Looking for a nutritious and delicious way to treat your furry friend? Homemade dog meals are a great option for pet owners who want to ensure their pup is getting a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Not only do homemade meals allow you to control the quality and freshness of ingredients, but they can also be a fun bonding experience for you and your canine companion.
As a dog owner, you want to ensure your furry companion receives the best nutrition possible. While commercial dog foods can be convenient, homemade meals allow you to control the ingredients and cater to your pup’s specific dietary needs.
These delicious and nutritious homemade dog meal recipes that are sure to make your canine companion wag their tail with excitement.
Let’s explore the benefits of homemade dog meals, share some easy-to-follow recipes, and provide tips for ensuring your pup’s dietary requirements are met.
1. Chicken and Brown Rice
Boiled chicken breast mixed with cooked brown rice and a side of steamed carrots. This classic dish provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup of steamed carrots
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken breast thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- Steam the carrots until soft, then chop them into small pieces.
- Mix all ingredients together and let cool before serving.
2. Beef and Sweet Potato
Lean ground beef combined with mashed sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of spinach. Sweet potatoes offer a rich source of fiber and antioxidants, while spinach adds a nutritional punch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup of steamed green beans
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a pan until fully cooked, then drain off any fat.
- Cook and mash the sweet potatoes.
- Steam the green beans and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine all ingredients and allow to cool before serving.
3. Turkey and Quinoa
Shredded turkey breast mixed with cooked quinoa and peas. Quinoa is a protein-packed superfood that also provides essential amino acids.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked ground turkey
- 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup of steamed spinach
Instructions:
- Cook the ground turkey until fully cooked.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Steam the spinach and chop finely.
- Mix all ingredients and let cool before serving.
4. Salmon and Oatmeal
Baked salmon flakes combined with cooked oatmeal and a drizzle of olive oil. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while oatmeal provides complex carbs and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked, boneless, skinless salmon
- 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal
- 1/4 cup of steamed spinach
Instructions:
- Cook the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the boneless, skinless salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with a small amount of oil.
- Bake the salmon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Let the salmon cool, then flake it into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring there are no bones.
- Cook the Oatmeal:
- In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add 1/2 cup of plain, old-fashioned oats to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the oats simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oatmeal is cooked and has absorbed most of the water.
- Remove from heat and let the oatmeal cool to room temperature.
- Steam the Spinach:
- Wash and trim the spinach leaves.
- Place the spinach in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Cover and steam the spinach for about 3-5 minutes, or until it is wilted and tender.
- Remove from the steamer and let it cool slightly, then chop the spinach into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flaked salmon, cooked oatmeal, and chopped spinach until well combined.
- Serve:
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it to your dog.
- Serve the meal in your dog’s usual food bowl.
5. Lamb and Lentils
Ground lamb mixed with cooked lentils and diced carrots. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup lentils (red or green)
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Cook the lentils: In a pot, add lentils and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until soft.
- Cook the lamb: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it up into small pieces until browned.
- Add vegetables: Add chopped carrots and spinach to the lamb and cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Combine and mix: Once the lentils are done cooking, add them to the lamb mixture and stir to combine. Let it cool before serving.
Serving:
Serve the lamb and lentil mixture as a complete meal for your dog. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Venison and Barley
Cooked venison mixed with barley and a side of sautéed kale. Venison is a lean and nutrient-dense meat, while barley provides complex carbs and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1/2 cup barley (cooked)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Cook the barley: In a large pot, cook the barley according to the package instructions, usually around 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the venison: In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ground venison and cook thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the veggies: Once the venison is cooked, add the peas and chopped carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Combine and mix: Stir the cooked barley into the venison mixture and mix well.
7. Tuna and Brown Rice
Flaked tuna combined with cooked brown rice and steamed broccoli. Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated zucchini (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the rice: Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
- Heat the tuna: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tuna and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the peas and zucchini (if using), cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Mix the cooked rice into the tuna and vegetable mixture. Let it cool before serving.
8. Turkey Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Homemade turkey meatballs served with zucchini noodles and a side of diced tomatoes. A low-carb and nutrient-dense option. Great for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, make sure your dog is not sensitive)
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Make the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until tender.
