Homemade Dog Food
You might be wondering, why would I spend time making my own dog food when I can simply grab a bag or can from the store?
For many pet parents, making homemade dog food is about being more intentional about what goes into their dog’s bowl. Just like we think about the ingredients we feed our families, some people enjoy having more control over the quality, freshness, and variety of ingredients their pets receive.
Knowing What Goes Into Their Food
One of the biggest reasons I choose homemade dog food is knowing exactly what ingredients are included. I mean if we care about what goes into our bodies why wouldn’t we care about out animals? You can choose fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and wholesome additions while avoiding unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or ingredients you may prefer to limit.
Making your dog’s meals at home allows you to customize recipes based on your dog’s preferences, sensitivities, and needs.
Ways Homemade Dog Food Can Help Save Money
- Buy ingredients only when they’re on sale. Stock up on chicken, turkey, or lean beef when prices drop and freeze it.
- Purchase pantry staples in bulk. Rice, oats, and sweet potatoes are inexpensive and go a long way.
- Use frozen vegetables. They’re often cheaper than fresh, last much longer, and are just as nutritious.
- Cook once, feed for weeks. Meal prep large batches and freeze portions to save both time and money.
- Reduce food waste. If you have extra carrots, green beans, zucchini, or pumpkin that you won’t use before they spoil, you can include them in your dog’s meals (as long as they’re dog-safe).
- Grow your own vegetables. Even a small garden with green beans, zucchini, or pumpkins can help lower grocery costs over time.
- Skip expensive fresh-food subscriptions. Homemade meals can cost less than premium fresh dog food services while giving you control over the ingredients.
- Use every part of your grocery trip. Buying ingredients that both your family and your dog can eat means you’re getting more value from the same shopping trip.
- Avoid last-minute pet store runs. Keeping homemade meals portioned in the freezer means you’re less likely to spend extra money on emergency food purchases.
- Stretch your grocery budget. Affordable vegetables can help make meals more filling while still providing nutrients, though your dog’s diet should remain properly balanced.
A Good Closing Thought
“Making homemade dog food isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smarter. With a little planning, buying in bulk, and using ingredients wisely, you can feed your dog wholesome meals while making the most of your grocery budget. The biggest reward isn’t just the potential savings—it’s knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl.”
Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 16 ounce frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower combination
Instructions
- Place ground turkey, water, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven. Stir until ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add frozen vegetables, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate until using.
Notes
TipStorage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Dog-Safe Veggie Favorites
Some vegetables dogs often enjoy include: 🥕 Carrots – crunchy, naturally sweet, and a source of fiber🎃 Pumpkin – supports digestive health
🥬 Spinach & kale – provide vitamins and antioxidants in moderation
🍠 Sweet potatoes – provide fiber and nutrients
🫛 Green beans – low-calorie and filling
🥒 Zucchini – hydrating and gentle on digestion
Foods to Never Add
Avoid ingredients that can be harmful to dogs: ❌ Onions❌ Garlic
❌ Grapes or raisins
❌ Chocolate
❌ Macadamia nuts
❌ Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
❌ Seasonings with added salt or spices
