Healthy Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Are you looking to ditch the traditional kibble or canned dog food for something more tailored and nutritious for your dog? At A Pup Above, we understand that every spoonful matters when it comes to your dog's health and happiness. That’s why we champion meals that are not just filling but also wholesome and hearty.
Interested in discovering more? We’ve got you covered.
Read on as we explore the world of homemade dog food recipes that are both vet-approved and packed with goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef for your pup or just starting out, we’ve got some mouthwatering ideas that are sure to wag some tails.
Benefits of Avoiding Kibble or Canned Dog Food
First things first, why might you consider skipping the kibble or canned dog food aisle at your local pet store? Many dog parents today are opting for homemade meals over commercially prepared foods, and it’s not just about being trendy.
Commercial dog foods often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers that dogs just don't need. By choosing to make your dog's food at home, you can control every ingredient that goes into their bowl, ensuring they're getting real nutritional benefits without the unnecessary additives.
Plus, preparing your pup's meals allows for customization to suit their specific health needs, age, and preferences. Whether your dog is a picky eater, has allergies, or needs a special diet for health reasons, homemade food can be tailored to address these concerns effectively.
This hands-on approach not only boosts your dog's diet quality but can also strengthen the bond you share, as you literally put love into every meal — exactly the kind of commitment we celebrate here at A Pup Above.
Note: It can be difficult to balance your dog’s micronutrients with homemade foods, so be sure to speak to your veterinarian about the meals you plan to make.
Homemade Chicken-Based Meal for Dogs
Ready to whip up some chicken goodness for your pup? Chicken isn’t only a favorite but is also packed with essential nutrients that help keep your dog in tip-top shape.
Here are a couple of easy-to-make chicken-based meals:
Chicken Veggie Mash-Up
This dish is a powerhouse of lean protein and vitamins. The quinoa packs in some super grain goodness, making it a full-circle meal that supports everything from muscles to mood.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of diced, cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa
- A splash of olive oil
Instructions:
- Lightly steam the carrots and broccoli until they're bright and tender.
- Toss the steamed veggies with the cooked chicken and quinoa in a large bowl.
- Add a splash of olive oil for a shiny coat, mix it all up, and serve it cool.
Chicken and Pumpkin Pot Pie
Pumpkin is a gut-health hero, and sweet potatoes throw a punch of fiber and flavor into the mix. Together, they make a comforting meal that’s perfect for your pup’s palate and digestion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken
- 1 cup of pumpkin purée (plain, not spiced)
- 1 diced sweet potato
- 1/2 cup peas
- A pinch of dried parsley
Instructions:
- Pre-cook the sweet potato until it's soft.
- Mix the chicken, pumpkin, sweet potato, and peas in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley for a little herbal kick, stir thoroughly, and let it cool.
Homemade Pork-Based Meal for Dogs
Now, let's turn up the flavor dial with pork. It’s rich, it’s tasty, and when done right, it’s a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet.
Here are two pork-based recipes that are both wholesome and heartily approved by vets.
Pork and Pear Delight
This meal mixes sweet pear with hearty pork, providing a burst of flavors and textures that will keep your dog interested. The barley adds heartiness, and the flaxseed oil supports a healthy coat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded pork loin
- 1 ripe pear, cored and chopped
- 1 cup of cooked barley
- 1/2 cup of green beans, chopped
- A drizzle of flaxseed oil
Instructions:
- Cook the green beans until they’re just tender.
- In a big mixing bowl, combine the pork, pear, barley, and green beans.
- Drizzle with flaxseed oil for an omega boost, give it a good mix, and let it cool before serving.
Savory Pork and Veggie Stew
Butternut squash brings a sweet note to the savory pork, while lentils provide a protein-packed pick-me-up. This stew is perfect for colder days or when your pup needs a comforting and filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of diced, cooked pork
- 1 cup of diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of cooked lentils
- A sprinkle of thyme
Instructions:
- Simmer the butternut squash and celery until they are soft.
- Mix the pork, squash, celery, lentils, and thyme in a pot.
- Cook together for a few minutes to mix the flavors, then cool down and serve.
Homemade Turkey-Based Meal for Dogs
Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving — it's also a lean, mean protein that's perfect for your pup's dinner any day of the year. Let's check out a couple of turkey-based meals that are as healthy as they are hearty.
Turkey and Cranberry Kibble Topper
This recipe combines the lean protein of turkey with the antioxidant properties of cranberries and nutrient-rich spinach, making it a superfood feast for your dog.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- A dash of rosemary
Instructions:
- Cook the ground turkey thoroughly and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the turkey with brown rice, cranberries, and chopped spinach.
- Sprinkle a dash of rosemary for a hint of flavor, combine everything well, and serve either warm or at room temperature.
Hearty Turkey Veggie Mash
This meal packs a punch with fiber-rich vegetables and the soothing touch of pumpkin, perfect for your dog's digestion. Plus, the turmeric adds a tasty twist that's also good for their joints.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey breast
- 1 cup steamed carrots
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
- A sprinkle of turmeric
Instructions:
- Steam carrots and broccoli until soft, then blend into a chunky veggie mash.
- Mix the shredded turkey with the veggie mash and pureed pumpkin.
- Add a sprinkle of turmeric, stir well, and let the mixture cool before serving.
Don't Have Time to Make Homemade Recipes?
We get it — life can be hectic, and finding the time to prepare a homemade meal for your dog isn’t always easy. That’s where A Pup Above shines.
Our meals are pre-cooked using the gentle sous-vide method, a process that locks in nutrients to give your dog the full benefits of real, wholesome food. We use only human-grade ingredients and non-GMO veggies, with absolutely no additives — just pure, simple goodness that’s ready whenever your pup is.
Conclusion
And there you have it — healthy, vet-approved homemade dog food recipes that are both easy to make and packed with nutrients your dog will love.
At A Pup Above, we’re all about giving dogs the best, whether it’s in the form of a tasty home-cooked meal or our own sous-vide creations. We know life gets busy, and whipping up a homemade dish isn’t always an option.
That’s where we come in — with delicious flavors like Texas Beef Stew and Turkey Pawella, we’re here to make sure your pup is well-fed with wholesome, human-grade ingredients.
Sources:
How to Choose the Best Dog Food | AKC
Turmeric and Curcumin—Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs | PMC
