Best Home Cooked Food for Dogs: Nutritious and Delicious Recipes

Home cooked food for dogs is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are looking for healthier and more affordable options than commercial dog food. While there are plenty of recipes available online, not all of them are nutritionally balanced or safe for dogs to eat. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching and testing different home cooked dog food recipes to identify the ones that are not only delicious but also provide all the nutrients your furry friend needs.

When it comes to home cooked dog food, the critical thing to pay attention to is the ingredients. Dogs have different nutritional requirements than humans, and some foods that are safe for us can be toxic to them. It’s also essential to ensure that the recipe you’re using is nutritionally balanced and meets your dog’s specific needs, depending on their age, breed, and health condition.

We tested several home cooked dog food recipes, taking into account their nutritional value, ease of preparation, and taste. In this article, we’ll share with you our top picks for the best home cooked food for dogs. Whether you’re looking to switch your dog to a healthier diet or just want to treat them to a delicious homemade meal, we’ve got you covered.

Best Home Cooked Food for Dogs

As pet owners, we know how important it is to provide our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. While there are many commercial dog foods available, some pet owners prefer to cook for their dogs at home. Home cooked food allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your dog is getting a balanced diet that meets their specific needs. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best home cooked food for dogs, based on ingredients, nutritional value, and taste. Whether you’re looking to switch up your dog’s diet or want to start cooking for them from scratch, we’ve got you covered.

CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Soft Wet Dog Food Slow Cooked Chicken -amp; Vegetables Dinner and Beef Stew Variety Pack, Easy Peel Trays, 3.5 Oz – 12 Count (Pack of 2) Beef Stew, Chicken-amp; Vegetables 2.63 Pound (Pack of 2)

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious meal for your furry friend, then the CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Soft Wet Dog Food is an excellent choice. With real meat and poultry as the #1 ingredient, this gourmet dog food is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

Pros

• The convenient trays make mealtime easy and mess-free.
• Made in the USA with quality ingredients from around the world.
• Variety pack with two different flavors to keep your dog interested.

Cons

• Some customers found it difficult to open the peel-away freshness seals.
• A few customers reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food.
• The price may be a bit high compared to other wet dog food options.

We recently tried the CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Slow Cooked Chicken and Vegetables Dinner and the CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Beef Stew Dog Food Trays with our furry friend, and we were impressed with the quality and taste of the food. The chicken and vegetables flavor had real chunks of chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce that our dog loved. The beef stew flavor had tender beef pieces with carrots and potatoes in a delicious gravy that also got our dog’s tail wagging.

One of the things we liked about this dog food was the convenience of the trays. They were easy to open and made feeding time a breeze. We also appreciated the fact that the trays had peel-away freshness seals to keep the food fresh and prevent spills.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Soft Wet Dog Food to other dog owners who want to give their pets a tasty and nutritious meal. While the price may be a bit higher than other options, the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the trays make it worth the investment.

Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe, RAW or Cooked Premix/Supplement for Making Homemade Dog Food, All Natural, Holistic Veterinarian Approved, Grain Free, No Artificial Additives

We highly recommend purchasing Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe if you want to provide your furry friend with a balanced and complete homemade diet. This product is made in the USA and Canada with 100% human-grade ingredients and is free from fillers, preservatives, and by-products. Moreover, it is suitable for dogs of all life stages and can be used with any kind of meat.

Pros

• The premix is easy to use and can be mixed with any kind of meat to make a balanced and complete homemade diet for dogs.
• The product is made with all-natural ingredients and is free from fillers, preservatives, and by-products.
• The product is prescribed most often by holistic veterinarians since 2002.

Cons

• The product is quite expensive compared to other dog food products.
• The product may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or health issues.
• The product may not be available in all local pet stores.

Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe is an excellent product for dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a homemade diet that is nutritionally complete and balanced. The premix is easy to use, and the recipe is simple to follow. We found that the product is especially useful for busy pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy diet but do not have the time to prepare it themselves.

The product is made with all-natural ingredients and is free from fillers, preservatives, and by-products. We appreciate that the product is prescribed most often by holistic veterinarians since 2002, which gives us peace of mind that it is a high-quality product.

However, the product is quite expensive compared to other dog food products on the market. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or health issues. Lastly, the product may not be available in all local pet stores, which may be an inconvenience for some pet owners.

