11 easy homemade dog food recipes for large dogs

If you’re like me, your big fur baby isn’t just a pet—they’re family. I’ve always wanted to make sure my large dog gets meals that are not just filling but also healthy, nutritious, and safe.

Store-bought dog foods can be convenient, but sometimes the ingredients leave me scratching my head.

That’s why I started experimenting with homemade dog food recipes, and let me tell you, my pup absolutely loves them!

Over the past year, I’ve tried dozens of recipes, tweaked ingredients for better digestion, and even found some creative ways to sneak in extra nutrients without my dog even noticing.

Large dogs, in particular, have different needs—they need more protein, fiber, and joint-supporting nutrients to stay healthy and active.

In this post, I’m sharing 11 easy homemade dog food recipes for large dogs that are simple to make, packed with goodness, and will have your pup wagging their tail at every mealtime.

I’ll also sprinkle in my personal tips for prepping, storing, and customizing meals to your dog’s taste.

🛒 Amazon Shopping List for Homemade Dog Food Recipes

To make meal prep easy and stress-free, here’s a curated list of ingredients and kitchen tools available on Amazon.

Each link takes you directly to a product so you can buy now and start cooking for your pup!

Protein Sources

1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – Perfect for shredding in recipes like Chicken & Brown Rice Delight and Chicken, Quinoa & Veggie Power Bowl.
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2. Lean Ground Beef – Essential for Beef & Vegetable Stew, Beef, Pumpkin & Rice Medley, and Beef Oats Patties.
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3. Ground Turkey – Great for Turkey & Sweet Potato Mash, Turkey, Spinach & Brown Rice Mix, and Turkey & Veggie Casserole.
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4. Salmon Fillets (Skinless & Boneless) – For Salmon & Quinoa Bowl and Salmon Sweet Potato Patties.
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1. Chicken & Brown Rice Delight

When I first tried this one, my big Labrador, Max, could barely wait for me to finish chopping the chicken. It’s simple, filling, and gentle on their stomach.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, skinless, boneless)
• 1 cup brown rice (cooked)
• 1 cup carrots (steamed and chopped)
• ½ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Steam the carrots and peas until soft.
3. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, rice, and veggies.
4. Drizzle olive oil on top for healthy fats and mix well.
5. Let it cool before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• I like making a big batch and freezing half—it saves time and keeps me from scrambling when I’m busy.
• Max loves when I add a tiny sprinkle of turmeric—it’s great for joints, which is super important for large dogs.
• If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can swap brown rice for sweet potato; it’s easier to digest.

2. Beef & Vegetable Stew

This one became a favorite in my house because it’s hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for big dogs that need extra energy.

I first made this on a chilly evening, and my German Shepherd, Luna, practically danced around the kitchen waiting for it to cool.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lean ground beef
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)
• ½ cup peas
• 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (for shiny coat and digestion)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add carrots, green beans, peas, and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until veggies are soft.
5. Let it cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• I always make sure the stew is cool before serving. Large dogs can get burned mouths if it’s too hot.
• I love adding ground flaxseed—it helped Luna’s coat go from dull to glossy in just a few weeks.
• You can swap beef for ground turkey if your dog prefers poultry or needs leaner protein.
• This stew freezes really well in portions. I usually use silicone muffin trays, then pop out the cubes for easy daily servings.

3. Turkey & Sweet Potato Mash

This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something gentle on the stomach but packed with nutrients.

My big Golden Retriever, Charlie, absolutely loves the sweet potato—it’s like dessert for him, but healthy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ground turkey (lean)
• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree (great for digestion)

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam the sweet potato until soft, then mash it.
2. In a separate pan, cook the ground turkey until fully browned. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
3. Mix turkey, mashed sweet potato, peas, and coconut oil in a large bowl.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree if using.
5. Let the food cool before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• I like to cook extra sweet potato and freeze it—then I can quickly mash and mix for a meal on busy days.
• Coconut oil not only adds healthy fat but also helps keep Charlie’s coat shiny and skin healthy.
• If your dog is picky, I sometimes add a small sprinkle of finely chopped parsley—it freshens breath and adds vitamins.
• This recipe keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, but I usually freeze half to save time.

