Homemade Dog Food With Lentils and Sweet Potato (Plant-Forward Option) – Simple, Nourishing, and Budget-Friendly

This plant-forward dog food is hearty, affordable, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. It features lentils and sweet potatoes as the base, plus a few add-ins to round out nutrition and flavor. It’s a great option for dogs who tolerate legumes and do well with gently cooked, whole-food meals.

You can serve it as a full meal with added protein and supplements, or use it as a wholesome topper. As always, check with your vet—especially if your dog has health conditions or special dietary needs.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Balanced, plant-forward base: Lentils and sweet potatoes provide fiber, slow-digesting carbs, and plant protein.
• Gentle on the stomach: Everything is cooked soft, which can be easier to digest for many dogs.
• Customizable: Add lean meat, eggs, or a vet-approved supplement to meet your dog’s specific needs.
• Budget-friendly and simple: Pantry staples, one pot, and about an hour from start to finish.
• Great as a topper: Even if you’re not going fully homemade, this boosts the nutrition of kibble with whole foods.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3–4 cups)
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie broth, plus 2–3 cups water (enough to cover)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats or cooked quinoa (optional for extra bulk)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• 1–2 large eggs, scrambled or hard-cooked and chopped (optional for added protein)
• Pinch of iodized salt (optional; check with your vet)
• Vet-approved canine multivitamin/mineral powder or omega-3 supplement (as directed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils: Place lentils in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until it runs clear.
2. Prep the vegetables: Peel and dice sweet potatoes into small cubes. Chop carrots and green beans into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Add to a pot: Combine lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans in a large pot.

   Add broth and enough water to cover by about 1 inch.

4. Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 25–35 minutes, until lentils and vegetables are very soft.
5. Add oats or quinoa (optional): Stir in rolled oats for the last 10 minutes of cooking, or fold in cooked quinoa at the end.
6. Season simply: Stir in olive or salmon oil, turmeric, and parsley. Avoid onion, garlic, or strong seasonings.
7. Add eggs (optional): For extra protein, mix in scrambled or chopped hard-cooked eggs once the pot is off heat.
8. Mash lightly: Use a potato masher to break down chunks to your dog’s preferred texture.

   Add warm water if you need to loosen it.

9. Cool completely: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving or portioning.
10. Stir in supplements: Add any vet-approved multivitamin or omega-3 supplement according to directions, ideally just before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into meal-sized containers or silicone molds and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm gently with a splash of water until just lukewarm. Avoid serving hot.
• Batching tip: Label portions with date and serving size so you can rotate easily.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Digestive support: Fiber from lentils and sweet potatoes can help maintain regularity and support gut health.
• Slow-release energy: Complex carbs fuel active dogs without a sugar spike.
• Nutrient-dense: Sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene and potassium; lentils add iron and plant protein.
• Skin and coat: Salmon oil or omega-3s may support skin, coat, and joints.
• Weight management: High-fiber, lower-calorie base can help dogs feel satisfied when weight control is needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping vet guidance: Homemade meals should be vetted for your dog’s breed, size, age, and health conditions.
• Not cooking lentils fully: Undercooked lentils can be hard to digest.

  Simmer until very soft.

• Using onion or garlic: Both are toxic to dogs. Keep seasonings simple.
• Forgetting calcium and micronutrients: If serving as a full diet, you’ll likely need a canine-specific supplement. Human vitamins aren’t a substitute.
• Overfeeding legumes: Some dogs get gas on high-legume diets.

  Start slowly and watch stool quality and comfort.

• Serving too hot: Always cool to lukewarm or room temperature to avoid mouth burns.

Variations You Can Try

• Higher-protein: Add cooked lean turkey, chicken, white fish, or extra eggs. Adjust portion sizes to keep calories in check.
• Grain-free: Skip oats and use extra veggies or cooked quinoa (technically a seed) if tolerated.
• Pumpkin swap: Replace some sweet potato with plain pumpkin puree for a smoother texture and extra fiber.
• Different legumes: Try split peas instead of lentils, cooked until very soft. Introduce gradually.
• Bone broth boost: Use low-sodium, onion-free bone broth for added flavor and hydration.
• Sensitive tummy: Keep it simple with just lentils, sweet potato, a bit of carrot, and salmon oil.

  Add variety later.

FAQ

Is this a complete and balanced diet on its own?

For most dogs, not without a canine-formulated supplement to cover calcium, certain amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals. Use a vet-approved multivitamin/mineral and consider adding animal protein for a more balanced profile.

Can dogs eat lentils safely?

Yes, when fully cooked and introduced slowly. Some dogs may get gas or softer stools if they’re not used to legumes.

Start with small portions and monitor tolerance.

How much should I feed my dog?

Portions vary by size, age, and activity. As a general topper, start with 1–2 tablespoons per 10 pounds of body weight per meal. As a primary meal, many dogs do well with 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 pounds per day, split into two meals.

Adjust based on body condition and your vet’s advice.

Can I use canned lentils?

You can, but rinse them very well to remove excess sodium, and cook briefly with the vegetables so everything is soft and cohesive. Dry lentils are cheaper and let you control texture.

Are sweet potatoes better than white potatoes for dogs?

Both can be fine when cooked, but sweet potatoes offer more fiber and beta-carotene. If your dog prefers white potatoes and tolerates them, they can be substituted in moderation.

Can I add spices or herbs?

Stick to dog-safe options like turmeric and parsley in small amounts.

Avoid onion powder, garlic, chives, nutmeg, and heavily salted blends.

What if my dog is on a legume-free diet?

Swap lentils for a protein like turkey or chicken and use more non-starchy vegetables. Keep the sweet potato for carbs, and adjust with your vet to maintain balance.

In Conclusion

Homemade Dog Food With Lentils and Sweet Potato is a warm, plant-forward option that’s simple to prepare and easy to customize. With fully cooked lentils, soft vegetables, and a little healthy fat, it’s gentle on many dogs’ stomachs and works well as a topper or part of a balanced meal plan.

Add a canine-specific supplement and, if needed, lean protein to round it out. Start slowly, watch your dog’s response, and check with your vet to make sure it fits your pup’s unique needs.

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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