The first time I made homemade dog food, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be worth the effort? Would it really make a difference? But as soon as I set the bowl down, the reaction was immediate—pure enthusiasm.
That moment made me realize just how much fresh, real ingredients matter. With simple, whole foods, it’s easy to provide balanced, nourishing meals tailored to your dog’s needs.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just want to know exactly what’s in their bowl, these DIY recipes make mealtime both easy and rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Farmer’s Dog Food Delight
- Uses fresh, whole ingredients for a natural diet boost.
- Flexible recipes adaptable to your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Simple preparation with everyday kitchen staples.
- Provides balanced nutrition with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
DIY Farmer’s Dog Food Recipes
Below are five distinct recipes to rotate through your dog’s meal plan, each crafted with care and detailed steps to ensure success.
#1 Basic Chicken and Rice Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, no bones or skin): A lean protein source for muscle strength.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice: Supplies whole-grain carbs for sustained energy.
- 1 cup steamed vegetables (carrots, green beans, or peas): Rich in fiber and essential vitamins.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or fish oil: Adds healthy fats for a shiny coat.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place raw, boneless, skinless chicken in a medium pot and cover with water. Set over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until no pink remains in the center. Drain the water, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then shred into small pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the Brown Rice
Measure 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. In a small saucepan, combine with 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Steam the Vegetables
Wash and chop 1 cup of carrots, green beans, or peas into small, bite-sized pieces. Place in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water, cover, and steam for 8-10 minutes until soft but not mushy. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 cup steamed vegetables, and 1 tablespoon olive or fish oil. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until all components are evenly distributed, then allow the mixture to cool completely before serving.
#2 Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Offers robust protein for active dogs.
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced): Provides complex carbs and vitamin A.
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale: Packed with antioxidants and minerals.
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or oats: A nutritious grain for energy and digestion.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Delivers healthy fats and a subtle flavor.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound lean ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally until no pink remains and the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat into a safe container and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato
Peel 1 large sweet potato and dice into small, uniform cubes. Place in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Sauté the Greens
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and heat over medium. Add 1 cup chopped spinach or kale and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until wilted but still vibrant green. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Mix Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, diced sweet potato, sautéed greens, and 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or oats (prepared per package instructions—e.g., 1/4 cup dry quinoa in 1/2 cup water for 15 minutes). Stir well until fully blended, then let cool completely.
#3 Turkey and Veggie Mix
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (cooked): A lean, digestible protein option.
- 1 cup cooked pumpkin (plain, not pie filling): High in fiber and beta-carotene.
- 1/2 cup cooked peas: Adds vitamins and a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots (diced): Supplies antioxidants for immune health.
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal or barley: Offers whole-grain energy and gut support.
Step 1: Cook the Turkey
Place 1 pound ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring to crumble the meat, until no pink remains and it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat into a container and let the turkey cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and cube 1 cup plain pumpkin, dice 1/2 cup carrots, and measure 1/2 cup peas. Place in a pot with water or a steamer basket over boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and allow to cool.
Step 3: Cook the Grain
Measure 1/4 cup dry oatmeal or barley and combine with 1 cup water in a saucepan (adjust per package). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-20 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked turkey, pumpkin, peas, carrots, and 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal or barley. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until well combined, then allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
#4 Fish and Veggie Delight
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked salmon or white fish (deboned): Rich in omega-3s for skin and brain health.
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa: A protein-packed grain for energy.
- 1/2 cup steamed zucchini or broccoli: Provides fiber and vital nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon fish oil (optional): Enhances omega-3 content for coat shine.
Step 1: Cook the Fish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 1 cup salmon or white fish in a baking dish, add a splash of water, and bake for 15-20 minutes until flaky. Alternatively, poach in a pot of simmering water for 10-12 minutes. Cool, remove all bones carefully, and flake into small pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. In a small saucepan, combine with 1/2 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
Step 3: Steam the Vegetables
Chop 1/2 cup zucchini or broccoli into small pieces. Place in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 6-8 minutes until tender but still firm. Remove and cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Mix Together
In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked fish, cooked quinoa, steamed vegetables, and 1 teaspoon fish oil (if using). Stir gently to avoid breaking the fish too much, then let the mixture cool completely.
#5 Vegetarian Option: Lentil and Veggie Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils: A plant-based protein for meat-free diets.
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato: Brings carbs and vitamin A to the mix.
- 1/2 cup steamed green beans or carrots: Offers fiber and essential vitamins.
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil: Supplies omega-3s for skin and coat health.
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Rinse 1/2 cup dry lentils under cold water, then place in a pot with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice 1/2 cup sweet potato and chop 1/2 cup green beans or carrots into small pieces. Place in a pot with water or a steamer basket and boil or steam for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and allow to cool.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sweet potato, vegetables, and 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until evenly mixed, then let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Important Notes
- Protein: Dogs need a good source of protein (meat, fish, or eggs) in their diet.
- Carbohydrates: Use whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or oats for energy.
- Vegetables: Provide vitamins and fiber, but avoid toxic vegetables like onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Fats: Include healthy fats like fish oil, olive oil, or flaxseed oil for skin and coat health.
- Supplements: Depending on the recipe, your dog may need additional calcium, vitamins, or minerals. Consult your vet.
Storage and Serving
Store each recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Serve at room temperature, using 1/2 cup for small dogs, 1-2 cups for medium dogs, or 2-3 cups for large dogs, adjusted to their needs.
Feeding Guidelines
These recipes provide protein, carbs, and vegetables but may need supplementation (e.g., calcium or vitamins) for complete nutrition—consult your vet. Introduce gradually over 7-10 days, starting with a small portion mixed into their current food, to avoid digestive upset. They account for 30-50% of daily calories when paired with kibble.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid toxic veggies like onions or garlic.
- Cook meats and fish thoroughly to eliminate bacteria.
- Portion meals based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
- Store in small batches for convenience and freshness.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Proteins (chicken, beef, turkey, fish, lentils): Essential for muscle repair and energy.
- Carbs (rice, quinoa, oats, sweet potato): Provide sustained energy via whole grains.
- Vegetables: Deliver fiber, vitamins, and minerals—e.g., carrots for vitamin A, spinach for iron.
- Fats (olive oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil): Support skin, coat, and joint health with omega-3s and -6s.
Conclusion
This DIY Farmer’s Dog Food collection brings the satisfaction of crafting fresh, wholesome meals for your dog. I’ve found great joy in preparing these recipes, knowing they’re tailored with care and nutrition in mind. Try them out when you have time to spare, and enjoy the reward of a happy, healthy companion—here’s to good food and good company!