50 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes

This article lists 50 of my favorite homemade dog food recipes that your dog will enjoy.

Whenever you read or hear about homemade dog food recipes, you must check them with your veterinarian and canine nutritionist to see if they match your dog's nutritional and health needs.

REMEMBER: DIY Dog food recipes are great when they are well-balanced and done correctly. However, they can lead to malnutrition and health problems in your dog when the recipe isn’t up to par.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Making homemade dog food might seem like extra work, but it can be one of the best things you do for your pup.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider making home-cooked meals for your pup:

• Control Over Ingredients – You decide exactly what goes into your dog's meals, avoiding fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality ingredients.
• Customization for Dietary Needs – Easily adjust meals for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health conditions, such as obesity or kidney disease.
• Improved Digestion – Fresh, whole ingredients are often easier for dogs to digest than processed kibble.
• Better Coat and Skin Health – Nutrient-rich meals with healthy fats and vitamins contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin.
• Increased Energy and Vitality—A balanced, high-quality diet can lead to higher energy levels and overall well-being.
• Stronger Immune System – Fresh ingredients packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support a healthier immune response.
• Bonding Experience – Cooking for your dog can strengthen your connection and make mealtime enjoyable for both of you.

Be sure to consult a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure that your homemade recipes meet your dog’s nutritional needs!

RELATED: TOP #26: Who Benefits from Homemade Dog Food the Most

Tips When Making DIY Dog Food

Making your own dog food at home has many health benefits.

Homemade dog food reassures you that whatever your dog is consuming is giving it the nutrients it needs.

Here are the 5 DIY dog food tips for making homemade dog food:

#1: Balance their diet

When a diet isn’t well-balanced, it becomes less than optimal and can lead to various inadequacies.

Dogs can quickly develop health issues if their food is deficient in vitamins or minerals (particularly calcium).

It can happen in a matter of months, especially in pups.

Veterinarians are reluctant to make homemade dog food for this reason; they see all of the flaws firsthand.

RELATED: 13 Balanced Homemade Dog Food Recipes

#2: Meat Selection

The main ingredient of homemade dog food is raw or cooked meat. Dogs are obligate carnivores who thrive on a diet high in protein.

Beef, lamb, hog, turkey, chicken, venison, ostrich, buffalo, and other meats are available. Check to see if the meat is fresh and safe to consume.

A fat percentage of no more than 15-20% is recommended. Fish can be eaten occasionally, but not as a primary source of nutrition.

RELATED: Best Protein For Dogs: Choosing The Best Dog Food and Health

#3: Vegetables

Vegetables may account for around a quarter of a meal’s calories and supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Vegetables that have been briefly cooked, diced, or pureed provide extra nutrients to dogs.

Squash, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, peas, beets, yams, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and sweet potato are some vegetables to use.

Avoid onions, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, raw beans, garlic, leeks, chard, and beet greens.

RELATED: Fruits And Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

#4: Avoid Feeding Too Much Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are difficult to break down and metabolize in dogs due to a lack of digestive enzymes.

They have little nutritional benefit for dogs and just pass through their digestive system.

Many canine disorders like obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, renal disease, and allergies are caused by carbohydrates.

They are added to commercial pet food to reduce the cost of manufacture.

#5: Have fun and enjoy the results

Experiment with various meat or vegetable combos and find out which meats and veggies your dog prefers.

50 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes

I’ve divided my top 50 best homemade dog food recipes into five categories, with ten recipes in each section.

Let me start with my recommendations for the best dog food recipes.

I’d recommend these ten recipes more than all others for standard, non-specific situations.

Top 10 Best & Favorite Dog Food Recipes

1. Chicken Casserole

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes, broccoli)
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• frying oil

Directions: Cook the chicken, rice, and veggies separately. Once ready, pour them into a large bowl and stir till ready.

2. Doggie Meat Loaf

• 3 cups of meat
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of chopped or grated vegetables
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats

Directions: Mix everything and roll it into a loaf. Put it in a roasting pan with potatoes and bake it for 80 minutes at 175 degrees.

3. Chicken and Rice

• 1/4 pound of cooked, skinless chicken
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 cup of peas and carrots
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

4. Turkey and Vegetable Dinner

• 1 pound of turkey meat
• 1 cup of cooked brown or white rice
• 1/2 cup of green beans
• 1/2 cup of carrots
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

5. Simple Raw Dog Food

• 1.5 cups of raw meat (whichever your dog prefers)
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, romaine lettuce, squash, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil
• 1 tablet supplement
• 2 tablespoons of bone meal or another calcium supplement

Directions: Mix the ingredients and serve.

6. Raw Fish Dinner

• 2 pounds of fish fillets
• 1 can of pink salmon
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of parsley
• 2 tablespoons of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of bone meal
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice

Directions: Mix and serve.