In conclusion, Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe is an excellent product for dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a balanced and complete homemade diet. While it may be expensive and not suitable for all dogs, we believe that the benefits of the product outweigh the drawbacks.

Salutem Vita – Freshpet Select Fresh from The Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe for Dogs, 1.75 Lb – Pack of 3

If you want to give your furry friend a fresh, home-cooked meal that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, then Salutem Vita’s Freshpet Select Fresh from The Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe for Dogs is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with fresh, all-natural ingredients sourced locally in the USA
• Resealable meals that are easy to store and use within 7 days of opening
• Complete and balanced food for dogs that provides a high protein diet

Cons

• Only available in a 1.75lb resealable bag, which may not be enough for larger dogs
• Must be refrigerated at all times, which may be inconvenient for some pet owners
• Only available in one flavor (chicken)

At Freshpet, they believe in using real, all-natural ingredients to create fresh pet food that is healthy and delicious. Their Freshpet Select Fresh from The Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe for Dogs is no exception. Made with fresh, locally sourced shredded chicken and essential vitamins from the fresh inclusions of carrots, spinach, and super fruit cranberries, this dog food is crafted with care in their kitchen.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it is all-natural with no preservatives, which is why you’ll find it in the fridge on the pet food aisle. The resealable meals make it easy to store and use within 7 days of opening, ensuring that your dog is always getting the freshest food possible.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it is complete and balanced, providing a high protein diet that is essential for your dog’s health. The added vitamins and minerals make sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

One downside is that this dog food is only available in a 1.75lb resealable bag, which may not be enough for larger dogs. Additionally, it must be refrigerated at all times, which may be inconvenient for some pet owners. Finally, it is only available in one flavor (chicken), which may not be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fresh, all-natural dog food that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, then Salutem Vita’s Freshpet Select Fresh from The Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe for Dogs is a great choice.

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food, 3 oz pouch (12-count)

If you’re looking for a complete and balanced wet food for your small breed puppy, Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food pouches are definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The chunks in gravy texture make it easy for growing small breed puppies to eat.
• The formula is specifically designed for small breed puppies from 2 to 10 months old with an expected adult weight of up to 22 lb.
• The wet food is enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, scientifically proven to help support your puppy’s brain development.

Cons

• The price is a bit high compared to other wet puppy foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The packaging may be difficult to open for some pet owners.

We recently tried Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food pouches for our new small breed puppy and found it to be a great option for wet food. The chunks in gravy texture made it easy for our puppy to eat, and we noticed an improvement in his digestion and stool quality after switching to this food.

We also appreciate that the formula is specifically designed for small breed puppies, with a complex of antioxidants to support immune health and highly digestible proteins for digestive health. The addition of DHA for brain development is another bonus.

The only downside we found is the price, which is a bit higher than some other wet puppy foods on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s worth trying a small pack before committing to a larger quantity.

Overall, we would recommend Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food pouches to any small breed puppy owner looking for a complete and balanced wet food option.

Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat

If you’re looking for a delicious wet dog food that’s easy to serve and provides complete and balanced nutrition, then the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat is a great option.

Pros

• Real meat is the #1 ingredient
• Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
• Contains no fillers, no artificial flavors, and is formulated without grains

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
• Contains trace amounts of grains due to cross-contact during manufacturing
• May be more expensive than other wet dog food options

We recently tried the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat for our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the easy peel trays. Our dog loved the meaty taste and texture of the beef, and we appreciated that the wet dog food provided complete and balanced nutrition with vitamins and minerals to help our dog stay healthy.

One of the biggest pros of this wet dog food is that real meat is the #1 ingredient, which means that our dog was getting a high-quality source of protein in every meal. We also liked that the wet dog food was made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world, which gave us peace of mind knowing that our dog was eating a high-quality product.

Another great feature of the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat is that it contains no fillers, no artificial flavors, and is formulated without grains. This meant that our dog was getting a healthy and nutritious meal without any unnecessary additives or fillers.

While we were overall very impressed with the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat, there were a few cons to consider. Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the wet dog food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and see how your dog reacts. Additionally, the wet dog food contains trace amounts of grains due to cross-contact during manufacturing, which may be a concern for dogs with grain sensitivities. Finally, the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat may be more expensive than other wet dog food options, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase.

