homemade dog food recipes skin allergies

Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Skin Allergies

It can be difficult to feed dogs with allergies. There are a number of ingredients that could cause or irritate skin issues. Feeding a homemade diet is the best way to avoid allergens, but you need to be sure you're also providing balanced nutrition. Thishomemade dog food recipe for skin allergies may need additional supplements to be nutritionally balanced for your pet.

Canines allergies are becoming a very common problem. Whether it's the food you're feeding, an environmental stimulus, or genetics, hypoallergenic dog food may help soothe skin irritation.

Most experts recommend staying away from the following ingredients if your dog is showing signs of skin allergies:

• corn
• eggs
• wheat
• soy
• beef
• chicken

If you believe that your dog is suffering with allergies, food or otherwise, you need to seek assistance from your vet. Do not try to diagnose the condition yourself. While you're going through thetrial-and-error processto determine what is causing the allergy, your dog will continue to suffer.

Your veterinarian will examine your dog and ask about the symptoms your dog is showing. If they believe that allergies are the culprit, they'll perform a blood test to determine what your dog is allergic to. Blood tests will be most accurate when the allergy is in full swing.

Once your vet figures out the allergen(s), they can help you create homemade dog food for skin allergies that excludes the culprit and meets all of your Fido's nutritional needs. Before switching to this recipe (or any other dog food for allergies), you need to discuss it with your vet. They will be able to tell you if the recipe meets the right nutritional requirements and/or recommend supplements to add to the food to make it balanced.

Homemade Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 2 tbsp. turkey liver
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup zucchini (chopped)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Directions

Steam the carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini for 10 minutes. Puree the turkey liver in a food processor. Cook the ground turkey and turkey liver in a skillet over medium heat until brown.

Drain the fat from the turkey and liver. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked meat with the steamed vegetables. Toss with the olive oil and serve once this homemade dog food recipe for skin allergies has cooled.

If you have a very small breed or your dog suffers from dental problems, you can mash this food to make it easier to eat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Therecommended serving size for this homemade dog food recipe for skin allergies is about 1/2 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight. You should feed 2 servings per day.

READ NEXT: 9 Common Skin Problems in Dogs (How To Prevent and Treat Them)

12 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies

When commercial kibble doesn't cut it anymore, many owners turn to homemade dog food for allergies to help their canines that suffer from food-borne allergies.

I know because I did when my dog, Lucky, started itching and avoiding his food.

He even got bald spots and started having diarrhea!

With pre-made food, you never really know what you are going to get.

But when I make food at home, I know they're safe, well-cooked, and carefully prepared.

Food allergy is one of the most common allergies in dogs, and these allergies are more likely to be caused by the environment and sometimes genetics.

However, dogs can still be allergic to various things, including grains, dairy, corn, and meats.

In fact, Dr. Jangi Bajwa, a Board certified veterinary dermatologist at VetDERM Clinic in Surrey, BC., says that:

The most common cause of a canine food allergy is other protein sources such as chicken, beef, and milk products.

With homemade dog food for allergies, you can alter recipes to fit your pups needs.

It's one of the most popular approaches to the elimination diet to help figure out the cause of allergic reactions.

After making meals, we found out that Lucky has sensitivities to chickens.

We're now fixing this with the help of our trusted vet, so all's good.

But I'm still feeding him the following homemade dog meals just to be safe!

Remember that these recipes are just loose suggestions and are not good for every dog.

Always check with your vet before changing your dogs diet and using any of these homemade dog food recipes for allergies.

ASK A VET: Does Hypoallergenic Dog Food Really Work, and Why?

12 Homemade Dog Food for Allergies

1. Turkey Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of turkey (cubed)
• 1 lbs. of turnips
• 1 lb. of spinach (minced)
• lb. of lentils
• cup of olive oil

Directions:

• Add turkey and olive oil to pan or wok.
• Cook on medium-high for about 5 minutes. Stir often.
• Add other ingredients.
• Cook for an additional 15 minutes. Stir often.
• Cool and serve.

2. Crockpot Duck Chuck

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of duck
• 1 cup of rice
• 1 cup of carrots
• 1 cup of green peas
• 2 cups of water

Directions:

• Place ingredients in Crockpot in this order rice, water, vegetables, duck.
• Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Cool and serve.