4. Salmon & Quinoa Bowl

Salmon is a powerhouse for large dogs—packed with protein and omega-3s for joints and a shiny coat.

My Labrador, Max, goes wild for this one! I started making this recipe after reading about omega-3 benefits, and it quickly became a weekly favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked salmon (skinless, boneless, cooked thoroughly)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup chopped broccoli (steamed)
• ½ cup carrots (steamed and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Steam broccoli and carrots until soft.
3. Flake the salmon into small pieces and remove any bones.
4. Mix salmon, quinoa, and veggies in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil on top and stir gently.
5. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• Always ensure salmon is fully cooked—raw fish can contain harmful bacteria.
• I like to make a big batch and freeze portions in silicone trays. Max gets excited every time I pull out a frozen cube—it feels like a treat!
• Quinoa is a great alternative to rice, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs gluten-free options.
• Adding a small pinch of turmeric or ginger can help with inflammation in older dogs.

5. Chicken & Pumpkin Stew

This one became a lifesaver for me when Max had a little stomach upset.

Pumpkin is gentle on the digestive system, and combined with chicken, it makes a meal that’s filling, nutritious, and soothing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, skinless, boneless)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• ½ cup carrots (chopped)
• ½ cup green beans (chopped)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, combine chicken, pumpkin puree, carrots, green beans, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until veggies are soft.
3. Drizzle olive oil and mix well.
4. Let the stew cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• I sometimes add a small pinch of cinnamon—it smells amazing and dogs seem to love the aroma.
• This recipe is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or minor digestive issues.
• Freeze leftovers in portioned containers so you always have a quick, healthy meal ready.
• Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that can be harmful to dogs.

6. Turkey, Spinach & Brown Rice Mix

This is one of my favorites for keeping my large dogs full and energized, especially after a long walk or play session.

Spinach adds vitamins and minerals, while turkey and brown rice provide lean protein and slow-release energy.

My German Shepherd, Luna, always finishes this one in record time!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ground turkey (lean)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• ½ cup carrots (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a pan until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Steam or boil the carrots until soft.
3. Add chopped spinach to the hot turkey and stir until wilted.
4. Mix in cooked brown rice and drizzle olive oil on top.
5. Let the mixture cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• Spinach is packed with iron and antioxidants, but I only add a small amount because too much can cause digestive upset in large dogs.
• I often make a big batch on Sunday and freeze portions—this saves so much time during busy weekdays.
• For picky eaters, I sometimes mix in a teaspoon of plain yogurt—it helps with digestion and adds probiotics.
• Brown rice keeps Luna full for hours, which is great if you’re busy and can’t feed multiple times a day.

7. Beef, Oats & Carrot Patties

These patties are a favorite for me when I want a convenient, portion-controlled meal for my big dogs.

They’re easy to make, freeze well, and feel like a treat at mealtime. Max literally does a happy dance when he sees me shaping them!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lean ground beef
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 egg (helps bind the patties)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, oats, grated carrots, and egg until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small patties (about the size of your palm for large dogs).
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked. Let them cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• These patties are perfect for meal prepping—freeze individual portions and defrost as needed.
• Adding finely chopped parsley or a tiny sprinkle of turmeric can boost nutrition and flavor.
• For extra texture and flavor, I sometimes mix in a small handful of peas or sweet potato.
• Make sure patties are fully cooled before serving to avoid burns.

8. Salmon & Sweet Potato Patties

This recipe is one of my favorites for keeping Luna’s coat shiny and her joints healthy.

Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, and sweet potatoes give a slow-release energy boost. Plus, they’re easy to portion and store—perfect for busy dog owners!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked salmon (skinless, boneless)
• 1 large sweet potato (boiled and mashed)
• ½ cup oats (helps bind the patties)
• 1 egg (optional, for extra binding)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the boiled sweet potato in a large bowl.
3. Flake the salmon and add it to the mashed sweet potato.
4. Mix in oats and the egg (if using) until the mixture holds together.
5. Shape into patties, about palm-sized for large dogs.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool completely.

