If you’re trying to veer away from store-bought dog food (which seems to be getting more and more expensive) in favor of homemade iterations, there are tons of recipes to explore that are packed with nutritional benefits. Here are some of our favorite options to try out at home.
1. Chicken and Rice Dog Food
This recipe comes straight from a veterinary technician and is touted as the “done right” version of chicken and rice for Fido. Chicken and rice is especially good for doggies with gut issues, but the two ingredients alone aren’t nearly balanced enough to provide well-rounded nutrition boosts. This recipe calls for chicken giblets, Eastern oysters, salmon, eggs, brown rice, pumpkin, spinach, and a couple of added supplements. It’s a superfood smorgasbord for pups.
Recipe: The Canine Health Nut
2. Ground Beef and Zucchini Doggie Pasta
Although this recipe’s home is on a site geared toward French bulldogs, there’s not a breed that would turn their nose up at this medley of quinoa, ground beef, zucchini, yellow squash, carrot, apple, coconut oil, supplements, and pumpkin.
Recipe: Where’s the Frenchie?
3. Dog Food for Itchy Skin
If your pooch has itchy skin, the best thing to do is to talk to a vet and receive some professional advice. But if you’re exploring home remedies for a nutrition-caused itchiness, this recipe might do the trick with its combination of ground turkey, sweet potato, carrot, peas, coconut oil, and water.
Recipe: Top Dog Tips
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4. Meatballs for Dogs
You might be picturing Lady and the Tramp slurping spaghetti noodles, but this recipe doesn’t include any starchy pasta or tomato sauce. Instead, it packs nutritious veggies and oats into the ground beef to create the best dog-friendly meatballs.
Recipe: Busy Little Kiddies
Related: Easy, Cheap Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
5. Crockpot Chicken Dog Food
Crockpots come in handy when you’re low on time but want a well-balanced meal. The same goes for dog food. This recipe makes providing your pup with a nutrient-packed meal easy as can be.
Recipe: Dog Vills
Related: 19 Best Pet Supplies to Buy at Costco
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6. Salmon Dog Food Recipe With Spinach and Pumpkin
Salmon is good for dogs because it’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, and joints. It also provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. This recipe embraces salmon along with spinach and pumpkin, which are knwon for being nutritious dog food ingredients.
Recipe: Pawsome Recipes
7. Vegan Dog Food
Canines aren’t exclusively carnivores. As such, you don’t always have to opt for dog food recipes that use meat. Incidentally, a veggie-only recipe — like this one featuring sweet potato, quinoa, peas, and a banana — will save you money at the grocery store.
Recipe: Veg Annie
8. Turkey Meatloaf for Dogs
Who doesn’t love a good meatloaf? For people and pups alike, this stuff is a hit every time. For added nutritional benefits, sneak some flaxseed and vegetables into this loaf.
Recipe: SkinnyMs
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9. Senior Dog Food
As your furry friend gets up there in age, their metabolism slows down, and what you feed them becomes increasingly important. This recipe promotes a soft texture for easy chewing with pumpkin, brown rice, blueberries, and ground beef.
Recipe: Top Dog Tips
10. Beef Stew for Dogs
Beef stew is a great dog food recipe to make in batches and freeze for later. All you’ll need is beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and water.
Recipe: A Cute Angle
