I love cooking for my dog, but I also know how confusing it can be to figure out what’s truly safe and healthy.
Some recipes online are cute but not always vet-approved, which can make feeding time stressful.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 homemade dog food recipes that veterinarians actually approve.
These are simple, healthy, and made with ingredients your dog will love.
I’ll also give personal tips for preparation, portion sizes, and storage, so you can serve your dog nutritious meals without any stress.
These recipes are perfect for busy pet parents who want to give their furry friends meals that are both tasty and safe, all from the comfort of home.
1. Chicken & Rice Delight
This is a classic recipe that many vets recommend for dogs with sensitive stomachs. My dog loves it, and it’s easy to make in just one pot.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded, boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots (finely chopped or grated)
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon for stirring
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, steam or boil the carrots and peas until soft.
- Combine the shredded chicken, rice, and veggies in one pan. Mix gently.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve in small portions based on your dog’s size.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Personal Tip:
I like to mix in a little bit of plain pumpkin sometimes—dogs love it, and it’s great for digestion!
2. Beef & Sweet Potato Feast
This recipe is hearty and full of nutrients. My dog goes crazy for the natural sweetness of the potatoes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef (cooked, drained of excess fat)
- 1 cup sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for healthy fats)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Spoon for stirring
Instructions:
- Boil or steam the sweet potato until soft.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any extra fat.
- Steam the green beans until tender.
- Mix the beef, sweet potato, and green beans together in a bowl or pan.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Portion according to your dog’s size and activity level.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in small containers for later.
Personal Tip:
I sometimes add a pinch of parsley—it’s safe for dogs and helps with fresh breath!
3. Turkey & Vegetable Mix
This is a lean, protein-packed option that’s perfect for active dogs or those needing a lighter meal. My dog always finishes this one in seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground turkey (cooked, drained of excess fat)
- 1/2 cup carrots (finely chopped or grated)
- 1/2 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
Equipment Needed:
- Medium skillet or saucepan
- Spoon for stirring
Instructions:
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain any fat.
- Steam or boil the carrots and zucchini until soft.
- Cook quinoa or rice separately according to package instructions.
- Combine turkey, vegetables, and quinoa/rice in a bowl. Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool before serving to your dog.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve in small portions suitable for your dog’s size.
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze extra portions if needed.
Personal Tip:
I like to add a small spoon of plain yogurt on top—dogs love the taste, and it’s gentle on their stomachs!
4. Salmon & Pumpkin Bowl
This recipe is packed with healthy omega-3 fats, perfect for shiny coats and joint health. My dog goes crazy for the salmon smell!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, no spices)
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped, lightly steamed)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Spoon for mixing
Instructions:
- Cook the salmon thoroughly and flake into small pieces.
- Steam the spinach until soft.
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
- Combine salmon, pumpkin, rice, and spinach in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve according to your dog’s size and activity level.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Personal Tip:
I sometimes add a few blueberries on top—they’re safe for dogs and make a fun, nutritious treat!
5. Egg & Veggie Scramble
This is a quick, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy mornings. My dog loves the soft texture of scrambled eggs mixed with veggies!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs (scrambled, fully cooked)
- 1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Small skillet or pan
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if using.
- Add peas and carrots and cook until soft.
- Pour in the eggs and scramble with the veggies until fully cooked.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve immediately in small portions based on your dog’s size.
- This recipe is best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 1 day.
Personal Tip:
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of turmeric sometimes—it’s safe in small amounts and can help with inflammation.
6. Turkey & Pumpkin Patties
These patties are perfect as a main meal or a training snack. My dog loves them, and they’re easy to make ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground turkey (cooked, drained of fat)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, no spices)
- 1/2 cup oats (ground slightly if desired)
- 1 egg (to bind)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine turkey, pumpkin, oats, and egg. Mix well.
- Form small patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Let them cool completely before serving to your dog.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve in small portions according to your dog’s size.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
Personal Tip:
I like to make a batch and freeze individual patties—then I have a quick, vet-approved meal ready anytime!
7. Salmon & Sweet Potato Mash
This meal is gentle on the stomach and packed with nutrients for a shiny coat and healthy digestion. My dog loves the sweet taste of the potato mixed with salmon!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon (boneless, skinless, flaked)
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed)
- 1/4 cup peas (steamed)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon or masher
Instructions:
- Cook the salmon thoroughly and flake into small pieces.
- Steam peas until soft.
- Mash the cooked sweet potato.
- Mix salmon, mashed sweet potato, peas, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve in small portions suitable for your dog’s size.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in small portions for later.
Personal Tip:
I like to add a tiny pinch of parsley—safe for dogs, adds flavor, and helps with fresh breath!
8. Beef & Vegetable Stew
This hearty stew is perfect for dogs who love meaty meals, and it’s full of vitamins from the vegetables. My dog gobbles it up every time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef (cooked, drained of fat)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup brown rice (cooked)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon for stirring
Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef until fully done and drain any fat.
- Steam or boil carrots and green beans until soft.
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
- Combine beef, vegetables, rice, and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve portions based on your dog’s size and activity level.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze small portions for later.
Personal Tip:
I sometimes add a tiny sprinkle of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits—it’s safe in small amounts!
9. Chicken & Quinoa Bowl
This protein-packed recipe is perfect for dogs who need a healthy, filling meal. My dog absolutely loves the combination of chicken and quinoa!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded, boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup carrots (finely chopped or grated)
- 1/4 cup peas (steamed)
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Spoon for mixing
Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Steam carrots and peas until soft.
- Cook and shred the chicken.
- Mix chicken, quinoa, and vegetables in a bowl.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve small portions according to your dog’s size.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in small portions.
Personal Tip:
I like to add a tiny spoonful of plain yogurt—it’s safe for dogs, adds flavor, and is gentle on digestion.
10. Egg & Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins are great as a snack or meal topper and are easy to make in batches. My dog loves the soft texture and pumpkin flavor!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs (fully cooked)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, no spices)
- 1/2 cup oats (ground slightly if desired)
- 1/4 cup carrots (grated)
Equipment Needed:
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix eggs, pumpkin, oats, and grated carrots until combined.
- Spoon mixture into a muffin tin lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until firm and cooked through.
- Let muffins cool completely before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips:
- Serve in small portions depending on your dog’s size.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual muffins for later.
Personal Tip:
I like to freeze a batch so I always have a quick, healthy snack ready for my dog—super convenient for busy days!
Final Thoughts & Tips for Homemade Dog Food
Feeding your dog healthy, homemade meals can be fun, rewarding, and full of variety.
These 10 vet-approved dog food recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and sure to make mealtime something your pup looks forward to every day.
Personal Tips:
- Introduce new foods gradually: Mix small amounts of new recipes with your dog’s regular food to avoid digestive upset.
- Portion by size & activity: Adjust serving sizes according to your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
- Storage is key: Most homemade recipes last up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze portions for longer storage.
- Stay safe: Avoid ingredients toxic to dogs like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
- Keep it fun: Try adding small safe toppings like plain yogurt, blueberries, or parsley to make meals exciting for your dog.
With these recipes and tips, you can feed your dog delicious, nutritious meals that are simple to make and full of variety—perfect for happy, healthy pups!