5 Great Homemade Recipes for Dogs

Healthy eating among dogs is just as important as it is for us. And while we view foods like kibble, as ‘normal’ food for our four-legged friends, it's possible that they aren’t getting all the nutrients they need. 

So, what makes a meal good for your dog? 

Good meals for dogs contain fresh, wholesome ingredients like lean meats, healthy carbohydrates, and vegetables. But don't get too overwhelmed by the thought of preparing a homemade meal for your pet.

A simple meal can be as fuss-free as boiling lean meats, i.e., chicken or turkey, and adding cooked white rice and vegetables like carrots or spinach. You can also add canned pumpkin for a fibre-rich addition to the dish. 

These recipes are good for around a 15-20 Ib dog. However, if you think your dog requires more or less food, simply adjust by increments of 25%. The amount of food a dog eats will depend on their age, breed, and activity level. Vets generally recommend you weigh your dog weekly while eating any new diet to monitor their health. Before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, please always consult with your vet. 

Anyhow, how about we be more specific? Here's a list of some good meals you can whip up for your pup: 

Meal 1: Boneless and skinless chicken with barley, mashed potatoes, and spinach

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends the removal of both skin and bones when feeding poultry to dogs, as these can get lodged in the throat or cause intestinal issues. Barley is a healthy source of carbohydrates, while spinach provides vitamins and minerals like iron. Consider using sweet potatoes as they contain more nutritional benefits than regular potatoes. 

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barley
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the skinless, boneless chicken breasts to the boiling water and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the barley under cold water and drain. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until it is tender and the water has been absorbed.
4. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Prick several holes into each sweet potato with a fork. Microwave them on high for about 5-8 minutes or until tender, turning them over halfway through. Allow them to cool, then peel and mash them.
5. Rinse the spinach under cold water and drain. Steam the spinach for about 5 minutes, or until wilted. Let it cool and chop it into small pieces.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Once cool, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
7. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked barley, mashed sweet potatoes, and chopped spinach until well combined.
8. Allow the mixture to cool before serving to your dog.

Meal 2: Turkey with quinoa and green beans

Turkey is a leaner alternative to chicken, while quinoa provides an excellent source of protein and fibre. Green beans are abundant in vitamins A and C - low in calories, yet packed with filling fibre. If you choose to avoid canned beans, you can opt for fresh green beans, which must be steamed before serving. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb turkey breast, boneless, skinless
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups fresh green beans
• 2 cups water
• Optional: A pinch of dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement

Instructions:

1. Cut the turkey breast into small chunks. This will make it easier for your dog to eat and digest.
2. Place the turkey in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the turkey is thoroughly cooked, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
3. While the turkey is cooking, rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any bitter taste from the quinoa.
4. In a separate pot, add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until all the water is absorbed, which should take about 15 minutes. The quinoa should be fluffy and soft when it's done.
5. Wash the fresh green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Steam them until they're tender but still have a bit of crunch, which should take about 10 minutes.
6. Once all the components are cooked, let them cool before mixing them together in a large bowl. This will ensure your dog doesn't burn their mouth while eating.
7. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.

Meal 3: Lean ground beef with carrots and brown rice

Ground beef is ideal for canines, especially active, growing, pregnant, nursing or older. See to it that the beef is free of fat and any additives. Carrots are high in fibre, vitamins A and K and minerals like potassium, while brown rice provides your pup with essential carbohydrates. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium-sized carrots
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any residual dirt or dust.
2. In a large pot, add the rinsed brown rice and 2 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, which should take about 45 minutes.
3. While the rice is cooking, place the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Be sure to drain off any fat after cooking.
4. Peel and finely chop the carrots, then steam them until they're tender but still have a bit of crunch. This should take about 10 minutes. If you don't have a steamer, you can also boil them in a small amount of water.
5. Once all the ingredients have cooled to room temperature, mix them together in a large bowl.
6. Divide into portions appropriate for your dog's size and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.

Meal 4: Salmon with broccoli and oatmeal

Salmon has omega-3 fatty acids and is a healthy protein source. The reason to incorporate broccoli in your pup's diet is that it's low in calories and contains vitamins A, C and K. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is an ideal source of fibre for dogs – not to mention a great way to help keep them full for longer periods. This one's perfect for dogs that seemingly don't get full or satisfied with their meals. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water and pat dry. Make sure to remove any bones if you find any.
2. Place the salmon in a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until it is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Alternatively, you can also steam the salmon until it's thoroughly cooked.
3. While the salmon is cooking, cook the oatmeal. Add the oatmeal and 2 cups of water to a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the oatmeal is soft and the water is absorbed, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash the broccoli florets and steam them until they're tender but still have a bit of crunch, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Once all the ingredients are cooked, let them cool before flaking the salmon and mixing everything together in a large bowl.
6. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

Meal 5: Scrambled eggs with some greens

This one's probably the most surprising to you. While it may seem odd to give eggs to your canine friend, they're a feasible protein source and can be included in their diet. If you like spicing things up, add some cooked spinach or kale for an extra nutritional punch. However, you should never add spices, i.e., pepper, onions or garlic, as these can be toxic for dogs. 

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup spinach or kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or another dog-safe cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. While the pan is heating, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
3. Add the eggs to the heated pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully cooked. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. While the eggs are cooking, steam the spinach or kale until it's tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you don't have a steamer, you can also boil the greens in a small amount of water.
5. Once the eggs and greens are cooked, let them cool to room temperature before serving to your dog.

Mix the scrambled eggs and greens together in your dog's dish.

What NOT to Feed Your Dog

Cooking good meals for your dogs comes with a certain level of satisfaction, but exercising caution is also wise. As much as we want to treat our furry friends like one of the family, there are certain foods to avoid when preparing meals for them. These include: 

• Chocolate - This food contains the dreaded theobromine. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and will cause a nasty array of symptoms and possibly death.
• Grapes and raisins - Both are known to cause kidney issues in dogs. While they contain healthy antioxidants, your dog can get the same from other sources, such as blueberries and strawberries.
• Garlic and onions - Both can cause anemia in your pet due to the presence of thiosulfate, which is also toxic for dogs. Minute amounts, i.e., powdered form, can also be hazardous.
• Xylitol - This artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gums and candy has been known to cause liver issues and even death in dogs. 
• Avocado - The presence of "persin" in this superfood will cause stomach and respiratory issues in dogs. 
• Alcohol - Do not, under any circumstances, feed your pup alcohol. It'll lead to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and even coma or death.  
• Large amounts of dairy - including things like ice cream are not digested well by your dog.

If you are unsure about what to feed your dog or have questions and concerns, please always consult your veterinarian. The quality of the relationship you and your dog have with your veterinarian will determine many of your pet's health outcomes. 

Bon appetit!