5 Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for a Healthier Pup

 

1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Quinoa Dog Food

Source: Dog Child
Reference: Slow Cooker Homemade Chicken & Quinoa Dog Food Recipe – Dog Child

This vet-approved slow cooker recipe by Dog Child locks in nutrients with minimal effort. It combines lean chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and a medley of vegetables to create a balanced, wholesome meal for your dog.

Ingredients:

• 4.4 lb (2,000 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast
• ¾ cup (150 g) quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups (300 g) diced sweet potato
• 1 cup (240 g) bone broth (ensure no onions are added)
• 3 cups (200 g) chopped kale
• 2 cups (150 g) chopped broccoli
• ½ cup (53 g) wheat germ
• ½ cup (80 g) Dog Child Nutrient Mix (or your complete nutrient blend; see source for details)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breast in a slow cooker with the bone broth and enough water to cover; cook on low for 4 hours.
2. Meanwhile, chop or blend the sweet potato, kale, broccoli, and wheat germ until evenly sized.
3. Add the vegetables and quinoa to the slow cooker; stir well and top up with water if needed. Continue cooking on low for another 4 hours.
4. Once finished, stir in your nutrient mix, allow the food to cool, and then portion it into serving sizes.

This recipe provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—all balanced to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

2. Ground Turkey, Rice & Vegetable Dog Food

Source: Allrecipes
Reference: Homemade Dog Food – Allrecipes

A simple, easy-to-make recipe from Allrecipes that uses ground turkey for lean protein, brown rice for digestible carbohydrates, and a mix of frozen vegetables for fiber and vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups brown rice, cooked
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ package (approx. 16 oz) frozen vegetable mix (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine the ground turkey, water, brown rice, and rosemary.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat; then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the frozen vegetable mix and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
4. Remove from heat, let cool, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

This recipe offers a balanced mix of lean protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, ensuring steady energy levels and healthy digestion.

3. Fresh Chicken & White Rice Dog Food

Source: JustFoodForDogs
Reference: How to Make Fresh Dog Food (That’s Approved by Vets) – JustFoodForDogs

Developed by experts at JustFoodForDogs, this fresh-food recipe features lean chicken paired with white rice and carefully selected vegetables. It’s designed to be complete and balanced when used with their DIY Nutrient Blend.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
• White rice, cooked
• A mix of dog-safe vegetables (such as carrots and green beans)
• JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend (essential for nutritional completeness)

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly cook and shred the chicken breast.
2. Prepare the white rice as directed on the package.
3. Lightly steam or boil the vegetables until tender.
4. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, and vegetables.
5. Stir in the DIY Nutrient Blend to ensure the meal meets all nutritional guidelines.
6. Allow the food to cool before serving.

This recipe delivers high-quality protein and easily digestible carbohydrates while ensuring your dog receives a complete spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Beef & Vegetable Stew for Dogs

Source: AKC (American Kennel Club) Expert Advice
Reference: Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Choosing Balanced Ingredients – AKC

Based on guidelines from the American Kennel Club, this beef and vegetable stew recipe is formulated for a balanced diet. It combines lean ground beef with a mix of carbohydrates and vegetables to support your dog’s energy needs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and green beans), steamed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A pinch of salt (optional; consult your vet for dogs with specific health needs)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat if needed.
2. In a separate pot, cook the white rice following package instructions.
3. Steam the vegetables until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, and vegetables.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and mix thoroughly.
6. Allow the stew to cool before serving to your dog.

This stew is rich in lean protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a hearty, balanced meal ideal for maintaining healthy muscle mass and digestion.

5. Chicken & Sweet Potato Delight for Small Dogs

Source: Kinship
Reference: Wholesome Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Vet-Approved Starter Recipe – Kinship

Crafted specifically for small breeds, this recipe from Kinship offers a simple, nutrient-dense meal featuring lean chicken and sweet potato. It’s designed to be both palatable and balanced for smaller dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (roasted until soft)
• ½ cup cooked carrots, mashed
• ¼ cup peas, steamed and mashed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly and shred them into small pieces.
2. Roast or boil the sweet potato until tender, then peel and mash it.
3. Similarly, cook the carrots and peas until soft and mash them.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, carrots, and peas.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir until well incorporated.
6. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving.

Ideal for small dogs, this recipe provides lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables in a digestible format, promoting a shiny coat, good energy, and overall health.