Bringing homemade meals into your dog’s diet gives you total control over what goes into her bowl. Unlike commercial pet food, which often contains preservatives, fillers, and mystery ingredients, a homemade diet allows you to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients tailored to your dog’s needs.

Whether you prefer raw or cooked meals, making your own dog food ensures your pup gets balanced nutrition without unnecessary additives.

Beyond just knowing what your dog is eating, homemade meals can lead to better digestion, improved skin and coat health, and increased energy levels. Over time, a properly formulated diet can help reduce vet bills, prevent food-related allergies, and support your dog’s long-term well-being.

So if you’re looking for a way to enhance your dog’s nutrition, making her food at home might be the best step forward.

Pros And Cons Of Homemade Dog Food

One of the biggest advantages of homemade dog food is ingredient transparency—you know exactly what your dog is eating. This makes it easier to eliminate low-quality ingredients often found in store-bought pet food, such as artificial preservatives, fillers, and rendered meats.

Homemade meals also allow you to customize recipes to suit your dog’s specific dietary needs, whether she has food sensitivities, allergies, or weight management concerns. Unlike commercial kibble, which often relies heavily on carbohydrates, a homemade diet can be protein-rich and nutrient-dense, supporting muscle development, immune function, and overall health.

Another benefit? Cost savings. While premium commercial dog foods can be pricey, homemade meals often turn out to be more affordable in the long run, especially when buying in bulk or sourcing ingredients locally. Plus, by choosing organic, pasture-raised meats and fresh produce, you can ensure higher nutrient quality in every meal.

While making your own dog food has clear benefits, it does require time and effort. Unlike kibble, which you can simply scoop into a bowl, homemade meals take planning, preparation, and proper storage.

Finding high-quality protein sources, like pasture-raised meats and organ blends, can sometimes be challenging, depending on availability and budget. You’ll also need to research proper nutrient balance to make sure your dog gets all essential vitamins and minerals—especially calcium, phosphorus, and omega fatty acids. Without careful planning, an imbalanced diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

Despite these challenges, with proper guidance and preparation, making your own dog food can be an incredibly rewarding and beneficial choice for your pet’s health.

Essential Tools For Homemade Dog Food

Getting started with homemade dog food doesn’t require a high-tech kitchen—just a few essential tools to make meal prep easier and more efficient:

• Kitchen Scale – Measuring ingredients accurately ensures your dog gets the right portion sizes and balanced nutrition.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – A sharp knife makes slicing through meats, organs, and vegetables much easier.
• Mixing Bowls – Large bowls help with meal prep, making it easy to mix proteins, veggies, and supplements.
• Storage Containers or Freezer Bags – Prepping meals in batches? Airtight containers or freezer-safe bags allow you to store food properly and keep portions fresh.
• Meat Grinder (Optional) – If you prefer to grind meats and bones yourself, a quality grinder can be a useful investment, especially for raw feeders.

With these tools in place, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare, portion, and store your homemade dog food with ease!

Breaking Down The Ingredients

A well-balanced homemade dog food recipe isn’t just about throwing some meat into a bowl—it requires the right mix of nutrients to support your dog’s health.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make up a nutritionally complete meal:

• Muscle Meat (50%) – This should be the foundation of your dog’s diet, ideally sourced from a variety of proteins such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish. Different proteins provide different amino acids and nutrients, making rotation key to a well-rounded diet.
• Organ Meat (25%) – Packed with vitamins and minerals, organs like liver, kidney, and heart act as nature’s multivitamin for your dog. Each organ plays a different role in providing essential nutrients, so variety is crucial.
• Raw Bones (15%) – Bones supply natural calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. If you’re feeding cooked meals, replace raw bones with bone meal or eggshell powder to maintain calcium levels.
• Vegetables & Fruits (10%) – While dogs don’t need large amounts of plant-based foods, adding small portions of low-glycemic veggies and berries can provide fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support immune health.
• Healthy Fats – Proper fat balance is critical. Too much omega-6 (found in grain-fed meats and poultry) can contribute to inflammation, so supplementing with omega-3 sources like fish, green-lipped mussel oil, or flaxseed oil helps keep your dog’s diet balanced.

By focusing on quality ingredients and proper ratios, you can create a homemade meal that meets your dog’s nutritional needs without unnecessary fillers.