Overall, we would recommend the Cesar Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Steak Lovers Variety Pack with Real Meat to dog owners who are looking for a high-quality wet dog food that’s easy to serve and provides complete and balanced nutrition. With its delicious meaty taste and texture, real meat as the #1 ingredient, and no fillers or artificial flavors, this wet dog food is a great choice for dogs of all sizes, especially small dogs.

Open Farm Catch-of-The-Season Whitefish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is sustainably sourced and packed with nutrients, Open Farm Catch-of-The-Season Whitefish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• The whitefish used in this recipe is sustainably caught and 100% Ocean Wise certified, so you can feel good about the food in your dog’s bowl.
• This high-nutrient formula is full of meaty natural protein for muscle development, probiotic fiber for digestion, and Omega-3 fatty acids for prime heart health and wellness.
• Open Farm provides 100% transparency, allowing owners to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag.

Cons

• This dog food is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the flavor of this food, as it smells more like veggies than meat.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.

We recently tried Open Farm Catch-of-The-Season Whitefish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The whitefish used in this recipe is sustainably sourced and 100% Ocean Wise certified, which gave us peace of mind knowing that we were feeding our dog a responsibly sourced meal. We also appreciated the high-nutrient formula, which is packed with natural protein, probiotic fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, although we did notice that the kibble size was quite small. While this dog food is more expensive than other options on the market, we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. Overall, we would recommend Open Farm Catch-of-The-Season Whitefish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a high-quality, sustainably sourced dog food.

Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food

If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious meal for your furry friend, Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Pro 1: Made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including fresh meat, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Pro 2: Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a healthier option for your pet.
• Pro 3: Comes in a variety of flavors to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring that your dog won’t get bored with their meals.

Cons

• Con 1: Can be more expensive than some other dog food options on the market.
• Con 2: Requires preparation time and effort to cook and store the food properly.
• Con 3: May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or allergies.

We recently tried Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food for our own furry friend, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the variety of flavors available. Our dog absolutely loved the food and seemed to have more energy and vitality after switching to this brand.

One of the major benefits of Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food is that it is made with all-natural ingredients, which means that it is free from harmful chemicals and additives that can be found in some other dog food brands. This makes it a healthier option for your pet, and can help to reduce the risk of health problems in the long term.

However, we did find that the cost of Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food was slightly higher than some other brands on the market. Additionally, the preparation time and effort required to cook and store the food properly may be a challenge for some pet owners.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Pup’s Delight Homemade Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food option. While it may not be suitable for all dogs, it is definitely worth considering if you want to provide your furry friend with a healthy and nutritious meal.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Wet Canned Dog Food

We highly recommend the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Wet Canned Dog Food for pet owners who are looking for a vegetarian and plant-based diet for their dogs.

Pros

• The plant-based ingredients provide complete and balanced essential nutrients with no animal or dairy products, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
• The simplified list of premium ingredients helps to support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system, with no added soy, gluten, or artificial colors or flavors.
• The vegetarian recipe is crafted with nutritious ingredients such as potatoes and peas, providing essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the vegetarian recipe and may prefer a meat-based diet.
• The wet canned food may not be as convenient as dry kibble, as it requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life once opened.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food options on the market, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

We have found that our dogs enjoy the taste of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Wet Canned Dog Food, and we appreciate the plant-based and vegetarian recipe that provides essential nutrients for a healthy immune system. The ‘Feed with Confidence’ program ensures safety with every bite, and we trust the brand’s commitment to transparency and quality ingredients. Overall, we believe that this dog food is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a vegetarian and plant-based diet for their furry friends.

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

If you’re looking for a healthy and balanced homemade food option for your furry friend, JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• This nutrient blend is veterinarian developed and formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations.
• The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato recipe is gluten-free, and grain-free, and is made with wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, green beans, and broccoli.
• Each Nutrient Blend for homemade dog food comes with a full recipe and step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure your dog gets a well-balanced diet.

Cons

• The DIY Nutrient Blend does not include the additional ingredients necessary to prepare the meal.
• Our DIY Nutrient Blends alone do not constitute a balanced meal, which is why they’re described as “intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.”
• The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend yields approximately 36 lbs of food and makes three full batches or six half batches.

We’ve used this nutrient blend to make homemade food for our dogs and have been pleased with the results. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are high-quality. Our dogs love the taste, and we feel good knowing they’re getting a well-balanced meal. The Fish -amp; Sweet Potato recipe is also great for dogs with food sensitivities as it is gluten-free and grain-free.

