Effective Optional Additions
Sprinkle some dry dog food or beans like drained canned black beans or garbanzo beans into the homemade food to stretch out a homemade dog food batch. Use high-quality commercial pet food and check the label carefully for any ingredients to avoid food allergies and reactions.
Use Up Extra Freezer Meat or Leftovers
Food safe meat in the freezer is great option. Never feed your dog spoiled or rotten food! And it's fine to use up extra steak meat or pork on hand in meals for dogs. As a result, nothing will go to waste. Never feed bones or super fatty meats.
Try Different Veggies
It's a good idea to use different veggies and vary them in each batch. If some are about to go bad or I have extra and want to use them up quickly and find this is a perfect use!
How To Get A Dog To Eat Their Food
Try different textures of veggies and see what your dog likes!
What I learned, is to finely grate the veggies. A food processor works great, then chop them more with a butchers knife, Sassy ate it all! She wasn't a fan of the cubed shapes and large spinach leaves.
The tiny pieces of chopped vegetables did the trick to get her to eat it all. I think she loves the brown rice mixed in with the beef stock the most.
Feeding Senior Dogs & Picky Dogs
If your dog is picky or or older and has a hard time chewing, use finely chopped dog food. Run the vegetables through a food processor and or finely chop them on a cutting board. A hand held boxed grater will work. But takes more time. I use the shredder blade on my processor and buzz everything through.
For convenience, try riced frozen vegetables! I have used packages of frozen riced cauliflower, sweet potato, and broccoli. The downside is, they are a little more expensive. And alternatively, are great for senior dogs that can't chew well, are picky or won't eat larger pieces of dog food.
Ingredients For Home Cooked Dog Food Recipes
What are the best ingredients for homemade dog food? The first step is to choose a quality protein. It's a good idea to mix a couple of proteins like ground beef and ground turkey as an example. Plan on 1 gram of protein per pound of your dog. Example: An 11-pound dog needs 11 grams of protein a day minimum. One cup of the recipe below has 18 grams of protein.
First Choice, What Meat & Plant Proteins Can I Use?
- Ground Beef
- Ground Chicken (my dog is allergic, many dogs are)
- Ground Turkey
- Ground Lamb
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beef Liver (organ meats)
- Duck
- Ground Bison
- Venison
- Cooked Lentils
- Cooked Rice
- Canned Garbanzo Beans
- Canned Black Beans
Next, What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
Are you wondering what veggies can dogs eat safely? Let's answer that question. Again, I am a food blogger over here and not a veterinary medicine professional or nutritionist. For thousands of years, dogs have survived off the scraps of human food. What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? Here are the ones I use often, and I mix it up differently in every batch!
Please be sure to do your own research on what is best for your dog's diet! Be sure to see my infographic down by the recipe card for more tips and ideas on ingredients.
- butternut squash
- Brussels sprouts
- fennel
- peas
- zucchini
- carrots
- sweet potato
- fresh spinach
- cooked potato (in moderation)
- pumpkin
- celery
- broccoli (chopped)
- frozen peas
- bell peppers
- green beans
- kale
What Not To Put In Dog Food?
- Onions (never feed)
- Mushroom (never feed)
- Tomatoes (never feed)
- Garlic (never feed)
- Raw Meat (always cook it!)
So what is your dog's favorite recipes for home cooked dog food? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ comment down by the recipe card with your Doggies favorite flavor combination!
Sassy girl, is happy. Okay, she didn't like the spinach and pulled it out! But loves the rice and beef. The trick I learned was to chop it finer than seen here and she gobbled it all...
FAQ: What Veggies Can My Dog Eat?
Many readers are asking if these vegetables for dogs are safe. So let's go through veggie options in recipes for dog food.
Yes. Bell peppers are loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants and are beneficial. Rich in vitamins A, E, B6, and lutein and are great sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Red bell peppers actually start out green and mature to red. Packing in high nutrition because they've been on the vine longest.
Yes. Cooked potatoes in moderation are fine. Boil, steamed, or baked without seasoning are fine. They contain a number of nutrients. These include vitamins A, B6, and C, and minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Raw potatoes should never be fed to your dog. Raw potatoes contain solanine. A compound that can be toxic to dogs.
