Portuguese Water Dog Homemade Food Recipes & Guide

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

Portuguese Water Dogs aren’t average pets—they’re muscular, high-energy, and genetically wired for endurance, which means their nutritional needs are higher and more specific than most dog owners realize. When diet falls short, the consequences show up fast: dull coats, digestive issues, joint stress, and energy crashes that feel “normal” until they’re not. For a breed prone to hip issues, allergies, and skin sensitivities, what you put in the bowl isn’t just food—it’s preventive care. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to prepare homemade meals for Portuguese Water Dogs, covering ideal macronutrient ratios, vet-approved ingredients, portion sizes by life stage, and common mistakes to avoid—so you can feed with confidence, not guesswork.

Portuguese Water Dog Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are some main benefits of cooking for your Portuguese Water Dog.

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, combating food intolerance and allergy issues, and avoiding 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.

Reasons to Feed Homemade Food to Portuguese Water Dogs

A homemade, fresh diet can help manage, prevent, and potentially alleviate health problems in Portuguese Water Dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog Homemade Dog Food Risks

Research by the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as two studies published in The Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science, found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients. Additionally, some recipes contain dangerously high levels of certain nutrients.^[6],[7],[8] Here are the key findings:

How to Avoid These Risks

• Understand your dog’s nutritional needs
• Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Ensure your dog’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 your dog’s life stage (puppies, adults, or seniors)

✅ Consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist through platforms like Dutch (available anytime, anywhere) to ensure your homemade recipe is complete and balanced for your dog’s breed, age, and health needs. You can also chat with an online vet. 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.

✅ Use a dog gut health test to understand your dog’s microbiome and tailor meals for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

✅ Conduct a dog allergy test to identify food sensitivities and avoid ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.

✅ Supplement homemade food properly with essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids to prevent nutrient deficiencies. The best supplement to ensure your dog’s meals are complete and balanced is The Farmer’s Dog DIY Nutrient Mix. Alternatively, Ruff Greens VitaSmart is another great option you can sprinkle over your dog’s food for a balanced diet.

How to Make Homemade Food For Portuguese Water Dogs

Homemade dog food must include the six essential nutrients for proper growth, function, and health: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. It’s also important to consider your dog’s weight, size, activity level, and any health conditions.

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.

Portuguese Water Dog Calorie Requirements

Use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your Portuguese Water Dog based on its weight. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would account for 90% of the total calories, and treats the remaining 10%.

Homemade Food For Portuguese Water Dog Puppies

A Portuguese Water Dog puppy’s dietary requirements differ from those of an adult Portuguese Water Dog. Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

A Pup Above is one of our homemade dog food delivery options. They offer various fresh, homemade dog food options tailored to your dog’s unique dietary needs, age, health conditions, and nutritional goals. For instance, if your dog has food-related health issues like allergies or illnesses, A Pup Above can create a customized recipe tailored to their needs. 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 a dog food delivery service saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things, such as taking your dog for walks or training. 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.

Use code CANINEBIBLE50 for $50 OFF on $100+ orders (or CANINEBIBLE for 25% OFF on subscriptions). Use this link to get started.

Best Homemade Food For Portuguese Water Dogs

The best homemade food for Portuguese Water Dogs is a balanced diet that provides optimal nutrients for proper function, taking into account your dog’s nutritional needs and overall health. We highly recommend A Pup Above or Spot & Tango as the best commercially available homemade food for Portuguese Water Dogs, adults, and puppies. Don’t feel like cooking for your dog? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs.

Best Homemade Food Recipes for Portuguese Water Dogs

Browse the best homemade food recipes for Portuguese Water Dogs. We’ve also included a special treat recipe for your dog, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient: dog CBD oil. CBD 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, as they depend on your dog’s breed, weight, age, activity level, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount you’d give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

Gourmet Delight for Portuguese Water Dogs

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treat For Portuguese Water Dogs

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

Remember to consult your vet to ensure CBD is safe for your dog and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can purchase commercially available CBD dog treats, allowing your pup to experience the benefits of CBD without the hassle of 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 CBD 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.

