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Homemade Dog Food Recipe: A Nutritious Meal for Your Pup

Homemade Dog Food Recipe: A Nutritious Meal for Your Pup

If you’ve ever thought about making homemade food for your dog, you’re in the right place! As a devoted dog parent, I love ensuring my pups get the best nutrition possible. That’s why I take the time to prepare homemade meals packed with high-quality proteins, nutrient-rich veggies, and beneficial supplements.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a well-balanced homemade dog food recipe that my dogs absolutely love. It’s a mix of fresh meats, organ meats, vegetables, and supplements that provide essential nutrients for your furry friend’s health.

Let’s dive into the recipe, along with some helpful tips on how to prepare and store it!


Why Make Homemade Dog Food?

Many pet parents are turning to homemade dog food because they want more control over their dog’s diet. While commercial dog foods can be convenient, some contain unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, and lower-quality protein sources.

Here are a few reasons why I choose to make homemade meals for my dogs:

  • Better ingredient quality – I know exactly what goes into my dog’s food.
  • Balanced nutrition – I can tailor meals to meet their specific dietary needs.
  • Fewer preservatives and additives – Fresh food means no unnecessary chemicals.
  • Supports digestive health – Whole foods and probiotics promote a healthy gut.

This recipe is formulated to provide protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins to keep your pup happy and healthy!


Ingredients for Homemade Dog Food

Here’s everything you need to make a large batch of fresh, nutritious dog food.

Proteins (Muscle Meat & Organ Meat)

  • 11 lbs chicken (a lean protein source)
  • 5 lbs ground pork
  • 4 lbs ground turkey
  • 1.2 lbs duck gizzards (rich in iron and protein)
  • 1.5 lbs lamb heart (a fantastic source of taurine for heart health)
  • 1.2 lbs lamb kidney (high in vitamins and minerals)
  • 1 lb pork pancreas (supports digestion)
  • 1.5 lbs salmon (great for omega-3 fatty acids)
  • 14 oz anchovies (adds extra omega-3 and calcium)

Eggs & Shells for Calcium

  • 35 quail eggs (soft boiled, shells included for calcium)

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 1.2 lbs purple sweet potatoes (a great source of fiber and antioxidants)
  • 1 lb sweet potatoes (rich in vitamins A and C)
  • 1.9 lbs carrots (great for vision and immune health)
  • 1.8 lbs yellow squash (low-calorie and packed with vitamins)
  • 12 oz green beans (fiber and vitamins)
  • 12 oz purple cabbage (high in antioxidants)
  • 14.5 oz beets (supports liver health)
  • 1 apple (a natural source of fiber and vitamin C)
  • 1 cup blueberries (rich in antioxidants)
  • 1 cup cranberries (good for urinary health)

Grains & Seeds

  • 2 cups quinoa (a gluten-free grain rich in protein)
  • Ground flaxseed (adds omega-3s and fiber)
  • Pumpkin seeds (great for digestive and immune health)

Additional Nutrients & Supplements

  • 1 can pumpkin puree (supports digestion)
  • Curly parsley (freshens breath and provides vitamins)
  • Nutritional yeast (a good source of B vitamins)
  • Eggshell powder (extra calcium for strong bones)
  • Turmeric & ground pepper (anti-inflammatory benefits)
  • Pre/probiotics (for gut health)
  • Mushroom powder (immune support)
  • Bladder support powder (for urinary health)
  • Kelp powder (rich in iodine for thyroid function)
  • Apple cider vinegar (supports digestion and skin health)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Wash and chop all vegetables into small, dog-friendly pieces.
  • Soft boil the quail eggs, leaving the shells on for added calcium.
  • Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.

Step 2: Cook the Meats & Organ Meats

  • In a large pot or slow cooker, cook the chicken, ground pork, and ground turkey until fully done.
  • Lightly cook the lamb heart, duck gizzards, and kidney (some people prefer to serve these raw, but light cooking makes them easier to digest).
  • Bake or steam the salmon and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  • Steam or lightly cook sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow squash, green beans, cabbage, and beets to make them easier to digest.
  • Chop the apple into small pieces (leave the skin on but remove the seeds).