Yes. Broccoli is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Additionally, large broccoli stalks can cause choking. So be sure to chop them up the broccoli for your pet!
Homemade Dog Food Infographic
Homemade Biscuit Dog Recipes
These Dog Biscuits are one of my other go-to homemade dog food recipes. Super fun to make, and you can even personalize them for your pup. Again, I use a lot of fresh veggies, peanut butter, pumpkin, and more in them, and Sassy just LOVES these! And I share how to order the super cute biscuit cutter in the recipe post 🐶🐾
CRAVING MORE?
Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes (30+ Ideas!)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ground beef 7 cups cooked crumbled ground beef
- 2 cups brown rice or swap white rice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 28 ounces beef stock (optional) + ½ cup water 28 oz = 3.5 cups, add ½ cup water for proper ratio to make rice
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli, shred or cut finely or a 12 oz frozen bag
- 2 cups fresh carrots, shred or cut into small coins 2 large carrots
- 2 cups sweet potato, small cubes or shred 1 large sweet potato
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Make Rice
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer for about 30 seconds under cold water. It removes starches that makes rice sticky. Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, which you can scale up or down. (check your rice package instructions.) Feel free to swap in beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for better flavor. You can also use a good buillon to water for extra flavor. Bring the broth stock/water to a boil, add rice and salt (skip salt if using buillon). And if you want to add a tab of butter, too, go for it — your rice will taste 10x better. Cover the pot and simmer for 18 minutes on low and don't remove the lid! Brown rice takes 30 minutes.Check the rice, and if done turn off the heat, replace the lid, and let it rest for several minutes in the steamy saucepan. Use a fork to fluff it up!
- Chop, shread, or process in a food processor all the veggies. My dog is a small dog and prefers the veggies finely shredded in a food processor.
Make Ground Beef and Veggies
- Brown and crumble 3 lbs of ground beef in a large skillet. Place in a large bowl.
- In a large cast iron pan or skillet, briefly saute carrots, broccoli, and sweet potato until just soft for a few minutes on medium.
Mix Dog Food
- Into the large bowl with ground beef, add warm rice, warm sauted veggies, and fresh spinach. Mix well with a large spatula.
- Portion 4-5 cups of Homemade Dog Food per zip lock back, and store in an airtight container or larger zip top bag in the freezer. Pull our one small bag per week, and reheat a serving for your dog in the microwave for 30 seconds. I sometimes sprinkle some dry dog food into the homemade food to stretch out my homemade dog food batch.
Annye (almost 3) since she was a pup has shown little interest in eating and can go days eating very little. She has been checked out by the vet, tests have been run and everything is fine. He said she is just very picky! She loves this recipe and is finally eating twice daily! Thank you so much!
Every, single, time, I get these comments I am so happy Kristina! I do vary the proteins for my dog. Like ground turkey, pork, and beef. My dog has a chicken allergy. Although I am not a vet, and so glad you ran it by yours, I think a varied diet of real food helps their overall health. Sassy is 13, and has so much dang energy for her age still! All the very best to you and your pup!
Hi, my GSD has horrible food allergies and this seems to be working and she loves it!! But was wondering how long you can keep this in the freezer? Thank you so much
Hey Wendy, That is so great to hear! Well I make about a 6-8 week supply in freezer bags (or use individual freezer safe containers). And then make a new batch. I would say to keep it nutritionally at its best, use it up within a couple months. I take out a 5 day portion at a time and have it in the fridge for the week.
Hi Lisa,
Very keen to try this recipe for home cooked dog food and treats but you quote the ingredients in "cups" but this isn't a measure we have in the UK so could you advise the amount in ounces or grams please?
Many thanks
Yes Christine! So glad you are going to try these dog food recipes. In the printable recipe card, it converts to metric measurements for you with one click! Enjoy....Cheers!
I have been making fresh food for my Chiweenie, Sophie for some time. She is very picky. So we are giving this a shot. I spoon the freshly made food into a muffin tin, cover with plastic and freeze. Once frozen, I remove the portioned pieces from the muffin tin and place them in a large freezer bag. It works great.
