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This Homemade Dog Food recipe teaches you how to prepare a drool-worthy meal for your furry friend. It’s made with a combination of wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients that contain a nourishing balance of carbs, fat, fiber, and protein.
One of the best ways to know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl is to feed them Homemade Dog Food. This is especially important if you’re dealing with a picky pup, food sensitivities, or allergies.
This dog food recipe has the protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are vital to a healthy canine diet. My Layla girl can verify that it tastes great, too!
It’s important to note that dogs have nutritional needs that their meals must meet. This is why my homemade dog food recipe contains the AKC recommended ABCs of a balanced dog food diet. After all, we only want what’s best for our pups!
Disclaimer: This homemade dog food is not an adequate meal replacement. Canine nutritional needs vary depending on factors including build, breed, and age. It's strongly advised to consult with your veterinarian to determine your dog’s individual nutrient needs before starting them on homemade food.
Recipe features
- It’s a budget-friendly substitute that’s easy to make with healthy, low-fat, and grain-free ingredients.
- There are plenty of healthy substitutes and additions available to make your dog extra happy.
- It only takes 30 minutes to make this healthy food for pups!
- It can be made on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
- You can also freeze it, saving you time and effort for months on end.
Ingredients
Carrots - These are packed with potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins that can improve your dog’s overall health. Foods like apples, peas, beets, green beans, leafy greens, and pumpkin are also great sources of dietary fiber.
Sweet potato - This is an excellent source of carbohydrates for dogs. It’s low in fat and high in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron. Pumpkin and butternut squash offer the same nutritional benefits and also help regulate digestion.
Lentils - Legumes are healthy for dogs because they’re low in fat and calories but high in fiber and protein. You can also make this with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats if there are no grain sensitivities.
Water - You need water to cook the lentils but for even more flavor, cook them in bone broth or chicken broth. Make sure the broth isn’t cooked with anything unsafe, like onions and garlic.
Ground turkey or chicken - You can also make this with lean ground beef, bison, venison, white fish, or salmon.
Spinach - Just like humans, dogs need their greens. Feel free to add green beans, broccoli, cucumber, or brussels sprouts instead. Check out this list of fruits and vegetables dogs can and cannot eat before making any switches.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Talk to your vet! This is a very important first step. You should always consult with your vet before making diet changes to determine your dog’s individual nutritional and caloric needs.
Step 2: Cook the lentils. Add the lentils and water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer until they’re tender.
Step 3: Prep the vegetables. Meanwhile, add the peeled sweet potato and carrots to a food processor. Pulse until they’re chopped into tiny pieces.
Step 4: Cook the meat and veggies. Cook the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Add the carrot and sweet potato mixture, then the spinach. Saute until they soften.
Step 5: Mix everything together. To finish, stir the cooked lentils into the mixture. Let it cool completely before serving.
Tips and FAQs
- If you need to add a bit of moisture to the pot while cooking the meat and vegetables, you can use a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil. These oils can also improve your pup’s skin and coat when given in moderation.
- Make this recipe even easier by using frozen vegetables instead. There’s no prep involved!
- You can mix your dog’s kibble into the homemade food at first to help their stomach adjust. Abrupt changes can cause an upset stomach.
Is this dog food recipe vet approved?
No, but it contains the complete list of components for well-balanced dog food. Keep in mind that all dogs have different nutritional needs. Talk to your vet to determine your dog’s complete dietary needs.
How much homemade dog food should I feed my dog?
Refer to this chart, Calorie Ranges for an Average Healthy Adult Dog by WSAVA before feeding your dog. Like us, dogs rely on calories for energy and to maintain a healthy weight. You never want to feed your dog too much or too little.
Can you make dog food in the Instant Pot?
Yep! Here's how to make homemade dog food in the Instant Pot:
- Press "sauté" on your Instant Pot and set it for 6 minutes. After 2 minutes (once it's hot), add the ground turkey and cook it until it's no longer pink.
