7 Cheap Homemade Dog Food Ideas
Let’s face it: feeding your dog can get expensive. Between premium kibble, fancy treats, and the occasional steak, your wallet might be crying more than your pup when you leave the house.
But what if I told you there’s a way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and full without breaking the bank? Enter: homemade dog food.
Not only is making your own dog food cheaper, but it also lets you control exactly what goes into your furry friend’s bowl. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers 😉 Here are 7 ideas you need to try!
1. Chicken & Rice Bowl
This classic combo is a go-to for a reason. It’s simple, nutritious, and easy on your dog’s stomach—perfect for pups with sensitive tummies or recovering from an upset. Plus, it’s so easy to make, even your cat could probably do it (but let’s not give them any ideas).
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded, no bones or skin)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup steamed carrots (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken thoroughly and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Steam the carrots until soft and chop them into small pieces.
- Mix everything together in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil if desired, and serve!
Pro Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken (just make sure it’s plain and boneless) to save even more time and money.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Beef & Veggie Stew
Who says stew is just for humans? This hearty dish is packed with protein and veggies, making it a balanced meal for your pup. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without your dog even noticing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 cup sweet potatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the sweet potatoes, green beans, and peas to the pot.
- Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
- Let it cool before serving. Bon appétit, pup!
Fun Fact: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, making them a superfood for dogs. Who knew?
3. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Bites
Looking for a quick snack or treat? These no-bake bites are perfect for training sessions or just spoiling your dog (because let’s be honest, they deserve it). Plus, pumpkin is great for digestion—so it’s a win-win.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)
- 1 cup oats
Instructions
- Mix the pumpkin puree and peanut butter in a bowl.
- Gradually add the oats until the mixture is thick and moldable.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve as a treat or snack. Your dog will go nuts!
Warning: These are so good, your dog might start demanding them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 😅
4. Turkey & Quinoa Mix
Quinoa is a powerhouse grain that’s packed with protein and essential amino acids. Paired with turkey, it’s a lean, mean, energy-boosting meal for your pup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey thoroughly and drain any excess fat.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Mix the turkey, quinoa, spinach, and blueberries in a bowl.
- Serve at room temperature. Watch your dog devour it in seconds.
Did You Know? Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which are great for your dog’s overall health. Who says dogs can’t eat like royalty?
5. Salmon & Sweet Potato Mash
Salmon isn’t just for fancy dinners—it’s also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids for your dog’s coat and skin. Paired with sweet potatoes, this mash is a nutrient-packed meal your pup will love.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked salmon (boneless)
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup peas
Instructions
- Cook the salmon thoroughly and remove any bones.
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Mix the salmon, sweet potatoes, and peas in a bowl.
- Serve and watch your dog’s tail go into overdrive.
Pro Tip: Use canned salmon (in water, no salt added) for an even quicker option.
6. Egg & Veggie Scramble
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, and when scrambled with some dog-friendly veggies, they make a quick and easy meal. It’s like breakfast for dinner, but for your dog.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 1/4 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini and carrots, cooking until soft.
- Scramble the eggs in the same pan, mixing with the veggies.
- Let it cool before serving. Breakfast is served, pup!
Fun Fact: Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your dog needs. Science!
7. Tuna & Oatmeal Delight
Tuna is a budget-friendly protein that’s perfect for dogs (in moderation, of course). Paired with oatmeal, it’s a filling and nutritious meal that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned tuna (in water, no salt added)
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
- 1/4 cup peas
Instructions
- Cook the oatmeal according to package instructions.
- Drain the tuna and mix it with the oatmeal and peas.
- Serve at room temperature. Your dog will be hooked!
Warning: Tuna should only be given occasionally due to its mercury content. Moderation is key!
FAQs
1. Can I feed my dog homemade food every day?
Yes, but make sure the meals are balanced and meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Consult your vet for guidance.
2. Are there any foods I should avoid?
Absolutely! Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and anything with xylitol. These are toxic to dogs.
3. How do I store homemade dog food?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I use raw meat in homemade dog food?
You can, but it’s safer to cook the meat to avoid bacteria like salmonella.
5. How much homemade food should I feed my dog?
It depends on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A general rule is 2-3% of their body weight per day, but consult your vet for specifics.
6. Can I add supplements to homemade dog food?
Yes, but only under the guidance of your vet. Too much of certain vitamins can be harmful.
7. Is homemade dog food cheaper than store-bought?
It can be, especially if you use affordable ingredients and leftovers. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in it!
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With these 7 cheap and easy recipes, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and well-fed without emptying your wallet. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into their bowl. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and let the tail-wagging begin!
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
