Homemade Food For Puppies: Recipes & Cooking Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

In the early stages of a puppy’s life, nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping their future health and well-being. Just like infants, puppies require a carefully balanced diet to support their rapid growth, developing bones, and burgeoning immune systems. While commercial dog foods offer convenience, the growing trend of homemade dog food is captivating the attention of conscientious pet owners who seek a more personalized and transparent approach to their puppy’s diet.

My comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process of preparing homemade food for puppies. From understanding their nutritional needs to mastering safe cooking techniques, this article will equip new puppy owners with the knowledge and confidence to embark on this rewarding journey.

Homemade Puppy Food Benefits

Here are some main benefits of cooking for your puppy

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., state that feeding homemade dog food comes with significant advantages, such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over dog food recalls.^[1] Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Why Feed Homemade Food to Puppies

Preparing food for your puppy can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. The time and effort spent making their meals can enhance trust and affection. Observing how your puppy responds to different foods can help you better understand their dietary needs and preferences, leading to a more responsive and caring approach to their nutrition.

Top Reasons to Feed Homemade Food to Puppies

Here’s why you might consider making the switch from commercial pet food to a home-prepared diet:

Homemade Puppy Food Risks

Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.^[6],[7],[8]

Below are the stats I found from these studies:

• 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
• 28.3% didn’t use any recommended vitamins, minerals or amino acids
• 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
• 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough

How to Avoid These Risks When Cooking For Puppies

• Understand your [Enter Breed]’s nutritional needs
• Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Ensure your [Enter Breed]’s meal is balanced
• Do not use toxic ingredients
• Understand the impact of food and dietary changes
• Do not neglect your dog’s health conditions
• Switch to homemade gradually
• The diet must be suited for a puppy’s lifestyle

Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s dietary needs. For further guidance on dog nutrition, consult “Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative” by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a renowned veterinary expert. This book is a go-to resource for healthy homemade dog nutrition for most pet nutritionists.

Understanding Puppy Nutritional Needs

Homemade food for puppies must include the six essential nutrients for a dog’s proper growth, body function, and health. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats, and water. It’s also important to consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

Source: We compiled the data for the table above by referencing the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs Report by the National Research Council (NRC). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes the information from these reports to regulate and ensure the safety of pet foods.

Essential Supplements for Homemade Puppy Food

Calcium and Phosphorus

• Importance: Calcium and phosphorus are critical for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. They play a vital role in skeletal health and proper growth.
• Natural Sources: Bone meal, fish, dairy products, and green leafy vegetables.
• Supplements: If natural sources are insufficient, calcium supplements such as ground eggshells or commercial calcium-phosphorus supplements can be added to ensure the proper balance.
• Dosage: It’s important to maintain the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus (generally 1.2:1 to 1.4:1) to avoid imbalances that can lead to skeletal issues. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage.

Other Key Supplements

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for the development of the brain and eyes in puppies. Omega-3s contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Vitamin D: Provide adequate exposure to sunlight and include sources like fish oil or fortified foods.
• Iron: Incorporate iron-rich foods such as red meat and organ meats like liver.
• Zinc: Include zinc-rich foods like meat and fish.
• B-Vitamin: Offer a variety of meats, eggs, and vegetables that are rich in B vitamins.
• Probiotics and digestive enzymes: Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Homemade Puppy Food Delivery Service

Raised Right is one of our homemade dog food delivery options. They offer various fresh, homemade dog food options tailored to your puppy’s unique dietary needs, age, health conditions, and nutritional goals. Raised Right offers three puppy growth recipes. Their meals are made with real, human-grade ingredients and delivered to your doorstep.

The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Raised Right saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things like walks or training your puppy. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, and you can mitigate the risks of cooking for dogs.

Our readers get 50% off their first Raised Right order with Canine Bible’s link.

Best Homemade Puppy Food Recipes

Here are four of our homemade puppy food recipes you can prepare.

Note: Consult your vet before adjusting your dog’s diet. The recipes below don’t specify serving sizes since they depend on your dog’s breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount you’d give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

Recipe 1: Chicken and Vegetable Medley

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1 cup green beans, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground calcium supplement (or ground eggshell powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt (optional, for iodine)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot, add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes per side. Remove from pan, let cool, then chop into small, puppy-sized pieces.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add carrots, green beans, and peas. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, chicken, and vegetables. Add the ground calcium supplement and iodized salt (if using), and mix thoroughly.
5. Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe 2: Beef and Sweet Potato Delight

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground calcium supplement
• 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Brown Rice: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add brown rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside.
2. Cook Beef: In a large pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Cook Sweet Potato: In a separate pot, boil sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash lightly.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked brown rice, ground beef, sweet potato, spinach, and blueberries. Add the flaxseed oil, ground calcium supplement, and iodized salt (if using), and mix thoroughly.
5. Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe 3: Fish and Rice Feast

