My dogs love homemade food and making it can be rewarding. I do it about once a week and, since so many people ask me about it, I thought I’d share some pictures and a little information. There are many methods and pros and cons, and I don’t claim to be an expert and I’m certainly not a canine nutritionist, so I suggest if you want to try making food for your dog that you do some research and make sure you are creating a balanced and healthy mix that will meet your dog’s specific needs.
Generally, 40-50% of a batch of the food I make is protein. I use ground beef (or chicken or lamb) and I’m lucky to have a friend who provides me naturally raised meat/poultry. I boil rice (usually white, but sometimes brown) and then I mix the two together.
I boil white potatoes and sweet potatoes. Sometimes I’ll add a carrot.
Then I put the potatoes in a small food processor called a “Ninja” to make sure the skins are chopped fine enough.
I cook an assortment of vegetables. In the picture below there are green beans, peas and broccoli.
Then I mix everything together, including the broth from the potatoes and the vegetables. I also add a vitamin/mineral supplement called “Balance It”.
Sometimes I make a mess, but it’s worth it!
Oh! And don’t forget a little banana for dessert!
Please be sure to subscribe to Harley’s blog by entering your email address in the small box in the upper right corner of this page. Thank you very much.
thank you for the great ideas my girls love homemade food – I poach or scramble eggs, they loves peas and carrots – rice is a face – usually I will mix will kibble to get a balance
Thank you for sharing. I always wanted to try to make homemade food but never had ideas on what to do. I will definitely try this!! Thank you..
Good receipe. I make homemade from time to time. I also include scrabbled eggs, coconut oil.
That is a wonderful recipe. Jasper is so picky about food. Thank you for sharing.
Every single time I see Harley’s little face, I cry. How I miss him 🙁
The book “Foods Pets Die For” by Ann Martin is an excellent resource. It explains what the average commercial dog food is made of (yucky food unfit for human consumption!), and has some tips on how to make your own dog food. I make mine similar to Rudi, but I make it in 2 crockpots and freeze it, so I only make it once a month.
Thanks for the info. I just ordered the book!
I make my babies food also: long grain brown rice, chicken breast, peas, green beans, carrots, diced tomatoes, pumpkin, spinach, black beans, coconut oil, GNC dog suppliment. Sometimes I also use roast. I cook the rice in the meat broth. My babies love it.
Thank you, I’m definitely going to do this for my babies, it’s better for them.. love and miss you sweet Harley
Hi, It looks good, we used to home cook too. One of the pages I follow with very knowledgeable moderators advise against using any rice ever for all dogs. Due to all rice is contaminated with arsenic. I just was wondering if you were aware of that? Joyce xoxo
They might be referring to rice from California? I use Indian rice called Basmati. I’ll have to look into the arsenic thing.
Love your recipe for a healthy meal. I also make eggs once a week. For dessert I give them blueberries and bannana .
Our dogs love eggs too!
Does you suppliment have fish oil? Makexsue it does. Also. Multivitamin wouldn’t hurt.
We give Nordic Naturals fish oil: https://www.chewy.com/nordic-naturals-omega-3-pet-cats/dp/35750 and we use a vitamin/mineral supplement called Balance It.
Awesome! I’ve been so curious about this. Thanks for sharing. I think I’ll try it! Sounds easy enough and well worth the effort and mess. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. How long will it last? Do you freeze it?
I fill small freezer bags and freeze it, but we go through it quickly.
Looks good and healthy. Thank you for sharing.
I am so Greatful for these tips. My Chihuahua is now seven and has always been poorly. Her name is Fia and she is the centre of my Universe. I have been searching for recipes to fulfill her needs but she is so darn fussy.
Thank you from New South Wales, Australia.
Just love all your Furbabies and search for your posts daily. Love you Teddy, life is good!! ❤️
I also cook for mine. They also like quinoa and rolled oats mixed in. I boil chicken breast too. Oh and adding plain nonfat yogurt for digestive cultures.
Great ideas! I do that too.
This is wonderful, with all the recalls and stuff this would be idea.. can you tell us exactly how to make this.. like amount of each item and how do you store it , I would assume in the fridge and how long does it keep for?
I usually fill small freezer bags and then freeze it. I don’t like to keep anything in the refrigerator more than 3-4 days. (I’m just funny about that!)
What a great idea to add veggies. I don’t know why I never thought of that. I do give my pups veggies, raw. They love munching on lettuce, celery, and carrots. Adding them to the rice and protein is a “will do”. Thanks for the tip. Harley loved bananas like my two. Miss seeing that sweet little guy.
Have you looked at bidding for good auction for Harley? I like the paintings by Teddy.
Dedicated to: Cha Cha, my first Chi Valiente and Pedro who were the reason I began the rescue.
I am the bridge between what was and what can be. I am the pathway to a new life! I am made of mush. Because my heart melted when I saw you; matted and sore , limping, lonely, unwanted and afraid to love. For one moment in time you are mine. I will feed you with my own hand. I will love you with my whole heart. I will make you whole. I am made of steel. Because when the times comes, when you are well, and sleek, when your eyes shine, and your tail wags with joy, then comes the hard part………….I will let you go- Not without tears, but without a regret. For you are safe forever- A new dog needs me now!
I think I need to start making homemade meals for Jakey. Your recipe is great and balance. I would love to try making it and have Jakey enjoy a healthy homemade dog food.
Sounds yummy enough for MY DINNER. Thanks for the recipe!