When prepared properly, homemade dog food is the best option for feeding your canine family members. It doesn't have to be difficult to make your dog homemade food. Once you figure out Fido's unique nutritional requirements, you can find some of the easiest DIY dog food recipes that will meet his needs without taking too much time to prepare.
It's important that you speak with your veterinarian before deciding to switch to a homemade dog food diet. Most homemade dog food recipes – yes, even the ones formulated and/or recommended by veterinarians – do not provide all of the essential nutrients that your dog needs. And, if your dog has special dietary needs or health conditions that can be effected by diet, a homemade diet is even less likely to meet his needs.
It's important that you work with a professional to figure out the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals that your dog's body requires each day. These requirements will be different for every dog, because they are based on a number of variables including:
- breed
- activity level
- age
- current weight/ideal weight
- metabolism
- overall health condition
Your dog can become nutritionally deficient within a matter of days if he isn't eating a balanced diet. Likewise, eating too much of a certain nutrient could end up poisoning your pup over time.
Easiest DIY Dog Food Recipe
Once you figure out the right balance for your dog, you can begin to look for some of the easiest DIY dog food recipes that will meet your pet's nutritional needs. One of the best things that you can do to make it simpler to prepare food for your dog is to cook in bulk. You can make large quantities of a recipe and freeze it for use later; this way you don't have to cook for your Fido every day.
Recipe: Easiest DIY Dog Food
This dog food recipe includes superfood ingredients like turmeric and flax seed. It's also made with garlic, which is safe for dogs in small quantities. In fact, garlic has been shown to promote immune function and lower blood pressure. It's even been shown to help fight certain cancers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 cups 1x
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. browned ground beef
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp. ground flax seed
- 1/2 tbsp. bone meal
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
In a large skillet, bring the olive oil to temperature over medium heat. Brown the garlic in the oil. Add the cooked ground beef, peas, spices and 2 cups of water. Sauté for 5 minutes.
Mix in the rice and remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the flax seed and bone meal. Once the food has cooled you can serve it to your dog.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: .7 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.6 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
How much to feed: I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight. This is just a guideline. Some dogs, like working dogs and very active breeds, will need more calories than this. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many.
How to store: You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze them and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that this recipe includes no preservatives, so it won't last nearly as long as commercial dog food.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treats recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips and advice, see our “Recipes” section. If you're new to home cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
