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As a pet parent, I love making homemade dog food because it gives me peace of mind knowing exactly what my pup is eating. This simple recipe uses real, human grade ingredients like chicken, brown rice, and vegetables to create a balanced meal my dog truly enjoys. It is easy to prepare, budget friendly, and completely free from unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients.
My dog goes absolutely bonkers for this homemade dog food. When he came home from the dog sitters with an upset stomach, this was his go-to meal until his tummy got on track. After that, he gave me a serious side-eye when I tried to give him his usual kibble. Needless to say, he no longer gets the store bought dog food. This recipe provides a balanced mix of quality protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables that help keep him healthy and energized. It’s simple, cost-effective, and a cleaner option compared to processed kibble.
I cannot stress this enough. Before you introduce your dog to any type of new food, you should always check with your vet.
While your pup enjoys this homemade dog food, you can also spoil them with other pet-friendly favorites. Some of my top snacks include Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats, refreshing Frozen Dog Treats, and fun Dog Cupcakes for special occasions or just because.
Key Ingredients
Below is a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this recipe. Full measurements are listed in the recipe card.
- Brown rice: White rice is also safe for pups and easy for doggie digestion. It cooks faster, usually in about 20 minutes, so adjust the cooking time if you make the swap.
- Lean ground chicken: Chicken is safe for dogs as long as it is fully cooked and unseasoned. Drain any excess fat and check for bones before serving. You can also use lean ground turkey or lean ground beef.
- Spinach: Spinach is safe in moderation. Large amounts are not recommended because it contains oxalates, which can affect dogs with kidney issues. The amount in this recipe is moderate and safe for most healthy dogs.
- Carrot: Carrots are nutritious and easy for dogs to digest, providing vitamin A and fiber.
- Zucchini: Other squash varieties can be substituted depending on what your dog likes or what you have on hand.
Just like humans, every dog is different, so this is not meant to be a one-pup-fits-all recipe.
Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.
How to Make Homemade Dog Food
- Cook the rice: In a large pot, combine water and brown rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked and soft.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, brown the ground chicken over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the spinach, carrot, and zucchini. Cook until the veggies are softened.
- Combine: Mix the cooked rice with the chicken and vegetable mixture until well combined.
- Cool: Let the food cool completely before serving it to your dog or storing it for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can, but it needs to be balanced for your dog’s size, age, and health. Always check with your vet before feeding homemade food long term.
Portion sizes depend on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Your vet can help you figure out the right amount for your pup.
Puppies have special nutritional needs. Always talk with your veterinarian before feeding homemade food to puppies.
It’s best to switch gradually. Mix small amounts of homemade food with your dog’s current food over several days to avoid stomach upset.
Yes, as long as they are safe for dogs. Good options include carrots, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin puree. Broccoli and kale are also safe, but best served in small amounts as a treats. Avoid onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and mushrooms.
This recipe is a healthy homemade option, but may not meet all of your dog’s long-term nutritional needs. Dogs need nutrients like calcium and certain vitamins and minerals, which may require supplements. Always consult your veterinarian if you plan to feed homemade food regularly.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Prepare in advance: You can make this homemade dog food ahead of time and portion it for several days or even weeks.
- Refrigerate properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Serve safely: Let the food reach room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving until hot.
- Freeze for later: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months, so healthy meals are always ready when you need them.
You Might Also Like These Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
- Homemade Dog Treats
- Beef Jerky for Dogs
- Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Yogurt Dog Treats
- Minty Fresh Dog Pupsicles
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2 pounds lean ground chicken
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1 large carrot shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 small zucchini shredded (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- In a large pot or saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and brown rice. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer (medium low to low heat) and cover.2 cups brown rice
- Cook rice for 45 minutes or until rice is completely soft and cooked through and all the water is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, cook the ground chicken on a large skillet over medium high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.2 pounds lean ground chicken
- Add the spinach, carrot, and zucchini to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the spinach wilts, and the other vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.2 cups spinach, 1 large carrot, 1 small zucchini
- Take the chicken and vegetable mixture off the heat and set aside to cool.
- When the rice is finished cooking, stir together the rice and ground chicken mixture.
- Let cool completely before serving to your dog or storing for later.
Jenn’s Notes
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator no more than 2 hours after cooking the food. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days after that.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the dog food in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
- It’s not usually advised to abruptly change your dog’s diet. Start transitioning your pet to homemade food by mixing some of this homemade dog food in with their regular food for a few days until they are used to the new food. And again, always consult your vet before feeding your pet something new.
- To give your dog a variety of different nutrients, you can use different meats, carbs, and vegetables to customize your dog’s food.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and well-balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
I love your site most of the time.In this instance I don’t think this is a can of worms you should’ve opened.You can cover by saying “consult your vet” but you know most of the readers,Imo,won’t do that.I think this is outside of your wheelhouse.
way to many carbs and no secreting organs or muscle meat. Some dogs need specific things if they have specific issues also. Not balanced..no good sources of oil..to much rice. No explanation of how much to feed. Great treat but this is not a balanced dog food and you will be robbing your dog of needed nutrients and vitamins plus filling its gut with to many carbs which is not good for the heart.
I made this dog food using beef and deer burger. My picky eater has cleaned up her bowl at each feeding and tells me when it time for her next meal. Thank you so much…
This recipe does not contain enough meat protein compared to all of the carbohydrates are in the recipe. Rice, carrots, zucchini, spinach are all carbs. The 2 pounds of ground chicken will shrink to about 1 1/34 pounds when cooked. There is no calcium source, no oily fish, no secreting organ (for much needed important vitamins and minerals). This would make a nice “treat” for a dog (I’m sure it tastes good), but to be used continually for a “meal” just isn’t balanced.
This isn’t nutritionally balanced and should not be fed exclusively or for more than a treat. It must have calcium supplementation for balancing the calcium/phosphorus ratio (or the dog’s body will pull calcium from the dog’s that skeleton to create balance) and it lacks secreting organ which provides important vitamins and minerals. It’s also pretty heavy in carbohydrates (grain and vegetables) vs animal proteins. Dog really need more animal protein in their diets vs carbs.
Where do you find the measurements of how much to feed your dog according to its size and weight?
You will want to check with your vet!
I am definitely going to try this. My baby has no teeth so this will be great for her. Thank you.
would like learning how
How many cups does this completed recipe make?
I just made this recipe and it is close to 12 cups cooked. I plan on giving my 50lb bully 1 cup twice a day. Which means this recipe will work for 6 days. I used chicken breast from Walmart in the large 4lb packages and shredded it up instead of ground chicken. All together this recipe cost about $13. I will have to make it 5 times to have a month worth, costing me $65 for the month. Which I currently pay chewy $125 a month for his current food. The other changes that I made for my dog was added a small touch of celtic salt for nutrients, turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper.
How much would You feed a dog a day please!
This is something you should check with your vet about. Every dogs size and breed would be different.
Pretty basic to most other dog foods. If you’ve got a small dog 30lbs or less I’d do half a cup twice a day. Medium size dog 30-60 lbs I’d do 1 cup twice a day. 60-100 1.5cups twice a day. 100+ 2 cups twice a day. Just start with this and keep an eye on how hungry they are and watch their weight. Every dog reacts differently.
you’re not feeding your dog enough food if you’re only giving it a half a cup of food a day but you don’t know it should be 1 3/4 -3 cups a day .
My mini dachshunds get 1/4 cup am and pm + a treat at night. I add a little olive oil when cooking.