With all the latest recalls and information about commercial dog foods, more dog owners are turning to preparing homemade meals for their furry friends. Dogs enjoy homemade meals, but preparing dog food at home is very different from cooking for yourself or your human family. Following important guidelines is paramount to your dog’s health.
Should You Give Your Dog Homemade Diet?
The homemade dog food trend is on the rise, in part because it gives you more control over the ingredients and reduces concerns about dog food recalls. As more and more people prioritize healthy eating, the same desire for quality nutrition extends to our four-legged friends. Homemade meals are preferred by some pet owners because they emphasize whole food ingredients, which are often considered a healthier alternative to processed, commercial dog foods.
However, switching to homemade food for your dog is not a quick fix. There are several factors to consider before making the switch. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that the homemade dog food recipe you choose is complete and balanced. A dog’s incomplete or unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems.
Also, preparing homemade dog food takes a lot of time. It’s important to have a schedule that allows you to accurately measure ingredients and prepare meals on a regular basis.
Financial considerations also come into play, as sourcing high-quality ingredients for homemade dog food can be more expensive than commercial dry food. Homemade meals are more economical than store-bought fresh or raw dog food, but they still require budgeting and planning.
Additionally, if your dog is a picky eater, you may need to try multiple recipes to keep your dog interested and ensure a varied diet in the long run.
Let us look at some of the homemade dog recipes
#1 Scooby’s Stew
Michelle developed this recipe out of necessity when her dog became ill and she was looking for a cure for an upset stomach. Inspired by the comfort soup provided during her illness, she decided to give her beloved dog the same care. Despite the 6-8 hour cooking time in a slow cooker, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is quick to assemble. However, we find that the seductive aroma of slow-simmering stew is appealing to eager dogs who can’t wait to enjoy this nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 6 pieces each
- 2 pounds frozen mixed veggies (peas, green beans, carrots)
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups sweet potato, cubed
- 2 1/2 cups water
Directions:
Gather all the ingredients in the slow cooker as directed, making sure the chicken is well covered with the vegetables. If you choose high heat, simmer for 5 hours, and if you choose low heat, simmer for 8 hours. The latter is our preferred method. When the chicken is tender and fully cooked, remove from the heat, chop into pieces, and mix with the vegetables and rice. This delicious dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also portion it out and freeze it for later enjoyment.
#2 The Old Standard
There’s a good reason why it’s called Old Standard Cuisine. It includes all the essential components your dog needs, most of which you probably already have at home. Created by Chungah, this recipe is deliciously simple. And our four-legged friends ate it up without hesitation. It’s safe to make a large amount and store the rest in the freezer.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 3 pounds of ground turkey
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 1/2 cup peas (canned or frozen)
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Prepare brown rice by boiling it in plenty of water until tender. When ready, remove from heat and let cool. Heat the olive oil in a separate pot, add the turkey and stir-fry. Cooking time varies, but usually takes about 5 minutes to fully cook. Add the spinach and any other vegetables of your choice to the turkey mixture and cook for another 3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are well mixed into the brown rice. Wait until the cooked mixture has completely cooled down and then feed this delicious meal to your beloved dog.
#3 Beef & Veggie Crockpot Creation
Chunga served us another meal, this time with beef as the main protein and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This special dinner is ready in minutes and can be cooked in the slow cooker, so it’s always hassle-free. My dog loves it too, and you can adjust the ingredients and protein to suit your dog’s preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce) canned kidney beans
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 4 cups of water
Directions:
In a slow cooker, gently combine all of the ingredients, including the water, to ensure a good blend. Allow the flavors to simmer and mix for about six hours on low heat, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking. Once the culinary creation has reached perfection, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and allow it to cool to room temperature before relishing in its deliciousness or conserving it for later use.
#4 Turkey & Veggie Mash
If you’re seeking a nutritious, low-calorie option for your beloved pup, look no further than this wonderful recipe. Though it demands a bit more time and effort compared to other dishes, the end result is truly worth it. We prepared a substantial batch, conveniently storing some in the freezer for later use. Judging by how eagerly our furry companions consumed it, it’s evident that this meal is a superb inclusion in your dog’s homemade menu, ensuring both health and satisfaction.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons raw turkey or chicken liver, finely diced or pureed
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups water
Directions:
Steam the carrots in a double boiler until tender, about 10 minutes over high heat.
Cook the turkey and liver separately until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat.
Steam the remaining vegetables for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on your heat setting. Then, either finely chop them or use a food processor to get a chunky texture.
Stir in the vegetables and protein, then sprinkle with olive oil to ensure everything is properly combined.
Allow to cool before freezing or serving immediately.
#5 Meatballs
Meatballs are a worldwide delight, and it’s no surprise that our canine pals enjoy them as well. Sumika deserves credit for this dish, which was not only straightforward to create, even for beginners like us who had never made meatballs before, but also received ecstatic approval from our beloved dogs. This recipe includes pumpkin and oat bran, which are thoughtful additions that may aid senior dogs, particularly with stomach issues.
Ingredients:
- 10 lbs ground beef (lean)
- 2 cups of oat bran
- 3 slices of bread, cubed small
- 4 eggs
- 3 cans of pumpkin puree
- 4 carrots, boiled/steamed and mashed
- Leaves of 4 kale stalks chopped finely
- A pinch of salt
- Flour
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl and mix until smooth and blended into meatballs. The mixture should have a slight stickiness to help it stick together. Form small balls from the mixture and carefully dust with flour, gently removing excess flour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the meatballs until cooked through. Please adjust the boiling time according to the size. Let the meatballs cool before placing them in the freezer for later use if needed.
I am a dedicated writer, specializes in crafting captivating content centered around Dogs. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for dogs, I delivers engaging narratives that celebrate the bond between humans and their Doggos.