- Next, add the lentils and water to the pot, then place the lid on, ensuring the knob on top is in the "seal" position. Pressure cook for 20 minutes, then quick release.
- Remove the lid, then add the grated carrots, sweet potato and spinach then immediately place the lid back on and let everything sit for about 5 minutes, which should soften the veggies.
- NOTE: if you're making dog food in a pressure cooker, it may be helpful to use frozen veggies, as they will soften more easily.
Storage
Refrigerator: After cooling, store the dog food in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze your dog’s meals in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
More canine-approved recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients
Instructions
stovetop:
- Add the lentils and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the water is absorbed and the lentils are cooked.
- Meanwhile, add the carrots and sweet potato to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds; set aside. Add the ground turkey or chicken to a large pot or Dutch oven and cook it until it's no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break it up.
- Add the chopped carrots and sweet potato to the pot with the turkey, along with the spinach. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add a small amount of olive oil if needed.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the pot and stir to combine.
- Store food in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Or, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
crockpot:
- Place the ground turkey or chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes, and lentils into your slow cooker, then add 4 cups of water and give everything a gentle stir.
- Cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours, or until the vegetables and lentils are soft. Then, add the spinach, stir, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the spinach is soft. NOTE: you may need to add more water so the vegetables cook properly; if so, add ½ cup at a time.
- Store food in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Or, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Notes
- Refrigerator: store dog food in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
- Freezer: transfer dog food to a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight
Al Nazmul Shakib says
The best dog food storage combines airtight seals, durable materials, and convenient design to ensure that your pet's food stays in top condition. Look for containers that are easy to clean and maintain, helping you provide your canine companion with the best quality meals every day. Investing in a reliable dog food storage solution is a small yet crucial step towards promoting your pet's well-being and happiness.
Jen says
I made this for out 2 dogs, one, which is VERY picky and only eats real meat and real cheese ... no veggies! However, he absolutely loved this. For the veggies, I used spinach, butternut squash and carrots, and put them all in the food processor, even the spinach. For the meat, I used 1 lb gr chicken and 1 lb of ground turkey. Is it wrong that my mom also tasted it and loved it and ate it for dinner?
Erin says
Ha! Not at all. So happy it was a hit!
lisa hall says
My dog loves it. Would like more ideas for ingredients
Chris says
If this is "not an adequate meal replacement" then what are we doing here?
Erin says
It IS an adequate meal replacement, but you'll probably have to/want to add a little more to it to meet all of the nutrition requirements for your dog, which is why I suggest talking to your vet before switching to homemade food 🙂
Allison Gilchrist says
Before feeding any large breed dog lentils or any legumes, you should talk with your vet. Studies show legumes can cause enlarged hearts in larger dogs.
I supplement homemade food with limited ingredient kibble with no legumes.
Sharon w Hyman says
Hi you mentioned fat but I don't see any in the ingredients. And how much should I feed a 42kg inactive Rottweiler? I know you can't say specifically but I'm looking for a guide please
Erin says
Hi! You'll want to consult your vet to determine the appropriate serving size for your dog.
Myra Hutchins says
I made this recipe for my very picky dachshund, I also have a chihuahua. They eat this up like they haven't eaten in years, this was the first time making my dogs food and I will do it from here on our!!!!
Kimberly S Clark says
I just made this and dancing fir joy. I have a Shitsu Is Yorkie terrier mix. A rescue...so had no idea of her eating habits or food. Loves wet food, of course. I noticed she would get like hives across her belly and itch like crazy with pedigree so stopped right away. And tried this. I am so pleased and grateful. Thank you!!!
Kathy says
I have read some small dogs are allergic to chicken. I can not feed my Shiba's any thing with chicken meal, by-products or chicken in it, without them getting hot spots. I can feed them chicken that I cook into their food. Good luck.
