Easy and Nutritious Homemade Dog Meals

homemade dog food recipes

Dogs enjoy their food just like we do, yet so many are fed the same dry kibble every single day for their entire lives – hard to imagine, right? Pet food marketing often convinces owners that dogs must eat grain-free diets (they don’t—some research even suggests it can be harmful) or that they should only have dry food for dental health (my dogs always have bones to chew on, which keeps their teeth healthy). And if you actually read the ingredients in many commercial pet foods, it can be pretty alarming.

I’m not a veterinary nutritionist, so this isn’t professional advice, but as a mum to three dogs and four cats—and having cared for goats, chickens, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, peacocks, and guinea pigs—I do have quite a bit of hands-on experience. While dogs have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, their wild ancestors scavenged both meat and plant matter (watch any dog nibbling on grass, and my collie will even sample the bushes in the garden!). Essentially, their natural diet would have been diverse, depending on what they could catch or chew. Nowadays, though, they’re usually limited to a bowl of dry biscuits—not exactly exciting.

food recipes

Some of my favorite meals to cook and enjoy with my family are homemade versions of takeout classics. Tacos might still be my number one, but recreating takeout dishes at home is definitely a close runner-up. My younger sister, Asher, is obsessed with anything that has a splash of soy sauce (I usually use tamari) and is paired with rice. Much like my mom, Asher could happily eat rice every day.

I often make meals like today’s recipe for them, but I really enjoy introducing new sauces and flavor combinations too. Creating these dishes is always such a fun process for me.

Right after the holidays, I shared my recipe for chili ginger orange chicken, and since then, I’ve cooked it several times. The chili-orange sauce is just unbelievably good!

dog food recipes

I had such a great time putting this recipe together – big thanks to everyone on Instagram who voted for the ingredients! This meal is packed with protein and fat while staying low in carbs. The calorie breakdown is very similar to a traditional raw diet—over 45% protein, 40% fat, and fewer than 15% of calories from carbohydrates. Because of that, this diet is best suited for very active dogs, like herding breeds or sled dogs, who need the extra fat and protein to support energy demands and muscle recovery.

I designed this recipe using BalanceIT, a program developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist that helps both pet owners and veterinary professionals create fully balanced meals for dogs. Thanks to BalanceIT, I know this recipe is “vet-approved” and nutritionally complete for adult dogs—provided every ingredient is used exactly as listed and all supplements are included. If the recipe is altered in any way, it should no longer be considered complete, but rather treated as a “snack” or “topper,” and limited to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

japanese food recipes

Ramen holds a special place in the culinary world. Often considered the ultimate Japanese comfort dish, its fame has spread far beyond Japan and captured global hearts. The best part? You don’t need to visit a restaurant to savor a hot, satisfying bowl of this flavorful noodle soup—making it at home is absolutely possible.

The broth is the soul of ramen, providing that signature rich, umami taste, and it’s easily the most crucial part of the dish. While there are countless varieties of ramen, three of the most loved types include miso ramen (made with a soybean base), tonkotsu ramen (crafted from pork bones), and shoyu ramen (flavored with soy sauce).

When it comes to noodles, you can opt for traditional ramen noodles—available dried or fresh at most Asian or Japanese markets—or simply use thin Chinese-style egg noodles, which can be found in nearly every supermarket.

homemade dog food recipes vet approved

Chicken is one of the best go-to proteins for dogs—unless they happen to be allergic—because it’s packed with lean protein, essential amino acids, and key nutrients. It’s amazing how such a simple ingredient can support strength, boost energy, and provide all-around nourishment. Gentle on the digestive system, chicken is an excellent option for pups with sensitive stomachs. It also contains glucosamine, which helps maintain healthy joints, making it especially beneficial for active dogs or seniors.