Why Dogs Don’t Need Starches

Many dog owners assume that grains, potatoes, and legumes are necessary for a balanced diet ... but in reality, dogs don’t require starchy carbohydrates to thrive. Unlike humans, who rely on carbohydrates for energy, dogs have evolved to use fat and protein as their primary fuel sources.

Feeding a high-protein, moderate-fat, and low-carb diet mimics what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. Commercial dog food brands often use starches as cheap fillers, but they can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and digestive issues.

Cutting out starches helps your dog maintain:

• A lean, muscular body without excess fat storage.
• Stable blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.
• A healthier gut, as starchy foods can alter the microbiome and lead to digestive issues.

Instead of relying on high-carb ingredients like rice or potatoes, focus on nutrient-dense whole foods that provide real benefits for your dog’s long-term health.

How To Calculate Portions

Making homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated, but portioning correctly is important to ensure proper nutrition without over- or underfeeding.

Here’s a simple formula to get started on your recipes and meals:

Base Formula For A 10 Lb Batch Of Food

• 5 lbs muscle meat
• 2.5 lbs organ meat
• 1.5 lbs bone (or bone meal substitute for cooked food)
• 1 lb vegetables & fruit

This formula ensures a well-balanced meal with the right protein-to-fat-to-mineral ratio for dogs of all sizes.

Adjustments Based On Dog Size

• A 50 lb dog typically eats about 1 lb of food per day, so a 10 lb batch lasts around 10 days.
• Smaller dogs eat proportionally less but still benefit from meal prepping and freezing portions for convenience.

The general rule is to feed 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight per day, adjusting based on activity level and age.

Puppies, working dogs, and very active breeds may need more, while older or less active dogs may require smaller portions.

Choosing The Right Protein Sources

Protein is the foundation of any nutritionally complete homemade dog food, but not all protein sources are equal. Choosing high-quality, varied meats ensures that your dog gets a wide range of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle growth, energy levels, and overall health.

Common Protein Options

The most readily available and budget-friendly proteins include:

• Chicken & Turkey – Affordable and lean but should be balanced with omega-3 sources to counteract their high omega-6 content.
• Beef & Pork – Rich in essential amino acids and healthy fats. Grass-fed beef and pastured pork offer higher nutrient density.
• Lamb – A great option for dogs with poultry allergies and provides high levels of iron and zinc.
• Fish – An excellent source of omega-3s but should be fed in moderation due to potential heavy metal content.
• Best For Variety

Adding exotic or less common proteins can prevent food sensitivities and provide different nutrient profiles:

• Venison & Bison – Lean, nutrient-dense options with a high iron content.
• Rabbit – Low-fat and easy to digest, great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Duck – A fatty protein source, perfect for active dogs that need extra calories.
• Goat – Similar to lamb but leaner, offering a great alternative for dogs with beef allergies.

Fat Content Matters

Balancing fat intake is key to optimal health.

Aim for 10-15% fat content in your dog’s diet to avoid nutrient dilution from excessive fat.

If a protein is too lean, supplement with healthy fats like fish oil, green-lipped mussel oil, or pasture-raised butter to ensure a balanced diet.

Incorporating Fish For Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and improving coat health.

Since most meats are high in omega-6, adding fish to your dog’s diet helps restore balance and support a healthy inflammatory response.

How Much Fish To Feed

A simple rule of thumb is to add one ounce of fish per pound of homemade food. This ensures your dog gets a healthy dose of EPA and DHA, the two most beneficial omega-3s for joint health, cognitive function, and heart support.

Best Fish Choices

When selecting fish, wild-caught is always the best option due to its higher nutrient content and cleaner diet:

• Salmon – A fantastic source of omega-3s, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Sardines – Small and low in toxins, making them an ideal choice for daily feeding.
• Mackerel & Trout – Rich in essential fatty acids, but avoid larger species due to mercury concerns.

Fish To Avoid

• Farmed Fish – Often treated with antibiotics and raised on grain-based diets, reducing their nutritional value.
• Large Predatory Fish – Species like tuna and swordfish accumulate higher levels of heavy metals, which can be harmful over time.

Incorporating fish just a few times a week can make a huge difference in your dog’s skin, coat, and overall well-being.

The Power Of Organ Meats

Organ meats are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can feed your dog, acting as nature’s multivitamin. They provide key vitamins and minerals that are hard to get from muscle meat alone, making them an essential part of a well-balanced homemade diet.

Why Organs Are Essential

Organs contain high concentrations of vital nutrients, including:

• Vitamin A – Supports eye health, immune function, and skin regeneration.
• Iron & Zinc – Crucial for oxygen transport, wound healing, and metabolic function.
• B Vitamins – Help with energy production, brain function, and nervous system support.

Best Organs To Include

• Liver – The most nutrient-rich organ, packed with vitamin A, iron, and folate.
• Kidney – High in B vitamins, selenium, and zinc, essential for detoxification.
• Heart – A great source of taurine, which is critical for heart health and muscle function.

What If You Can’t Find Fresh Organs?

If sourcing fresh organs is difficult, freeze-dried organ powders are a convenient alternative.

Look for high-quality single-ingredient freeze-dried liver, kidney, or spleen powders to provide similar nutrient benefits.

By including a variety of organ meats, you can dramatically improve your dog’s overall health, ensuring they get the full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.

Raw Bones Vs. Bone Meal

Calcium and phosphorus are critical for bone strength, muscle function, and overall skeletal health.

In a raw diet, these minerals come from raw bones, but for some dogs, bone meal can be a safer alternative.

Why Raw Bones Are Important

Raw bones provide a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, helping maintain strong bones, teeth, and proper nerve function. They also support digestion and help clean teeth naturally.

However, it’s important to only feed raw bones—never cooked bones, as cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, leading to choking hazards or internal injuries.

Who Should Get Bone Meal Instead?

Some dogs may struggle with whole bones, such as:

• Small breeds – Tiny mouths may have trouble chewing through harder bones.
• Senior dogs – Older dogs with weaker teeth or past dental issues may not be able to chew bones safely.
• Dogs with digestive sensitivities – Some dogs may have trouble processing whole bones.

In these cases, bone meal powder can be used as an alternative source of calcium and phosphorus. Look for high-quality, food-grade bone meal without additives.

How Much Bone To Feed?

Bone should make up about 15% of total food weight. If feeding bone meal, the general guideline is 2 teaspoons per pound of food for adults and 4 teaspoons per pound for puppies (since they require more calcium for growth).

Vegetables & Fruits For Added Nutrition

While dogs are primarily carnivores, vegetables and fruits add valuable phytonutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support digestion, immune function, and cellular health.

The key is to choose nutrient-dense, low-starch options to avoid unnecessary carbohydrates.

Best Vegetables For Dogs

• Dark Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard provide fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
• Cruciferous Vegetables – Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower support liver detoxification and gut health.
• Carrots & Pumpkin – Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for vision and immune health.

Best Fruits For Dogs

• Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries) – Packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and promote brain health.
• Apples (without seeds) – A source of fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols that support heart health.
• Watermelon & Cantaloupe – Hydrating fruits that provide electrolytes and vitamins without excess sugar.

Vegetables & Fruits To Avoid

• Grapes & Raisins – Toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
• Onions & Garlic – Can cause anemia and digestive distress.
• High-Sugar Fruits – Bananas, mangoes, and pineapples should be fed in moderation due to their higher sugar content.

Adding small amounts of colorful veggies and fruits ensures your dog gets a broad spectrum of essential nutrients that support long-term health.

Adding Healthy Fats

Fats are a crucial part of your dog’s diet, playing a role in brain function, hormone production, and cell repair.

However, not all fats are created equal—choosing the right fats can support a healthy inflammatory response and optimal health.

Best Omega-3 Sources For Dogs

Many commercial dog foods contain too many omega-6 fatty acids, leading to chronic inflammation.

Balancing omega-6 with omega-3 fats helps support joint health, brain function, and heart health.

• Wild-Caught Fish (Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel) – A natural source of EPA and DHA, which are essential for cognitive and cardiovascular health.
• Green-Lipped Mussel Oil – Contains 30+ fatty acids, including ETA, an omega-3 that supports joint health.
• Ahiflower Oil – A plant-based omega-3 that contains GLA, which helps support a healthy inflammatory response and supports skin health.

Using Hempseed Oil For Balance

If feeding red meats like beef, lamb, or venison, adding hempseed oil can help balance omega-6 and omega-3 levels.

Hempseed oil has a 6:3 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which makes it a great option for naturally balancing fats in your dog’s diet.

Fats To Avoid

• Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Corn, Canola, Sunflower) – These are high in omega-6 and can contribute to inflammation and obesity.
• Margarine & Hydrogenated Oils – Processed trans fats that are toxic and should never be fed to dogs.
• Rendered Animal Fats – Found in low-quality commercial dog foods, these are often heavily processed and lack essential nutrients.

By choosing healthy fats like omega-3-rich fish, green-lipped mussel oil, and hempseed oil, you can optimize your dog’s health, support the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

How Much To Feed Your Dog

Figuring out how much food your dog needs depends on age, size, activity level, and metabolism.

Unlike store bought dog food, homemade meals require a bit of calculation to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients and portion sizes.

General Feeding Guidelines

• Adult dogs should eat 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. A 50 lb dog would need about 1-1.5 lbs of food per day.
• Puppies require more frequent meals and should eat 10% of their current weight or 2-3% of their expected adult weight per day.
• Active dogs or breeds with high energy levels (like Border Collies or Huskies) may need larger portions, while less active dogs may require smaller amounts.

For an easy homemade dog food recipe, you can mix ground beef, green beans, and sweet potatoes, blending everything in a food processor for a smoother consistency. If your dog prefers chunkier meals, simply mix in ground turkey or ground chicken for extra variety.

If you’re transitioning from traditional dog food, start by gradually replacing dry food or canned dog food with homemade meals to help your dog adjust.

Cost Of Homemade Dog Food

Many dog owners assume making homemade meals is expensive, but it can actually be more affordable than high-quality commercial food, especially if you shop smart.

Ways to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

• Buy in Bulk – Purchasing ground turkey, ground chicken, and ground beef in bulk from butchers, raw food co-ops, or wholesale clubs helps lower costs.
• Use Affordable Nutrient-Dense Ingredients – Sweet potatoes, green beans, and other seasonal vegetables provide valuable nutrients at a low cost.
• Skip Expensive Supplements – Many nutrients found in store bought dog food can be sourced naturally from whole foods like organ meats and bone broth.
• Batch Cooking – Preparing large quantities and freezing portions can save time and money while ensuring your dog always has delicious food on hand.

Even if you’re on a budget, homemade dog food is still healthier than most dry food or canned dog food, which often contain fillers, preservatives, and artificial additives.

Final Thoughts

Switching to homemade dog food can be one of the best decisions for your pup’s health and longevity.

However, it does require some effort and planning.

Pros Of Homemade Dog Food:

✔ Better Nutrition – Whole, fresh ingredients provide more bioavailable nutrients than processed food.
✔ Control Over Ingredients – You choose the proteins, vegetables, and fats to match your dog’s needs.
✔ Fewer Health Issues – Many dogs experience less inflammation, fewer allergies, and better digestion on a homemade diet.

Cons Of Homemade Dog Food:

✘ Takes More Time – Prepping meals isn’t as quick as scooping dry food into a bowl.
✘ Ingredient Sourcing – Finding high-quality meats and bones can be challenging.
✘ Learning Curve – It takes time to research and perfect recipes.

The Solution? Start Small!

Begin by replacing one meal per day with homemade food and gradually transition. Try simple recipes like ground beef with sweet potatoes and green beans, or blend ground turkey with a food processor for a smoother texture.

Over time, you’ll refine your dog’s diet and find the best balance for her health and lifestyle.

Most importantly, have fun with these meals—after all, dogs love fresh, nutritious food, and their energy, coat, and overall well-being will prove that homemade is worth it!

FAQ

What are good ingredients for homemade dog food? The best homemade dog food includes lean ground beef, beef liver, frozen peas, and other whole foods that provide essential nutrients for healthy dogs. Using fresh food instead of processed ingredients ensures better digestion and improved overall health.

What should top 3 ingredients be in dog food? A high-quality homemade dog food should prioritize lean ground beef for protein, beef liver for essential vitamins, and frozen peas for fiber and antioxidants. Always review recipe ingredients to ensure they meet your dog's nutritional needs.

Is homemade food for dogs better? Feeding fresh food allows dog owners to control quality and eliminate harmful additives found in store-bought dog food, leading to healthy dogs with better digestion and energy levels. Checking the recipe rating and using balanced meal plans ensures your dog gets proper nutrition.

What is the 25 rule for dog food? The 25 rule for dog food means a product labeled with a specific meat, like lean ground beef, must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Always review recipe details to ensure the meal provides adequate protein and nutrients for healthy dogs.