As someone who has shared a home with dogs for most of my life, I know how important it is to make sure our furry family members eat food that’s healthy, balanced, and actually enjoyable.
My dog Layla has been my taste-tester for years, and I’ve learned firsthand that homemade dog food isn’t just a treat—it’s a way to give our pups exactly what they need, without mystery ingredients or additives.
Making dog food at home may seem intimidating at first, but once you see how easy it is, it quickly becomes a part of your weekly routine.
Not only does it give you control over ingredients, but it also lets you include nutrient-rich foods that support your dog’s energy, coat, and overall health.
Amazon Gear for Making Nutritious Homemade Dog Food I Recommend
Want to Feed Your Dog Healthy, Homemade Meals With Confidence?
Homemade dog food lets you control ingredients, improve digestion, and support your dog’s long-term health — but it needs to be done safely and correctly.
With the right tools, preparing balanced meals for your furry family members becomes simple and stress-free.
Below are my top Amazon picks for making nutritious homemade dog food at home.
Top Amazon Essentials for Homemade Dog Food
| Product | Why You’ll Love It | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Kitchen Food Scale | Ensures accurate portions and proper nutrient balance for dogs of all sizes. | Check Price on Amazon |
| Large Stainless Steel Stock Pot | Perfect for cooking proteins, grains, and vegetables in bulk. | View on Amazon |
| Slow Cooker / Crock-Pot | Gently cooks ingredients while retaining nutrients — great for batch cooking. | Shop Now |
| Food Processor or Blender | Makes chopping, pureeing, and mixing dog-safe ingredients easy. | Buy on Amazon |
| Glass Meal Prep Containers (Freezer-Safe) | Ideal for portioning, storing, and freezing homemade dog meals. | See Details |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons Set | Keeps ingredient ratios consistent for balanced nutrition. | Check Price |
| Airtight Dog Food Storage Containers | Keeps prepared food fresh and organized in the fridge or freezer. | View on Amazon |
| Dog-Safe Vitamin & Mineral Supplement | Helps fill nutritional gaps for a complete, balanced diet. | Shop Now |
Why We Make Homemade Dog Food
We started making our own dog meals when we noticed that Layla was picky about commercial kibble and sometimes had digestive sensitivities. Homemade meals let us:
- Know exactly what’s going into her bowl
- Include high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables
- Experiment with flavors and ingredients she loves
- Make larger batches that we can freeze and serve all week
I also love that it allows my friends and family, who are dog owners, to join in and see just how simple it can be to prepare healthy meals for pets.
Essential Ingredients for Balanced Dog Meals
When creating our homemade dog food, we like to include a mix of protein, carbs, fiber, and vitamins.
Here’s what usually goes into our recipes:
Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef are staples in our kitchen.
Occasionally we use bison, white fish, or salmon to mix things up.
Protein supports muscle maintenance and overall health.
Vegetables: Carrots, spinach, green beans, and sweet potatoes are some of our favorites.
They add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to keep our pups energized and healthy.
Carbs & Fiber: Lentils are excellent for dogs—they’re high in protein and fiber but low in fat.
If your dog isn’t sensitive to grains, brown rice or oats work beautifully too.
Healthy Fats: A touch of olive oil or coconut oil can help with coat shine and overall health.
We always make sure to consult our vet before changing up Layla’s meals,
because every dog’s nutritional needs can vary depending on breed, age, and activity level.
How We Make Our Homemade Dog Food
Here’s the method we follow, which takes about 30 minutes and works whether you’re on the stovetop, using a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.
Stovetop Method
- Cook the lentils: Bring lentils and water to a boil, then simmer until tender.
- Prep the vegetables: Chop carrots and sweet potato in a food processor until finely diced.
- Cook the meat: Brown the ground turkey or chicken in a large pot.
- Add veggies: Stir in the chopped vegetables and spinach, sautéing until soft.
- Combine: Add the cooked lentils, mix thoroughly, and let it cool completely before serving.
Slow Cooker Method
- Place meat, lentils, carrots, and sweet potatoes in the slow cooker with water.
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, then add spinach and cook an additional 20–30 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving or freezing.
Instant Pot Option
- Sauté the meat for 5 minutes, then add lentils and water.
- Pressure cook for 20 minutes, release, and add vegetables.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to soften veggies, then cool.
Meal Prep Tips from Us
- Batch cooking saves time: We make a big batch on Sunday and freeze portions for the week.
- Mix with kibble: If your dog is new to homemade meals, start by mixing a little with their regular kibble to avoid digestive upset.
- Frozen veggies are your friend: They save prep time and still retain nutrients.
- Portion carefully: Each dog’s calorie needs differ. We always follow vet guidance or reliable calorie charts.
Storing Your Dog’s Meals
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days in sealed containers.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Why We Love Homemade Dog Food
Since switching to homemade meals, Layla has been more energetic, her coat is shinier, and mealtime is more exciting.
Our friends and family who have tried these recipes with their dogs have noticed similar improvements. The best part? Knowing exactly what goes into every bowl gives us peace of mind—and our pups love it.
