As dog parents, it’s crucial to pay attention to the furry pal’s nutritional requirements and ensure they get high-quality foods. Although the market offers a range of commercial dog foods, opting for vet-approved at-home meals can often be a healthier alternative. Certain recipes are specifically designed to include suitable ingredients for varied dog breeds. Additionally, choosing homemade dog food recipes allows one to have complete control over the quality of ingredients.
1. Chicken and sweet potato
When preparing food for dogs at home, one must ensure that all the essential ingredients are included to meet their nutritional needs. This means incorporating protein, carbs, fiber, and a moderate amount of healthy fats. A nutritious homemade dog food recipe is this chicken and sweet potato dish. To make it, cook a few pieces of boneless chicken breasts. After they have cooled down, shred them into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cooked and mashed sweet potatoes. One can add mashed carrots and peas to this mixture for additional nutrition and flavor. A drizzle of olive can be the finishing touch, making the dish ready to serve and savor.
2. Beef, rice, and vegetables
To prepare this recipe, cook ground beef in a skillet until it turns brown. Simultaneously, cook one portion of brown rice and steam a mix of chopped broccoli and spinach until the vegetables are tender. Once everything is ready, add the cooked beef and steamed vegetables in a mixing bowl. For an antioxidant boost, consider adding a handful of fresh blueberries to this mixture.
3. Turkey and vegetables
Boneless, ground turkey can also be a great source of protein for dogs. So, a combination of turkey and vegetables had to make it to the list of 10 best homemade dog food recipes. One can use ground organic turkey thigh and a small portion of ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, or heart) for this recipe. Gently cook the meat over medium-low heat until most of it turns white. Next, blanch some finely grated vegetables and grind them. Combine these ingredients with a few drops of organic coconut oil, salmon oil, and ground, raw sunflower seeds.
4. Tuna and quinoa
Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while quinoa is rich in minerals and vitamins required for the dog’s growth and development. To make this recipe, start by flaking tuna into small pieces and mixing it with some quinoa, chopped and steamed green beans, mashed carrots, and a drop of coconut oil. This will be a delicious, wholesome meal for dogs.
5. Lamb and brown rice (baked casserole)
This recipe uses lamb meat (ground and lean lamb) and cooked brown rice. Cook the lamb meat in a skillet until it turns brown and soft. Then, add some steamed and chopped zucchini and mashed carrots. Next, mix these ingredients with some olive oil for flavor. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Once done, the nutrient-rich casserole will be ready to serve.
6. Chicken and brown rice
Like lamb and beef, chicken can be combined with brown rice for a balanced meal. To make this, thoroughly cook skinless chicken and mix it with cooked brown rice. Then, add mashed peas and carrots to this mixture. One can also sprinkle a few drops of vegetable oil for flavoring. Mix all the ingredients once they have cooled down.
7. Apple pretzels
Apart from meat and vegetables, certain sweet treats can be incorporated into the pet’s meals for added nutrition. One such recipe that can be easily made at home is apple pretzels. Mix plain, unsweetened applesauce with a few cups of almond flour. Next, add beaten eggs to the mixture and knead it well until it turns into a dough-like texture. Then, make multiple pretzel-like shapes and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. Before placing them in the oven, coat each pretzel with a layer of raw egg. Once baked, allow the pretzels to cool down before serving them.
8. Blackberry biscuits
Another baked treat one can make for their dog is blackberry biscuits. All one has to do is mix a few blackberries with a few cups of almond flour. Then, add a beaten egg and a few teaspoons of olive oil to the mixture and combine everything into a dough. Roll out the dough and shape it into biscuits. Place the biscuits on a baking pan and bake them at 350 degrees until they are golden and crispy. The pets will relish them!
9. Berry yogurt popsicles
To make this sweet, cold treat, combine plain yogurt with a handful of fresh, whole blueberries and chopped strawberries. Once this mixture is ready, pour it into a popsicle mold and freeze it for a few hours.
10. Frozen meat treats
A healthy dose of frozen treats approved by vets can be offered to the dogs occasionally. To make such treats, mix a few pieces of grilled chicken, a drizzle of olive oil, and yogurt in a bowl. Combine these ingredients and pour them into a mold. One can even toss in a few pieces of carrots for a bit of crunch. Freeze this mixture for a few hours, and the healthy dog treats will be ready for the dogs to savor.
While these recipes can be nutritious, it is important to consult a vet and determine the precise needs of a pet to prepare suitable meals.