What a great idea Julie! I am going to do this next time I make my batch! Welcome to picky dog world...LOL my Sassy eat very on and off. So I never worry, but this will help portion it out better and keep it frozen. Wonderful idea!And thank you for your comment and rating, it helps us so much.....
Great recipe, easy to make, and my dog is eating again. I will try some of the variations you suggest, but so far it is a winner!
My dog was off her food. I switched her dog food several times and even started adding moist but to no avail. Then I tried this recipe and she wolfed it down. Now she looks forward to mealtime. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Hey Lucy, that is wonderful to hear!
I find that mixing up the diet for my dog works well. And sometimes helps me use up extra ingredients I have on hand. So glad your dog gobbled it up! And really appreciate you leaving a comment and rating too. : )
I am excited to try this, My question is what is a good meal portion? I have a 180 lb Great Dane and he has bad seasonal allergies, as well as to chicken. BUT I don't know how much to feed him, especially since I am not feeding anymore KIBBLE. I truly believe they are all bad! TOO many dogs are developing allergies to proteins, I think it is the processed kibble with all of the unrecognizable additives! Much like our foods. Anyway THANK You for this recipe and the answer to my question.
Hi Michele! First is always ask your vet. Second, do research online for your pets weight, age, activity level etc. The recipe card will scale if you click it. But each pet is so unique. There are all kinds of pet calorie calculators now that you can find. Good luck and I wish you all the best in making awesome food for your dog!
Super interested in trying this for my pup, I'm just curious what grade beef you are using?
Thanks !
Hey Carly! Well, I buy the best price of ground beef in bulk and usually get an 85/15. I haven't noticed the grade on the package. Main thing I have learned is to strain out the excess fat. Always check with your vet just in case, and hope you make some for your pup. Also, this recipe is meant to be a supplemental recipe to other foods!
Hi fellow dog parents,
Here is a tool you need to calculate your dog daily energy requirement (DER). It is very detailed considering handful of variables that dog calorie need depends on.
https://twotailsdog.com/dog-daily-energy-requirement-calculator/
Hey Lisa, I have been making homemade dog food for a few years now. I've made food close to what you have although the 'stock' listed contains onions, and garlic which I never give my dogs, as they are not to be given to dogs. I realize it may be a very small amount spread over the entire recipe but maybe try this.....buy beef neck bones and place them in a slow cooker for 18-24 hours. I used they meat as treats then use the bone broth for their food. They get extra nutritional benefits using the bone broth. I freeze the reaming in portions for their next batch of food. Freeze the beef from the bones either adding to their batch of food, or for treats
My dogs love their food. The only drawback is if I must board my 2 dogs then I have to package every meal portion separately, label and date them with hopes the boarding facility remember to thaw the next days food in advance.
I'm loving this recipe, just making this up now for my almost 10 month old yokshire terrier.
She is raw fed but is only liking plain beef or plain chicken.
She is 4.5kg give or take and is fed in a morning and in an evening. Is 1 cup of the food for just 1 meal out of 2 meals per day?
Hey Rachel! What I would do is run this by your vet and research how many calories your dog needs, my post talks about how, age, breed, and activity level all play a factor in caloric needs I feed my dog a combination of several things. She has a portion of dry crunchy food and healthy treats in addition to the homemade dog food. I believe they need variety but all dogs are different! "What works for one might not work for another." That was the advice my vet gave me! Congrats on your new little girl, she sounds adorable.
Love ur recipes
Could this be adapted for a slow cooker?
Hey Carolyn! Well, honestly I don't cook rice in my slow cooker. If you know how, then it might work? I am a professional home cook and test my recipes many times before I will say it works so I am just not sure. Try it and let us know?!
thank for the recipe! my dog stopped eating dog food in spring of 2022. so ihave been making his food with chicken, beef and turkey. his anxiety and behavioral issues has stopped about90%. I will never feed him dog food again. I am always looking for recipes and I think this will be my go to recipe.