Ingredients

• 1 pound white fish (such as cod or tilapia), boneless and skinless
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1/2 cup broccoli, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground calcium supplement
• 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Brown Rice: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add brown rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside.
2. Cook Fish: Heat a small amount of water over medium heat in a large pan. Add fish and cook until it flakes easily with a fork, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and let cool. Flake into small pieces.
3. Cook Vegetables: In a steamer, cook broccoli and carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked brown rice, flaked fish, broccoli, carrots, and parsley. Add the fish oil, ground calcium supplement, and iodized salt (if using), and mix thoroughly.
5. Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe 4: Turkey and Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup green beans, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground calcium supplement
• 1/4 teaspoon iodized salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Lentils: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add lentils, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Turkey: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Cook Vegetables: Add green beans and peas to the same pan. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine cooked lentils, ground turkey, pumpkin puree, green beans, and peas. Add the ground calcium supplement and iodized salt (if using), and mix thoroughly. Heat gently until well combined and heated through.
5. Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

More Puppy Homemade Food Recipes

Do you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your puppy? Check out our article on the best vet-approved homemade dog food recipes. Cookbooks can be helpful in various recipes. Our favorite book for puppy homemade food recipes is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

Monitor Weight And Health

A puppy’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your puppy is fed the right food. If your puppy’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your puppy’s new diet, among other health issues. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Fortunately, an at-home dog gut health test can provide insight into your dog’s gut health.

Unbalanced meal plans can cause skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and dog obesity. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your puppy meals, stop immediately and seek expert advice.

Foods Your Puppy Should Never Eat

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients puppies need to avoid.

Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your puppy should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Basic Cooking Techniques for Homemade Puppy Food

Boiling

• Purpose: Boiling is ideal for cooking meats, grains, and certain vegetables. It ensures that the food is thoroughly cooked and free from harmful bacteria.
• How To: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the ingredients, and cook until tender. Ensure the meat is fully cooked through with no pink remaining. Cook the grains until they are soft and easily digestible.
• Benefits: Retains moisture in the food, making it easier for puppies to chew and digest.

Steaming

• Purpose: Steaming preserves more nutrients compared to boiling, especially for vegetables.
• How To: Place ingredients in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam until tender. This method is excellent for preserving vegetables’ color, flavor, and nutrients.
• Benefits: Maintains the nutritional value of vegetables, ensuring puppies receive essential vitamins and minerals.

Baking

• Purpose: Baking is suitable for meats and vegetables, creating a firmer texture that can be easily chopped or shredded for puppies.
• How To: Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature (usually around 350°F). Place the ingredients on a baking sheet and cook until fully done. For meats, ensure the internal temperature reaches safe levels (165°F for poultry, 160°F for beef).
• Benefits: Allows for even cooking and can enhance the flavor of the ingredients. It also reduces excess fat in meats as it drips away during cooking.

Roasting

• Purpose: Roasting is similar to baking but typically involves higher temperatures and can caramelize the natural sugars in vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
• How To: Preheat the oven to a higher temperature (around 400°F). Place the ingredients in a roasting pan and cook until golden and tender. Toss the vegetables with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
• Benefits: Adds a rich, roasted flavor to meats and vegetables, making meals more appealing to puppies.

FAQs

Homemade Puppy Food Alternatives

Ensuring your puppy receives a balanced and nutritious diet is paramount to their growth, development, and overall health. Homemade dog food offers a unique opportunity to control the quality and composition of your puppy’s meals, tailoring them to meet specific needs and preferences. You can create meals that support their rapid growth and development by understanding the essential nutrients required for puppies, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Consulting with veterinarians or pet nutritionists, using appropriate cooking techniques, and incorporating necessary supplements are all critical steps in this process.

Feeding your puppy homemade food is not just about following recipes—experimenting and finding what works best for your furry friend. Every puppy is unique, and their dietary needs vary based on breed, size, age, and health condition. Don’t be afraid to adjust recipes, try new ingredients, and observe how your puppy responds. This flexibility allows you to cater to their evolving nutritional requirements and preferences, ensuring that mealtime is enjoyable and beneficial.

Do you want other alternatives to homemade puppy food? Raw dog diets are gaining popularity due to their fantastic health benefits. Check our article on raw food for dogs to learn about the benefits and risks, and get the best raw dog food for puppies or even prepare homemade raw dog food. Additionally, if your puppy is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues, consider exploring vegan dog food options. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health concerns.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Cooking for your dog: Pros and cons of cooking homemade dog food.
2. Lippert G, Sapy B. (2003). Relation Between The Domestic Dogs Well-Being and Life Expectancy.
3. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2019, February 13). Study finds overweight dogs live shorter lives.
4. Podolsky, A. (2019, November 28). Feed the dog not the cancer: The danger of processed dog food. Lyka.
5. Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Eating highly processed foods may raise cancer risk. Harvard Health; Harvard Health.
6. Pedrinelli, V., Gomes, M. de O. S., & Carciofi, A. C. (2017). Analysis of recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in Portuguese. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6.
7. Bland, I. M., Guthrie-Jones, A., Taylor, R. D., & Hill, J. (2010). Dog obesity: Veterinary practices’ and owners’ opinions on cause and management. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 94(3-4), 310–315.
8. WebDev, I. E. T. (2013, July 15). Homemade dog food recipes can be risky business, study finds. UC Davis.
9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, February 9). Vitamin D toxicity in dogs.