7 DIY Dog Food Ideas with Peas

So… you’re thinking about making dog food at home. Brave move. Maybe you’re tired of reading ingredient labels that look like a science experiment. Or maybe you just really, really like cooking — and your dog happens to be your most appreciative dinner guest.

Before we dive in: I’m not your vet. You should absolutely run any diet changes by a professional, because every dog is different.

But if you’re cleared for a little kitchen creativity, here are 7 easy, healthy, and dog-approved DIY food ideas with peas — now with nutritional breakdowns so you know exactly what’s going in that bowl.

1. Chicken & Pea Power Bowl

You know how we all have that “lazy Tuesday dinner” where we just toss some grilled chicken on a plate? Well, dogs love lazy Tuesdays too — except their version comes with peas.

What you need:

• Cooked chicken breast (skinless, boneless — because grease bombs are not the vibe)
• Cooked peas (fresh or frozen — not canned, unless you want a sodium overload)
• Cooked brown rice
• A drizzle of salmon oil (for those shiny “show dog” vibes)

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken until tender and easy to shred.
2. Boil or steam peas until soft.
3. Mix with brown rice and drizzle salmon oil on top.

Why it’s great: Lean protein + fiber + healthy fats. Also, it smells way better than canned dog food. IMO.

Nutrition per serving:

2. Beef & Sweet Pea Mash-Up

This one’s basically comfort food for dogs. It’s hearty, smells amazing, and is perfect if your pup’s a carnivore at heart.

What you need:

• Ground beef (lean, because we don’t want “mystery puddles” on the floor later)
• Cooked peas
• Sweet potatoes (mashed)
• A pinch of turmeric (dog-safe amounts only — don’t go all chef-Gordon-Ramsay here)

How to make it:

1. Brown the beef in a skillet, drain the fat.
2. Mash cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. Stir in peas and a dash of turmeric.

Why it’s great: Sweet potatoes bring slow-burning carbs, peas bring the fiber, and beef brings the “tail wag factor.”

Nutrition per serving:

3. Turkey & Pea Protein Boost

If your dog is basically a furry athlete (or just acts like one when the mailman shows up), this is a great lean, high-protein option.

What you need:

• Ground turkey
• Cooked peas
• Spinach (lightly steamed)
• Quinoa (because yes, we’re that fancy now)

How to make it:

1. Cook turkey in a skillet, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Steam spinach until just wilted (dogs don’t love bitter greens).
3. Mix with quinoa and peas.

Why it’s great: Quinoa’s a complete protein, spinach is packed with iron, and peas add that sweet pop of flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

4. Fish & Green Pea Feast

For the seafood lovers (a.k.a. dogs who smell fish from a mile away), this one’s a winner.

What you need:

• Salmon or white fish (cooked, no bones)
• Cooked peas
• Carrots (steamed and diced)
• A teaspoon of coconut oil

How to make it:

1. Bake or grill fish until flaky. Remove all bones (seriously, check twice).
2. Steam carrots until soft.
3. Mix fish, peas, and carrots. Stir in coconut oil.

Why it’s great: Omega-3s for skin and coat health, antioxidants from carrots, and peas for fiber. Also, the kitchen smells amazing.

Nutrition per serving:

5. Chicken, Pea & Pumpkin Stew

Pumpkin isn’t just for fall Instagram posts — it’s also a dog digestive superhero. Pair it with peas, and you’ve got a gut-friendly dinner.

What you need:

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Cooked peas
• Pumpkin puree (unsweetened — not pie filling!)
• Oatmeal

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken until tender, then shred.
2. Heat pumpkin puree in a pot, add peas, and stir in shredded chicken.
3. Mix in oatmeal for extra fiber.

Why it’s great: Great for sensitive stomachs and “oops-I-ate-the-trash” recovery days.

Nutrition per serving:

6. Lamb & Pea Medley

If you’re feeling a little extra bougie — or your dog has food sensitivities — lamb is a solid choice.

What you need:

• Ground lamb
• Cooked peas
• Zucchini (steamed and diced)
• Brown rice

How to make it:

1. Cook lamb in a skillet, drain excess fat.
2. Steam zucchini until tender.
3. Mix lamb, peas, zucchini, and rice together.

Why it’s great: Lamb is rich in amino acids, zucchini is low-cal and hydrating, and peas give it that extra nutrition kick.

Nutrition per serving:

7. DIY Frozen Pea & Yogurt Treats

Not technically a “meal,” but these are lifesavers in summer. Plus, they double as enrichment toys if you freeze them inside a Kong.

What you need:

• Cooked peas (mashed)
• Plain Greek yogurt (no sugar, no xylitol)
• Blueberries (optional — dogs love them)

How to make it:

1. Blend peas and yogurt until smooth.
2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Why it’s great: Cool, refreshing, probiotic-packed — and it keeps them busy for more than five seconds.

Nutrition per treat (approx.):

Tips for Cooking with Peas for Dogs

• Fresh or frozen? Both are fine. Frozen’s cheaper and lasts longer. Avoid canned unless you’re into salt bombs.
• Portion control: Peas are healthy, but too many = gas. And no one wants that.
• Introduce slowly: Dogs can be suspicious of new textures. Start with a few peas and work your way up.
• Balance is key: Peas are great, but don’t make them the main event every single day.

Final Thoughts (and a Little Reality Check)

Making your dog’s food is fun, but it’s not a “throw random stuff in a bowl and hope for the best” situation. Dogs need a balanced diet — proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals — just like we do.

So while these recipes are delicious, healthy, and packed with peas, don’t skip the part where you chat with your vet or a pet nutritionist. And if you ever feel like your dog’s eating better than you… well, that’s probably true. 🙂

David

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 😉

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