10 Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes [Vet-Approved Guide]

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

This is the most comprehensive guide to the best BARF dog food recipes and learning how to cook them at home. Raw dog food can make our dogs happier and healthier, but you must understand all the components of preparing a complete and balanced raw dog diet at home before getting the apron. A poorly made BARF diet can negatively impact your pup. Today, we share vet-approved raw dog recipes and provide comprehensive information about the BARF diet for dogs, including its benefits, risks, nutritional guidelines, cooking tips, and everything in between. Our DIY raw dog food guide gives step-by-step instructions for making BARF diet recipes. Let’s dive right in!

What Is A BARF Diet Recipe?

The raw dog diet, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is designed to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, drawing on the canine’s carnivorous and primal instincts. All ingredients in BARF diet recipes are uncooked to preserve enzyme content, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. There are three types of raw dog diets: frozen, freeze-dried, and homemade. The BARF diet reflects what dogs consumed in the wild millions of years ago. A variation of the BARF recipe is known as the “prey model raw (PMR)” food. The prey model excludes fruits, dairy, and vegetables. Check out the side-by-side comparison below.

Components	BARF Diet	Prey Model Diet
Edible Bones	10% (whole or ground)	10% (whole or ground)
Muscle Meat	70%	80%
Organ Meat	10% (5% liver + 5% other organs)	10% (5% liver + 5% other organs)
Fruits and Vegetables	10% (8% vegetables & 2% fruits)	0% (Prey Model typically excludes plant matter)
Dairy/Eggs	Optional, small amounts	Rarely included or absent
Supplements	Often included (e.g., kelp, fish oil)	Minimal to none, aiming for a complete diet through variety over time
Focus	BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. BARF is the most popular raw diet style, with many variations available. It mimics a wild diet, emphasizing nutritional completeness through variety, including plant matter.	The prey model raw diet is often seen as the more natural diet for a carnivore. This formula is much simpler as it contains no fruits, dairy, vegetables, or carbs. Strictly mimics the exact proportions found in prey animals, with no or minimal plant matter.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

Dogs can thrive on a raw meat diet. Genetic and anatomical research indicates that dogs exhibit noticeable carnivorous traits, enabling them to digest raw meat protein more efficiently while eliminating potential bacteria in decaying meat. Dogs also have a remarkable omnivorous capacity, but are optimized for eating meat. Read our ‘Can dogs eat raw meat?‘ article to learn all the research that supports dog raw meat consumption.

BARF Dog Food Recipe Benefits

Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian, pioneer, and top advocate of raw feeding dogs, mentions that raw food has several positive effects on canine health, including:

Why Feed BARF Homemade Raw Dog Recipes

Homemade Raw Dog Food Risks

1. Contamination: Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella and E. coli.
2. Choking: Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
3. Unbalanced: Cooking nutritionally unbalanced raw food recipes can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and other health issues.
4. Raw allergies: Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. An at-home dog allergy test can help you pick ingredients that won’t trigger allergies.

How to Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks

Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. Alternatively, you can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs and raw feeding.

How to Make Raw Dog Food Recipes

A BARF diet should consist of 70% uncooked muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 10% vegetables and fruit, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. It must also 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.

Dog Raw Diet Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

*If feeding the “Prey” model, this method typically consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs (half of which are liver). There are no fruits or veggies.

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.

Homemade BARF Recipe Dog Food Delivery Service

Are you confused about preparing a balanced dog raw meat diet for your dog? Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? Don’t know where to start? If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, a homemade raw dog food delivery service is the best way to let your dog reap the benefits of eating raw.

We Feed Raw is one of our favorite choices and offers the best raw diet recipes for dogs available on the market. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, organs, and bones, supplemented with other key ingredients. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets.

Get 25% OFF your order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.

Other Options

Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

Here are our favorite balanced, vet-approved, and complete homemade raw dog food recipes. We’ve also included a special treat recipe for your dog, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient: dog therapeutic oil. This oil might help with issues like seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, and overall wellness.

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.

