An Exclusive Guide to Homemade Dog Food and Recipes 

Many people do not see their pet dogs as just dogs. Dogs are essential members of their family and more like children than ordinary animals. So just as we are very careful about the food of our children, in the same way, all these animal lovers also provide the best nutritious food for their dog-children. A large number of pet-owners give more importance to homemade food as homemade food is much healthier and tasty than the food bought from the market.

 In this blog post, we will discuss homemade food for dogs. We will see what food we can make for dogs, which foods are beneficial for them, and also which are harmful for them. We will discuss everything we need to keep in mind here and finally answer several questions that arise in the mind of a dog owner while preparing food for their dog at home.

 Why Choose Homemade Dog Food? 

Dog owners have become very cautious about choosing food for their dogs. Some are shifting to raw diet while many of them are turning to homemade dog food for various reasons. Here are some of the most common motivations:

Better Control Over Ingredients 

Many pet parents are considering and making homemade food for their beloved dogs for various reasons. Here are some of the common reasons why people make homemade food for their pets: Commercial dog food often contains various additives such as preservatives and low-quality protein sources.

When you prepare food for your dog at home, you must consider which ingredients will not harm your dog and which ingredients will keep him healthy and happy. This control is not there when buying food from home. 

Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs 

Like every human, every dog ​​is unique and has different dietary needs depending on the breed, age, activity level and health status of the dog. Homemade food gives you this. When you prepare food for your dog, these things are in your mind and you prepare your dog’s food accordingly. This is only possible in the case of homemade food. When we buy food from outside, we are forced to feed what is in that food.

Enhanced Nutritional Value 

While preparing food at home, we select fresh and nutritious ingredients as per our dog’s requirement. In this case, the quality of dog food is at its best and the food contains a sufficient amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, homemade food is not only fresh but also equally beneficial. It is not possible to have this amount or level of nutrients in food purchased from outside.

Cost Savings (Potentially)

If you choose to feed your dog and make it yourself, it is often cheaper than buying commercial food, and if you make a lot of food at once and store it, you can save a lot of money at the end of the year. However, it is important to calculate how much money/ dollar you will save at the end of the year.

Strengthen That Bond 

Making dog food is not just about cooking, it is much more than that. Just like we feel an immense satisfaction by giving our beloved humans the best of our own, similarly, if we can give our beloved pet dog the best home-cooked food, then it becomes a kind of expression of our love and care and you don’t think that only we can feel this. Your beloved animal will feel that you are doing something special for him.

 What Makes a Balanced Homemade Dog Diet? 

The idea of ​​cooking at home for dogs may seem simple but it is a huge undertaking. Homemade food is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for the dog to grow and maintain that supply. If the right proportions are not present in its food, then your beloved animal will suffer from malnutrition and various problems will appear in its body. From there, it can even develop mental problems, so there is no alternative to homemade food to maintain nutritional balance.

What Are the Essential Nutrients? 

A complete and balanced homemade dog food recipe must include the following essential nutrients:

Protein: Protein is an essential element for building muscles and tissues in dogs. This protein is used to build and repair the dog’s body. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs. Lentils also contain a lot of protein, which can be very beneficial for dogs.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide our body with energy, but it is important to ensure that these energy-providing substances do not increase the glucose levels in our body. All things considered, the sources of carbohydrates that are very useful for us are brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes, etc.

Fats: The role of fat in maintaining a dog’s shiny coat and proper energy supply is undeniable. Sources of fat that can be very good for dogs are fish oil, chicken fat, and flax seeds. If these ingredients are included in every dog’s diet, it will complete the fat requirement.

Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are very useful for dogs for overall health. Foods that can meet the needs of vitamins ( Vitamin A, D, E, B) and minerals in dogs are vegetables like carrots, spinach, etc. They also need various types of calcium and if there is a deficiency of any nutritional element in the food, then with homemade food. You can add supplements to the food, but consult your veterinarian before making this decision.

Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth. Include crushed eggshells or dog-friendly calcium supplements. 

Foods to Avoid 

Not all human foods are safe for dogs. When preparing food for dogs at home, there are several ingredients that are not necessary and suitable. Various physical problems can occur in dogs. The ingredients that should not be given to dogs are: 

• Chocolate 
• Grapes and raisins 
• Onion and garlic 
• Avocado 
• Raw dough or yeast 
• Artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol) 

 Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipes 

Before entering the above food recipe, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, be sure to consult your dietitian. They can help you determine which recipe is specifically suitable for your dog, what ingredients it needs to have in what quantities, etc. They can provide a specific food list depending on the age of your dog that you can safely feed.

The food that  may be cooked for dogs may contain Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Beef, fishes like salmon, Lentils along with different vegetables like potato, sweet potatoes, spinach etc. You can use brown rice, oats etc. 

Here I would mention a few recipes among countless homemade balanced recipes for your dog. Remember, these recipes are just for examples and may not be equally suitable for all dogs.