I made this today and my dog LOVED IT!!. I didn't have any spinach so I subbed diced butternut squash. I told my husband throw in a can of cream of mushroom soup and add some grated cheddar cheese to the mixture and a sprinkle on top and bake, and it would be a great casserole for the cold months. However, I do have a question...I have some ground veal in my freezer that I have no idea what to use it in. Could I mix it with ground turkey or chicken as a switch from the hamburg? Thanks.
Hey Chris, that is AWESOME! Thanks so much for your five star rating from you and your dog. Of course, I often switch up my protein for my dog Sassy, she is allergic to chicken so we never choose poultry. Run things by your vet for nutrition questions for your pet, but it's a great option to switch out the proteins and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients, and I also add in some commercial dry dog food too!
Thought dog weren't to eat mushrooms? She added mushroom soup.
Hey Shelia! Always do your own research and check with a vet when in doubt. I don't feed mushrooms to my dog, and it's advised to never feed wild mushrooms to dogs for sure. When in doubt better to be safe and leave that out!
Are mushrooms a safe for dogs?
Hey Lynne, always ask your vet what is safe for your pet!
My 11 years old dog had skin issues and stop eating his food, but now he is eating again with this dog food and has no more skin issues.
Hi, I been research to make my puppy homemade food. I will be pick up my puppy in 3 weeks and it will be 7 weeks old, and I want start out homemade food instead buying dry food from store. I wonder if that’s too young for them to have homemade food? Or can I do both homemade and dry food?. Thank you
How exciting, congratulations! Well since I am a food blogger over here and not a vet...I would run that by them! Good luck with your new puppy...
As a dog lover, I am very possessive about my dog I want everything best for him...so I was scrolling homemade recipies for healthy meals. And seriously your site gives me the best information. Thank you.
Your post is providing some really good information. I liked its essence and enjoyed reading it. Keep sharing such important posts about Dog Food.
Store broths beef, chicken, and vegetables have garlic, which is toxic to dogs.
Hi Robert, it is up to you to use stock in this recipe, you can use bullion. Also there are many stocks on the market that are garlic-free. My dog does fine on it, and I ran this by my vet. All dogs are unique, it isn't most likely going to cause an issue as the quantity is so low. But you have to make the best decision for your dog.
I have read that garlic is fine in small amounts 🙂
Hi Patty, always ask your vet what they advise! Hope you try the recipes, so many dogs are loving it. And you can mix it with dry food to stretch out the recipe.
Great recipe! Thank you for sharing. I decided to not take a chance with the onions/garlic/shallots, and so I'm using home made beef bone broth (just omitting these items from the cooking process). It's more work, but making a big batch, I have enough to last three months at a time and freeze portions.
I have been making my own dog food since we last year when we couldn't get it shipped in because of the virus.. I do substitute steel oats as well as adding one egg for every pound of protein, I also add salt as it is needed in his diet not much but about a teaspoon a pound then I bake it up in a meatloaf pan , slice it up and freeze it in separate bags.. I use a processor for my sweet potatoes , spinach, and any other large vegetables, I usually add pumpkin for the fruit as well.. he has done well with this and I can see a difference in his arthritis and itchy spots as he is about 16 years old.. Good luck to those who make their own as it is a much better diet for your dog...
Hey Robyn! I saw a huge difference in my dog once I eliminated chicken (even chicken stock) she has an allergy for sure. Love that you added pumpkin, oats, and egg. I will try those out and agree, they need salt as we do. Beef is her preferred choice, and most vegetables work for her as long as they are finely chopped in a processor. I am fascinated you bake it like meatloaf and slice it! I have another recipe in development that is in a sheet pan. Thanks for the nice comment and rating.
I'm looking forward to trying out this recipe. It looks delicious My 13-year-old is not interested in her food any longer. I was wondering if you could share what vitamin supplement you use. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Hey April..I know how hard it is with a picky dog! So since I am a food blogger and not a vet, I can't recommend one but there are so many liquid ones from vets or online you can try. One thing I have learned is that our dogs have allergies like humans, I have helped a dear friend and her dog who has a poultry allergy so no duck, chicken, or turkey. Dogs will either stop eating or have other eyes/ear issues. So watch the labels on anything you buy, and I hope your sweet dog eats soon. Sometimes Sassy doesn't eat for several days, and that's ok. She loves anything beef! Let us know how it goes.