3. Deerly Easy Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. venison (ground or cubed)
• 2 cups of sweet potatoes (diced)
• 8 oz. of frozen broccoli/cauliflower/carrots combo
• 1 tbsp. dried rosemary
• 6 cups of water

Directions:

• Put water, venison, sweet potatoes, and rosemary into a large Dutch Oven or pot.
• Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce to low heat.
• Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add frozen vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes more.
• Cool and serve.

SIMILAR:Homemade Food for Allergies

4. Cold and Bold Bone Treat

Ingredients:

• cup of coconut oil (melted)
• 1 banana (mashed)
• tsp. ground ginger

Directions:

• Mix banana and coconut oil until completely blended.
• Add ginger and mix again.
• Pour mixture into silicone bone mold.
• Freeze for one hour.

5. Bison Medley

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds ground bison
• 3 cups white basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsps. of raw apple cider vinegar
• 36 ounces of various fresh or frozen veggies
• 1 cups of blueberries
• 6 tbsps. of coconut oil
• 6 tbsps. of ground flax seed

Directions:

• Soak rice in water with apple cider vinegar overnight.
• Strain rice and set aside. (keep the water)
• Add meat to a programmable pressure cooker and saut for about 10 minutes (only want to cook meat about halfway).
• When the meat is about halfway done, add rice and strained liquid.
• Stir together.
• Add veggies and flax seeds on top. Do not stir.
• Cook for an additional 12 minutes.
• Add coconut oil and blueberries.
• Mix completely, cool, and serve.

6. Mutton Mutts Dinner

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. of mutton (cubed)
• 3 cups of oatmeal
• cup of cucumber (shredded)
• 5 tbsps. of fish oil

Directions:

• Boil mutton for 1 hours or until done.
• Cook oats according to package directions.
• Drain water from the mutton and mix in oatmeal, cucumber, and fish oil.
• Serve when cool.

7. Squash Mush

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of ground turkey
• 1 cups of jasmine rice
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 cups of chopped butternut squash
• 1 cups of chopped carrots
• cup of peas, frozen or canned
• 4 cups of water

Directions:

• Place all ingredients into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir together.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.
• Cool and serve.

8. Hearty Healthy Stew

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of turkey thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup of frozen green beans
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1 apple (cored and sliced)
• 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped)
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

• Add water, turkey, carrots, green beans, and apple to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
• Add peas and parsley and cook for 15 minutes more.
• Transfer to a mixing bowl and add olive oil. Mash together.
• Cool and serve.

9. Zucchini Strips

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• 2 tsp. of olive oil
• 1 tsp. of dry-ground mustard
• 1 tsp. of beef bouillon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 200.
• Slice zucchinis to thickness.
• Toss zucchini in olive oil.
• Spread chews out on baking about inch apart.
• Sprinkle lightly with dry mustard and bouillon.
• Bake for 5 hours.
• Cool and serve.

10. Vegetable Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of lean ground turkey
• 2 tbsps. of raw turkey liver (pureed)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup of broccoli florets
• 1 cup of cauliflower florets
• zucchini (sliced)
• 2 tbsps. of olive oil

Directions:

• Steam carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini for about 10 minutes.
• Cook turkey and liver in a skillet until fully browned. Drain.
• Combine meat and vegetables and mash or chop in a food processor.
• Toss with olive oil.
• Serve when cool.

11. Doggy Turkey Stew

Ingredients:

• of ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato (diced)
• 1 medium carrot (diced)
• cup of frozen peas
• 2 tbsps. of coconut oil
• 2 cups of water

Directions:

• Saut meat in a pot until brown.
• Stir in coconut oil, potatoes, carrots, and water.
• Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Stir in frozen peas until heated.
• Cool and serve.

12. Almond Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice flour
• cup of oatmeal
• cup of almond butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. water

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix rice flour, oatmeal, almond butter, and eggs (with shells) in a bowl.
• Slowly stir in water.
• Roll out dough inch thick and shape as desired.
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Cool and serve.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Gluten-Free Homemade Dog Food for AllergiesEffective or Not?