1. Chicken and Rice Delight 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded) 
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice 
• ½ cup chopped carrots (steamed) 
• ½ cup peas (steamed) 

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. 
2. Mix well and portion into daily servings. 

2. Beef & Sweet Potato Medley 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb lean ground beef 
• 1 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed) 
• ½ cup green beans (steamed) 
• ½ cup chopped spinach 

Instructions: 

1. Cook the beef until fully done, then drain any excess fat. 
2. Mix with sweet potato, green beans, and spinach. 

3. Turkey and Vegetable Blend 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground turkey 
• 1 cup cooked quinoa 
• ½ cup shredded zucchini 
• ½ cup diced carrots (steamed) 

Instructions: 

1. Brown the turkey in a pan until fully cooked. 
2. Stir in the quinoa and vegetables, and mix thoroughly. 

4. Salmon and Rice Bowl 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup cooked salmon (boneless, skinless) 
• 1 cup cooked brown rice 
• ½ cup cooked broccoli (chopped) 
• ½ cup cooked pumpkin puree 

Instructions: 

1. Flake the salmon and mix it with the other ingredients. 
2. Serve or freeze in portions. 

5. Egg and Veggie Breakfast 

Ingredients: 

• 2 scrambled eggs 
• ½ cup steamed mixed vegetables (like carrots, spinach, and peas) 
• ½ cup cooked oats 

Instructions: 

1. Scramble the eggs. 
2. Mix with vegetables and oats for a hearty breakfast. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Dog Food 

Making food for dogs at home is always a good idea. It improves the health and mental state of your dog, along with making us feel mentally satisfied and saving money. However, it is important to remember that there are several mistakes that we make while making dog food at home. These mistakes should be avoided. The most common mistakes are:

1. Skipping Key Nutrients 

To meet the overall needs of dogs, their food needs to contain all the necessary nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. If you are not able to maintain a balance of these essential aspects, then this food, even if it is homemade, can be harmful to your dog’s overall health and can deteriorate his mental and physical condition. Always research recipes and prepare your food appropriately to meet the nutritional guidelines.

2. Relying Solely on Human Food 

In many cases, we feed our dogs human food, but it is important to remember that not all human food is suitable for dogs, so avoid feeding your dog leftovers from your own food as they may contain harmful ingredients such as spices, onions, garlic, or chocolate that are safe for dogs. When feeding your dog, stick to only those ingredients that are palatable and beneficial for his health. 

3. Overfeeding or Underfeeding 

How much to feed your dog is a very important issue. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this because the amount of food or food requirements of each dog depends on their weight, age, breed, and activity level. Keep these factors in mind when determining the amount of food to feed.

Overfeeding can lead to other related problems, while underfeeding can cause your beloved dog to suffer from malnutrition. Therefore, when preparing his food at home, make sure that it is balanced.

4. Neglecting Regular Vet Checkups 

It is not wise to sit back and think that homemade food is safe for dogs. Even after you start eating this food, you should have your pooch’s health checked by a veterinarian regularly. It is necessary to review the nutritional balance of your dog to see if his weight and overall health are normal. By ensuring periodic check-ups of your dog, you can be able to plan a proper diet for your dog.

5. Ignoring Food Safety Practices 

If you do not cook the raw ingredients used in dog food properly or if you do not store cooked food properly when it is stored, it can be contaminated and cause illness for your dog. Always make sure that meat is cooked properly, other vegetables are also washed and cooked very well, and all food is stored in containers in the refrigerator or freezer to make your dog’s food safe and suitable for consumption.

7. Relying on Online Information Alone:

 Although the internet is now a wealth of information and provides much-needed information, don’t rely solely on online recipes to prepare your dog’s food. They can guide you, but you should also have them verified or modified by a professional veterinarian.

Essential Tips for Cooking Dog Food at Home 

1. Establish a Routine: When preparing food for your loved one, if it is not possible to prepare your food every day, you can prepare several days’ worth of food at once. However, in this case, store it properly to maintain its nutritional value and quality.

2. Start Slow: Do not change your dog’s current food habits completely suddenly, as this will make it difficult for him to adapt and may also cause physical problems. To get rid of this, keep mixing some homemade food with your dog’s current food and as time goes by, increase the amount of homemade food and reduce the amount of outside food. In this way, get your dog completely used to homemade food within 7 to 10 days.

Days 1-3: Mix 25% homemade food with 75% current food.

Days 4-6: Mix 50% homemade food with 50% current food.

Days 7-9: Mix 75% homemade food with 25% current food.

Day 10: 100% homemade food.

3. Supplement When Needed: Even when feeding homemade food, some nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins may need to be supplemented to ensure a perfectly balanced diet. These supplements are essential for dogs, so consult your veterinarian when preparing your dog’s food.

4. Variety is Key: To ensure that all types of nutrients are maintained in dog food, diversify it by providing different types of food sources such as protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, etc. so that your dog’s food has the appropriate amount of nutrients.

5. Weigh and Measure: Here are a few things you need to do to make sure your dog is getting the right amount of calories and nutrients: Use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients and measure portions. Check to see if your dog’s food contains enough of the nutrients he needs.

