If you're anything like me, you care deeply about what your family eats-and that includes our four-legged family members, too! Just like we aim for wholesome, from-scratch meals for ourselves, our dogs deserve real food made with love. