Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes for a Healthy Pup

Making sure your furry friend is getting the proper nutrition is essential for their health and well-being. While there are many commercial dog food options available, some pet owners prefer to make their dog’s food themselves. Homemade dog food allows for more control over the ingredients and can be tailored to meet specific dietary needs.

When it comes to homemade dog food, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. A balanced diet should include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also essential to avoid certain foods that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

Some dog owners may also choose to make their dog’s food to cater to specific dietary needs. For example, dogs with allergies or sensitivities may require a specialized diet. Additionally, older dogs may require different nutrients than younger dogs.

We spent hours researching and testing various homemade dog food recipes to identify the best options for your furry friend. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide tips for making homemade dog food that is both healthy and tasty.

Best Homemade Dog Food

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. One way to ensure that they are receiving the highest quality nutrition is by preparing their food at home. Homemade dog food allows you to control the ingredients and avoid harmful additives that may be present in commercial dog food. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best homemade dog food products that will keep your pup healthy and happy.

Dog Greens- Organic and Wild Harvested Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Dogs – Add to Home Made Dog Food, RAW Food or Kibble – No Hassle-30 Day 1 Pack

If you’re looking for a way to supplement your dog’s diet with organic and natural ingredients, then Dog Greens might be the perfect solution for you.

Pros

• Provides your Dog Bioavailable Vitamins and Minerals required to live a long healthy life.
• 10’S OF THOUSANDS OF DOGS HAVE BEEN USING DOG GREENS FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
• Dogs and Cats love the taste – Excellent for pets of all ages, puppies and kittens too!

Cons

• May contain copper which is already present in kibble.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• May be expensive for some pet owners.

We recently tried Dog Greens for our dog and were impressed with the results. Our dog was more energetic and had a shinier coat after using it for a few weeks. The ingredients are all organic and natural, which is important to us as pet owners. We also like that it’s easy to add to homemade dog food or kibble.

One of the biggest pros of Dog Greens is that it provides your dog with the vitamins and minerals they need to live a long and healthy life. The organic ingredients include barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, Irish moss, chlorella, and natural spirulina, which are all excellent sources of nutrients.

Another pro is that Dog Greens has been used by tens of thousands of dogs for over 20 years, which is a testament to its effectiveness. We also found that our dog loved the taste, which made it easy to add to his meals.

However, there are a few cons to consider before purchasing. Some dogs may not like the taste, which could make it difficult to add to their food. Additionally, Dog Greens may contain copper, which is already present in kibble. Finally, it may be expensive for some pet owners.

Overall, we highly recommend Dog Greens for pet owners who want to supplement their dog’s diet with organic and natural ingredients. It’s easy to use, effective, and provides your dog with the nutrients they need to live a long and healthy life.

Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe

If you are looking for a high-quality, homemade dog food option, Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe is worth considering.

Pros

• This premix is made with 100% human grade ingredients, which means that your dog is getting a high-quality meal that is free of fillers, preservatives, and by-products.
• This premix is suitable for all life stages and can be used with any kind of meat, which makes it a versatile option for pet parents.
• This premix is prescribed most often by holistic veterinarians since 2002, which means that it has a strong reputation in the pet food industry.

Cons

• This premix can be expensive, which may not be ideal for pet parents on a tight budget.
• Some pet parents may prefer a premix that includes vegetables, rather than having to add them separately.
• The recommended daily serving sizes may not be suitable for all dogs, especially larger breeds.

If you want to ensure that your dog is getting a balanced and complete diet, Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe is a great option. We appreciate that this premix is made with high-quality ingredients and is suitable for all life stages. However, the cost may be a barrier for some pet parents, and the recommended serving sizes may not be ideal for all dogs. Overall, we recommend Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe for pet parents who are looking for a high-quality, homemade dog food option.

CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack

If you want to treat your furry friend to a delicious and nutritious meal, CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack is a great option.

Pros

• Made with real meat and poultry
• No fillers or artificial flavors
• Convenient trays with easy-to-peel seals

Cons

• Contains some questionable ingredients
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs
• Packaging can be difficult to open

We love that this dog food is made with quality ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors. Our dogs have always enjoyed the taste and the convenience of the easy-to-peel trays. However, we have noticed that some of the ingredients are questionable and may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, some dogs may experience digestive issues after consuming this food.

Overall, we would recommend CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Adult Wet Dog Food Variety Pack for those looking for a tasty and convenient option for their furry friend’s meals. However, we advise checking the ingredients carefully and monitoring your dog’s reaction to the food.

IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

If you’re looking for a complete and balanced meal that supports your dog’s whole-body health with essential nutrients, IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken might just be the solution you’re looking for.

Pros

• Made with real farm-raised chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Contains a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics for easy digestion and healthy stools
• Supports nutrient absorption with fiber from beet pulp and prebiotics

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the food
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging

We recently tried IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our furry friend and were impressed with the results. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no issues with digestion or bowel movements. We also appreciated that the food is formulated without wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

The blend of natural fiber and prebiotics in the food helped support our dog’s digestive health and regularity. We also noticed that our dog’s coat seemed shinier and healthier after switching to this food.

One potential downside to this food is that it may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the food, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food for your pup. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as the bag not being resealable.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that supports your dog’s digestive health and overall well-being, IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is definitely worth considering.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend this product for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a nutrient-rich and flavorful meal.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers
• Features a trio of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon
• Contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than some other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We have been using NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog for several months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The blend of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon provide him with the necessary nutrients to thrive, while the addition of superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries help support his immune system and keep his coat shiny and healthy.

One of the things we appreciate most about this product is that it follows the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy, using only high-quality, real ingredients that are free from chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy protein, and artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This gives us peace of mind knowing that we are providing our dog with a healthy and nutritious meal.

While the price of this product may be higher than some other dog food brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the noticeable improvement in our dog’s health and well-being make it well worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food for any dog owner looking to provide their pet with a high-quality, nutrient-rich, and flavorful meal.

IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend purchasing the IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food as it provides a tailored blend of natural fiber and prebiotics to support healthy digestion, 7 essential nutrients to support whole-body health, and antioxidants to maintain a strong immune system.

Pros

• Supports healthy digestion with natural fiber and prebiotics
• Formulated to support whole-body health with 7 essential nutrients
• Enriched with antioxidants to maintain a strong immune system

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs
• Contains chicken, which may not be ideal for dogs with chicken allergies

This dry dog food is a great choice for pet owners who want to help keep their pets healthy for life. With its tailored blend of natural fiber and prebiotics, it supports healthy digestion, while the 7 essential nutrients help support whole-body health, including a healthy heart. Additionally, the antioxidants in the recipe help maintain a strong immune system.

While the IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food is generally well-liked by dogs, some may not enjoy the taste. It may also not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs, such as those who require a grain-free diet. Additionally, the food contains chicken, which may not be ideal for dogs with chicken allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend this product for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health and wellbeing.

IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag Chicken 1.88 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing taste, then IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Contains L-carnitine and less fat to support healthy weight in adult dogs
• Wholesome grains provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy
• Supports strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken and egg

Cons

• May cause gas in some dogs
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Not suitable for puppies or senior dogs

We recently tried out this product on our adult dog who needed to lose a few pounds, and we were impressed with the results. Not only did our dog love the taste, but we noticed a significant improvement in her energy levels and overall health.

One of the things we appreciated about this product is that it contains L-carnitine and less fat, which helped our dog maintain a healthy weight without feeling hungry or deprived. Additionally, the wholesome grains provided essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy, which helped our dog stay active and playful.

We also noticed that this product supported strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken and egg, which helped our dog maintain her strength and agility. However, we did notice that this product caused some gas in our dog, which may be a concern for some pet owners.

Overall, we would highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to pet owners who are looking for a nutritious, tasty, and effective way to help their dogs maintain a healthy weight.

IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag Lamb,Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that provides your furry friend with the nutrition they need to be happy and healthy, IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice is a great option.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real, premium lamb, which provides your dog with high-quality protein.
• This dog food promotes healthy digestion with a blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics, which can help reduce gas and improve stool quality.
• Omega-6 fatty acids help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, so your dog will look as good as they feel.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb, so you may need to try a different flavor if your pup is a picky eater.
• This dog food is not grain-free, so if your dog has a grain allergy, you’ll need to look for a different option.
• The kibble may be too small for larger dogs, so you may need to mix it with wet food or add some water to make it easier for your dog to eat.

We’ve been feeding our dog IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for several months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our dog has a sensitive stomach, but this dog food hasn’t caused any digestive issues. We also appreciate that the first ingredient is real lamb, rather than a meat byproduct or filler. Our dog seems to really enjoy the taste, and we’ve noticed that his coat looks shinier and healthier since we switched to this food. Overall, we would definitely recommend IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice to other dog owners looking for a high-quality dry dog food.

Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog

If you’re looking to make your own dog food, Home Cooking for Your Dog is a great resource.

Pros

• The book includes 75 holistic recipes for a healthier dog.
• There are recipes for dogs with specific dietary needs.
• The book provides information on nutrition and feeding guidelines.

Cons

• Some of the recipes require hard-to-find ingredients.
• The recipes can be time-consuming to make.
• The book does not provide information on portion sizes.

