10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs – Vet-Approved

Chicken and Rice for Dogs

This homemade dog food features a delightful mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. The dish is speckled with bright green peas and finely shredded carrots, making it a visually appealing and wholesome meal for your furry friend.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 25 min

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, (cut into small cubes)
• 1/2 cup brown rice ((see notes if your dog has an upset stomach))
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth ((I recommend using a broth with no onion or garlic added), can also substitute water)
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley ((I recommend curly parsley))
• 1/3 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup frozen peas, (thawed)

Method

1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan.
2. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring periodically, until it is completely cooked.
3. Add the chicken stock, rice, and parsley to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken.
4. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is soft.
5. Mix in the chopped carrots and peas, stirring until they are heated through.

Storage tip: Portion the cooked chicken and rice into individual servings, then freeze them in airtight containers for easy future meals.

Wholesome Turkey and Veggie Dog Food

This nourishing dog meal showcases a colorful blend of lean ground turkey, bright orange sweet potatoes and carrots, vibrant red bell peppers, and fresh green beans.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 120 min · Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato
• 2 large carrots
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups water

Method

1. Completely remove the skin from the sweet potato to prevent digestive issues for dogs, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. Slice the carrots and chop the red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
3. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-inch segments.
4. Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring, until it's fully browned, which takes about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
5. Layer the sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and peppers on top of the cooked turkey. Pour in 2 cups of water without stirring.
6. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours, stirring the contents midway through the cooking time. Before serving, ensure the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
7. For smaller dogs, it's recommended to chop the vegetables into finer pieces before serving.
8. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Swap idea: Instead of ground turkey, you can use ground chicken as a simple protein swap.

Wholesome Dog Food with Lentils and Spinach

This hearty meal for dogs offers a blend of ground meat, lentils, and finely diced vegetables. The visible greens of spinach and bright orange of carrots add color and texture throughout the dish.

Prep: 5 min · Cook: 25 min · Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups lentils (rinsed; preferably green or brown)
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken
• 5 oz. spinach

Method

1. Place the lentils and 3 1/2 cups of water into a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, then cover and allow it to simmer until the water is completely absorbed and the lentils are cooked.
2. While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the carrots and sweet potato by pulsing them in a food processor for a few seconds; set these aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey or chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is no longer pink.
4. Add the previously chopped carrots, sweet potato, and spinach to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté this combination for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. A small amount of olive oil can be added if needed.
5. Once the lentils are cooked, stir them into the pot with the meat and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
6. For storage, portion the food into sealed containers and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Alternatively, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Prep tip: To make meal prep quicker, chop the vegetables and cook the lentils ahead of time.

Easy Homemade Dog Food with Ground Meat

This complete and balanced meal for canines showcases ground meat combined with a vibrant mix of vegetables and grains, all prepared in one pot. The finished product is displayed in transparent glass containers, ready for portioning and storage.

Cook: 25 min · Makes: 14 servings

Ingredients

• 2 – 3 lbs ground beef (or: ground chicken, turkey, or fresh fish – shredded chicken breasts work well too.)
• 24 ounces frozen vegetables (peas, green beans, carrot, and corn)
• 1 cup frozen fruit (I like to use blueberries and strawberries. (Optional))
• 1 – 2 cups leftover cooked rice or oats
• 1.5 cups bone broth
• 2 – 3 tbsp coconut oil (refined or unrefined – whatever you have)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for serving)

Method

1. Brown 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of your selected ground meat in a spacious pot on the stovetop.
2. Drain away all the rendered fat from the cooked meat and discard it once it has cooled, then return the meat to the pot.
3. Introduce the frozen vegetables, optional frozen fruit, and coconut oil into the pot with the meat.
4. Once the coconut oil has melted, integrate the bone broth and the pre-cooked rice or oats.
5. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are fully combined.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, until the broth is absorbed and the oats become tender.
7. Remove the pot from the heat source and allow the entire mixture to cool down completely.
8. Divide the cooled food into two portions: one to be used over the next several days and the other to be frozen for future use, or separate into individual servings as convenient.

30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Dog Food

This easy-to-make dish for dogs features a mix of ground turkey, shredded carrots, and green vegetables, all combined with rice. The food has a light yellow color from the turmeric, and it's presented in a shiny metal bowl.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large zucchini (shredded)
• 1 cup baby spinach (finely chopped)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 egg
• 3 cups cooked rice (I like using frozen brown rice)

Method

1. Warm a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil, then introduce the ground turkey.
2. Cook the turkey, breaking it apart, until it is completely browned and done, which will take around 10 minutes.
3. Lower the heat to a medium setting. Mix in the shredded zucchini, finely chopped baby spinach, shredded carrots, and turmeric.
4. Continue cooking, stirring now and then, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables become tender.
5. Take the skillet off the heat. Break the egg directly into the hot food mixture.
6. Stir the egg thoroughly into the warm ingredients, allowing the heat of the food to cook it through.
7. Fold in the cooked rice until all components are evenly distributed.
8. Let the food cool down entirely before serving it to your pet.

Tip: Ensure the ground turkey is thoroughly crumbled while cooking to create a consistent texture that is easier for small dogs to eat.

Favorite Chicken and Rice Dog Food

This homemade dog food presents a wholesome combination of finely minced chicken, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables, cooked together.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 35 min · Makes: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 3 pounds minced chicken meat
• 4 cups rice
• 2.5 cups frozen vegetable blend (no garlic or onions), minced
• 6.5 cups water

Method

1. Gather all necessary ingredients.
2. Combine the minced chicken, rice, and minced vegetables in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
3. Pour in the 6.5 cups of water and stir the mixture until it is smooth.
4. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the contents to a boil, stirring continuously.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer.
6. Continue simmering for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let the food cool completely before serving.
8. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Storage tip: When introducing new food, start by mixing a small amount with your dog's current food and gradually increase the proportion over several days.