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

  • In a large mixing bowl or tray, combine the cooked meats, organ meats, fish, vegetables, and quinoa.
  • Add the blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin puree, and parsley.
  • Sprinkle in ground flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and black pepper.
  • Add the quail eggs with shells and mix well.
  • Stir in pre/probiotics, mushroom powder, bladder support powder, kelp powder, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 5: Portion & Store

  • Divide the mixture into meal-sized portions using airtight containers.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze for long-term storage.

How to Serve Homemade Dog Food

  • Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed (never too hot!).
  • Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s weight and activity level.

Benefits of This Recipe for Your Dog

High-quality proteins for muscle maintenance and energy
Healthy fats from salmon, anchovies, and flaxseed for skin & coat health
Fiber-rich vegetables & fruits for digestion and gut health
Essential vitamins & minerals from organ meats and natural sources
Anti-inflammatory & immune support from turmeric, mushroom powder, and kelp

This recipe provides a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that supports your dog’s overall health and well-being.


Final Thoughts: Why I Love Making My Dog’s Food

Nothing makes me happier than knowing my dogs are eating fresh, nutritious meals made with love. While it takes time and effort, the health benefits are absolutely worth it! I’ve noticed improved energy levels, shinier coats, and better digestion in my pups since switching to homemade food.

If you’re looking for more homemade treats to supplement your dog’s diet, check out these delicious recipes:

For more inspiration, check out My Dog Recipe on Pinterest for creative and healthy homemade dog food ideas!

Print

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A batch of homemade dog food in red-lidded containers, filled with fresh meats, vegetables, and supplements for a healthy pup’s diet.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe: A Nutritious Meal for Your Pup


  • Author: mydogrecipe
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 40 meal-sized portions 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This homemade dog food recipe is packed with fresh meats, vegetables, and supplements for a balanced, nutritious meal. It's an easy-to-make, healthy option for your pup that supports overall well-being.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 11 lbs chicken
  • 5 lbs ground pork
  • 4 lbs ground turkey
  • 1.2 lbs duck gizzards
  • 1.5 lbs lamb heart
  • 1.2 lbs lamb kidney
  • 1 lb pork pancreas
  • 1.5 lbs salmon
  • 14 oz anchovies
  • 35 quail eggs (soft boiled, shells included)
  • 1.2 lbs purple sweet potatoes
  • 1 lb sweet potatoes
  • 1.9 lbs carrots
  • 1.8 lbs yellow squash
  • 12 oz green beans
  • 12 oz purple cabbage
  • 14.5 oz beets
  • 1 apple
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 2 cups quinoa
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • Curly parsley
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Eggshell powder
  • Turmeric/ground pepper
  • Pre/probiotics
  • Mushroom powder
  • Bladder support powder
  • Kelp powder
  • Apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables into small, dog-friendly pieces.
  2. Soft boil the quail eggs, leaving the shells on for calcium.
  3. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
  4. In a large pot, cook the chicken, ground pork, and ground turkey until fully done.
  5. Lightly cook the lamb heart, duck gizzards, and kidney.
  6. Bake or steam the salmon and set aside.
  7. Steam or lightly cook sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, green beans, cabbage, and beets.
  8. Chop the apple into small pieces, removing the seeds.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine all cooked meats, fish, organ meats, vegetables, and quinoa.
  10. Add blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin puree, and parsley.
  11. Sprinkle in ground flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and black pepper.
  12. Add quail eggs with shells and mix well.
  13. Stir in pre/probiotics, mushroom powder, bladder support powder, kelp powder, and apple cider vinegar.
  14. Portion into meal-sized containers and refrigerate or freeze for storage.

Notes

  • Adjust portion sizes based on your dog's weight and activity level.
  • Thaw frozen portions overnight before serving.
  • Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, but never too hot.
  • Consult your vet before making any major changes to your dog's diet.
  • Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or frozen for long-term use.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dog Food
  • Method: Cooking and Mixing
  • Cuisine: Homemade

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: homemade dog food recipe, healthy dog food, fresh dog meals, balanced dog diet, homemade pet food

Recipe rating

Cathy

Monday 3rd of March 2025

how much apple cider vinegar, flaxseed,