More and more pet parents are exploring homemade meals for their dogs — and for good reason. You control the ingredients, you can accommodate allergies, and there's something satisfying about watching your dog devour something you made from scratch.
These three recipes are simple, vet-approved for occasional meals, and use ingredients you can find at any grocery store. A note: homemade food works great as a supplement or treat, but if you're considering a full dietary switch, talk to your vet about nutritional balance first.
Turkey & Sweet Potato Power Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces, about 7 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and water. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the green beans and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they're bright green and slightly soft.
- Let the mixture cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Slow-Cooker Beef & Rice Stew
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Place the beef cubes in the slow cooker. Add the brown rice, carrots, and broth.
- Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or until the beef is tender and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Let cool to room temperature before serving. Portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Salmon & Pumpkin Bites
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) wild-caught salmon, drained
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour (or blend rolled oats until fine)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the salmon with a fork. Add the pumpkin, egg, and parsley. Mix until combined.
- Fold in the oat flour until a thick dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Roll into walnut-sized balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 25 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Never use onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or xylitol in dog food — they're toxic. Avoid heavy seasoning or salt. And always let food cool before serving; dogs can burn their mouths just like we can.
If your dog has dietary restrictions or chronic health issues, consult your vet before introducing new foods. These recipes are meant to supplement a balanced diet, not replace it entirely. That said, the occasional homemade meal is a wonderful way to show your pup some extra love.
And if mealtime needs to happen on schedule while you're away, our drop-in visits include feeding — home-cooked or straight from the bag.
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