8 Cheap & Healthy Homemade Dog Food Ideas
Let’s face it: our furry friends deserve the best, but sometimes the best comes with a hefty price tag. Store-bought dog food can be VERY expensive!
The good news? You can whip up cheap, healthy, and delicious meals for your pup right in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your dog—just don’t let them lick the spoon. (FYI, dogs don’t care about germs, but you should.)
1. Chicken & Veggie Delight
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser (or should we say, a paw-pleaser?). It’s packed with lean protein and fiber, making it perfect for active dogs or those needing a little extra energy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the chicken thoroughly and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Steam or boil the carrots and green beans until tender.
- Mix the chicken, rice, and veggies in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil for a shiny coat and added nutrients.
Pro Tip: Swap chicken for turkey if your dog prefers a different protein. Just avoid seasoning—dogs don’t need salt or spices to enjoy their food!
🐶 Unlock Your Dog’s Hidden Genius! 🧠
Did you know? With the right brain games, your dog can become smarter, more obedient, and way less stubborn. Say goodbye to bad behavior and hello to an impressive, well-trained pup! 🐕
Transform your dog into the smartest, most well-behaved version of themselves. 🦴 Join thousands of dog parents who have already seen incredible results!
Start Training Today! 🐾2. Beef & Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet potatoes are a superfood for dogs, and when paired with beef, they create a hearty meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, it’s super easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 large sweet potato (cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Boil or bake the sweet potato until soft, then mash it.
- Mix the beef, sweet potato, peas, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Let it cool before serving. (Hot food + eager dog = disaster.)
Fun Fact: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is great for your dog’s eyesight. Who knew?
3. Salmon & Quinoa Power Bowl
If your dog loves fish, this recipe is a winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health. Quinoa adds a protein boost without the gluten.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked salmon (flaked)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
Instructions
- Cook the salmon and remove any bones.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Mix the salmon, quinoa, and spinach in a bowl.
- Drizzle with flaxseed oil for an extra health boost.
Heads Up: Always use cooked salmon—raw fish can contain harmful parasites. Safety first, folks!
4. Turkey & Pumpkin Stew
This stew is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Pumpkin is a natural digestive aid, and turkey is a lean protein that’s easy on the tummy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Add the pumpkin puree, zucchini, and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Let it cool before serving. (Dogs don’t appreciate burnt tongues.)
Bonus: This stew freezes well, so make a big batch and save some for later. Your future self will thank you.
5. Egg & Oatmeal Scramble
Breakfast for dogs? Yes, please! Eggs are a great source of protein, and oatmeal provides fiber to keep your pup’s digestive system running smoothly.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs in a pan with a little coconut oil.
- Mix the cooked eggs with oatmeal and blueberries.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
FYI: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, making this dish a true superfood for your pup.
6. Lamb & Lentil Stew
Lamb is a great alternative protein for dogs with allergies to chicken or beef. Lentils add fiber and make this stew extra hearty.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup lentils (cooked)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the ground lamb in a skillet until browned.
- Add the cooked lentils and carrots to the skillet.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in the parsley.
- Let it cool before serving.
Pro Tip: If your dog has never tried lamb before, introduce it slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach.
7. Veggie & Tofu Stir-Fry
For the vegetarian pups out there, this tofu-based dish is a great option. Tofu is a complete protein, and the veggies add essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup firm tofu (cubed)
- 1/2 cup broccoli (chopped)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the tofu in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Add the broccoli and bell peppers to the pan and cook until tender.
- Let it cool before serving.
Heads Up: Always consult your vet before switching your dog to a vegetarian diet. Some dogs need meat to thrive.
8. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites
Who says dogs can’t have dessert? These bite-sized treats are perfect for training or just spoiling your pup. (Because they deserve it.)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)
- 1/2 cup oats
Instructions
- Mix the mashed banana, peanut butter, and oats in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
Warning: Xylitol, a common sweetener in peanut butter, is toxic to dogs. Always check the label!
FAQs
1. Can I feed my dog homemade food every day?
Yes, but ensure the meals are balanced and meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Consult your vet for guidance.
2. 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 daily, split into two meals.
3. Can I use raw meat in homemade dog food?
Raw diets are controversial. Always cook meat thoroughly to avoid bacteria like salmonella.
4. Are there any foods dogs should never eat?
Yes! Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and anything with xylitol.
5. How long does homemade dog food last in the fridge?
Most recipes last 3-5 days in the fridge. Freeze extras for longer storage.
6. Can I add supplements to homemade dog food?
Absolutely! Fish oil, glucosamine, and probiotics are great additions. Ask your vet for recommendations.
7. Is homemade dog food cheaper than store-bought?
It can be, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With these 8 cheap and healthy recipes, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and well-fed. Just remember to consult your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet. Now, go spoil your furry friend—they’ve earned it!
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 😉