7. Doggie Beef Stew

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 small potato
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1/2cup of chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white flour
• 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

8. Homemade Veggie Smoothie

**Note: this is not an ordinary main course since dogs can’t live on an all-veggie diet. It’s an excellent recipe for once every other day, however.

• 1/4 cup of combined carrots, squash, zucchini, green beans, spinach, collards
• 1/4 cup of apples, peaches, pears, bananas
• 1/4 cup of fruit juice (not grape juice)
• 4 tablespoons of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese

Directions: Mix like a regular smoothie.

9. Fish Patty Dinner

• 1 can of salmon
• 1 carrot
• 1 potato
• 1 egg
• 1 stalk of celery
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• frying oil

Directions: Drain and fry the salmon with flour and the egg. Once the patties are done, remove them from the oil and stir the veggies for 5-8 minutes. Mix, let it cool off, and serve.

10. Basic Dog Food Recipe

• 1 cup ground meat
• 1/4 cup of the liver (chicken or beef)
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice
• 1/4 cup of vegetables
• 1 hard-boiled egg
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10 Best Homemade Dog Treats

Because dogs love treats, and it’s an essential part of training and living with your dog, I also include these among my best homemade dog food recipes.

A homemade dog treat may be more nutritious and healthy for a Fido.

1. Basic Dog Biscuits

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour (or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• <1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of beef or chicken broth or bouillon
• 1/2 cup of hot water

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll it, and cut it into pieces. Cook for 30 minutes.

2. Cheesy Dog Biscuits

• 2.5 cups of wheat or oat flour
• 1/2 cup of chicken or beef stock
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese and bacon bits

Directions: Mix into a dough, cut into biscuit forms, and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Leftovers Trail Mix

• 1 pound of meat (turkey, chicken, lamb – not seasoned)
• 1 pound of potatoes
• 1 pound of other vegetables (no onions)
• 1/2  pound of fruit (no grapes or raisins)

Directions: Cut everything into pieces and dry them in a dehydrator or a 200-degree oven.

4. Bacon Cookies

• 1 pound of uncured bacon
• 1-2 tablespoons of low-sodium chicken or Beef broth or bouillon
• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll it, cut it into pieces/cookies, and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Healthy Pumpkin Balls

• 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
• 4 tablespoons of molasses
• 4 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1/4 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll into small balls, and bake for 25 minutes.

6. Elvis Biscuit

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 pound of bananas
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into bone-shaped pieces, and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Dog Treats

• 32 ounces of vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Directions: Melt the peanut butter and combine it with the yogurt. Pour the mixture into cupcake forms and put it in the freezer.

8. Meaty Cheese Bones

• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese
• 1 pound of meat (not seasoned, turkey, lamb, chicken, or other)
• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, cut into pieces and shape them like bones, bake for 25 minutes.

9. Apple Crunch Cupcake

• 2-3 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of applesauce (non-sweetened)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/8 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 medium-sized egg
• 4 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1 cup of dried apple chips (non-sweetened)
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, cut into pieces and shape them like bones, bake for 25 minutes.

10. Carrot Chia Pet Treats

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1/2 pound of carrots, beef, or chicken bouillon
• 2 tablespoons of Chia

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into bone-shaped pieces, and bake for 25 minutes.

10 Best Homemade Low-Fat Dog Food Recipes

Regular dog food recipes are not always applicable.

Your dog often needs a low-fat diet due to various possible health complications.

Here are my Top 10 low-fat best homemade dog food recipes.

1. Homemade Beef Dinner

• 5 pounds of ground beef (cut the fat)
• 2.5 cups of cooked brown rice (or lentils, oatmeal, or quinoa)
• 3 cups of mixed vegetables

Directions: Cook the meat and rice together and add the veggies just before the meat is done.

2. Homemade Chicken Dinner

• 5 pounds chicken (cut the fat)
• 2 cups of red cabbage
• 2 skinned apples
• 2 cups of spinach
• 5 cooked eggs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions: This can be either cooked together or mixed raw. If the meat has bones, it should be raw.

3. Ground Beef Recipe

• 1 cup of lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup of the beef kidney (trim the fat)
• 1/4 cup of kale
• 1/2 cup of yellow crookneck squash

Directions: Boil separately and combine. Add a cup of uncooked oatmeal.

4. Doggie Low-Fat Dessert

• 2 pounds of chopped-up cooked chicken (cut the fat)
• 3 cups of mixed fruit
• 3 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)

Directions: Mix and serve

5. Homemade Fish Dinner

• 2 pounds of fish fillets
• 1 or 2 cans of pink salmon
• 3 cups of diced vegetables
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, quinoa, or lentils)

Directions: Cook fish and veggies separately and then mix and cool.

