Have you ever wondered what’s really in your dog’s food? There are countless commercial dog foods on the market with long ingredients lists, and some of those ingredients are better than others! Hounds Lounge is here to help by providing the best homemade dog food recipes, specifically created for Arkansas dogs. These recipes are comparable to high-end, human-grade dog food brands – plus they’re quick and easy to whip up, and you won’t spend a fortune on them.
Why try homemade dog food? For one, you don’t have to worry about the ingredients, because you already know them. You also have better control over your dog’s nutrition, and cooking for your fur baby is just another way to love and care for them.
Speaking of loving and caring for your pooch… that’s what we do at Hounds Lounge Pet Resort and Spa! While you may go the extra mile for your woof at home – including cooking them homemade dog food – we put in the same effort during their time with us. We believe that dogs deserve the absolute best in life, and we are determined to provide it through personalized care, whether that means cuddling overnight guests or celebrating barkdays!
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Ready to get cookin’? Keep reading this blog to get the scoop on the best homemade dog food recipes!
Essential Ingredients in The Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes
If you’re going to make homemade dog food, you’ll need ingredients from each of these categories to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and support their overall health.
Proteins
Chicken, lean turkey, lean beef, lamb, pork, fish and eggs are excellent sources of protein for dogs.
Carbohydrates
Brown rice, quinoa, oats and sweet potatoes are healthy carbs that can help energize your dog.
*Impawtant Note: Be sure your meats and grains are fully cooked for Fido, just as they’d be if you were feeding people!
Vegetables
Carrots, peas, green beans, spinach and broccoli provide fiber, vitamins and minerals that support your woof’s health.
Healthy Fats
Fats including fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and coconut oil offer many health benefits and are vital for a shiny coat, healthy skin and proper brain function.
Supplements
Even the most seemingly nutritionally complete dog food recipes can be lacking in specific nutrients. You can fill these gaps with calcium from ground eggshells or bone meal, or a multivitamin.
Every dog is different and some may have unique health needs. If your pooch is one of them, consult with your veterinarian to get vet approved dog food recipes.
Simple and Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Recipes Pawfect for Arkansas Dogs
Now that you know which ingredients you’re working with, let’s dig into the best homemade dog food recipes! We’ve provided three options below based on different activity levels – plus a bonus treat that’s only one ingredient.
The Arkansas Duck Dog Special
Hunting – especially duck hunting – is a Natural State tradition! Duck dogs put in a lot of work retrieving and, therefore, need hearty meals to fuel their activity. Below is one of the best homemade dog food recipes for hunting dogs. Because it’s protein-heavy, this recipe is grreat for all high-energy dogs, whether they’re hunters or simply fetch-addicts.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – 4 pounds, cooked, chopped and drained
- Chicken liver – 1 cup, cooked and finely chopped
- Brown rice – 1 cup, cooked
- Sweet potatoes – 2 cups, cooked and mashed
- Carrots – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Green beans – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons
- Crushed eggshell powder – 2 teaspoons (optional, for added calcium)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and let the mixture cool to room temperature. If desired, blend in a food processor. Serve and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Yield: 10-12 cups
Impawtant Note: With nutritionally complete dog food recipes like the one above, we have included the optional step to blend the mixture in a food processor before serving. Some pooches prefer their food ground up rather than in chunks – you can offer your pooch both options to see which they like best.
The Natural State Doggy Trail Mix
If your dog’s natural state is the beautiful Arkansas outdoors, try incorporating some doggy trail mix into their diet! Whether you’re hiking Pinnacle Mountain or boating on a lake, this recipe is one of the best homemade dog food recipes to grab and go. Give it to your dog as a treat, or sprinkle a small amount into their regular food for some extra nutrition. You might even want to sneak a bite for yourself…
Ingredients
- Freeze-dried meat – 1 cup, chopped into small pieces
- Sweet potato chips (unsalted and unseasoned) – 1/2 cup, broken into small, bite-sized pieces
- Dehydrated green beans or peas – 1/2 cup
- Pumpkin seeds (unsalted, shelled) – 2 tablespoons
- Flaxseed meal – 1 tablespoon
- Dried blueberries – 1/4 cup (avoid any added sugars or preservatives)
- Dried cranberries (unsweetened) – 1/4 cup
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Divide into smaller portions and place in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags to have on hand for your next adventure.