Looks great but my question is, doesn't beef broth etc usually have onions, onion powder and garlic? I can't find one that doesn't have onion or garlic.
Hi Kathryn, Good question. With my dog, she LOVES it and has zero issues. Her allergies to chicken were so severe and same with my first Shih Tzu. I am not a vet obviously, I am a home cook. So ask your vet, but I have fed this to her now for years without one issue, she just laps it off the plate. If you fed the dog chunks of onions and garlic, that would probably be a major issue. Also, remember before commercial dog food was made, dogs ate human leftovers! So I think your doggie will love the recipe!
Hi Lisa! I've been cooking for my 2 Maltese for about 2 yrs. Their overall health has never been better not to mention their excitement when it's time to eat makes my heart happy. I'm curious why not use 32 oz of broth since that's the amount in a carton and just increase rice a bit. Makes more sense to me. I'm definitely going to try your combo of veggies. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
Hey Janice, Well sure! I am so glad your dogs are eating well. I think I wrote the recipe that way because the box of stock I originally used was 28 oz, but I can't remember! hahaha... nowadays, I make stock from Better Than Bullion, glad you got some ideas to try out on your Malteses...let us know what combination you make!
Lisa, Thanks so much for this recipe. I sent it to my sister-in-law and her dog Cali loves it just as much as Dexter.
I made this last night and my 35 lb. Whoodle gobbled it up! I added water instead of stock (agreed, dogs don't need sodium), but did add a tiny bit of salt and butter for flavoring. I combined left over ground pork and beef and I put carrots and spinach in a food processor to chop it finely. I'll be mixing this up with other veggies and giving it to my pup once a day! Thanks for the recipe and nice photos!
So you're using stock salt and butter in a dog food recipe isn't that way too much sodium for a dog
Alice, I would consult with your Vet. My dog eats a variety of foods, and it is a tiny amount of butter and salt, you could omit those if you wish.
I had been buying The Farmer’s Dog to add as a topper to my Aussie mix’s dry food, when she suddenly hated it. I was adding stuff to it just to entice her to eat it. I ran across your recipe and have made twice, once with beef and once with turkey and my dog absolutely loves it. I add a chopped apple to mine, since she loves apple.
Hey Jean, that is so great to hear! So many dog owners report their dogs stop eating what they once loved. I think they need variety just like us...so pleased to hear your Aussie is loving it...I need to make a new batch for my dog, this recipe is her favorite too!
I also had issues with Farmer's Dog. My EE Cream Mini Dachshund will not eat it. I have added cheddar cheese and many toppers but no luck. Today I tried this recipe and my picky eater ate it all.
Oh Lorena! I am so glad to hear that....truly. My Sassy is a picky "supermodel" kinda eater. She will only eat when very hungry. What has worked for me is to vary the ingredients here and there. There is a new video in the recipe card that I filmed last week, and this time I added in ground turkey with some cooked beans with full Sassy approval. She does not like cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli.
Great job in getting your Mini Dachshund to eat! I wish there was a way to post pictures here of our pups!
Going to try this. My 10 lb Yorkie just had 10 teeth removed and will be losing more probably within the year. I tried to search for other dog food recipes from you, but couldn’t find any? Do you have more? Could you please post? He is such a picky eater and gets bored very easily, so I constantly have to change things up for him to make sure he eats.
How old is your pup?
Sassy is 10 now. And a handful!
Thank you so much for the recipe. The ingredients in the recipe & the other suggestions to make changes appear to give my dog, Zelda, a well-balanced meal. And Zelda relishes the homemade dog food. I also gain a great deal of satisfaction from making her delicious food.
Great to hear Kathy! I have a new homemade dog food recipe coming out in January, it is a different style that this, a soft dog food. My Sassy is loving this recipe, and I mix in some dry food for variety too. Look for my latest recipe, it will be up soon.
What vitamin supplement do you recommend? I told my vet that I was making homemade food for my 2 year old Golden to try to resolve her reoccurring diarrhea issues. She stated that it probably wasn’t balanced and I needed “Balance it”.