6. Doggie Chili

• 4 cooked chicken breasts (remove the fat)
• 1 cup of drained kidney beans
• 1 cup of drained black beans
• 1 cup of carrots
• 1/2 cup of tomato paste
• 4 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Mix and cook for 10 minutes.

7. Mixed Meat Goodness

• 3 pounds of cooked whole wheat macaroni
• 2 pounds of chicken thighs (remove fat)
• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 pound of broccoli stalks
• 1 pound of red leaf lettuce
• 1/2 pound of chicken liver
• 1/2 pound of beef heart
• Egg white from 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons of eggshell powder
• 1 tablespoon of kelp meal
• 10+ drops of vitamin E

Directions: Cook with the veggies added in the last 10 minutes before the meat is ready.

8. Cheesy Beef with Rice

• 1 cup of cooked lean ground beef (remove the fat)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• 1 cup of non-fat cheese
• 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli
• 1/2 cup of cooked squash

Directions: Cook separately and then mix.

9. Chicken with Broccoli and Rice

• 5 pounds of diced chicken (cut the fat)
• 5 cups of cooked brown rice or oatmeal, lentils or quinoa
• 3 cups of chopped broccoli
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions: Cook the meat separately and then add the broccoli.

10. Raw Chicken Dinner

• 6 ounces of chicken necks and thighs (remove the fat)
• 1 pound of baked sweet potato
• 1/2 pound of broccoli stalks
• 3 ounces of chicken liver
• 1/4 tablespoon of iodized salt
• 2 to 5 drops of vitamin E

Directions: Cook with the veggies added in the last 10 minutes before the meat is ready.

10 Best Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Food Recipes

Certain commercial and homemade dog food ingredients are known to trigger an allergic reaction.

Things such as gluten, soy, corn, and even beef should be avoided if you’re afraid of an allergic reaction in your dog.

Here are some of the best homemade dog food recipes for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs:

1. Basic Chicken Plus Rice recipe

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables (broccoli or cauliflower, for example)
• 1/2 cup of brown rice
• 3 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

2. Sweet Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken
• 1 cup of red cabbage
• 1 skinned apple
• 1 cup of spinach
• 2 cooked eggs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions: This can be cooked or raw (if the chicken is with bones).

3. Chicken and Potato Recipe

• 1/2 cup of cooked chicken breast
• 6 cups of boiled potatoes
• 4 tablespoons chicken fat
• 3 calcium carbonate tablets
• 1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablets

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

4. Turkey With Veggies

• 2 pounds of turkey meat
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)
• 1 cup of green beans
• 1 cup of carrots
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

5. Eggs and Cheese Mild Homemade Recipe

• 6 scrambled eggs
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice

Directions: Mix and cook together.

6. Fish-Veggie Patty

• 2 cans of Salmon
• 2 potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 2 cooked eggs
• 2 stalks of celery
• 5 tablespoons of flour

Directions: Drain and fry the salmon with flour and the egg. Once the patties are done, remove them from the oil and stir the veggies for 5-8 minutes. Mix, let it cool off, and serve.

7. Homemade Kibble Recipe

• 4 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 cup of cooked cream of whole wheat

Directions: Mix and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes, let it cool off, and freeze it.

8. Ground Round Dog Food

• 2 pounds of ground round meat, sautéed in olive oil
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• 4 boiled eggs
• 1 package of cauliflower
• 1 package of chopped carrots
• 4 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons of bone meal

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

9. Cheese and Chicken Dinner

• 3 cups of cooked chicken meat (remove the fat)
• 3 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, quinoa, or lentils)
• 3 cups of cream cheese
• 1.5 cups of cooked broccoli
• 1.5 cups of cooked squash

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10. Doggie Peanut Butter Delight:

• 1.5 of water
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of cornflour
• 1/2 cup of oats

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into cookie pieces, and bake for 20 minutes.

10 Best Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs

Just like puppies, older dogs need a change in their diet to lead the healthiest possible lives.

These 10 best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs will help you out with that:

1. Doggie’s Stew

• 5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
• 5 ounces of chicken livers
• 5 ounces of chicken gizzards
• 5 pounds of carrots
• 1 pound of green beans
• 1/2 pound of pumpkin
• .5-1 pound apples
• 1-2 big sweet potatoes

Directions: Cook together at 250 degrees and process with a hand blender.

2. Scaled-down Doggie’s Stew

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
• 1 pound of whiting or catfish
• 1/4 pound of chicken livers and/or gizzards
• 1/2 pound of carrots
• 1/2 ounce of green beans
• 1/2 cup of pumpkin
• 1 apple
• 1 small sweet potato

Directions: Cook together at 250 degrees and process with a hand blender.

3. Chili Goodness

• 2 cooked chicken breasts (without the fat)
• 1/2 cup of drained kidney beans
• 1/2 cup of drained black beans
• 1/4 of a cup of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of carrots
• 2 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Mix and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Dried Sweet Potato Chews

• 1 large sweet potato

Directions: This is not only one of the best homemade dog food recipes. It’s also one of the simplest! Cut some sweet potatoes into pieces, place them on baking paper, and dry/bake them!