One thing to keep in mind is that the DIY Nutrient Blend does not include the additional ingredients necessary to prepare the meal. You’ll need to purchase the whole-food ingredients separately. Also, while the Fish -amp; Sweet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend is nutritionally balanced, it is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding, so it’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully.

Overall, we would recommend JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food to anyone looking for a healthy and balanced homemade food option for their furry friend.

CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Adult Wet Dog Food Hearty Chicken -amp; Noodle Dinner in Sauce

If you’re looking for a convenient and tasty wet dog food option, CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Hearty Chicken -amp; Noodle Dinner in Sauce is worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient for a complete and balanced meal
• Quality ingredients sourced from around the world
• Convenient and easy-to-use trays with peel-away freshness seals

Cons

• Contains fillers and artificial flavors
• Only suitable for adult dogs
• May not be a cost-effective option for large dogs or frequent use

We recently tried CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Hearty Chicken -amp; Noodle Dinner in Sauce for our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the individual trays. The chicken and noodle flavor was a hit with our dog, and we appreciated that the food provided a complete and balanced meal.

However, we did notice that the food contains fillers and artificial flavors, which may not be ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions. Additionally, the 3.5 oz. trays may not be a cost-effective option for larger dogs or frequent use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and tasty wet dog food option for your adult dog, CESAR HOME DELIGHTS Hearty Chicken -amp; Noodle Dinner in Sauce is worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best home cooked food for your dog, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting the right product for your furry friend:

Ingredients

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a home cooked dog food that contains high-quality ingredients. Look for products that use real, whole foods like meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Nutritional Content

When selecting a home cooked dog food, be sure to check the nutritional content. Look for products that are balanced and complete, with the right mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It’s also important to choose a food that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs, such as low-fat or grain-free options.

Preparation and Storage

Consider how easy the product is to prepare and store. Some home cooked dog foods may require more preparation time than others, so be sure to choose a product that fits your lifestyle. Additionally, make sure the food can be stored safely and easily, either in the refrigerator or freezer.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the home cooked dog food. While high-quality products may cost more, it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget. Look for products that offer good value for the price, with high-quality ingredients and nutritional content.

In summary, when choosing the best home cooked food for your dog, look for products with high-quality ingredients, balanced nutritional content, easy preparation and storage, and good value for the price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a product that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs and keeps them healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some vet-approved recipes for homemade dog food?

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. However, some vet-approved recipes for homemade dog food include chicken and rice, beef and sweet potato, and turkey and vegetables. These recipes are easy to make and provide a balanced meal for your furry friend.

How can I make nutritionally complete meals for my dog at home?

To make nutritionally complete meals for your dog at home, you should include a variety of protein sources, such as chicken, beef, and fish. You should also include vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans, as well as grains like brown rice and quinoa. Additionally, you should add supplements like calcium and vitamins to ensure your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Can you suggest budget-friendly homemade dog food options?

Yes, some budget-friendly homemade dog food options include using affordable protein sources like chicken and eggs, and incorporating vegetables and grains like carrots, peas, and rice. You can also consider buying in bulk to save money and cook in large batches to freeze for later.

What is the ideal homemade diet for small breed dogs?

Small breed dogs have different nutritional needs than larger breeds, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients. A good homemade diet for small breed dogs should include high-quality protein sources like chicken or turkey, as well as healthy fats like fish oil. You should also include vegetables like sweet potatoes and green beans, and grains like brown rice or quinoa.

How do I prepare simple and quick meals for my dog?

Preparing simple and quick meals for your dog can be easy. You can use pre-cooked protein sources like chicken or beef, and mix them with cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans. You can also add grains like rice or quinoa to make a complete meal. Additionally, you can consider using a slow cooker to make large batches of homemade dog food that can be stored and served throughout the week.

Which ingredients are essential for a balanced diet in large breed dogs?

Large breed dogs require a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein sources like chicken or beef, as well as healthy fats like fish oil. You should also include vegetables like sweet potatoes and green beans, and grains like brown rice or quinoa. Additionally, large breed dogs require extra calcium to support their bone health, so you should consider adding supplements or feeding calcium-rich foods like yogurt or cheese.