Hey Ginger, Well I am a home cook not a vet so I would get that advice from your vet. I also recommend varying up their diet with different homemade dog food recipes, I also supplement my dogs diet with some dry kibble she is not allergic to (aka no chicken in it!) There are lots of vitamins for pets on the market. Hope that helps, I think variety is good for pets just like us.
How much meat should I reduce to bring this receipe under 10 gr.s of protein a day?
Stephanie, sorry I don't know, you will have to adjust the recipe and portion sizes.
Thank you so much. My sweet doggie broke a molar on his nylabone, Monday night. No one can do the extraction until Friday...pulp exposed and everything. This is his dinner until then. Thanks for a beautiful meal he can eat!
Oh, Kristin, so sad to hear of your doggies cracked tooth! OUCH. I have a new recipe coming out in November, that is baked on sheet pans, and it is soft too. My dog Sassy loves it! So look out for that one too. Hope your little buddy is all better soon, and thanks for the rating and comment, I appreciate it so much!
Thank you so much for this receipe . Several months ago my little one quit eating anything that was dog food. I have tried everything till I found your receipe last hope for her to eat. I made this for her and was so happy to see her eating again she loves it.
Oh Virginia, I am so pleased to hear this...what a wonderful thing to know that it helped you both! My Sassy just loves it, I have a new recipe coming out that is a soft dog food with healthy ingredients and is beef and veggies. I really believe many dogs are allergic to chicken, mine is...and so this really helps her. Thanks for leaving your comment, it will encourage others to try homemade dog food!
I was told that a can of sardines in tomato sauce is essential to a dogs diet because the fish is oily, packed in cod liver oil, and a the cooked tomatoes provides lycopene that dogs need for their eyes. Also they need 75% protien source then the last 25% a mixture of veggies, fruits and starch.
Hey Mary, that is probably a good dog food diet program...I would say run it by your Vet to seek their advice. I vary my dog's diet regularly, and she is doing great at 10 years old. I have a vitamin supplement I use on her food too, I will the sardines or fish oil someday too!
Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Excellent! Jean I just developed another homemade dog food recipe that will be up on my site within a couple of weeks. Also, I have this dog treat recipe that my Sassy just LOVES! Here is that recipe: https://www.delicioustable.com/dog-treats/. I just whipped up a batch of her "dog cookies" this week and she adores them, plus it uses up extra veggies which is nice to not waste those kitchen extras. Please come back and leave a comment when you're done! People love to hear what other readers think of the recipe and the rating.
What a great recipe. My puppers Dexter loved this homemade blend. Thanks for sharing.
Awww so glad Dexter loved it! I am planning to do a dry kibble style recipe soon, and hope it is as successful. Thanks, Laura for stopping by to write a comment!
I have been looking all over to make my own dog's food. I'm going to use your recipe. My Yorkie is a rescue so I don't know her true age. she is overweight at 13 lbs and should weigh around 8-10. How much food should she be eating per day to lose a few pounds? Thanks for your time!
Hey Mary, congratulations on your new Yorkie rescue! That is awesome..... Since I am a food blogger, I can't give you that advice. Best to check with your vet! Be sure to vary their diet as well, this is a supplement recipe in addition to other dog food and treats.
What a brilliant solution to feed the king of the house as he deserves. My pooch will thank you. Well done!
Thanks Katy! Sassy starts to beg around 5pm for her dinner...I know she approves! Thanks for your comment, so appreciate you taking the time.
My youngest boy has two basset hounds that he loves more than anything! They’ll love this!
Awww, I love basset hounds! It is so easy to make and my dog Sassy dances when I get the bag out of the fridge!
If I were a dog, I would soooo be eating at your house! Definitely a meal human and canine alike could enjoy!
Now that is a compliment!!! Sassy is sooooo spoiled, she has now learned to push her paw on my leg when it's dinner time and she wants her dog food gently heated in the microwave!!! LOL
Can’t wait to give this a try!
Thanks, Barbara for your comment! Hope your doggie loves their homemade food...
We made this homemade dog food and feed it to our dogs! Their skin is no longer itchy and they love it! So good! We add a raw egg and mix it in with each feeding. That makes their fur even better! Such a great recipe!