We found the recipes in this book to be easy to follow and the results were enjoyed by our furry friends. The book includes recipes for dogs with specific dietary needs, such as those with allergies or digestive issues. It also provides information on nutrition and feeding guidelines, which is helpful for those new to making their own dog food.

One downside is that some of the recipes require hard-to-find ingredients, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the recipes can be time-consuming to make, so it may not be practical for those with busy schedules. Finally, the book does not provide information on portion sizes, so it may take some trial and error to figure out how much to feed your dog.

Overall, we recommend Home Cooking for Your Dog to anyone looking to make their own dog food. The recipes are healthy and delicious, and the book provides valuable information on nutrition and feeding guidelines.

JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe

We highly recommend the JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a well-balanced, homemade diet. This product is perfect for picky eaters, overweight adult dogs, and puppies.

Pros

• The DIY Nutrient Blend comes with a cooking guide and easy-to-follow instructions to ensure that your dog gets a well-balanced diet.
• The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, and made with wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, green beans, and broccoli.
• The Nutrient Blend is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations and is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA.

Cons

• The DIY Nutrient Blend alone does not constitute a balanced meal, and you need to purchase additional ingredients to prepare the meal.
• The Nutrient Blend yields approximately 36 lbs of food and makes three full batches or six half batches.
• The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato recipe may not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies.

We have been using the JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe for a few months now, and we are impressed with the results. Our dog loves the taste of the recipe, and we feel good knowing that we are providing him with a well-balanced, homemade diet. The cooking guide and easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to prepare the recipe, and we appreciate that the Nutrient Blend is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations.

However, we do want to note that the Nutrient Blend alone does not constitute a balanced meal, and you need to purchase additional ingredients to prepare the meal. Additionally, the Nutrient Blend yields approximately 36 lbs of food, which may not be suitable for pet owners with small dogs or those who do not have enough freezer space. Finally, the Fish -amp; Sweet Potato recipe may not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies, so we recommend consulting with your veterinarian before trying this recipe.

Overall, we highly recommend the JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Fish -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a well-balanced, homemade diet. The product is veterinarian developed, and JustFoodForDogs is the #1 vet-recommended fresh dog food brand.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best homemade dog food for your furry friend, there are several factors to consider. We have put together a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Nutritional Requirements

The first thing to consider is your dog’s nutritional requirements. Dogs require a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to ensure that your homemade dog food meets all of these requirements. A veterinarian can help you determine the specific nutritional needs of your dog based on their breed, age, weight, and overall health.

Ingredients

The ingredients you choose for your homemade dog food are crucial. You should use high-quality ingredients, including lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and chocolate. It is also important to avoid using ingredients that your dog may be allergic to.

Preparation and Storage

When preparing homemade dog food, it is important to follow safe food handling practices. Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat. Cook all meats to a safe temperature to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness. Store homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.

Cost

Homemade dog food can be more cost-effective than commercial dog food, but it can also be more expensive depending on the ingredients you choose. Consider the cost of the ingredients and the time it takes to prepare the food when deciding whether homemade dog food is right for you and your dog.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best homemade dog food for your furry friend. Remember to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components of a nutritionally complete homemade dog food?

To ensure that your homemade dog food is nutritionally complete, it should include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Protein should come from high-quality sources such as meat, fish, or eggs. Carbohydrates can come from vegetables, fruits, and grains. Fats should come from healthy sources such as fish oil or olive oil. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate proportions of each component for your dog’s individual needs.

How can I make vet-approved homemade dog food?

Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate ingredients and proportions for your dog’s individual needs. They can also advise on any necessary supplements to ensure that your homemade dog food is nutritionally complete. Additionally, be sure to follow proper food safety practices when preparing and storing homemade dog food.

What are some affordable options for making homemade dog food?

Affordable options for making homemade dog food include using inexpensive protein sources such as chicken or turkey, and incorporating affordable carbohydrate sources such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. Vegetables such as carrots and green beans can also be used to add nutritional value without breaking the bank.

Which homemade dog food recipes are best for dogs with specific health conditions?

Recipes for homemade dog food can be tailored to meet the specific health needs of your dog. For example, dogs with kidney disease may require a diet low in protein and phosphorus, while dogs with allergies may require a diet free from certain ingredients. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate recipe for your dog’s specific health condition.

What is an easy recipe for homemade dog food that is also nutritious?

An easy recipe for homemade dog food is to combine cooked ground turkey, brown rice, and steamed vegetables such as carrots and green beans. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the recipe is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.

How can I ensure my homemade dog food meets my large dog’s dietary needs?

Large dogs may have different dietary needs than smaller dogs, so it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals for your large dog. Additionally, be sure to use appropriately sized portions to ensure that your dog is receiving the appropriate amount of nutrients.