Feeding a pet dog balanced meals is essential for their overall well-being. While commercial dog food can be convenient, many pet owners prefer the quality of ingredients that come with homemade meals. In preparing a homemade dog meal, it is important to ensure the recipes provide the proper nutrition. A well-balanced dog meal includes protein, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Pet owners can try vet-approved homemade dog food recipes that are nutritious and delicious.
1. Turkey and vegetable stew
This hearty meal provides lean protein and essential nutrients for the pup. Turkey contains lean protein, while spinach and carrots add fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey, 1 lb.
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup quinoa or brown rice (optional)
Recipe
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and cook the turkey until browned.
- Add the chopped vegetables and stir for 5-7 minutes.
- Add water (or broth) to cover the mixture and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
2. Chicken and sweet potato delight
Sweet potatoes are a beneficial source of fiber and vitamins, while chicken offers lean protein.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Recipe
- Bake or boil the sweet potato until soft.
- In a pan, cook the chicken in coconut oil until fully cooked.
- Add the chopped green beans and carrots, and sauté until tender.
- Mash the sweet potato and mix with the chicken and vegetables.
- Let it cool before feeding the dog.
3. Beef and brown rice medley
Beef is a rich source of protein and iron, while brown rice adds fiber to aid digestion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Recipe
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef.
- Add the broccoli and carrots, cooking until soft.
- Mix beef and vegetables with cooked rice.
- Cool and serve in portions.
4. Stir-fry salmon and spinach
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep the dog’s coat shiny and spinach enhances the overall well-being.
Ingredients
- Two salmon fillets
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive or fish oil
Recipe
- Cook salmon in olive oil until flaky.
- Remove the skin and bones, then shred it into small pieces.
- Sauté spinach in the same pan until wilted.
- Mix salmon, spinach, and cooked quinoa together.
- Let it cool before serving.
5. Lamb and green bean feast
Lamb is a rich protein option, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground lamb
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup cooked barley or rice
Recipe
- Cook the ground lamb in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the green beans and peas in coconut oil until tender.
- Combine the lamb, vegetables, and barley or rice.
- Cool and serve in appropriate portions.
6. Chicken liver and brown rice bowl
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense option, containing essential vitamins like B12 and A.
Ingredients
- 1/2-pound chicken liver
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Recipe
- Boil the chicken liver until fully cooked, then chop into small pieces.
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
- Mix the liver, carrots, and parsley with the rice.
- Let it cool and serve in small portions.
7. Turkey and pumpkin mash
Pumpkin is known to aid digestion and is beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey, 1 lb.
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
Recipe
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet.
- Boil or steam the peas and carrots until soft.
- Combine the cooked turkey, pumpkin, peas, and carrots in a bowl.
- Allow it to cool before serving.
8. Pork and apple stew
This unique recipe adds the sweetness of apples, which are a beneficial source of vitamin C for dogs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 apple, diced (without seeds)
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/4 cup green beans
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Recipe
- Cook the pork in a skillet with coconut oil.
- Add the diced apple, carrots, and green beans, and cook until soft.
- Stir well and cool before serving.
9. Egg, spinach, and sweet potato scramble
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 small sweet potato, boiled and diced.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Recipe
- Scramble the eggs in a pan.
- Sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the pan and mix.
- Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
10. Cottage cheese and rice mix
This easy-to-make meal is among the 10 best homemade dog food recipes. It is perfect for dogs who need a low-fat, high-protein meal. Cottage cheese offers protein and calcium without being too heavy on the stomach.
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Recipe
- Cook rice and steam peas.
- Mix rice, cottage cheese, and peas together.
- Add olive oil for extra fat and flavor.