Tips from My Experience:

• Always ensure the salmon is fully cooked to avoid harmful bacteria. I personally cook extra salmon at dinner and use leftovers for these patties—it saves time and reduces waste.
• Freeze leftover patties in individual portions. When ready to serve, just defrost in the fridge overnight.
• I sometimes add a pinch of turmeric or ground flaxseed for joint support and a shiny coat.
• Sweet potato is gentle on digestion, which is great if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to constipation.
• Make sure the patties cool completely before feeding—hot patties can burn your dog’s mouth.

9. Turkey & Veggie Casserole

This casserole is one of my go-to recipes when I want a complete, balanced meal for my large dogs.

It’s hearty, packed with protein and fiber, and keeps them full for hours. My Golden Retriever, Charlie, goes straight to the kitchen every time I make this!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ground turkey (lean)
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• ½ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (optional, helps bind the casserole)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Steam or lightly cook the carrots, zucchini, and peas until tender.
4. In a large bowl, mix the turkey, cooked vegetables, brown rice, and egg if using.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and press it evenly.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. I usually cut it into portions and freeze some for busy weeks.
• You can swap vegetables based on what your dog likes or what’s in season—just avoid onions, garlic, or anything toxic to dogs.
• Adding a teaspoon of flaxseed or chia seeds boosts omega-3s and fiber, which is great for large dogs’ digestion and coat health.
• Always let the casserole cool before serving; large dogs can burn their mouths if it’s too hot.
• I find that slightly pressing the casserole into firm squares makes it easier to store, portion, and serve later.

10. Beef, Pumpkin & Rice Medley

This is one of my favorite comfort meals for Max when the weather is chilly.

Pumpkin soothes the stomach, beef provides protein for energy, and rice is easy to digest.

Large dogs especially benefit from this combo because it supports digestion and keeps them full for hours.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lean ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• ½ cup chopped green beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add pumpkin puree, green beans, and rice. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
4. Drizzle olive oil and mix well.
5. Let the medley cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree—pumpkin pie filling has sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs.
• This meal freezes well in individual portions. I like to store them in silicone trays so I can pop out frozen cubes for daily servings.
• You can swap green beans for peas or carrots depending on what your dog prefers.
• Adding a sprinkle of turmeric or ginger can help with joint health and inflammation in older large dogs.
• I always check the temperature before serving—my dogs have sensitive mouths, and hot food can burn them.

11. Chicken, Quinoa & Veggie Power Bowl

This recipe is one of my personal favorites for a complete, balanced meal that keeps my German Shepherd, Luna, energized throughout the day.

Quinoa adds protein and fiber, while the chicken provides lean protein, and veggies give essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, skinless, boneless)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup chopped broccoli (steamed)
• ½ cup chopped carrots (steamed)
• ½ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Steam broccoli, carrots, and peas until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked quinoa, and steamed veggies.
4. Drizzle olive oil and mix well.
5. Let the mixture cool completely before serving.

Tips from My Experience:

• Quinoa is gentle on digestion and provides slow-release energy, which is perfect for active large dogs.
• I like making a big batch and freezing individual portions—this makes feeding time super easy during busy weeks.
• Adding a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds boosts omega-3s and fiber for coat and gut health.
• Make sure all ingredients are plain and fully cooked—avoid added seasonings, onions, or garlic.
• Large dogs eat bigger portions, so I usually serve this in two meals per day instead of one large bowl.

Conclusion / Final Notes for Readers:

Making homemade meals for your large dog doesn’t have to be complicated—or boring!

With these 11 easy and nutritious recipes, you can give your furry friend meals that are not only healthy but also delicious and filling.

From stews and casseroles to patties and power bowls, each recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that large dogs need to stay happy, healthy, and full of energy.

Pro Tips for All Recipes:

• Always let food cool completely before serving.
• Freeze leftovers in portions to save time and prevent waste.
• Rotate proteins and veggies to keep meals interesting.
• Avoid toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
• Consult your vet if your dog has special dietary needs or health conditions.

I hope these recipes make mealtime as fun for you as it is for your dog! If you found these ideas helpful, share this post with your friends, family, or fellow dog owners so they can give their pups nutritious meals too.

Sharing healthy homemade dog food tips is one of the best ways to make sure more dogs stay happy and healthy!