Even the pickiest canines will love this nutritious Homemade Dog Food Recipe!

I have been making Homemade Dog Food for over 20 years. We always fed premium, expensive dog food, but after the heartbreaking loss of our Newfoundland mix rescue at just six years old, I knew I had to make a change. That decision transformed our dogs’ health and longevity. Switching to a DIY Dog Food Recipe ensures my dogs get high-quality, nutrient-dense meals without harmful additives.

Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Just like us, what our pets eat determines their quality of life. Yes, making homemade dog food requires time and effort, but the health benefits make it all worth it.

Here’s why I love feeding homemade:

Peace of mind—I know exactly what goes into their food.
Health benefits—Better digestion, weight management, and overall vitality.
Picky eater approved—Even the most selective dogs love it.
Fewer vet visits—A healthier diet means fewer health issues.

Real-Life Success Stories

We saw dramatic improvements in our own dogs after switching to homemade food:

Ruger (Grandpuppy, 5 years old)—When he came to stay with us, he was overweight and struggled to walk even ¼ mile. After switching to homemade dog food, he shed excess weight and regained his puppy-like energy. Ruger lived a happy, active life and reached 9 years old.

Marmalade (Great Dane)— lived to be just shy of 11 years old, despite having hip dysplasia. Homemade food helped her maintain strength and mobility.

Buck (Golden Lab/Retriever, 11 ½ years old) – His health is phenomenal for his age, and he continues to thrive. Despite having a thick coat, his fur is soft, shiny, and much easier to manage thanks to his homemade diet. Feeding him fresh, whole ingredients has made a noticeable difference in both his overall health and coat condition.

Bullet (Chiweenie, Rescued as a Puppy) – Bullet was severely malnourished when we found her, struggling to gain weight and thrive. With time, care, and a nutritious homemade diet, she grew stronger and healthier. Now, at six years old, she is a happy, thriving dog—full of energy and love!

Daisy (Rescue, Adopted February 2024) – When Daisy came to us, she had been on a processed food diet and showed little interest in eating. Mealtime felt like a struggle, and she wasn’t thriving. But once she switched to homemade food, everything changed—her coat became healthier, she gained much-needed weight, and now she gets excited for every meal! It’s amazing how fresh, real food can make such a difference.

Serving Size Recommendations

Portion sizes vary based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Here’s a general guideline:

Small dogs (under 15 lbs) – ¼ to ½ cup per meal
Medium dogs (15-40 lbs) – ½ to 1 cup per meal
Large dogs (40-80 lbs) – 1 to 2 cups per meal
Giant breeds (80+ lbs) – 2 to 3 cups per meal

Bridget’s Tip: Start with these portions and adjust as needed based on your dog’s weight and energy level. Always ensure your pup has access to fresh water throughout the day.

Why This DIY Dog Food Recipe Works

This DIY Dog Food Recipe is not only nutritious and easy to make but also tailored for dogs with sensitive stomachs. By using fresh, whole ingredients, you’re ensuring that your pup gets a balanced diet without unnecessary fillers or additives. Plus, you can customize it based on your dog’s needs—whether that means choosing a lower-fat option or adding bone meal for extra calcium.

A bowl of freshly made homemade dog food with ground beef, rice, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, green beans, blueberries, and pumpkin

DIY Dog Food Recipe: Simple & Nutritious

Bridget Towery/Happy Healthy Homey

This homemade dog food recipe is a nutritious and wholesome meal for your pup. Made with lean protein, healthy grains, and dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, this gluten-free recipe supports digestion, weight management, and overall health. Even picky eaters will love it! Plus, it’s easy to make in bulk and freezer-friendly for convenience.

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Ingredients

10 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 stick unsalted butter or ½ cup coconut oil for a lower-fat option
5 cups rice
10 cups water for a softer texture, ideal for sensitive stomachs
12 eggs scrambled
1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
1 package frozen peas & carrots
1 package frozen green beans
1 29-ounce can pumpkin
Optional: 5 teaspoons bone meal for added calcium

Instructions

In a large stockpot, bring butter (or coconut oil), rice, and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit until water is absorbed.
In a separate skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Do not drain.Scramble the eggs in a separate pan and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, cook the frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, and green beans) over medium heat until tender. Drain any excess water.
In a large container, combine the cooked rice, meat (with juices), scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, pumpkin, blueberries, and bone meal (if using). Mix well.
Store in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags and thaw as needed.

If you’ve tried making Homemade Dog Food, I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and let me know how your pup enjoys this DIY Dog Food Recipe!

From my happy, healthy home to yours,