Beyond its health benefits, chicken is one of the most affordable and widely available protein choices—you can find it in virtually any supermarket. Whether it’s boiled, baked, shredded, or added to homemade recipes, chicken is a dog-approved favorite that combines great flavor with solid nutrition in every serving.

healthy food recipes

Ground chicken, far simpler to work with than whole thighs or breasts, soaks up the flavors of Korean-style short ribs in this easy weeknight recipe by Kay Chun. The dish is part springy noodle bowl, part crisp salad, and requires minimal cooking. The use of glass noodles is key—they keep things light and offer a chewier, more playful texture than traditional wheat or egg noodles.

You only need to make Becky Hughes’s recipe once to see why everyone raves about it. The comments are filled with enthusiastic fans, but perhaps none louder than my colleague Natasha Janardan, who shared: “My sister and I cook this almost every week. It nails the balance of salty, crunchy, creamy, and savory, plus the dressing makes enough to keep on hand.”

mexican food recipes

Mexican food is much more diverse than many people realize. While we all love the popular staples often found in the U.S.—like tacos and guacamole—there’s a whole world of flavors, traditions, and even sweets and drinks to explore. That’s exactly why we’ve gathered these recipes: to showcase the depth and sophistication that emerged when native ingredients such as corn, chiles, and chocolate blended with Spanish cooking influences.

Of course, there are countless regional specialties that deserve recognition, far more than we can cover here, but these recipes are a great place to begin—starting with savory puntas de res. The beef is coated in a dry spice mix that infuses it with rich flavor, then simmered in a silky sauce with tomatoes and fresh chiles güeros. These peppers are mild yet flavorful, adding just the right touch of heat. This dish is a true classic, and its bold taste will have you reaching for another warm tortilla to scoop it up.

vet approved homemade dog food recipes

To prepare your dog’s favorite meal, begin by gathering all the key ingredients listed in the table above. (I’m assuming you’ve already gone through it.) Now, let’s get started! First, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and cook it thoroughly. Then, cook the rice separately—rinse the brown or white rice well before cooking. Once that’s done, chop up the carrots.

If you’re looking to serve your dog a wholesome, nourishing meal, Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew is a fantastic choice. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with the essential nutrients your dog needs to stay strong and healthy. It’s rich in lean protein and features the irresistible sweetness of sweet potatoes. Your pup will love the flavor—and the best part is, it’s simple to make!

baby food recipes

While the sweet potatoes are in the oven, start cooking the brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain with a much stronger nutritional profile compared to white rice. For babies who can’t tell the difference yet, it’s a great idea to introduce them to 100% whole grains from the start. Don’t worry—it’s really simple to cook brown rice. I have clear, easy-to-follow instructions for perfectly fluffy brown rice.

After the rice is done, you can blend it. Just add a little extra water, or breast milk or formula, and use an immersion blender to make it smooth. While the sweet potatoes roast and the rice cooks, you can prepare the chicken for your baby. I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because that’s what we typically eat, but you can also choose thighs or a combination of white and dark meat if you prefer.

I don’t season the chicken for baby food. Salt isn’t necessary for babies, and for first foods, I avoid adding herbs or other spices. I like to introduce foods one at a time to better watch for allergies. Later on, you can start experimenting with gentle, non-salty seasonings—babies can enjoy flavor too!

comfort food recipes

This creamy Pumpkin Pasta is an autumn favorite! Made with simple ingredients in under 15 minutes, it’s surprisingly vegan and is sure to become a new go-to dish. Seriously, you’ll love it. 🙂

Warm and comforting, this vegan Lentil Bolognese is perfect for fall! Hearty, “meaty,” and packed with flavor, it pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta or creamy polenta. Either way, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Enjoy a fall-inspired pizza loaded with caramelized butternut squash ribbons, fragrant sage, sweet caramelized onions, tender swiss chard, and creamy burrata cheese. Every bite captures the essence of cozy autumn flavors!

Meet Pastitsio, a baked Greek pasta dish with layers of rich bolognese made from ground lamb and aromatic Greek herbs and spices. Ideal for fall gatherings and make-ahead meals, it’s indulgent, flavorful, and absolutely one of my top picks!