Paws-atively Perfect Ideas for Homemade Dog Food

homemade dog food

Do you know what is in your dog's food? It can be hard to pay attention to exactly what you're feeding your pup, especially when life gets busy. But if you opt for homemade dog food, you can save some money and cater directly to your dog's taste!

There are many different benefits to making your dog's food at home. While plenty of commercial dog foods can be balanced and healthy, making your own dog food can be helpful, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions or food allergies. Some dogs can be picky eaters so catering to their preferences helps them get the nutrients they need. It can also be helpful if you're worried about potential dog food recalls. Feeding your pup homemade dog food can be a great way to manage your dog's diet, nutrients, weight, and overall health.

Making food for your dog may even be as simple as using some leftovers from your family's meal, or preparing a little extra along with dinner. No matter what you're feeding your dog, make sure it's cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.

What Is Healthy Homemade Dog Food?

Healthy, homemade dog food generally includes:

  • Meat
  • Organ meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish (non-shellfish)
  • Whole grains (like brown rice)
  • Veggies
  • Fruit

Note that there are some foods you should never feed your dog like grapes (and raisins), chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, avocado, garlic, nutmeg, lemons and limes, and raw yeast dough. There are plenty of others that should be limited like salt, cheese, cashews, almonds, tomatoes, cinnamon, honey, milk, peanuts, and cherries.

What Are Good Dog Food Recipes?

@ella_the_vegan_doggo

Ella’s Vegan Homemade Dog Food

If you're looking for plant-based homemade dog food, this recipe from ella_the_vegan_doggo is perfect!

Cook chopped potatoes and sweet potatoes for 25 minutes. Add carrots and brussels sprouts and cook for another 10 minutes. For the sauce, soak lupin beans in water overnight, then cook them for at least 90 minutes. Add some frozen green peas. Then, blend with some flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, strawberries, fresh herbs, and water.

Making Your Own Dog Food

homemade dog food

Easy Homemade Dog Food

A yummy, nutritious meal that’s easily modified for any pup.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dog Food
Cuisine American
Servings 4 dogs
Calories 1311 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6.0 cups brown rice
  • 9.0 oz cooked, lean beef or turkey (fat drained)
  • 4.0 hard boiled eggs (cooked and diced)
  • 3.0 large carrots (shredded or thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (minced)
  • 3.0 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Easy Homemade Dog Food

  • Combine all ingredients in a large container or bowl.
  • Serve immediately, store in the fridge for up to a week, or store in the freezer for longer periods of time.

Nutrition

Calories: 1311kcalCarbohydrates: 223gProtein: 42gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 226mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 1236mgFiber: 11gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8535IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 8mg
Keyword dog food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

When it comes to making your own dog food, you can customize this recipe! If your dog doesn't seem to like the flavor, try mixing it up! Also, be sure you're feeding your dog the appropriate amount according to their age and weight.

What Are Some Healthy Homemade Dog Treats?

@sophieshealthykitchen

Sophie’s Treats

If you're interested in a treat made from wholesome ingredients, check out this recipe from @sophieshealthykitchen:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add 2 cups of steel-cut oats to a food processor and grind to a flour. Add 1 banana, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, and an egg to a food processor and pulse to a dough consistency. Turn the dough out onto the countertop and form into treat-sized circles (about one-inch diameter). Place onto the baking tray and bake for 16 minutes, turning halfway through.  Let them cool completely before treating your furry friend!

Lincoln’s Treats

@lincoln_the_weimer

This is another great recipe for treats and it comes from @lincoln_the_weimer. All you need is 2 (4 oz) jars of baby food, 1 1/2 cups of oats, and 1 tbsp coconut oil. Blend it all together in a food processor and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Who knew dog treats could be so simple?

Homemade Dog Food You Can Feel Good About

Are you ready to get into the kitchen and start making tasty meals and treats for your favorite furry friend? We are! Let us know if you have any favorite recipes. And be sure to share pics of your dog and their homemade meals on FamilyApp!

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