Just as we humans adopt a more natural diet consisting of fresh ingredients, pet owners are increasingly making similar food choices for their pets as well. While packaged dog food is convenient to serve and store, why not add variety and interest to your furry friend’s meal with natural, delicious options?
You can prepare a batch of meals and freeze them portion-wise to avoid cooking every day, or if you happen to run out of packaged food. If you’re looking for homemade dog food recipe ideas, consult your vet first because not everything that humans consume is appropriate for canines.
Essential elements of dog food
Homemade dog food is ideal if your dog is older, has gastric problems, food allergies, skin problems, or is sensitive to processed foods. The right doggy diet should contain:
- Carbohydrates: Cereals, beans or corn
- Protein: Meat, chicken/turkey, boiled eggs
- Fats: in the right quantity in the form of oil or from meat
- Vitamins and minerals: Vegetables and supplements
- Water: Plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. You can also add some water to the food.
Homemade dog food ideas
Classic meal
This can be prepared ahead in bulk and frozen in portions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups brown rice
- 7 cups of mixed vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, peas, and spinach
- 3 lbs ground turkey/chicken
- 1tbsp olive oil
Cook the rice completely, saute the turkey/chicken in oil, and when it’s cooked, add the vegetables and stir-fry for a minute. Add the cooked rice, add a cup of water and heat through till the mixture is well-blended. Cool thoroughly and serve.
Food cakes
You can serve these meat-cakes as a treat or add boiled vegetables and pasta for a full meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of rice
- 1lb ground beef
- 8 eggs
- pinch of salt
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups mixed vegetables chopped fine
- 1.5 cups of rolled oats
- ¼ cup olive oil
Preheat the oven (setting 250°F) and oil the muffin pans. Cook rice and beef together until thoroughly done and set aside. Mix the eggs and vegetables in a bowl. Add oats, rice, beef, salt, oil and water, and mix well. Fill the muffin cups with the mixture and press down. Bake it for 45 mins. Cool and store in the fridge.
Biscuits
Great for pups! You can use these as occasional treats when you’re dog’s been good.
Ingredients
- Pureed pumpkin: 1 can or 1 small fresh pumpkin blended
- ½ cup of oats
- 3 cups of whole-wheat flour/rice-flour/gluten-free flour
- 3tbsp of xylitol-free peanut butter
- Pinch of cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350°F and mix flour, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Blend eggs, pumpkin and peanut butter separately and mix thoroughly into dry ingredients till it forms a smooth dough. Keep aside for 5 minutes. Roll the batter into the shapes you desire. You can use a cookie-cutter or with a knife to cut them into squares as well. Bake till they turn golden brown. Cool and store.
Frozen smoothie
It is a healthy, refreshing treat for your doggo after a long, hot day out.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek Yogurt: 4 cups
- 2tbsp of xylitol-free peanut butter
- 3 over-ripe bananas mashed
Blend all ingredients thoroughly and freeze in ice-cube trays or small disposable cups. Avoid giving it if your dog has respiratory problems or cold.