• Fido Raw Feast
• Beneficial Dog Treat
• Beefy Raw Patties
• Raw Boneless Turkey
• Organ Patties
• Chicken & Greens

Forest Feast for Fido

Blueberry-Banana Beneficial Dog Treats

Treat your dog with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade dog treats. They are made with bananas, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6). Banana also aids with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Remember to consult your vet to ensure that it is safe for your dog and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can buy commercially available therapeutic dog treats so your pup can experience the benefits of this oil without the cooking.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Oven preparation. Preheat oven to 350ºF and brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Banana preparation. Mash a ripe banana until smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
3. Dry ingredients. Blend gluten-free flour and oats in a medium-sized bowl.
4. Wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix well.
5. Combining ingredients. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until even. Drizzle in the oil, stirring again for even distribution.
6. Mold filling. Scoop portions of the mixture with a tablespoon and press firmly into the dog-treat baking mold.
7. Baking. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
8. Cooling and storage. Let the treats cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Beefy Bark Gourmet Patties

This raw meat food recipe for dogs is among our favorites. Easy to digest and packed with all the essential nutrients dogs need.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the veggie and fruit mix: Place the carrot, apple, and spinach in a food processor. Process until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Create the liver blend: Add the chicken livers to the food processor with the veggie and fruit mix. Process until fully mixed.
3. Combine with wet ingredients: Transfer the liver and veggie mixture to a large bowl. Add and combine the remaining ingredients, whole eggs (with shells), plain yogurt, ground flaxseed, and olive oil.
4. Add the beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Use a large spoon to mix everything until the beef is evenly distributed.
5. Form the patties: Scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into palm-sized patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze for storage: Freeze patties and transfer them to a storage container to keep them frozen.
7. Serving: The night before you wish to feed, remove the patties from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.

Wholesome Turkey and Heart Harmony Blend

If you want to make a simple recipe that can last you well beyond a week, or perhaps you have more than one dog at home, this recipe will make 11 pounds of raw food, which is 6-7 days’ worth of food for a 50-pound dog, or two smaller dogs.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the proteins: If you have a grinder, grind the chicken hearts and beef liver together until well combined. If you don’t have a grinder, chop the heart and liver into small, bite-sized cubes.
2. Egg preparation: Crack 7 eggs, keeping only 3 yolks. You can either whisk them lightly in a bowl or keep them whole to be blended with the vegetables.
3. Vegetable and berry puree: Chop the Swiss chard, broccoli, and dandelion greens and place them into the food processor along with the blueberries or mixed berries. Add the eggs (with three yolks), bone meal (or seaweed calcium), pumpkin seed powder, sea salt, and spirulina. Puree the mixture until it’s smooth and the ingredients are well integrated.
4. Mix everything together: In a large mixing bowl, start with the lean ground turkey. Add in the ground or chopped chicken hearts and beef liver. Gradually stir in the veggie and berry puree.
5. Serving and storage: Place the mixture into smaller containers and place them in your freezer. It’s best to freeze your food in portions of 1-3 days.

Hearty Health Organ Patties

This dog homemade raw dog food recipe should be served as a tasty treat or a variety of feed options once or twice a week. Make it with any excess organs. This recipe doesn’t include bones and cartilage, so it’s best used as a raw treat your pet can enjoy occasionally.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the organs: Chop the organs or use a food processor for a more uniform mince.
2. Prep the greens: Choose nutrient-rich leafy greens like spinach or kale. Ensure they are precooked, cooled, and finely chopped or processed to enhance digestibility.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced organs and leafy greens. Crack the raw egg into the mixture, including the shells
4. Form patties: Form the mixture into palm-sized patties suitable for your dog’s size and dietary needs.
5. Freezing and serving: Freeze the patties until you’re ready to give them to your dog. Thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Chicken Delight with Garden Greens

This is another easy homemade raw dog food recipe to add to your dog’s menu. It uses raw chicken with a veggie mix. It’s full of nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Chop the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog. Clean the chicken hearts and liver, trim excess fat, and chop into small pieces.
2. Egg preparation: Lightly boil the eggs to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
3. Vegetable prep: Chop the broccoli, celery, spinach, and carrots into small pieces, or use a food processor to puree for easier digestion.
4. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, organ meats, ground bone, chopped vegetables, and alfalfa meal.
5. Storing: You can serve one portion fresh immediately. Store the remaining food in airtight containers or freezer bags and place it in the freezer.

