Top Homemade Cooked Dog Food & Treat Recipes of 2023

As we approach the end of the year, many dog parents are looking to add more fresh whole foods to their dog's daily diet.  Whether it be homemade dog treats, dog toppers or full home-cooked meals even a little fresh food can go a long way in your dog's health and longevity.   In the spirit of embracing a healthier lifestyle for our dogs in the upcoming year, let's share our top homemade dog food recipes of 2023.  Each of our recipes has been reviewed by dog nutitionist to be nutritionally balaance and all our products have been formulated with vets. These recipes not only cater to your dog's nutritional needs but also introduce a variety foods, ensuring every meal becomes enjoyable. The recipes range treats to full meals for your dog.  Let's dive into Dog Child’s TOP 10 homemade dog food recipes that were the most downloaded & viewed by dog parents.

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1. Sweet Potato Chews

Cooking for your dog can be both simple and budget-friendly. These sweet potato dog chews are not only a quick and economical treat but also a favorite among dogs. With sweet potatoes as the sole ingredient, these treats are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients, promoting a healthy diet. The high fiber content supports a robust digestive system, and when stored in an air-tight container, they can last 2-3 weeks.

Pro Tip: No air fryer? No problem! Use an oven at 250°F and bake for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through.

2. Homemade Easy Ground Beef Recipe

Nourishing your dog with homemade food can be easy with this nutritionally balanced recipe. Featuring lean ground beef, eggs, frozen spinach, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, and Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix, it provides a balanced and delicious meal. Cook the ground beef, add the ingredients, stir in the nutrient mix, and serve a wholesome feast that combines convenience and nutrition and goes above traditional dog food. 

3. Chicken Pot Pup Pie

Indulge your dog with a classic chicken pot pie reminiscent of Grandma's cooking. This one-pot dish is brimming with tender vegetables and flavorful chicken, creating a broth-y delight that will leave your dog begging for more. The addition of fish oil contributes extra omega oils for a healthy skin and coat.

4. Air fryer Jerky

Craft easy and affordable Chicken Jerky treats for your dog using an air fryer. In just 90 minutes, you can prepare treats that your pup will love, at half the cost of store-bought treats.

5. Doggy Banana Pancakes

Share breakfast with your dog with these banana pancakes. Rich in nutrients and a source of healthy carbohydrates, spoil your pup with these 5-ingredient banana pancakes. Simple, delicious, and nutritious, they're made with healthy, whole human-grade ingredients. Bananas provide fiber for healthy digestion.  Remember to serve these only as a special treat and not as your dog's daily breakfast.

6. Beef & Barley Stew

As winter sets in, warm your dog's heart with a homemade beef, mushroom, and barley stew. Filled with nutrient-rich ingredients, this slow-cooked dog food recipe is easy and tasty.

7. Stuffed Bell Pepper

Elevate your dog's meals with a stuffed bell peppers. Packed with lean ground beef and Dog Child’s Mixed Veggie Meal Mix, this recipe is healthy and uses all natural enrichement a pepper.   You can freeze the pepper for an added challenge for your dog to chew.

8. Air Fried Chicken Hearts

Air-fried chicken hearts for dogs provide a simple yet nutrient-packed option. Preheat your air fryer, add chicken hearts, spray with oil, and in just 20 minutes, you have a tasty and wholesome treat for your pup.

9. Dog Salmon Fried Rice

This homemade salmon recipe is a great source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids for your pup. The tasty combination of salmon, rice, carrots and peas is the perfect meal for your pup. We recommend either salt-free canned salmon for dogs or you can follow our recipe for easy instructions on how to cook salmon for dogs.

10. Doggy Turkey Pumpkin Squares

For an easy meal prep option, try these turkey and pumpkin meal squares featuring Dog Child Grain Free Meal Mix, ground turkey, and pumpkin. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's a complete and balanced fall meal for your dog.

Shop Dog Child Meal Mixes

Our Meal Mixes - Cook your dog fresh delicious meals in 15 minutes a week, with the confidence that they are getting the optimal nutrients. In just 3 easy steps, mix in cooked protein (beef, lamb, turkey, chicken or pork), Dog Child Meal Mix, water and oil. Bon Appetit!

Indulge your pup with these home cooked dog food recipes, knowing you're providing them with delicious homemade meals that cater to your dog's nutritional needs.

As we say goodbye to the year, let's continue to prioritize the health and happiness of our dogs in 2024 by incorporating home cooking. The realm of homemade dog food recipes offers an array of choices, from sweet potato chews to air-fried chicken hearts. These recipes not only healthy but also introduce a level of variety and excitement that goes beyond typical kibble. As you step into the new year, consider the joy of crafting meals for your dog that reflect the love and care you have for them. Here's to a year filled with homemade delights, tail wags, and the boundless joy of a healthy, happy dog.

FAQ

Why should I consider home cooking for my dog instead of commercial dog food?

Home cooking allows you to have better control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresh and wholesome diet without preservatives or additives commonly found in some commercial dog foods.  Feeding fresh food also has many health benefits and has been shown to increase dog's life span.

What nutritional benefits does home cooking offer that commercial dog food may not provide?

Home-cooked meals enable you to tailor your dog's diet to meet specific nutritional needs, potentially addressing individual health concerns or dietary requirements that commercial options might not cover adequately.

How does home cooking contribute to my dog's overall health and well-being?

By providing a well-balanced and customized diet, home cooking can contribute to better digestion, improved coat condition, increased energy levels, and overall enhanced health for your dog.

Can home-cooked meals help manage certain health conditions in dogs?

Yes, a carefully crafted home-cooked diet can be beneficial in managing health conditions such as allergies, sensitivities, or specific dietary requirements recommended by your veterinarian.

What role does ingredient quality play in the benefits of home cooking for dogs?

Using high-quality, fresh ingredients in home-cooked meals ensures that your dog receives essential nutrients without the fillers and artificial components that may be present in some commercial dog foods.

How does home cooking contribute to better weight management for dogs?

Home cooking allows you to control portion sizes and choose ingredients that support weight management, helping to prevent obesity and promote a healthy weight for your dog.

Can home-cooked meals improve my dog's digestion and reduce gastrointestinal issues?

Yes, a well-balanced home-cooked diet can contribute to improved digestion, potentially reducing common gastrointestinal issues that some dogs may experience with certain commercial dog foods.

In what ways can home cooking benefit the palatability of my dog's meals?

Home-cooked meals often offer a variety of flavors and textures, making them more appealing to dogs. This can be especially beneficial for picky eaters or dogs with specific taste preferences.