How to make homemade dog food, according to experts

Reducing processed foods is key to a healthy lifestyle for us humans. And if you’re someone who considers yourself a bonafide pet parent, you might wonder if the same conclusion should extend to your dog. You want the best for your fur baby, and fresh, less-processed foods in the form of homemade dog food would be healthier, right? After all, then you control what goes into it and where you source the ingredients. 

“When done correctly, homemade pet food that’s formulated to be complete and balanced can be just as nutritious (if not more so) than commercial kibble,” says Hillary Wolfe, veterinarian and pet food therapist. 

However, in order to provide a healthy, safe and balanced diet for your dog, it’s important to be aware of the dos and don’ts of making your own dog food. Below experts share the pros and cons of making the switch from kibble, key nutrients to be aware of, a sample recipe for homemade dog food and more.

How to make homemade dog food

You might think that because you know how to cook for yourself, cooking for your dog should be easy. But dogs have their own needs, nutritionally and otherwise, which the experts explain below.

Key ingredients and nutrients

If you’re still feeding your dog kibble or other manufactured dog food, you’ll likely see a statement on the back of the packaging that says it meets the nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO). These nutritional levels include the percentage of protein, fat and fiber, as well as required minerals and vitamins.

With those standards in mind, Dr. Ruth Roberts, veterinarian and pet health coach says, “The best way to ensure that the dog’s nutritional needs are met is to make sure that you are following a recipe that has been balanced to make it equivalent to the typical label on every bag of general dog food” that meets AAFCO standards for being balanced for all life stages (more on that later). 

However, without specific supplements used in mass-produced kibble, “most homemade diets are missing at least 8 to 10 essential nutrients,” says Wolfe. “Achieving a fully balanced recipe with just a protein source, a carbohydrate, and some fruits and vegetables is nearly impossible,” she adds. “Commonly required supplements include calcium powder, kelp for iodine, vitamin E and vitamin D drops, but the exact needs depend on the recipe.”

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable navigating the process of balancing your dog’s diet alone, you can consult a canine nutritionist, such as Wolfe. The experts also recommend the websites Balance It and Feed Real, which can help you figure out what your individual pet’s needs are. Wolfe adds that you should also consult your veterinarian first before making any changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have specific health conditions or are on a prescription diet.

Ingredients to avoid

Most pet owners are aware that there are certain foods they shouldn’t or can’t feed their dog, but some ingredients may fly under their radar. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), here are some of the ingredients to leave off your dog’s plate:

• Almonds.
• Chocolate.
• Cinnamon (although, per the AKC, it’s not toxic to dogs, and some experts say it can be OK in small amounts).
• Currants.
• Grapes and raisins.
• Macadamia nuts.
• Onions, garlic and chives.
• Xylitol.

Preparation methods

While there may be variations within the two, the most common preparation methods for homemade dog food are raw and cooked. Under the umbrella of cooked food, people might use a Crock-Pot or the stove, utilize dehydrated or freeze-dried ingredients or a mixture of all of the above.

Storage methods

To keep homemade dog food as fresh and nutrient-rich as possible, Nelly Bonilla, canine nutritionist and wellness expert and founder of The Combine Dog, recommends refrigerating food in airtight containers for one to two days. Beyond that, freeze portions in glass containers or BPA-free freezer bags. Or, for the longest storage life, vacuum-seal portions before freezing.

When it comes time to use your dog’s frozen food, Bonilla suggests thawing the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Do not leave food out to thaw at room temperature, she adds, to avoid bacterial contamination.

Sample recipes for homemade dog food

Because every dog is unique and therefore has individual needs, you should consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes. With their go-ahead, below is a recipe to get you started on your homemade dog food journey.

The Combine Dog sample recipe*

This homemade dog food recipe from Bonilla is designed to be complete and balanced. These nutrient-dense ingredients “combined with rotating proteins and seasonal produce over time, ensure that dogs receive all the necessary nutrients in a natural and bioavailable way,” she says.

Bonilla adds that supplements like, “calcium powder, kelp, vitamin E and vitamin D drops can provide a safety net” if you’re concerned about your dog getting the proper nutrients. However, you can also find these nutrients in sources like turkey necks (calcium), rotating small amounts of kelp and whole fish (iodine) and sardines, eggs and leafy vegetables (vitamins E and D). 

Ingredients	25-pound dog	50-pound dog	75-pound dog	100-pound dog
Beef liver	0.5 oz	1 oz	1.44 oz	2.08 oz
Beef kidney	0.5 oz	1 oz	1.44 oz	2.08 oz
Beef heart	0.85 oz	2.5 oz	3.70 oz	5 oz
Ground beef 90%/10%	0.85 oz	2.5 oz	3.70 oz	5 oz
Turkey necks	**	7.5 oz	11.2 oz	15 oz
Ground turkey 85%/15%	0.85 oz	2.5 oz	3.70 oz	5 oz
Egg	½ egg	1 egg	1 egg	1 egg
Sardines (in water)	1 oz	2 oz	3 oz	4 oz
Sweet potato	0.12 oz	0.25 oz	0.36 oz	0.50 oz
Broccoli	0.12 oz	0.25 oz	0.36 oz	0.50 oz
Cauliflower	0.12 oz	0.25 oz	0.36 oz	0.50 oz
Blueberries	0.12 oz	0.25 oz	0.36 oz	0.50 oz
Greek yogurt	1 tsp	1 tbsp	1.5 tbsp	1.75 tbsp