Chicken & Rice Delight Recipe For Portuguese Water Dogs

Many dogs have a soft spot for chicken, making this dish a universal favorite among canines. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your dog gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Chicken preparation. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings.
2. Rice preparation. In a pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions or until it’s soft and fluffy. Once done, set aside.
3. Gravy creation. Warm the chicken drippings in the pan over medium to low heat. Combine ½ cups of water or chicken broth with ½ cups of flour. Gently stir until the mixture becomes smooth. Continue cooking until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
4. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
5. Cooling. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving to ensure it’s safe for your dog.

Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast Recipe For Portuguese Water Dogs

As a lean protein, Turkey is excellent for dogs aiming for a healthy weight. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa – a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. A nourishing blend of lean protein and wholesome veggies, it’s the ideal meal for your dog.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until it is fully cooked. Ensure it’s crumbled well to make it easier for your dog to digest.
2. Preparing the feast: Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
3. Simmering. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent.
4. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft.
5. Finishing touches. Once the heat is off, stir in the fish oil and sprinkle with turmeric, ensuring it is well mixed.
6. Storing. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days.

Beefy & Veggie Medley Recipes For Portuguese Water Dogs

This delicious and nourishing recipe is packed with lean protein from grass-fed beef and fortified with the nutritional punch of veggies. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your dog gets essential vitamins and nutrients.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Egg prep: Boil the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them.
2. Beef cooking. Brown the ground sirloin over medium heat in a large skillet, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
3. Mix & combine. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil.
4. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined.
5. Serve & store. Serve the mixture in your dog’s dish, ensuring it’s cooled to a safe temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More Portuguese Water Dog Homemade Food Recipes

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

Make Homemade Dog Food Faster & Balanced With This Machine

The ChefPaw Pet Food Maker is a game-changer for pet parents who want to feed fresh, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It blends, cooks, and mixes ingredients in one automated device, streamlining the entire process from preparation to cleanup. With a large 6.4 lb batch capacity and cook time of just 40 minutes, you can prep a week’s worth of meals in one go. Its precise temperature control and programmable settings ensure consistent results and safe food handling every time. It also helps eliminate guesswork, making it easier to create balanced meals with the right texture and nutrient retention. Whether you’re cooking in bulk or customizing meals for allergies or preferences, ChefPaw saves time, reduces mess, and supports healthier meals feeding with less effort at a fraction of the cost of premium kibble. Additionally, the free ChefPaw App provides over 50 balanced recipes with step-by-step instructions, detailed nutritional breakdowns, and custom portion guides specifically tailored to your dog.

How to Cook Homemade Food For Portuguese Water Dogs ( Video)

Watch this video and learn how to cook homemade meals for dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog Homemade Cooking Tips

Follow these best practices when preparing your dog’s next meal.

1. Set a consistent feeding schedule
2. Meal prep weekly or monthly
3. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs
4. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days
5. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low
6. If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color-code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals
7. Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy)
8. Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows
9. Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories

Health-Based Dietary Changes In Portuguese Water Dogs

Monitor Weight And Health

A dog’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 dog is fed the right dog food. If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. Unbalanced meal plans can cause skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and dog obesity. If you notice any of these symptoms while feeding your dog, stop immediately and consult an expert.

Foods Your Portuguese Water Dog Should Never Eat

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients that dogs should avoid.

Here is the complete list of toxic dog foods. Alternatively, consider buying a magnetic dog list to put on your refrigerator as a reminder when cooking for your dog.

The Bottom Line

Feeding a Portuguese Water Dog isn’t just about choosing between kibble or homemade—it’s about honoring what this breed was built to do and giving their body the fuel to support it. When done correctly, homemade dog food can improve coat quality, digestion, energy levels, and long-term joint and immune health, especially for a breed with high activity demands and known sensitivities. That said, homemade doesn’t mean unstructured. Balance, variety, and proper supplementation are what separate a health-boosting diet from one that quietly creates deficiencies. By following breed-appropriate portions, rotating high-quality proteins, and working with vet-approved nutritional guidelines, you can turn every meal into a form of proactive care. Ultimately, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s intention. When you understand your Portuguese Water Dog’s unique needs and feed accordingly, you’re not just filling a bowl—you’re supporting a longer, stronger, and more vibrant life.

Are there other alternatives to homemade dog 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 or even prepare homemade raw dog food. Additionally, if your Portuguese Water Dog is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues, consider exploring vegan dog food options. Plant-based diets are also gaining popularity among dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues.

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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.