Creating homemade meals offers dog parents more control over their pup’s diet. However, it's vital to know safe recipes and ensure nutritional balance.
A homemade diet is favored for its whole, unprocessed ingredients, which promote better health than processed dog food.
Here's why I believe homemade dog food beats canned or dry alternatives:
You can customize nutrients for your dog's age, weight, and health with homemade recipes. Working with your vet and adding a nutrient blend helps. Plus, you choose fresh ingredients to balance your dog's diet!
Cooking methods are flexible—baking, steaming, or more.
Homemade recipes let you opt for whole foods you'd eat, avoiding recall concerns.
For ease, prep meals ahead, freeze in portions.
Vets often recommend multivitamins for homemade dog food for balanced nutrition.
Homemade is cheaper than commercial raw food but pricier than kibble.
Transition slowly to prevent tummy upset when shifting from processed to fresh food.
Homemade cooking can be complex for picky eaters or dogs with sensitivities.
Things to Avoid When Making Dog Food at Home
Some ingredients are unsafe for your dog's health, these include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw beans
- Onions
- Leek
- Green Tomato
- Potato
Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Your pup's health hinges on meeting their nutritional requirements. Just handing them regular human food won't cut it—this can result in an unbalanced diet. Instead, collaborating with a veterinary nutritionist will help you pinpoint the right calorie count your dog needs to flourish, taking their unique physique and activity level into account. Life stage and energy level, like how playful they are, will affect their daily caloric intake.
When it comes to crafting wholesome homemade dog food, the ideal blend includes protein, veggies, whole grains, and good fats. Remember to include essential vitamins and minerals for that perfect balance. Here's a simple sample recipe:
Based on my research, around 70% - 75% protein is a solid range. You can go for ground chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, or chicken breast.
10% Carbs, consider quinoa, barley, oats or sweet potatoes.
15% fiber. Check our safe veggies & fruits list for inspiration.
For fats, adult dogs need about 5%, while pups and expecting/nursing moms require 8%. Multiply the percentage by your dog's daily portion weight to get the fat grams. You can think of fish oil, cod liver oil, or coconut oil as healthy fat sources.
As you transition to homemade meals, keep a close eye on any changes in your dog. Staying in touch with your veterinary nutritionist is wise—whether it's positive or negative shifts in weight or condition. Weigh your furry buddy weekly to catch any unintended changes. Look out for signs like upset stomach or diarrhea, especially if they're sensitive to certain ingredients. In such cases, consulting your veterinary nutritionist is the way to go.
And if your dog is a pup, a senior, or has specific health needs, chat with your veterinary nutritionist for vet-approved dog food recipes tailored to them. Your dog's well-being is priority one! 
Ready to dive into preparing homemade meals for your pupper? Here's your go-to guide on getting started with nourishing them the right way:
- Get your kitchen arsenal ready with essentials like a food scale, food processor, pots, pans, and food storage containers for portioning.
- Stock up on top-notch, fresh ingredients. Skip anything seasoned, heavily processed, or canned.
- Set up your cooking space, ensuring it's free from foods that could be harmful to your dog.
- Put that food scale to work, carefully measuring out each ingredient.
- Follow cooking directions, and don't forget to add any necessary supplements after cooking!
- Once it's cooked to perfection, divide the homemade dog food into portions. Keep in mind that anything in the freezer for more than six months isn't ideal. As you begin this culinary journey for your pup, start with smaller batches to gauge their reaction to new flavors. Happy cooking and tail-wagging enjoyment!
When cooking meals for your pup, remember to keep things simple and wholesome. Avoid the temptation to add salt, seasonings, and unhealthy oils to their food. While these flavor enhancers might be fine for us, they can spell trouble for your pup's health. Stick to natural, unprocessed ingredients to provide the best nourishment for your dog. Their taste buds might not crave the same seasonings as yours, but their well-being will thank you for the thoughtful choices!
