What is the best homemade food to feed a dog?

The Best Homemade Food to Feed Your Dog

Feeding your dog nutritious, homemade meals can lead to better health, reduced allergies, and improved digestion. Making food at home allows you to control the ingredients, eliminate fillers found in commercial dog food, and cater to specific dietary needs. One of the most recommended and vet-approved homemade meals for dogs is a simple chicken and rice dish with dog-safe vegetables.

Why Choose Homemade Dog Food?

Homemade dog food gives you total control over what goes into your dog’s diet. Common benefits include:

• Improved digestion due to fresh, unprocessed ingredients.
• Allergy management by eliminating problematic additives and fillers.
• Enhanced coat and skin health thanks to nutritious, whole foods.
• Customizable meals for dogs with specific health issues or preferences.

Vet-Approved Chicken and Rice Recipe

One of the simplest and healthiest homemade recipes is Lucky and Rippy’s boiled chicken and rice. It's ideal for most dogs and has been approved by veterinarians for its nutritional balance and digestibility. Ingredients:

• 3 pounds minced chicken meat
• 4 cups rice
• 2½ cups frozen vegetable mix (no garlic or onions), chopped
• 6½ cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine chicken, rice, and vegetables in a large pot. Add water and stir until smooth.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed (about 25 minutes).
4. Cool completely before serving. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container.

This recipe yields approximately 12 cups and lasts 4–5 days when combined with kibble for two large dogs. It's also easy to halve for smaller breeds.

Alternative Homemade Recipes

If you're seeking variety, consider this hearty version using turkey: Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 8 oz vegetable mix (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except vegetables in a large pot. Break up turkey and bring to boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and cook 5 more minutes.
4. Cool and refrigerate.

Reviewers recommend puréeing the vegetables for easier digestion and adding eggshell powder or a dog-specific multivitamin. This recipe is especially praised for helping dogs with skin sensitivities.

Balanced Chicken and Rice Meal with Organs

For a more nutritionally complete recipe, use chicken parts with organs and a nutrient blend. Ensure nutrient balance by adding ingredients like dog-specific multivitamin powders and omega oils. Ingredients (Approx. 9 lbs finished food):

• 2 lbs 4 oz ground chicken thighs
• 1 lb 4 oz chicken thigh meat with skin
• 6 oz chicken gizzards
• 5 oz chicken liver
• 24 oz rice
• 8 oz spinach
• 8 oz carrots
• 8 oz apples (no seeds)
• 2 tsp omega oil (optional)
• 5¼ tbsp dog-specific nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Brown all meat in a large skillet.
2. Add chopped vegetables and apples. Cook until soft.
3. Cook rice separately.
4. Mix all ingredients, adding nutrient blend and optional omega oil.
5. Cool before serving. Refrigerate or freeze in portions.

Note: This recipe should be followed exactly to ensure nutritional adequacy. Always consult your vet before making substantial dietary changes.

Tips for Feeding Homemade Dog Food

• Supplementation: Ensure meals are balanced with vitamins and minerals. Use vet-recommended supplements if needed.
• Portion Control: Adjust servings based on your dog’s size, weight, age, and activity level. A general guide is 2 cups per meal for large breeds.
• Storage: Homemade food can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Veterinary Oversight: Regularly consult your vet to ensure your dog’s dietary needs are met.

Summary

Homemade dog food, especially a chicken and rice recipe with vegetable blends, offers a healthy, customizable, and often vet-recommended alternative to commercial products. With just a few ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can ensure your dog is eating fresh, nutritious, and tasty meals that support long-term health and well-being.