Many dog guardians are into the gluten-free lifestyle, which they also have their pooch do.

And there sure are many benefits to a gluten-free diet, both in humans and pups!

However, Dr. Bajwa said that this lifestyle is not the cure-all for food allergies in dogs. He said:

Like almost all dietary ingredients, gluten is neither inherently good nor bad. Gluten is surely one of the proteins that can cause allergies, but is no worse than chicken or beef. Thus, while gluten-free dog food may be the ideal choice for a small subset of dogs that exhibit gluten-specific sensitivity, it is not the best food for all dogs.

So if your dog has gluten sensitivities, by all means, go ahead with the gluten-free diet!

But if not, it might be best to give your Fido a variety of healthy food so he can get a balanced and nutritious meal from which he'll benefit the most.

If you want to try your hand at making homemade gluten-free meals for your furballs, check these recipes out!

Homemade Dog Food for Allergies: Final Thoughts

So there you have it!

These homemade dog food for allergies recipes are a good start if you want to begin making home-cooked meals for your Fido with sensitivities.

You can also jumpstart your dog's elimination diet with these.

But in general, we recommend you discuss this with your veterinarian before cooking and feeding your dogs with these recipes.

Your vet will know better what to do with your dog's condition.

Good luck, fur parent!

READ NEXT:The Veterinarians Guide on Shopping for Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes: 7 Vet-Approved & Nutritionally Complete

Imagine if you had to eat the same food every day of your life. Beyond being painfully dull, wouldnt you question whether youre getting a nutritionally complete and balanced diet? Welcome to a dogs life. Long ago, before commercially produced dog food, dogs ate many of the same foods as humans. Theres a reason our dogs beg for our food theyre meant to eat a variety.Weve cooked up some tips on how to make dog food, nutrition guidelines, and our favorite homemade dog food recipes.

What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food? 3 Advantages

Homemade dog food can benefit your canine companion in several ways:

1. If you have a pet who suffers from allergies, skin problems, or gastrointestinal sensitivity.
2. Highly-processed foods also lose nutritional value, whereas making dog food from scratch maintains more vital nutrients during the cooking process.
3. With fresh food, you know exactly what your dog is getting versus reading the label and being confused by all the additives and preservatives.

Complete Nutrition From A Veterinarian

That said, homemade dog foods can require a significant amount of time and effort to get right. Homemade dog food needs to contain nutrients dogs need to be healthy. But those nutrients should be right amounts so as not to get too much or too little ofany nutrient.

A veterinary nutritionist has specialized training to help pet parents like yourself make nutritionally balanced meals for your dog. The recipes in this article have all been reviewed by our veterinary consultant with this goal in mind. So you can rest assured these homemade dog food recipes are vet approved.

Its a good idea to have the nutritionally complete homemade dog food recipes in this article handy in case you run out of dog food. Treat your dog like any of your other family members by preparing nutritious food from trusted ingredients.

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What Nutrition Guidelines Should You Follow?

Like humans, every dog is different, so this is not a one-pup-fits-all rule. Serving size, your dogs weight, health conditions, size, and activity level are all factors you should consider when determining whats suitable for your dog.

However, in general, dogs need six basic nutrients to maintain a healthy, balanced diet: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. A mix of these nutrients provides energy for your dogs body to metabolize and grow.

To ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs, you may want to add a fully balanced nutrition blend, like one of these blends from JustFoodForDogs. And in addition to meals, you may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.

Check with your vet before adding any type of supplement to your dogs diet because over-supplementation of vitamins and minerals can sometimes have serious health consequences in dogs.

Necessary Nutrients

Here are the benefits of the necessary nutrients and why its essential your pup has adequate amounts of each (listed in order of priority).

• Protein (chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, and cooked eggs) Helps with the growth and maintenance of cells, tissues, organs, antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
• Fat (from oil and meat) Assists with absorbing specific vitamins, protects and insulates internal organs, and promotes good skin and hair growth.
• Carbohydrates (rice, corn, and beans) Keeps intestines healthy and supplies glucose to critical organs, including the brain.
• Minerals, including calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Give dogs structurally sound bones and teeth, among other benefits.
• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K Promotes eye and skin health, immunity, and more.

