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Vet-Approved Homemade Pet Food Recipes: Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

Introduction

With the rise in recalls and concerns over commercial dog food, more US pet owners are turning to homemade meals for their dogs. Cooking for your pet isn’t the same as sharing your dinner—it requires nutritional balance, proper portioning, and vet guidance.

Homemade diets allow you to control ingredients, avoid harmful additives, and provide fresh, wholesome meals tailored to your dog’s needs.

Why Consider Homemade Dog Food?

  1. Control Over Ingredients – You know exactly what your dog is eating.

  2. Healthier Options – Whole foods, lean proteins, and fresh veggies reduce processed fillers.

  3. Custom Diets – Perfect for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or special health requirements.

  4. Bonding – Cooking for your dog strengthens your relationship.

Note: Homemade dog food is not suitable for everyone. It requires planning, consistent preparation, and sometimes higher costs than kibble.



Essential Nutrition for Dogs

Dogs have unique dietary needs. A balanced homemade diet should include:

  • Protein (at least 10%) – Chicken, turkey, fish, or lean beef

  • Carbohydrates (up to 50%) – Rice, pasta, or potatoes

  • Fiber (2.5–4.5%) – Carrots, peas, green beans

  • Fat (≥5.5%) – Vegetable oil, fish oil, or coconut oil

  • Vitamins & Minerals – Dog-specific supplements

Always consult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a homemade diet and monitor their weight, body condition, and overall health.

Vet-Approved Recipes

1. Sample Recipe (15-lb Dog)

Ingredients (Cooked Weights per Day):

  • Chicken, dark meat (cooked) – 80g

  • White rice (cooked) – 190g

  • Mixed vegetables – 15g

  • Vegetable oil – 5–10g

  • Supplements – 6g

Instructions:

  1. Weigh and cook all ingredients.

  2. Mix thoroughly to prevent dogs from picking specific items.

  3. Serve 300g daily for a 15-lb dog, adjusting +/- 25% as needed.

  4. Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

2. Holistic Dog Food Recipe (20-lb Dog)

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz ground turkey thigh

  • 2 tbsp ground turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)

  • ¼ cup finely grated vegetables

  • 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds

  • ½ tsp coconut oil

  • ½ tsp salmon oil

  • 500 mg Calcium Citrate

  • Optional supplements: parsley, burdock root, zucchini, cod liver oil

Instructions:

  1. Blanch vegetables, cook turkey lightly.

  2. Grind veggies until finely grated.

  3. Mix all ingredients and allow to cool before serving.

  4. Adjust portions based on dog’s weight and activity.

Tips: Partial cooking retains nutrients while aiding digestibility. Monitor your dog’s urinary pH if prone to stones.

Safety Tips

  • Introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset.

  • Use a food scale for accurate portioning.

  • Avoid seasoning, salt, or harmful human foods.

  • Monitor weight, stool, and overall health weekly.

  • Consult a vet or veterinary nutritionist regularly.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dog food helps keep your pet healthy, happy, and thriving, but even the best meals need consistent care and attention. That’s where Pure In Home comes in, offering the best pet sitting services to ensure your furry friend is never left unattended. Their overnight pet sitting services and professional dog sitting services provide personalized care, while flexible overnight dog sitting rates make it easy to maintain your pet’s routine and wellbeing. With Pure In Home, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your dog is loved, cared for, and even enjoys fresh, balanced meals while you’re away.


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