Turkey, Organs, & Veggie Raw Mix

This homemade raw dog food recipe uses fresh, whole ingredients. It includes a balance of raw protein, organ meat, bone, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

• 1.2 lbs (80%) muscle meat – raw lean ground turkey, beef, or chicken
• 0.2 lbs (10%) organ meat – mix of liver and kidney (e.g., 75% liver, 25% kidney)
• 0.2 lbs (10%) raw meaty bones – finely ground chicken wings or necks (never feed cooked bones)
• 1/4 cup chopped leafy greens – spinach or kale (lightly steamed)
• 1/4 cup grated carrots or zucchini
• 1 tsp fish oil – for omega-3s (or substitute with ground sardines)
• 1 whole egg (with shell) – provides calcium and additional nutrients
• 1/4 tsp kelp powder – for iodine (optional)
• 1 probiotic capsule – for gut health (optional)

Directions:

1. Prep meats and organs: Use fresh, high-quality raw meat. Cut or grind muscle meat, organ meat, and raw bones to your desired consistency.
2. Lightly steam or purée vegetables: Light steaming or puréeing helps break down cellulose, making nutrients more bioavailable for dogs.
3. Crack the egg and crush the shell: Mix in the egg, and grind or crush the shell before adding—it’s a great natural calcium source.
4. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine meats, organs, bones, vegetables, egg, fish oil, kelp, and probiotics. Mix well.
5. Portion and store: Divide into daily servings based on your dog’s caloric needs. Store in airtight containers in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).

Beef & Veggie Power Bowl

Packed with iron-rich beef, organ meats, raw bone, and fiber-rich vegetables, this complete raw dog food recipe is ideal for supporting energy, healthy digestion, and muscle maintenance in adult dogs.

Ingredients

• 1.2 lbs (80%) raw lean ground beef
• 0.15 lbs raw beef liver (7.5%)
• 0.05 lbs raw beef kidney (2.5%)
• 0.2 lbs ground raw chicken necks or turkey necks (for bone)
• 1/4 cup puréed pumpkin (plain, unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley and green beans
• 1 whole egg with shell (crushed)
• 1 tsp chia seeds (soaked in water for 10 mins)
• 1/2 tsp flaxseed oil or wild Alaskan salmon oil
• 1/4 tsp kelp powder (optional, for iodine)
• 1 probiotic capsule or scoop of dog-specific probiotic powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Grind or chop meats and organs: Finely chop or grind the beef, liver, kidney, and ground bones for easy digestion and even mixing.
2. Prep veggies and extras: Lightly steam green beans. Mix with puréed pumpkin and finely chopped parsley. Soak chia seeds until gelatinous.
3. Add supplements and egg: Crack the egg into the mix and crush the shell finely for calcium. Add soaked chia, flaxseed oil, and kelp powder.
4. Combine ingredients: Mix everything thoroughly in a large bowl until well incorporated.
5. Store and serve: Portion into daily servings. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

More Raw Food Diet For Dogs Recipes

If you want more raw dog food recipes for your dog, cookbooks can be helpful. Our favorite book for raw homemade dog food recipes is A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs.

How to Cook Homemade Raw Dog Food (DIY Video)

Watch this video and learn to make your own raw dog food recipes.

Best Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipe Practices

1. Understand your dog’s nutritional needs
2. Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
3. Ensure your dog’s meal is balanced
4. Do not use toxic ingredients
5. Understand the impact of food and dietary changes
6. Do not neglect your dog’s health conditions
7. Switch to raw gradually
8. The diet must be based on your dog’s life stage nutritional needs (puppies, adults, or seniors)
9. Liver and other organs might be slimy. Be cautious and cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking
10. Feed the leanest ground products possible
11. You can find a broader variety of cheaper organ meats by visiting your local Mexican, Asian, or farmer’s market. Alternatively, you can have frozen organ meats packed in ice and delivered directly to your door.

Before you dive into preparing a raw diet for your dog, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right knowledge and skills. Our article, ‘Raw Dog Food for Beginners,’ is a must-read for anyone considering this significant dietary transition. Covering everything from cooking practices to safe handling, serving, and more, this comprehensive guide ensures you’re fully prepared to provide the best raw nutrition for your dog. Read our guide now to ensure you make informed, safe, and healthy choices for your beloved pet.

How Much Raw Food to Feed Dogs?

Generally, feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight. Consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount.

Homemade Raw Dog Food Feeding Chart

To calculate your dog’s daily raw food intake, multiply its weight by the percentage below that best fits its needs.

For instance, for a 50-pound dog, here is the daily amount of raw food you would need to feed it.

Scenarios	Raw Food (lbs)
Weight maintenance	1 to 1.25 lbs
Active dogs	1.5 to 2 lbs
Senior, less active, or overweight dogs	0.75 to 1 lbs
Underweight dogs	1.5 to 1.75 lbs

Use our raw dog food calculator to get a more accurate calculation of how much raw food to feed your [Enter Breed]

How Much Raw Food Should Puppies Get?

