Dry kibble for dogs is popular for its convenience, long shelf life, and dental benefits. But commercial dry dog foods often contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality ingredients that may affect the dog’s well-being. So, making homemade dog food is a good idea. Pet owners can check the best homemade dry dog food recipes with wholesome ingredients, including lean meats, nutrient-rich vegetables, and essential fats, that can help the dog.
1. Chicken and sweet potato kibble
This dry food recipe is a favorite among dogs, combining lean chicken with fiber-rich sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
Cooked and shredded chicken, sweet potatoes (mashed), brown rice (cooked), oatmeal, and coconut oil
Method
Start by preheating the oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, rice, and oats. Sprinkle a few spoons of coconut oil for additional fats. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the mixture becomes firm and crunchy. Once cooled down, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
2. Beef and vegetable crunch
Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, while vegetables like carrots and peas add vitamins and fiber, improving digestion.
Ingredients
Ground beef, carrots (grated), peas (cooked), barley (cooked), and olive oil
Method
First, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns brown. Next, combine the cooked beef, finely grated carrots, peas, and barley in a large mixing bowl. Then, spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 40 to 50 minutes until it turns crunchy. After removing it from the oven, allow the baked mixture to cool before cutting it into small pieces.
3. Turkey and quinoa kibble
This recipe is ideal for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken. Turkey and quinoa provide a gluten-free, high-protein meal.
Ingredients
Ground turkey, quinoa (cooked), spinach (chopped), carrot (grated), and fish oil
Method
Begin by cooking the turkey in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes golden brown. Next, mix the cooked quinoa, turkey, fresh spinach, and finely chopped carrot in a large bowl. For an extra boost of omega-3s, drizzle some fish oil over the mixture. Then, spread the combination evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake it at 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes until it turns dry and crunchy. Once baked and cooled, carefully cut the dry dog food into small, bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container.
4. Salmon and brown rice bites
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain a shiny coat and provide several other benefits.
Ingredients
Cooked salmon (boneless and skinless), brown rice (cooked), green beans (steamed and chopped), and flaxseed oil
Method
Combine the freshly cooked salmon with fluffy brown rice and crisp green beans. To boost the omega-3 content, drizzle some flaxseed oil over the mixture and blend them. Then, spread this flavorful blend onto a baking sheet and bake it at 300°F for 40 minutes. After it has cooled, break the baked mixture into small kibble-sized pieces.
5. Chicken and oatmeal kibble
Oatmeal is a beneficial source of fiber, which can help regulate the dog’s digestion, while chicken provides lean protein.
Ingredients
Cooked, shredded chicken, oats (cooked), apples (chopped), and coconut oil
Method
Mix the shredded chicken, cooked oats, and apples in a bowl and add coconut oil to introduce fats. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 40 minutes or until dry and crunchy. After baking, allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container for future use.
6. Lamb and brown rice kibble
Many dogs enjoy this flavorful protein lamb meat, making it a beneficial option for picky eaters or dogs who cannot digest other proteins.
Ingredients
Ground lamb, brown rice (cooked), zucchini (chopped), and olive oil
Method
Start by cooking the ground lamb in a skillet until it turns brownish in color. Next, combine the cooked lamb with brown rice and zucchini in a mixing bowl. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet, place it in the oven, and preheat to 300°F. Let it bake for 40 minutes until it’s golden and crisp. Allow to cool before breaking into kibble-sized pieces.
7. Pork and barley bites
This meat is another excellent alternative protein, and when paired with barley, it creates a wholesome, fiber-rich meal.
Ingredients
Ground pork, barley (cooked), peas (cooked), and flaxseed oil
Method
Sear the pork meat in a skillet until it turns brown. Then, combine the pork in a skillet with tender cooked barley and sweet peas. For an extra boost of omega-3s, add in some flaxseed oil. Next, bake the mixture at 300°F for 40 minutes until crunchy. Finally, store this delicious treat in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
8. Egg and oatmeal kibble
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins, making this recipe a nutritious, protein-packed option for dogs.
Ingredients
Eggs (scrambled), oats (cooked), spinach (chopped), and coconut oil
Method
Scramble the eggs and then combine them with cooked oats and finely chopped spinach. Add a spoonful of coconut oil for an extra dose of fats. Bake the mixture at 300°F for 30–40 minutes until it becomes dry and crunchy. Once cooled, store the crunchy concoction in a container.
