Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Creating balanced dog-friendly meals at home can be a simple and rewarding task, but it can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin. Luckily, we have years of experience in making delicious dog treats at our base at Home Farm. So, our Pointer product experts have decided to lend you a hand and have put together this quick and easy guide to healthy homemade dog food recipes, including essential ingredients, top tips, and our favourite picks. Don’t forget you can use our treats and biscuits to top up doggy tummies in between meals, and to reward them while training.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Food
Believe it or not, homemade dog food is not only a delicious treat for your dog — it’s a great way to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Better Control Over Ingredients
When you prepare homemade dog food, you control every ingredient that goes into your dog’s bowl. This allows you to avoid unwanted additives, preservatives, and fillers.
Enhanced Nutritional Quality
Homemade dog food uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring your dog receives the best nutrition. Fresh vegetables, lean meats, and wholesome grains can significantly improve your dog’s health and vitality.
Addressing Specific Dietary Needs
Does your dog have any allergies or medical conditions? Cooking up their food from scratch allows you to tailor it to their specific dietary needs. Plus, customising meals ensures your dog gets the nutrients they need while avoiding potential allergens.
Cost-Effectiveness
Though homemade dog food recipes can seem expensive initially, it can be cost-effective in the long run. Buying ingredients in bulk and reducing vet bills due to improved health can save money over time.
Strengthening the Bond with Your Dog
Preparing meals for your dog can strengthen the bond between you. The care and effort you put into making their food translate into better health and happiness for your furry friend. It even means that weekly staples like Fish & Chips Friday or the Sunday roast can be shared safely, so your dog isn’t feeling left out.
What You Need to Make Dog Food
Essential Ingredients
To make nutritious homemade dog food, you’ll want to stock up on the following essential ingredients:
Proteins: Chicken, beef, fish, turkey
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, spinach
Grains: Rice, oats, quinoa
Fats: Fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil
Necessary Equipment
You’ll also need to equip your kitchen with:
Pots and pans
Measuring cups and spoons
Food processor or blender
Nutritional Supplements
For an extra nutritional boost to your homemade dog food, consider the following:
Including vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet.
Consulting with your vet to tailor supplements to your dog’s needs.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Of couse, we couldn’t tell you all about homemade dog food without sharing some of our go-to recipes. Even if you’re pinched for time cooking up your own dinner, these recipes are quick-and-easy to whip up for your furry friend.
Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
1 kg chicken breast
200 g brown rice
150 g chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, spinach)
1 tbsp fish oil
Instructions:
Cook the chicken thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
Steam the vegetables until tender.
Mix chicken, rice, vegetables, and fish oil in a large bowl.
Serve in appropriate portions and refrigerate the rest.
Beef and Vegetable Stew
Ingredients:
700 g ground beef
200 g chopped potatoes
150 g chopped carrots
150 g green beans
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
Add potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the pot.
Pour enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Stir in olive oil before serving.
Fish and Sweet Potato Delight
Ingredients:
900 g fish fillets (salmon, cod)
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
150 g chopped spinach
1 tbsp flaxseed oil
Instructions:
Bake or grill the fish fillets until fully cooked.
Boil the sweet potatoes until tender.
Steam the spinach until wilted.
Mix fish, sweet potatoes, spinach, and flaxseed oil in a large bowl.
Serve in appropriate portions and refrigerate the rest.
Grain-Free Turkey Dinner
Ingredients:
900 g ground turkey
150 g chopped courgette
150 g chopped carrots
150 g chopped green beans
1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet.
Add courgette, carrots, and green beans to the skillet.
Cook until vegetables are tender.
Stir in coconut oil before serving.
Tips for Making Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Slow and steady wins the race, remember? Homemade dog food is delicious and can provide plenty of nutritional benefits for your dog, but it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Here’s our top tips for making homemade dog food for your furry friend.
Transitioning to Homemade Dog Food
Introduce homemade dog food recipes gradually to avoid digestive issues. Start by mixing small amounts with their regular food and gradually increase the homemade portion. Don’t forget to supplement their diets with tasty dog treats to keep them happy.
Safe Food Handling Practices
We’re sure we don’t need to tell you this, but don’t forget to practise safe food handling to avoid contamination. Wash your hands, utensils, and preparation areas thoroughly. Store your homemade dog food recipes in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Health
Like with any food, it’s always best to keep an eye on your dog’s health when adding any homemade dog food recipes into their diet. Regularly monitor your dog’s weight, coat condition, and energy levels, and schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure your dog’s diet is meeting their nutritional needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so here’s some common mistakes you should keep an eye out for:
Overlooking Essential Nutrients: Ensure your dog’s diet includes all necessary nutrients.
Feeding Toxic Foods: Avoid foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Homemade dog food recipes offer numerous benefits, including better nutrition, cost savings, and the ability to cater to your dog’s specific dietary needs. By using high-quality ingredients and following these recipes and tips, you can ensure your dog enjoys tasty and nutritious meals. Just don’t forget your pooch will need a balanced diet that contains treats too!
Happy cooking!
Let us know if you try any of these methods at home! We’d love to hear from you on Instagram or Facebook. For more pet advice from our Pointer experts, visit our blog.
It’s important to note that you should check with your vet before feeding your pooch anything that they’re not familiar with. Dogs with special dietary needs, such as diabetes, should refrain from eating anything outside of what has been recommended to you by a professional.