Sweet Potato Beef Skillet for Dogs

This hearty meal combines ground beef with tender sweet potato chunks and vibrant green peas, all simmering in a light sauce. The finished dish has a rustic, appealing texture that looks delicious and nutritious for your pet.

Prep: 3 min · Cook: 15 min

Ingredients

• 1lb Ground Beef (10% Fat) (453g)
• 1 Cup Sweet Potato, chopped (55g or 2oz)
• 1 Cup of Water
• ⅓ Cup Peas (50g or 1.8 oz)
• 1 Cup Spinach, packed (30g or 1oz)
• 2 TBSP Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix (19g or 0.67oz)
• 1 TBSP Hempseeds (10g or 0.35oz)

Method

1. In a pan, combine the ground beef, diced sweet potato, and water, then cook on medium-low heat for 7 minutes.
2. Introduce the peas and spinach to the pan and continue cooking for 8 more minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked. (Mashing the peas is an option for improved digestion.)
3. Take the pan off the heat and let the contents cool down somewhat.
4. Fold in the Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix and hempseeds.
5. Stir everything well until it's evenly distributed.
6. Divide the prepared food into individual servings for daily feeding.

Make-ahead tip: This recipe yields a substantial batch that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term use.

Homemade Dog Food with Chicken and Sweet Potato

This large batch of homemade dog food showcases a rich, orange hue from the pumpkin and sweet potato, interspersed with chunks of chicken and grains of rice. The ingredients are well-combined, forming a consistent, textured meal.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 75 min · Makes: 30 servings

Ingredients

• 6 lbs. meat (such as boneless (skinless chicken breasts or a mix of chicken and ground turkey or ground beef))
• 6 cups rice (brown or white)
• 6 (14 oz.) cans pure pumpkin puree
• 6 medium sweet potatoes

Method

1. Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleaning. Puncture each of the 6 medium sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then arrange them on the baking sheet.
2. Roast the sweet potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, or until soft. After they have cooled sufficiently to handle, peel off their skins and mash them thoroughly in a spacious bowl.
3. Bring a very large pot of water to a rolling boil. Introduce the 6 lbs. of meat (chicken breasts, or a combination of chicken and ground turkey or ground beef) and allow it to cook for 25 to 30 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked. Transfer the cooked meat to a cutting board, reserving the cooking liquid.
4. Dice the cooked meat into small pieces and add it to the large bowl containing the mashed sweet potato. Utilize the saved cooking liquid to prepare the 6 cups of rice as directed by the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice and incorporate it into the large bowl.
5. Pour the contents of the 6 (14 oz.) cans of pure pumpkin puree into the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix everything together thoroughly until the components are evenly distributed.
6. After the homemade dog food has completely cooled, portion it into airtight containers. This food can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months.

Beef and Potato Cottage Pie for Dogs

This hearty homemade dog food combines ground beef, diced carrots, and vibrant green peas with creamy mashed potatoes. The finished texture is a soft, crumbly blend, ideal for adding as a meal topper or mixing into your dog's regular food.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 10 min · Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 large russet Idaho Potatoes (cleaned, peeled, and diced)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1/2 cup green peas (shelled)
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup water

Method

1. Place the diced potatoes into a large pot of boiling water and cook on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they become soft enough to pierce with a fork. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes until smooth, adding a small amount of water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Set these aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. Add the green peas to the skillet and continue cooking for 3 to 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat, allow it to cool slightly, and drain off any excess fat.
4. Mix the cooked meat and vegetable blend with the mashed potatoes and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture seems too dry to form, you can incorporate about 1/4 cup of water to help bind it.
5. Form the mixture into approximately 6 patties, with each patty measuring about 1 cup. Remember, these patties are for batching and not exact serving sizes.
6. Wrap each individual patty and store them in the refrigerator until needed. When serving, break off only the amount your veterinarian suggests to mix into your dog's daily meals, ensuring it stays within their treat or topper allowance.

Storage tip: Consult your veterinarian for specific portioning guidelines tailored to your small dog's breed and individual needs.

Homemade Dog Food with Meat and Vegetables

This wholesome pet meal, a rich blend of meat and vegetables, has a soft, thick consistency. Served in a sleek bowl, it's clearly a satisfying dish for any canine.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 45 min · Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into big chunks
• 4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 2 pounds ground bison
• 3 (15 ounce) cans carrots, drained
• 3 (15 ounce) cans peas, drained
• 2 (15 ounce) cans green beans, drained
• 2 (13.5 ounce) cans spinach, drained
• 6 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Method

1. Place the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes into a large Dutch oven filled three-quarters with water. Bring this to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
2. Add the large chunks of boneless beef chuck roast and the ground bison to the pot. Continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink.
3. Stir in the drained canned carrots, peas, green beans, and spinach. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 15 minutes.
4. Incorporate the quick-cooking oats and stir continuously for 5 to 7 minutes until the entire mixture has thickened.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Mix in the pumpkin puree and extra-virgin olive oil, then let the contents cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Take the chuck roast out of the pot, chop it into smaller pieces, and then return the diced meat back into the vegetable and meat mixture.
7. Use a potato masher or similar tool to thoroughly mash the entire contents of the pot until it reaches a soft, mushy consistency.
8. Allow the prepared food to cool sufficiently for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, portion it into resealable containers and freeze for later use.

Prep tip: Making your dog's food at home can often be more economical than purchasing commercial dog food, especially for larger batches.