Cheryl McDonald says
Our dogs LOVE this food! We have 2 older Chihuahuas and a Goldendoodle. The Chi's tummies were getting upset from any food we tried, including FreshPet etc., so I decided to go w/ homemade. What a difference it's made for them. Healthy and happy (I do add vitamin powder to ensure complete nutrition); however, there is a downside because now our dogs smell it cooking and fuss at me until it's to time to eat 🙂
Charmaine says
What kind of Vitamin powder do you use?
Sandra Hoff says
Charmaine. What vitamin powder do you use
Paula Large says
I made this today for my 10 month old Aussie pom I also added 5oz. of fresh peas. He went wild over it and devoured 1/3 cup in a couple minutes! It takes him hours to eat 1/3 cup of kibble, seriously!! Thank you so much for the recipe! Now I know he's getting good nutrition.
Grisel Drouet says
Will be making this recipe for my dog who weighs 10.4 lbs. He is overweight and needs to lose 3 pounds. Hopefully, he'll enjoy real food instead of kibble. I'll keep you posted.
Sissy Ford says
I vary this recipe a bit, but basically mine is the same. We prepare our ingredients just like we would for humans. Boil the chicken and potatoes. We use beans or rice and carrots, green beans, corn, green peas, or other researched veggies good for our pups. For a snack I put some frozen veggies in a pot and soften them up and serve as a snack to the pups.
Homemade food for dogs is easy and so much better for them!!
Kudos to all who strive to improve the nutrition of your fur baby!!!
Kathleen says
Sissy, you completely changed the recipe. You cannot review a recipe unless you actually made it.
Sheyding Cervantes says
Cant wait to make this for my pup
Erin says
Wooohooo -- let me know how they like it!
Judy Jeffords says
My dog is 13 years old and he is loving this food. He got to where he wouldn’t eat his other food so I decided to use your recipe and it’s excellent. Thank you so much.
Erin says
This makes me so happy! I'm glad your dog has been enjoying the food 🙂
Elenajo CIAMBRIELLO says
Hi I'm elenajo1959@aol.com
I want to make this recipe for my 15lb shih tzu she is very finaky.. which bag of frozen vegetables do you suggest...I can't wait to make this recipe for my Bella...
Erin says
Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans -- any should work, but if you're unsure please ask you vet!
Sarah says
Hello,
In your nutritional info it says 301 calories. Is that per recipe or per cup? I did’t see a measurement? Thank you
Erin says
Hi! The calories are a total estimation because the serving size will vary greatly depending on the size/breed/needs of your dog, but the 301 calories is per serving, not for the whole recipe.
Lana says
I don’t understand this. The chart says how many calories my dog needs but if I don’t know what amount equals 301 calories, how do I know how much equals the number of calories he needs?
Erin says
Hi! Good question -- I'm forced to fill out the nutrition info for all recipe cards (on the back end of things), but this is a great example of where the calories are a total estimate and will vary greatly depending on the size/breed of your dog and how much food they need.
Tamera says
How much would i feed a 75 lb dog?
Erin says
Hi! You'll want to consult your vet for this 🙂
Susan Bann says
What is the yield amount from this recipe???
Erin says
Hi Susan! I know this isn't super specific -- I need to go back and measure -- but it yields about 2 gallon size ziploc bags full.
Susan Bann says
Thank you so much
Kayleigh says
I'm making the recipe for the first time, and I would have preferred the instructions to be a bit more specific. Cook lentils until tender, cool, is that like 5 minutes? An hour? Two carrots, excellent, the bag I have varies WILDLY in size, same with the sweet potatoes, a more standard measurement so I know how many cups or what weight would make it easier..
Keri says
I always use a basic proportion recipe from a vet recommendation: 2lb protein, 2 cup veg, 1 cup grain + oil 3-4 Tbls
Eddie says
Can this be made in an air fryer? I don’t have a crock or insta pot. Just curious. 🐾 ❤️ 🐾
Erin says
Hmmm.. I don't think that would work. Sorry!