Puppies require more calories than adult dogs and should consume approximately 5% to 10% of their body weight to support their growth.

Puppy Raw Feeding Chart

General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:

How to Transition Your Dog to A Homemade Raw Dog Diet

When feeding your dog raw food for the first time, it should be done gradually to allow their digestive tract to adjust and prevent stomach issues. Below is a general schedule for transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.

Don’t change your dog’s food abruptly. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dog’s health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to the new diet, you should revert to the previous week in the transition plan and proceed slowly.

What Foods Should Dogs Never Eat?

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

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

Raw Food to Never Feed Dogs

Never feed a raw potato to your dog. Potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can be harmful to some dogs, according to the AKC. Raw tomatoes also have solanine. Cooking them reduces the levels of solanine, but it’s better to err on the safe side by avoiding them altogether. Don’t feed salmon or salmonid species of fish. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causes salmon poisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. The small, brittle bones can choke your dog or lodge in his stomach or intestines. Boneless fish (especially oily fish) are allowed only once a week. Never give fish with sharp spines and barbs. No wild pork, bear meat, or meats from wild animals are allowed, not even after freezing. Wild meats contain more parasites than farm-raised meats.

Dogs That Shouldn’t Eat BARF Diet Recipes

Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs with kidney or liver problems should avoid eating raw. Raw foods are generally high in protein; excess protein can stress these organs, worsening either condition. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic medicine specialist who consults for Nature’s Variety (Instinct, a raw pet food brand), says that dogs on chemotherapy or immune-suppressing drugs should be restricted from eating raw food. For dogs suffering from pancreatitis or digestive problems, starting with a fresh dog food recipe diet before switching to raw is recommended.

Is Homemade Raw Food Good For Dogs?

Is raw food good for dogs? Watch this video and learn about raw dog food from the experts.

Dog Raw Diet Supplement

A balanced raw diet shouldn’t require additional supplementation. However, poorly formulated raw diets by inexperienced dog owners, a dog’s unique dietary needs, or health conditions may require additional supplementation of specific nutrients. Always consult with your vet to create vet-approved raw dog recipes. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your dog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Making balanced raw dog food recipes can be a tedious process. For more advice on BARF diet nutrition and benefits, check out Give Your Dog a Bone by Ian Billinghurst. This book is considered the Bible of healthy raw dog nutrition.

Monitor Weight And Health

A dog’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their overall health, and it is crucial to track these when transitioning to a new diet, such as a BARF diet. If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can facilitate a smooth transition to your dog’s new diet, as well as address 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 obesity in dogs. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop immediately and seek expert advice.

The Bottom Line

Making raw dog food can be fun, but it should be done diligently under the guidance of a professional. It can be daunting at first, but eventually, it becomes second nature, and the benefits are worth it. Now that you know what you want to make, it’s time to assemble a shopping list and start with homemade raw. Have fun! Remember, you can always have already made raw dog food delivered to your dog if you don’t feel like cooking. Don’t want to feed raw today? Another diet that has been proven beneficial for dogs with meat allergies, digestive issues, or food-related health concerns is vegan dog food. It’s worth checking out.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

First Name *

Email Address *

Dog Breed

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

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. Lippert, G., & Sapy, P. (n.d.). Analysis of the longevity of dogs. UKRMB.
2. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. (n.d.). BARF Diet: Raw Pet Food Diets. Darwin’s Pet.
3. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2008). Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 232(5), 687-697.
4. Honey’s Real Dog Food. (2020). The Raw Proof Report. Honey’s Real Dog Food.
5. WebMD. (n.d.). Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks. WebMD.
6. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). BARF poster. DogRisk.
7. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). Puppy’s diet seems to be a significant factor in the development of allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms. University of Helsinki.
8. The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life. (n.d.). Scientific Reports.
9. Podolsky, A. (2019, November 28). Feed the dog not the cancer: The danger of processed dog food. Lyka.
10. Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Eating highly processed foods may raise cancer risk. Harvard Health; Harvard Health.
11. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). Diet and neoplasia in dogs. DogRisk.
12. Hielm-Björkman, A. (n.d.). Thesis on dog diet and health. Helda.
13. DiGirolamo, R., Liston, J., & Matches, J. (1970). The Effects of Freezing on the Survival of Salmonella and E. coli in Pacific Oysters. Journal of Food Science, 35(1), 13-16.