6. Monitor Your Dog: Preparing food for your dog and including good and tasty ingredients in its food does not mean that your responsibility ends there. Keep an eye on your dog to see if all your efforts are paying off. See if his behavioral and physical issues are normal and if any abnormality is detected, consult a veterinarian immediately.

7. Consult Your Vet: If you decide to completely switch your dog’s food to homemade food, consult your veterinarian. They will assess your pet’s overall condition and provide you with a food size, supplement, and recipe that is consistent with his needs. This will be best for you and your dog in every way.

Homemade Dog Food for Specific Needs: Illness and Active/Working Dogs

Although the general principles of balanced nutrition apply to all dogs, at some stages of life and health conditions, a diet plan may need to be modified and tailored to meet the specific needs of sick and active dogs.

This section provides recipes for homemade dog food to meet the specific needs of healthy and active dogs. The appropriate diet plan and recommendations in this article are intended as guidelines and sample guidelines only and are not a substitute for the advice of a professional veterinarian.

Homemade Dog Food for Ill Dogs

Just like humans, dogs’ appetites and nutritional needs change when they are sick. They may have a decreased appetite, have difficulty digesting certain foods, or need specific nutrients to help them recover. Here are some special considerations for feeding sick dogs. 

Palatability: Focus on preparing very good food to encourage them to eat when they are sick. Occasional variation in diet and slightly reheated foods may include adding low-sodium broth or offering new protein treats.

Sick dogs often have a reduced appetite. Focus on highly palatable foods to encourage them to eat. This might include warming the food slightly, adding a small amount of low-sodium broth, or offering novel protein sources.  

• Digestibility: Easily digestible foods are crucial for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Cooked meats, rice, and sweet potatoes are often good choices. Avoid high-fat foods, which can be difficult to digest. Consider a bland diet as recommended by your vet.  
• Nutrient Density: Sick dogs often have a decreased appetite and may need a small amount of extra calories and nutrients. Prepare a diet plan to determine the appropriate calorie and nutrient intake.
• Medication Considerations: Some medications can interact with certain foods. Discuss any medications your dog is taking with your veterinarian to avoid any potential interactions.
• Specific Health Conditions:
  Kidney Disease: If your dog has kidney failure or kidney disease, their diet may need to be low in protein and phosphorus. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a specific kidney diet that you, as a trainer, can prepare at home with instructions. 
• Liver Disease: Dogs with liver disease need a diet low in protein and copper and supplemented with certain vitamins.
  • Diabetes: Dogs with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber and complex carbohydrates are very effective for dogs to lower blood sugar levels. Controlling the amount of food and the timing of meals also play a very important role.
  • Pancreatitis: Dogs with pancreatitis need a low-fat diet because the dog’s digestive capacity is greatly reduced. If they are given normal food in this condition, their physical condition may deteriorate.
  • Cancer: Cancer can have a very negative impact on the body of dogs, just like it can affect humans. It also has a far-reaching impact on a dog’s appetite and nutrition, so consider adding yoga to your post and decide on homemade dog food for this type of dog and adjust the ingredients accordingly.
  • Food Allergies/Sensitivities: Allergies and a very common disease in dogs. Some foods are very harmful to dogs with allergies because they aggravate the allergy or make your dog more uncomfortable. Once an allergy has been identified, the best way to eliminate the allergen is to prepare a homemade diet. 

 Challenges (and How to Overcome Them) 

Although feeding your dog homemade food is always very beneficial and much better than store-bought food, there are still some challenges you may face in doing so. Let’s see a few of them and tips on how to overcome these challenges.

1. Time Commitment: Cooking food can be time-consuming and you may not have the proper infrastructure to prepare food for them, so simplify the process by cooking in batches, which will save you time and allow you to serve food to your dog and car for several days.
2. Ensuring Balance: Don’t make assumptions about whether the food you are preparing for your dog at home has the proper nutritional value. Use some calculators to see if its nutritional needs are being met and fill in any deficiencies.
3. Cost: In addition to providing your dog with healthy, nutritious food, another driving force behind homemade dog food is financial savings. However, your financial savings will only be effective if you cook this food at home for a long time and buy the ingredients in bulk.

 FAQs About Homemade Dog Food 

Switching to homemade dog food can raise several questions for pet parents. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help guide you on this rewarding journey. 

Conclusion

Making food for your dog is one of the best things you can do for your dog because it not only meets the nutritional needs of the dog, but also helps to keep him in good overall health, while also strengthening the bond between you and your dog. With proper planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to learning, you can dedicate your time to the overall well-being of your dog. And for dogs that are sick.

There is no substitute for homemade food, so if you prepare food for them at home on the advice of a veterinarian, those sick dogs can live much longer and with much less suffering. So it’s not too late.

If you are thinking of serving homemade food or have started to give it, then keep it up and if you have not yet prepared food for them at home, then take action immediately because just like humans, there is no substitute for homemade food for dogs.