Water accounts for 60-70% of a dogs body weight, so its critical that your dog stays hydrated and eats a well-balanced diet. Dehydration can lead to some health issues, so give your dog access to plenty of clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.

Before embarking on a homemade meal plan, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dogs diet sufficiently meets all of his nutritional needs.

Low-Calorie Dog Food Recipes

The recipes listed below are low in calories but should be consumed in moderation (serving sides similar to what they currently eat). Work with your vet to ensure that the amount you feed matches your dogs daily caloric needs.

Homemade Dog Food Delivered

In the age of UberEats, DoorDash, and having just about anything you wish delivered, you also have the option to buy fresh, natural dog food for doorstep delivery. It can be a huge time-saver and may be worth the cost after adding all the ingredients youll need to buy to cook a recipe.

The Farmers Dog ships frozen, allowing you to keep it on hand or serve it daily as a regular meal. This food is made with fresh, healthy, and easy-to-pronounce human-grade ingredients. And you can spend your time on more important things, like belly rubs and walks.

7 Of Our Favorite Homemade Dog Food Recipes

To jump to a recipe youre interested in, click on the link below. We also have some yummy organic dog treat recipes and treats made with Thanksgiving leftovers. You may wish to have a collection of pet food recipes on-hand at all times, making a cookbook an excellent choice. Dinner PAWsible is one of our favorites.

1. CBD-Infused Treats
2. Beef Stew, Doggie Style
3. Turkey, Rice, and Veggie Mix
4. Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
5. Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
6. Grain-Free Chicken Jerky Strips
7. Frozen Banana Treats

Note: The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

CBD-Infused Dog Treats

You can purchase already-made CBD dog treats, but if you want to take a whack at making your own, heres a recipe. Be sure to tell your vet that youre adding CBD to your dogs diet. Check with the manufacturers dosing guidelines of the CBD product you plan on giving your dog to verify youre giving the proper amount.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oat
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• dash of sea salt
• 120 mg CBD oil

Total: Makes 24 treats

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan.
6. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
7. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

Beef Stew, Doggie Style

This recipe is loaded with iron from fresh protein and can be stored in your fridge for most of the week (or frozen and heated up later).

Ingredients

• 1 pound of beef stew meat
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Total: Makes approx. 4 cups (32 fluid ounces)

Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 301
• Protein: 36.7 g
• Fat: 8.4 g
• Carbs: 17.4 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium

Directions

1. Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
2. Slice the beef into small chunks about the size of a nickel.
3. Cook the beef stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
4. Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
5. Dice the sweet potato
6. Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the drippings while whisking to create a thick gravy.
7. Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
8. Cook until the carrots are tender about 10 minutes.
9. Let it cool and serve.
10. Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe from: Money Crashers

Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix

This is an excellent, low-calorie, and low-fat recipe for pooches who may need to keep the pounds off. With a good balance of lean animal protein, healthy carbs, and veggies, it yields 12 cups of dog food and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups uncooked brown rice
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 (16 ounces) package of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower

Total: Makes approx. 10 cups

Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 11.5 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Carbs: 32 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium

Directions

1. Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
2. Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and cool.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe from: Allrecipes

Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal

We love this recipe for its nutritional value, quick prep time (10 minutes), and easy crockpot cooking. It yields 12 cups and, like the beef stew, can be frozen for future feedings.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
• 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned

Total: Makes approx. 12 cups (or 88 fluid ounces)

Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 39.1g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 44.2 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium, Calcium

Directions

1. Stir in all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or high heat for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Stir as needed and cool to room temperature.

Recipe from: Damn Delicious

Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Are you looking for a doggiedigestive aid? Pumpkin is easy on sour stomachs and can help alleviate your dogs digestive issues. These homemade dog biscuits are a great way to introduce an all-natural tummy aid into your pups diet.

Ingredients

• 1 can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain-free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain-free flour)
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Total: Makes approx. 24 treats

Nutritional Info (per 1 biscuit serving):

• Calories: 27
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbs: 2.8 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Iron

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
4. Pour a floured surface and roll the dough to 1/2 thick. Cut out using a cookie cutter.
5. The dough will be a little sticky; add a dusting of flour to your hands and the rolling pin to help. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.

