How To Make Homemade Dog Food & Treats

Making homemade dog food and treats can be a rewarding way to ensure your pup gets the best nutrition tailored to their needs. Maybe you’re looking to move away from store-bought kibble or simply want to add more fresh, wholesome ingredients to your dog’s diet. 

Regardless of what brought you here, this guide will walk you through the pros and cons of homemade dog food, some favorite recipes, and alternatives like the human-grade fresh food from A Pup Above. With the right balance of nutrients, including calcium, protein, and healthy fats, you can create a dog food diet that keeps your pup healthy, happy, and full of energy.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Making Dog Food?

Making homemade dog food is an increasingly popular choice for pet owners who want more control over their dog’s diet. However, like any decision, it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. 

Here’s a look at the pros and cons to help you decide if homemade dog food is right for your dog.

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of making your own dog food is the ability to control exactly what goes into it. You can use high-quality ingredients like ground turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and brown rice. This ensures your dog eats fresh, nutritious food without harmful preservatives or fillers found in some store-bought options.

You can also tailor your dog’s meals to meet their specific needs, adding in calcium for boosting omega-3 fatty acids with fish oil. Whether your dog needs a low-fat diet or more carbohydrates for energy, you can adjust the recipes accordingly.

Also, if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, making homemade food allows you to avoid common allergens found in commercial pet foods, like certain grains or artificial ingredients.

Cons

Preparing homemade dog food can be labor-intensive and time-consuming because it requires you to find, cook, puree, and measure ingredients like zucchini or organ meats to ensure your pup gets a balanced diet. Using tools like a food processor or grinder can help, but it still takes more time than scooping out kibble.

Guaranteeing that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients from a homemade diet can be challenging. You’ll need to carefully balance proteins, fats, carbs, and minerals like calcium and potassium. Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian is crucial to make sure your dog’s meals are vet-approved and complete.

While you have control over the quality of ingredients, sourcing ingredients for fresh food like venison or beef liver can be more expensive than buying commercial dry food.

What Are Some of Our Favorite Homemade Dog Food Recipes?

Creating homemade dog food can be both rewarding for you and beneficial for your pup. This section introduces you to some of our favorite homemade dog food recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with veggies, lean proteins, and healthy carbs.

Easy Ground Beef & Veggies

This home-cooked meal is a simple yet nutritious option that’s sure to please your dog.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 cup of butternut squash, diced
• 1 cup of green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup of quinoa or brown rice (for added carbs)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 cup of bone broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Add the diced butternut squash and green beans to the pan and cook until tender.
4. Stir in the quinoa or brown rice, and pour in the bone broth. Simmer until everything is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Let the mixture cool before serving.

Chicken & Quinoa Power Bowl

Packed with amino acids and rich in antioxidants, this recipe is a great option for a holistic approach to your dog’s diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground chicken or chicken livers
• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup of blueberries (for antioxidants)
• 1 cup of mixed veggies (like zucchini and carrots)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken livers or ground chicken until fully cooked.
3. Add the mixed veggies to the pan and cook until tender.
4. Mix in the cooked quinoa and blueberries. Stir well and let it cool before serving.

Crockpot Turkey & Veggie Stew

For a DIY meal that’s both nutritious and easy, this crockpot stew is perfect.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 1 cup of sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup of butternut squash, diced
• 1/2 cup of green beans
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 2 cups of bone broth

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients into a crockpot.
2. Set to low and cook for four to six hours until the veggies are tender and the turkey is fully cooked.
3. Stir the stew to combine the ingredients evenly and allow it to cool.

Are There Alternatives To Homemade Dog Food?

While making homemade dog food can be a great way to ensure your pup gets fresh, nutritious meals, it’s not always practical for every pet owner. There are excellent alternatives to consider if you can’t make homemade food for your pup due to time constraints or the need for precise nutritional balance.

Quality Store-Bought Options

High-quality store-bought options offer a convenient alternative for those who may not have the time or resources to prepare homemade meals. Brands like A Pup Above provide human-grade dog food that’s made to preserve nutrients and enhance flavor. 

Their recipes are crafted with real, whole ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, and kale to ensure your dog gets a balanced, nutritious diet without the hassle of cooking at home. A Pup Above focuses on food safety and pet health, which makes it a top choice for those seeking high-quality, fresh food for their dogs.

Another advantage of these premium brands is the consistency they offer. With A Pup Above and similar products, you can trust that each meal is nutritionally balanced and vet-approved, eliminating the guesswork involved in preparing homemade dog food.

Mixing Kibble With Fresh Food

If you want to enhance your dog’s diet without fully committing to homemade meals, consider mixing high-quality kibble with fresh, store-bought human-grade dog food. This approach allows you to combine the convenience of dry food with the added nutrients and flavor of fresh ingredients. 

Adding veggies like zucchini or green beans can further boost the meal’s nutritional value to help make sure your pup eats a well-rounded diet.

How Can You Make Homemade Healthy Dog Treats?

Making homemade dog treats is a fun and rewarding way to show your pup some extra love while guaranteeing they get healthy, nutritious snacks. These DIY treats are easy to make and can be customized to suit your dog’s taste preferences and dietary needs.

Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet Potato Chews are a simple, delicious treat that your dog will love. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Take two large sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly. 

Slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds or strips, about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring they are evenly cut for consistent drying. Lightly coat the slices with one tablespoon of coconut oil to add a healthy dose of fatty acids and enhance the flavor. 

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the sweet potatoes for two to three hours, flipping them halfway through, until they are dried but still slightly chewy. Let them cool completely before serving to your pup.

Blueberry & Chicken Liver Bites

Blueberry & Chicken Liver Bites are another tasty treat for your dog that you can make at home. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, blend 1/2 pound of chicken livers until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the blended chicken livers with one cup of fresh blueberries, one beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of quinoa flour. 

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or drop small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the treats for 20 to 25 minutes or until firm to the touch. 

Allow them to cool completely before serving. These bites are packed with amino acids and antioxidants to support your dog’s overall health.

Serving Size

Offer these treats in moderation, and take into consideration your dog’s size and dietary needs. Homemade treats are a great way to incorporate wholesome, human-grade ingredients into your dog’s diet while avoiding the preservatives found in many store-bought options.

Wrapping Up

Making homemade dog food and treats allows you to control the quality and nutritional value of what your dog consumes, ensuring they get the best possible diet. Whether you choose to prepare home-cooked meals, mix in fresh ingredients with kibble, or opt for high-quality store-bought options like A Pup Above, your dog will benefit from the extra care you put into their meals. 

Remember to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to guarantee that your dog’s diet is balanced and complete to support their health and happiness for years to come.

Sources:

Fish Oil for Dogs: What to Know | American Kennel Club

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Potential Benefits and Drawback | American Kennel Club

Ancient grains as novel dietary carbohydrate sources in canine diets | NIH 

Hydrolyzed chicken liver used as single source of animal protein in diet and its effect on cytokines, immunoglobulins, and fecal microbiota profile of adult dogs | NIH