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DIY Dog Food: The Journey from Family Experiment to Canine Cuisine Success! 

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane. It’s 2008, and my sister and I were deep in the rabbit hole of organic, clean living—not just for ourselves but for our furry family members too. Yes, we were those crunchy pet parents, throwing out the kibble and busting out the cooking pots for our dogs’ dinners! We joked (often) about selling our homemade dog food at local farmers’ markets because our dogs went absolutely bonkers for it. We’d even laugh about how one day, we could be the first fresh dog food company to sell in stores too. (Yup, way before the Farmers Dog came out and it was cool to do). If we’d actually gone for it, I’d probably be typing this from a yacht somewhere in the Mediterranean, drink in hand. 

But why did we start cooking for our dogs in the first place? Jager, my sister’s 165-pound Rottweiler with a serious allergy situation, was the reason. Poor guy had red, cracked circles around his eyes, itchy skin, and bald patches that no amount of Benadryl or vet-prescribed allergy shots could fix. It wasn’t until we took a hard look at his diet that things started to change. Fast-forward to years later: I went through the same journey with my Great Dane, Wrigley, who developed pancreatitis and needed a special, limited diet. And you know what? The homemade dog food worked wonders on both of them! 

Why Make Your Own Dog Food? 

Many pet parents turn to homemade dog food for reasons that range from health needs to cost savings (hello, Costco’s organic rice in bulk!). Here are the biggest perks we’ve found: 

1. Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into each meal—no fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. 

1. Tackling Health Issues: Dogs like Jager with food sensitivities thrive on custom-made meals. Avoiding common allergens like grains or certain meats can make all the difference. 

1. Higher-Quality Nutrition: Cooking fresh meals allows us to use top-quality ingredients like lean meats, fresh vegetables, and grains, making sure they’re nutrient-dense. 

1. Diet-Specific Needs: Whether it’s for Wrigley’s pancreatitis, kidney concerns, or diabetes, homemade dog food is tailor-made to fit. 

1. Trust and Safety: With pet food recalls on the rise, homemade meals give pet parents peace of mind. 

1. Cost Control: Surprise, surprise! Making your own dog food can actually be budget-friendly, especially if you’re cooking with ingredients you already buy in bulk. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking: But what about all the supplements and vitamins that come in store-bought dog food? Well, this is where my wonderful sister-in-law, who just so happens to be a veterinarian, swooped in with her expert advice! 

Supplements We Use to Keep Our Dogs Thriving 

To keep our pups’ nutrition balanced, we add the following supplements: 

• NaturVet Calcium-Phosphorus For Dogs: Essential for strong bones. 

• Super Greens Powder (Natural Dog Company) and Wholistic Pet Organics Multivitamin: Boost immunity, support digestion, and make sure our dogs get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

Pro tip: You can even grind up organic eggshells to add a little calcium boost to your dog’s meals—just pulse them in a food processor and sprinkle over their food. 

Homemade Dog Food Recipes 

Start simple! Try making my favorite Instant Pot dog food recipe. And, if you’re really feeling frisky, try making this healthy and easy dog treat recipe too!  

Turkey & Veggie Dog Food (Instant Pot Method) 

Ingredients: 

• 3 lbs ground turkey 

• 3 cups organic rice 

• 1 bag frozen organic green beans (or broccoli) 

• 1 bag frozen organic carrots 

• 3 cups water 

• 2 TBSP organic coconut oil 

• 1 sweet potato, diced (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot. 

1. Cook on manual for 30 minutes, then natural release. 

1. Once done, mix thoroughly. Sometimes I’ll throw in a scrambled egg or top with banana slices or a spoonful of pumpkin puree to add variety and a digestion boost! 

Bad Breath Doggie Mint Treats 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup fresh mint 

• ½ cup fresh parsley 

• 1 egg 

• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats 

• 3 tbsp coconut oil 

• ¼ cup water 

Instructions: 

1. Pulse oats in a food processor until they’re a fine powder. 

1. Mix in the mint, parsley, egg, and coconut oil. 

1. Roll out dough and use cookie cutters to shape. Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes. 

These treats are a lifesaver for doggie breath—and my dog Bam adores them! 

Foods to Avoid 

When cooking for your dogs, remember that some human foods can be toxic to them. Here’s a quick list to keep on hand: 

• Chocolate 

• Grapes and Raisins 

• Onions and Garlic 

• Avocado 

• Xylitol (often found in sugar-free products) 

• Macadamia Nuts 

Dog-Safe, Healthy Foods to Include 

Conversely, these foods are wonderful additions to any doggy diet (in moderation): 

• Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef 

• Carrots and green beans for fiber 

• Sweet potatoes for essential vitamins 

• Blueberries and apples (no seeds!) for antioxidants 

• Pumpkin for digestion 

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Food 

Here’s what we noticed when we switched to homemade food: 

1. Healthier Skin & Coat: Our dogs’ coats looked shinier, and their skin was far less itchy and inflamed. 

1. Improved Digestion: Wrigley’s pancreatitis symptoms were well-managed, and Bam’s infamous bad breath improved significantly! 

1. Reduced Allergies: Jager’s eye inflammation cleared up, and his fur started to grow back in those bare patches. 

1. Cost Savings: Buying in bulk and cooking in batches saved us quite a bit! 

So, if you’re on the fence about making your dog’s food, consider this: What you put in their bowl today can mean fewer vet visits and a happier, healthier dog tomorrow. 

Start Your Own Homemade Dog Food Journey! 

Thinking about giving homemade dog food a try? Remember to consult a vet to ensure you’re covering all your dog’s nutritional needs. And don’t forget those supplements—just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet with the right nutrients to thrive! 

Share Your Experiences! 

Do you already make homemade dog food or treats? Share your recipes, tips, or questions in the comments below! Whether you’re here for the special dietary requirements, health benefits, recipes, savings, or just to spoil your fur babies, I hope these recipes make your journey as rewarding as ours has been!  

And if you haven’t tried it yet, I dare you to make your first batch of homemade dog food and watch your pup’s reaction—it’s priceless!