Recipe from: My Baking Addiction

Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe: Chicken Jerky Strips

Dont trust store-bought rawhides, which often have a ton of additives and preservatives? Homemade chicken jerky strips are a perfect replacement. This grain-free recipe is a much healthier alternative and very easy to make. Store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks (if they last that long!).

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 boneless, 3-oz skinless chicken breasts
• Total: Makes approx. 10-20 strips

Nutritional Info (per 1 stick serving):

• Calories: 33
• Protein: 7.8 g
• Fat: >1g
• Carbs: 0 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Potassium

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Trim all excess fat off the chicken breasts.
3. Cut into 1/8 inch thick strips using a paring knife.
4. Bake for 2 hours on a baking sheet until the strips are dry and hard.
5. Cool completely before presenting to your pup.

Recipe from: Top Dog Tips

Frozen Banana Treats

After a long walk in the hot sun, what pooch wouldnt want a refreshingly cool treat? We love this simple recipe yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Its a frozen smoothie for your dog. Need we say more?

Ingredients

• 4 cups plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
• 3 ripe bananas, peeled & mashed

Total: Makes approx. 8 1-oz treats

Nutritional Info (per 1 treat serving):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8.5 g
• Fat: 3.7 g
• Carbs: 19.5 g
• Minerals & Vitamins: Calcium, Potassium, Iron

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients into a puree.
2. Pour into 4-ounce plastic cups (ice trays or toddler popsicle trays work well).
3. Freeze until firm.
4. Can keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe from: Dr. Marty

Best Cooking Practices

Its important not to stray from homemade dog food recipes or substitute ingredients as you might for yourself and your family. Dogs have different nutritional needs that require cooking recipes exactly as instructed. Be sure to cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria, and cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier for your pup to digest.

When in doubt, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternativeby Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. First published in 1999, the book is considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade pet nutrition. For even more cooking options, be sure to check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

We strongly emphasize first discussing your dogs specific nutritional needs with your vet, as every pup is different. And remember that switching your dogs food to homemade from kibble is a slow process, so patience is key.

Cooking For Canines: Online Help

Theres no shortage of homemade dog food recipes you can find online. We found this fun and informative video series that gives you weekly recipe tutorials, tips, and more. Check it out in case you want to subscribe through YouTube.

What About BARF?

You might have heard of a raw diet fad, more commonly known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). The basic idea is to feed your dog raw meats, grains, and veggies like his canine ancestors ate millions of years ago.

BARF has gained popularity among dog owners in recent years. However, the FDA and significant veterinary organizations strongly advocate against raw food diets for dogs. So, we suggest you speak with your vet before starting down this path. Learn more about the benefits and risks and get a raw dog food recipe to try at home in our raw dog food diets article.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe For Dogs?

The FDA has not found a significantlink between grain-free dog food and heart health. However, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet if you have any concerns.

What Foods Should Your Dog Never Eat?

As a dog owner, youve likely come across this essential list before, but its always good to have it on hand as a reminder, especially if youre cooking dog food from scratch. The principal toxic foods include:

• Chocolate
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

For a more extensive list, check out this article on foods not to feed dogs.

Did you know that most pet insurance policies cover accidental injury and poisoning? Find out what else is commonly included inour pet insurance comparison.

Tired Of Cooking?

If all that sounds like a lot of work, but you want yourpup to experience homemade food with the convenience of having it delivered to your doorstep, give The Farmers Dog a shot. With The Farmers Dog, you can have natural, fresh dog food sent right to your house (were big fans and customers ourselves)!

While DIY dog food recipes can be fun to make and a healthy alternative to consuming canned food or kibble, they may still lack all the essential minerals and vitamins needed. In addition to The Farmers Dog fresh food, we encourage you to check out these other dog food delivery options that are specially formulated by dog nutritionists and shipped directly to you for your pup to enjoy. Also, visit our reviews of dog food for all types of diets, ages, and health concerns.

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

• Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
• Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
• Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
• Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
• Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Staying informed on every dog food recall
• Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
• Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.