Key Takeaways
- Cook for your Pets Day occurs in November.
- Homemade dog food should generally contain 50% protein, 25% vegetables, and 25% grains.
- This article features homemade dog food recipes that you can try at home.
- Common ingredients in homemade dog food are chicken, turkey, carrots, sweet potatoes, and blueberries.
Table of Contents
While the beginning of November marks “Cook For Your Pets Day” (a day meant to focus on improving nutrition in pet food), you can celebrate year round. Our guidelines for healthy homemade dog food state that recipes should be composed of 50% protein, 25% vegetables and 25% grains, however this differs per dog. Check with your vet first before committing to any major dietary changes.
Here are some of our favorite homemade dog food recipes – and best of all? They’re incredibly easy too!
Chicken, Carrot and Sweet Potato Homemade Dog Food
For pet parents who like to cook in bulk, this dog food recipe from Linda’s Pantry preps enough to last all week.
Turkey, Veggie and Rice Dog Food Recipe
Blogger and pet parent Chungah from Damn Delicious started her pup on homemade dog food after tummy troubles, but became hooked after she realized the rewards of saving money and having safe dog food.
Pork, Beef, Blueberries and Veggies Homemade Dog Food
On paper, the ingredients in this dog food recipe sound a little bizarre – blueberries and beef, pork and sweet potatoes? But trust us, Emily’s Homestead knows her stuff!
Turkey, Carrot and Green Bean Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe
Food allergies in dogs can cause severe gastrointestinal upset as well as skin issues. Grain is a common cause of dog food allergies; your veterinarian may recommend a homemade dog food diet to determine if it’s a factor in your pet’s case.
Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Vegan Dog Food
Surprisingly, beef is one of the top causes of food allergies in dogs. For these pets, a prescription or homemade dog food diet is the only option to alleviate their painful symptoms: chronic diarrhea, gas, and vomiting along with itchy or flaky skin. However, replacing meat protein with another source is essential – this dog food recipe uses peanut butter, lentils and quinoa to meet pups’ protein needs.
In addition, our Cost of Pet Care report mentions that one way to reduce the development of allergies or alleviate existing allergies is to give puppies probiotics Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Bifidus, two bacterias from yogurt. Improving a dog’s diet with probiotics as well as fish oil can help boost immunity and help with itchy skin tremendously.
Chicken, Veggie and Kidney Bean Slow-Cooker Dog Food Recipe
Packed full of protein and antioxidants, this dog food recipe from Pearls and a Sports Bra is perfect for pet parents on the go. Add the ingredients to your slow-cooker or crockpot and let simmer for eight to nine hours while you’re at work. After that, toss in the peas and cook for half an hour more, then portion and serve to your pups!
Taking the time to create healthy, loving meals for your pup means you can see exactly what ingredients go into her food, so if your dog suffers from allergies or food intolerances, you can rest assured she won’t have a reaction and will get the nutrition she needs. For more delicious dog food recipes, check out the Healthy Paws’ Pinterest which lists ideas suitable for every pet, even those who require a grain-free or vegan diet.