5. Chicken Soup Cookies

• 1 cup of ground high-quality dry dog food kibble
• 2 cups of balan baking mix
• 1 18.8 ounces can of chicken soup

Directions: Mix, put into cookie sheets, and bake.

6. Beef Delight

• 2 pounds of ground beef (cut the fat)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice (or lentils, oatmeal, or quinoa)
• 1 and a half cups of mixed vegetables

Directions: Cook together with the veggies added last.

7. Veggies and Chicken

• 2 pounds of chicken (without the fat)
• 2 cups of cooked rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)
• 1 cup of chopped broccoli
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions: Cook together, with the veggies added last.

8. Frosty Paws

• 32 ounces of vanilla yogurt
• 1 large mashed banana
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Directions: Blend and freeze in small portions.

9. Oldie but Goldie

• 2 cups of ground chicken meat
• 1/2 cup of chicken liver
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1/2 cup of vegetables
• 2 cooked eggs
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10. Raw Fish Delight

• 4 pounds of fish fillets
• 2 cans of pink salmon
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of oregano
• 8 tablespoons of parsley
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice

Directions: Mix and serve together.

FAQs about Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Is Homemade Dog Food Better For Dogs?

Homemade dog food can be better for dogs, but only if it's properly balanced and meets all their nutritional needs.

One of the biggest advantages is that you control the ingredients, ensuring your pup gets fresh, high-quality food without artificial additives or fillers.

It’s also a great option for dogs with allergies or special dietary needs since you can customize meals to suit them.

Fresh, whole foods can improve digestion, boost energy levels, and contribute to a shinier coat.

However, homemade dog food isn’t automatically healthier—dogs require specific nutrients, and an unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies.

That’s why it’s important to consult with a vet or pet nutritionist before switching to homemade meals to ensure your dog gets everything they need to stay happy and healthy.

Is it Cheaper To Make Homemade Dog Food?

The cost of homemade dog food may be a bit pricey compared to cheap dog food, but it’s the same price if you compare it to those high-quality dog foods.

Making homemade dog food can be cheaper, depending on your ingredients and your dog's specific dietary needs.

If you’re feeding a small or medium-sized dog and buying ingredients in bulk, homemade meals might cost less than premium commercial dog food.

Affordable, nutritious ingredients like rice, chicken, and vegetables can help decrease costs. However, homemade food can become more expensive for larger dogs or specialized diets requiring high-quality proteins, supplements, or vet-approved recipes.

It also takes more time and effort to prepare. While cost is a factor, the biggest priority should be ensuring your dog gets a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.

If you're considering homemade food, consulting with a vet can help you create budget-friendly meals that meet your pup’s health needs.

How Many Cups of Homemade Food Should I Feed My Dog?

This will vary from dog to dog, but a basic rule of thumb is that for every 10 pounds your dog weighs, 1 cup of prepared homemade dog food should be provided.

That implies two meals daily, each including four cups of food for an 80-pound Hooch.

It’s worth noting that dogs with renal difficulties generally feel better if they eat multiple small meals rather than just one or two large meals.

So, you may need to change your feeding plan to keep your pup comfortable as time goes on!

RELATED: How Much Homemade Dog Food to Feed Your Dog

Do Dogs Live Longer on Homemade Food?

Dogs can live longer on homemade food if their diet is balanced and tailored to their nutritional needs.

Fresh ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives may contribute to better overall health, improved digestion, stronger immune function, and a lower risk of obesity or chronic diseases.

Many dog owners report shinier coats, higher energy levels, and fewer health issues when switching to a well-planned homemade diet.

A 2005 Purdue University study found that adding fresh vegetables to a dog's diet at least three times a week reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. 

According to a study published in Belgium titled “Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay,” dogs fed a high-quality, homemade diet (rather than table scraps or industrial, commercial pet food) lived 32 months longer.

However, homemade food isn’t automatically healthier—dogs need the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and deficiencies can lead to long-term health problems.

If done correctly, homemade food may support longevity, but consulting a vet or pet nutritionist is essential to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need for a long, healthy life.

Conclusion: Homemade Dog Food Recipes

There you have them – the 50 best homemade dog food recipes for all dogs and many situations.

Whether it be for adult dogs or you want to make homemade puppy food, please consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist for approval.

It’s just as important to ask them for the exact food supplements you can add to these DIY dog food recipes.

Remember to look at our Homemade Dog Food Recipes section for some of every recipe, video, and more.

Related Articles:

• 12 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies
• 3 Things to Know Before Switching to Homemade Dog Food Diet
• TOP #25: Debunking 8 Common Homemade Dog Food Diet Myths

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