- Combine and serve: Once the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly and serve alongside the zucchini noodles.
9. Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, and green beans simmered in a flavorful broth. A comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1/4 cup green beans, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Add the vegetables: Add the diced carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans to the pot.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until vegetables are soft and chicken is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the stew cool before serving. You can mash the stew slightly or leave it chunky, depending on your dog’s preference.
10. Beef and Lentil Meatloaf
A meatloaf made with lean ground beef and lentils, served with a mix of peas and roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked lentils, grated carrot, egg, rolled oats, olive oil, and turmeric (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and browned on top.
- Cool and slice: Let the meatloaf cool before slicing into portions for your dog.
11. Salmon Cakes and Sweet Potato Mash
Homemade salmon cakes served with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked salmon (boneless, skin removed)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour or rolled oats
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Boil sweet potato until soft, then mash and set aside.
- Flake salmon and mix with egg and oats.
- Form small patties.
- Pan-cook in olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve salmon cakes with sweet potato mash.
12. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground turkey, cooked quinoa, and diced vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked salmon (boneless, skin removed)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour or rolled oats
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Boil sweet potato until soft, then mash and set aside.
- Flake salmon and mix with egg and oats.
- Form small patties.
- Pan-cook in olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve salmon cakes with sweet potato mash.
13. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Shredded chicken, cooked rice, and mixed vegetables baked in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Transfer to a casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and serve.
14. Beef and Barley Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup made with lean beef, barley, and a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked barley
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 4 cups water or unsalted beef broth
Instructions:
- Brown beef in a pot, draining excess fat.
- Add carrots, peas, barley, and liquid.
- Simmer on low for 30–40 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Tip: Mash slightly for smaller dogs.
15. Tuna and Egg Scramble
Flaked tuna mixed with scrambled eggs and a side of cooked spinach. A protein-packed breakfast option.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (drained)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cooked rice (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat.
- Whisk eggs and add to pan.
- Stir in tuna and cook gently until eggs are set.
- Mix in rice if using.
- Cool before serving.
16. Lamb and Lentil Stew
Tender chunks of lamb simmered with lentils, carrots, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth. Hearty, iron-rich, and great for active dogs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb (ground or finely chopped, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1/2 cup lentils (red or green), rinsed
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 4 cups water or unsalted bone broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add lamb and cook until fully browned.
- Stir in lentils, carrots, and water/broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft.
- Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
17. Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice
Shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, and a medley of diced vegetables stir-fried with scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add carrots and peas, cooking until soft.
- Push veggies aside, scramble the egg until fully cooked.
- Stir in chicken and rice.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Cool completely before serving.
18. Beef and Sweet Potato Patties
Homemade beef patties mixed with mashed sweet potatoes, served with steamed broccoli.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form small patties.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cool and serve.
19. Turkey and Vegetable Meatballs
Ground turkey meatballs mixed with grated vegetables like carrots and zucchini, served over cooked quinoa.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Roll into bite-sized meatballs.
- Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Let cool before serving.
20. Salmon and Pumpkin Patties
Salmon patties made with canned pumpkin, served with a side of steamed green beans and brown rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked salmon (boneless, skin removed)
- 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour or oats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flake salmon into a bowl.
- Mix in pumpkin, egg, and oats.
- Form small patties.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
21. Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie
Shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a savory gravy baked in a simple pot. No crust needed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly sauté vegetables in olive oil until tender.
- Add chicken and broth; stir well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and mash slightly if needed before serving.
Helpful Tips 🐾
- Always remove bones and skin from meat.
- Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers.
- For daily feeding, add a veterinarian-approved calcium supplement.
A homemade diet for your furry friend is not only a delicious treat but also a way to show your love and care. With a little effort and creativity, you can whip up nutritious and tasty meals that will keep your pup wagging its tail with joy.
Embrace the joy of cooking for your canine companion and watch as they gobble up every bite with enthusiasm. After all, a happy and healthy dog is the ultimate reward for any pet parent.
Hi! Any links? There is no recipe for the chicken pot pie.