By: Jill Mills Updated: Aug 8, 2024

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With this easy Homemade Dog Food, you can ensure that your canine companion is always enjoying a nutritious meal. It’s made with real and fresh ingredients that they will love.

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I add apple to mine. My dogs like the sweetnees of it.

– Margo

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Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe

You don’t always know what you’re feeding your dog with canned or even bagged traditional dog food. This homemade recipe contains real grains, meat, and veggies—everything they need to grow and thrive. Plus, my dogs love how it tastes! It’s perfect to make in bulk and freeze, too. There are several vegetables that I didn’t even know were safe for dogs and puppies. Now, I can switch it up and give them different flavors.

When it comes to feeding dogs homemade food, it’s important to know which vegetables are safe and beneficial for them, as well as which ones should be avoided.

Vegetables Dogs Can Eat:

You can find a larger list of Safe Foods for Pets on ASPCA, but here are some veggies that we feed to our pets.

Carrots. High in fiber and beta-carotene, carrots are great for dogs’ dental health.
Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious option that is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C and high in fiber.
Green Beans. Low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, they make a great snack or meal addition.
Pumpkin. Great for digestive health, pumpkin is high in fiber and vitamin A.
Broccoli. In small quantities, broccoli is a good source of vitamins C and K. However, too much can cause digestive issues.
Zucchini. Low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber, zucchini is a healthy, hydrating option.
Spinach. Due to its oxalate content, spinach is full of iron, antioxidants, and vitamins. However, it can be fed in moderation.
Cucumbers. Hydrating and low in calories, cucumbers are a refreshing treat for dogs.
Peas. Peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, though they should be fed in moderation due to their purine content.
Brussels Sprouts. These are rich in fiber and antioxidants but should be given in small amounts to avoid gas.

Vegetables Dogs Should NOT Eat:

You can find a larger list of Toxic and Dangerous Foods on Webmd, but here are some veggies to keep away from your pups.

Onions. Onions are toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Garlic. Similar to onions, garlic can also be toxic and cause anemia, especially in large quantities.
Chives. Part of the allium family like onions and garlic, chives are also toxic to dogs.
Leeks. Another allium family member, leeks are unsafe for dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
Mushrooms. While some store-bought mushrooms are safe, wild mushrooms can be highly toxic and should be avoided entirely to prevent accidental poisoning.
Rhubarb. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates, which can lead to kidney failure and other health issues in dogs.
Tomatoes (Unripe or Green). Green parts of the tomato plant, including unripe tomatoes, contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs.
Asparagus. While not toxic, asparagus can be tough and difficult for dogs to digest, and it doesn’t offer much nutritional value when raw.
Corn on the Cob. While corn kernels themselves are generally safe, the cob can be a choking hazard and cause intestinal blockages.
Avocado. The flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but the pit, skin, and leaves contain persin, which is toxic to dogs. It’s best to avoid it entirely.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dog Food

Easy to make. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook this dog food recipe.
Good for your dog. This kibble recipe is made of healthy and real ingredients.
Budget-friendly. A common misconception is that homemade dog food is more expensive. However, if you buy in bulk and make larger batches, DIY dog food is very cost-effective.

A wooden spoon holding some Homemade Dog Food.

What You’ll Need

Below is everything you need to make simple homemade dog food. It contains grains, protein, and carbohydrates—a perfectly balanced meal for your furry friend!

Brown rice: This is the perfect whole grain to add to your dog’s diet. It’s full of nutrients and fiber, which is great for digestion.
Ground turkey: This is an easy and healthy protein to offer your dog. It’s lean, which prevents your dog from consuming too much fat.
Veggies: I use spinach, carrots, green beans and zucchini. They add texture, flavor, and plenty of essential vitamins.
Chicken broth: The low-sodium variety is best here. This allows you to add a pinch of salt later, and it adds moisture to the dog food.
Salt: I add just a little bit of salt for flavor. You don’t want to give your dog too much salt.

How to Make Dog Food

This is a very easy recipe to make. You only have to brown meat and cook veggies, which is fast. Plus, you can make the rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. There’s no need to spend a lot of time on it. Your dog is going to be happy with the taste!

Cook the rice. Prepare the brown rice according to the package directions. Then, set it aside.
Brown the turkey. Hear a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground turkey until it is no longer pink. Be sure to break up large pieces as you go.

Browned ground turkey in a black cast iron pan.

Ingredients that include meat, rice and vegetables for homemade dog food in a blue dutch oven.

Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the cooked rice, spinach, carrots, green beans, zucchini, broth, and salt.
Cook until tender. Allow the mixture to cook for 3-5 minutes or until the spinach has wilted and the other veggies are tender.
Cool completely. Ensure the dog food is completely cooled before you serve it. We hope your pup enjoys it!

Tips for Success

Check the veggies for tenderness. Fork test the vegetables to make sure they are soft. Cook them a little bit longer if they are still crunchy.
Serve at room temperature. Dogs are more susceptible to burning their mouths and tongues so allow the food to cool before you serve it.
Try different meat and vegetables. This recipe is so versatile. Meat options include ground beef, and pork; ground chicken also works well for this recipe. Vegetables including peas, carrots, and kale are good choices, too. Always check with your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions.

Proper Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or zip-loc bag for up to 4 days. They can also be placed flat in a freezer-safe bag and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw the food in the refrigerator overnight before you give it to your dog.

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