Dog food matters—they’re family. If we care about our own plates, we should care just as much about what goes into their bowls.
Let’s be honest—our dogs are more than pets. They’re family. And just like we care about what goes on our own plates, we should be thinking twice about what goes in their bowls too. Sure, there are plenty of dog food brands out there, but have you ever thought about making homemade dog food? It’s easier than it sounds, and your pup will love you even more for it.
So, how do you actually prepare homemade dog food that’s healthy, safe, and delicious? Let’s break it down into super easy steps, ingredients, and tips that will make you feel like your dog’s personal chef (minus the chef hat, unless you’re into that).
Start With the Basics: What Should Go Into a Dog’s Meal?
A good homemade dog food should be balanced and full of nutrients. Here’s a simple ratio to follow:
- 35% carbs: Brown rice, cooked sweet potato with skin, cassava, regular potato, or even cooked parsnips—all chopped into bite-sized cubes.
- 30% meat: Think beef, chicken, pork tenderloin, or fish fillets (no bones!).
- 30% veggies: Try cooked kale, spinach, watercress, green beans, zucchini with skin, broccoli, chayote, or carrots with the skin on.
- 5% liver: Chicken, beef, or pork liver (yes, organ meats are important!).
How to Cook It (No Michelin Star Required)
- Cook the meat and liver until it’s just medium. You can grill, steam, or roast—whatever’s easiest.
- Steam or bake the veggies and starchy carbs until soft, about 25 minutes. Make sure everything is in small, pup-friendly pieces.
- Cook your rice as usual, but skip the onions (they’re a big no-no for dogs).
- Season lightly: A tiny drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt (optional), and fresh chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
- Add supplements: A daily dog-friendly vitamin and mineral supplement is a must. You can also give 1g of fish oil (omega-3) per 10kg of your dog’s weight.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Food
Dogs aren’t garbage disposals—they can’t just eat anything. Here are the big no-nos:
- Never give your dog: Onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, starfruit, avocado skin or leaves, macadamia nuts, or açaí.
- Bones? Only raw ones. Cooked bones can splinter and be super dangerous.
- Avoid processed foods: No sausages, cold cuts, or fried stuff. Keep it natural.
What If I Don’t Have Time to Cook?
Not everyone has the time to play chef every day, and that’s okay. If you’re feeding your pup store-bought food, here’s what to look for:
- Choose dog food with no artificial preservatives or GMO grains like corn and soy.
- You can also try commercial natural food made especially for dogs—already balanced and easy to find at most pet shops.
- On a budget? No shame. Just pick the best food you can afford and talk to your vet about good-value options.
Quick Tips for Happy Mealtimes
- Meal prep in batches: Make enough for a few days and store it in the fridge.
- Use freezer-friendly containers: Homemade dog food can last for a week if frozen right.
- Monitor their weight and energy: If your dog is too skinny or too chunky, tweak the portions.
- Introduce new foods slowly: This avoids tummy issues.
Why Homemade Dog Food is Totally Worth It
You know exactly what your pup is eating. No mystery meat. No fillers. Just real food, made with love. Dogs on homemade dog food often have shinier coats, better digestion, fewer allergies, and even improved moods.
Plus, they get super excited when they smell their own food cooking. Tail wags, guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your dog well doesn’t mean spending a fortune or becoming a canine nutritionist overnight. It just means paying a little more attention to what goes into their bowl. Homemade dog food can be easy, affordable, and packed with love.
Just remember to check with your vet if you’re switching your dog’s diet, especially when adding supplements.
Your dog gives you loyalty, cuddles, and love every day—why not return the favor with a homemade meal that’s actually good for them?
Trust us: they’ll taste the love in every bite. 🍽️🐶