The Lazy Bones’ Weight Loss Dish
Let’s be fur real: Not every Arkansas dog is an adventurer! We see all types of personalities and temperaments at Hounds Lounge (see for yourself on our social media), including some lazy yet lovable woofs. Here’s one of the best homemade dog food recipes to help less active dogs work toward a healthy weight.
Ingredients
- Lean ground turkey – 2 pounds, cooked, chopped and drained
- Pumpkin puree (unsweetened) – 1 cup
- Oats – 1 cup, cooked
- Zucchini – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Green beans – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Carrots – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Broccoli – 1 cup, chopped and steamed
- Flaxseed or fish oil – 1 teaspoon
- Crushed eggshell powder – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for added calcium)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and let the mixture cool to room temperature. If desired, blend in a food processor. Serve and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Yield: 8-10 cups
With all of the best homemade dog food recipes, you can absolutely swap out proteins, carbs and veggies with whatever dog-safe ingredients you happen to have on hand!
BONUS RECIPE: 1-Ingredient Boredom Buster
If you need to give your pooch a snack to keep them occupied, try freezing nonfat plain Greek yogurt on a lick mat! It’s an easy and cheap homemade dog food treat recipe that’s tasty and also supports digestion.
Tips for Adding Homemade Dog Food into Your Routine
As you can see, the best homemade dog food recipes aren’t all that complicated to make, and incorporating them into your routine shouldn’t be either!
Meal Prep and Storage
When you prepare homemade dog food in bulk, a few hours of work in the kitchen one day can result in up to three months’ worth of meals in the freezer. Simply store food in an airtight container or freezer bag (labeled with the date you made it) and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. If you’re making a smaller batch of dog food, it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Serving Sizes
Below is a general guide to serving sizes for the best homemade dog food recipes! We recommend using this guide to pre-portion individual servings in the fridge or freezer so they’re ready to serve. However, please consult with your vet before landing on a serving size, and monitor your dog’s weight regularly to ensure they’re not eating too much or too little.
- Small dogs (10-20 lbs): 1/4 to 3/4 cup per meal, twice a day
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 to 1½ cups per meal, twice a day
- Large dogs (50-80 lbs): 1½ to 2 cups per meal, twice a day
- Extra large dogs (80+ lbs): 2 to 2½ cups per meal, twice a day
Balancing Convenience and Care
You don’t have to fully commit to the homemade dog food diet. You can simply mix homemade dog food into your dog’s store bought kibble, or serve them a homemade meal every once in a while. Just note that you need to introduce new foods slowly and start with small amounts, gradually increasing the homemade dog food ratio and monitoring your dog’s response. It could take over a week before your pooch is ready for a full dish of homemade dog food!
Safety Furrst
There are many human foods you’ll want to avoid coming near your dog’s food. Check out our blog, Can Dogs Eat Table Food?, to learn more.
Cooking Up Healthier, Happier Moments for Your Fur Fam
Your dog is already watching you while you’re in the kitchen. You might as well be cooking for them! The best homemade dog food recipes allow you to put good ingredients into Fido’s diet, and that’s good for your heart too. Cooking for your pooch is another way to express your commitment to them and strengthen your bond!
Just as you can tailor your dog’s meal to their tastes and needs, Hounds Lounge offers customized care for each pooch that trots through our doors. We learn their personalities and quirks, forming deep connections and long-lasting furriendships. In short, we are here for you and your dog, and we’d love to be your partner in pet ownership!
Learn more about why Arkansas fur fams consider Hounds Lounge the best in doggy daycare, overnight stays, self-serve dog wash stations and professional grooming. Our secret ingredient? Love, of course!