You can serve this recipe raw or cooked, says Bonilla. If you do cook it, she shares the following guidelines:

• Weigh the raw portions before cooking. Because the food will lose moisture during cooking, it’s important to measure the portions first to ensure you’re meeting your dog’s dietary requirements.
• Cook ingredients on low heat: To preserve nutrients and enzymes, cook meats at low temperatures (e.g., 200F-250F) or steam them and vegetables until just tender.
• Keep the liquid: To reinstate some moisture, in addition to nutrients and flavors, she suggests saving and serving any leftover cooking liquid.
• Cool before serving: To avoid burns and protect the integrity of any supplements you may add post-cooking, she advises letting the food cool to room temperature.
• Don’t serve cooked bones. “Raw bones are safe and provide essential nutrients, but cooking them makes them brittle and prone to splintering, which can harm your dog,” she says. 

Other homemade dog food recipes

• Dr. Robert’s free Crockpet Diet cookbook
• Dr. Michael Fox’s homemade ‘natural’ food for dogs.
• Green Mountain Veterinary Hospitals basic recipes for dogs.
• Beyond Pets Animal Hospital’s dog food recipe for canines with kidney disease.
• Dr. Dody’s homestyle turkey and vegetables with quinoa dog food recipe.
• Holistic Veterinary House Call’s basic dog food recipe.

Benefits of making your own dog food

In addition to the given benefit of spoiling your fur baby, here are two of the benefits the experts shared.

• You know what’s in their food. “If you go directly to a local butcher or even a local farmer, you know exactly where that meat is coming from,” says Bonilla.
• Potential for improved health. While more research is needed, Wolfe says that adding fresh foods to your dog’s diet can increase microbiome diversity, which has been linked to better overall health in humans. “I’ve personally seen balanced homemade diets significantly improve the lives of dogs with conditions like allergic skin disease and inflammatory bowel disease,” she adds.

Drawbacks of making your own dog food

As with everything, there are some cons to making your own homemade dog food.

• Difficult to balance. In order to be healthy and effective, you need to ensure your dog’s food is balanced. “Feeding an unbalanced or nutrient-deficient diet long term can lead to bone and joint problems, poor coat quality and even neurological issues, among many other health conditions,” warns Wolfe.
• Time and monetary requirements: Sourcing and preparing your dog’s homemade food requires more time and money than using kibble, especially if you’re doing it properly, says Wolfe.

Frequently asked questions

How do I transition my dog to homemade dog food?

Start the transition to homemade dog food slowly, advises Roberts. Maybe start with some food toppers, such as Normandy blend vegetables (generally some mix of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, yellow squash and zucchini). “If you’ve got a 40- to 50-pound dog, take a handful out, cook them in a pot of water so that they’re very thoroughly cooked and pour that over the top of the kibble,” she says. “Then start working your dog towards more of a whole food homemade diet over time. You don’t want to go from all kibble immediately to a home-cooked diet, as these diets tend to be more bioavailable and richer in nutrients like protein and fat. Switching too quickly can create some stomach upset,” she adds.

Is my dog getting enough nutrients from homemade food?

Any time you switch your dog to a new diet, Roberts says you should take pictures of them from the top, sides and the front. And “use a journal so you know how your dog is feeling. How’s the stool quality? Any gagging or vomiting? Any gas or bloating? You repeat that process one to two weeks into the new diet and then compare before and after. Are things looking better, the same or getting worse?”

What does “complete and balanced” mean in dog food?

The phrase “complete and balanced” appears on most dog food packaging in the store, so what does it mean? For a food to be considered “complete” by AAFCO, it must “[contain] all the nutrients required.” For it to be considered “balanced,” it must have the nutrients present “in the correct ratios.” These quantities and ratios can change based on life stage (gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance and all life stages).

Can I feed my dog part homemade and part kibble? 

Incorporating fresh food into your dog’s diet “doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” says Wolfe. “Pet parents can replace up to 10% of their pet’s kibble with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables or other dog-friendly foods like sweet potatoes, eggs and lean proteins.” However, “it’s important to not exceed 10%, otherwise [you] risk causing a nutrient imbalance and weight gain.”

If you want to replace more than 10% of your pet’s diet with fresh food, you need to use a complete and balanced recipe, Wolfe adds.

Can I experiment with homemade dog food recipes?

A concern that the experts reiterated is ensuring your homemade dog food recipe is balanced and complete (meaning it includes all of the nutrients your dog needs). Unfortunately, research shows that most people veer away from the original recipe. This “recipe creep,” as Roberts terms it, can result in an unbalanced diet, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.

A final word on making homemade dog food

When it comes to your pet’s health, making homemade dog food is an opportunity to provide tailored, nutritious meals — but it’s not without its challenges. As Wolfe says, “Pet parents who cook for their dog or cat are already going above and beyond to care for them, and that’s amazing. But even the most well-intentioned homemade diets often fall short. Every pet has unique nutritional needs. I recommend taking the extra step to either learn how to create custom balanced recipes or [consult] with a veterinarian for proper guidance.”

With thoughtful preparation and expert support, making your dog’s meals at home can be both rewarding and beneficial, ensuring your furry companion thrives.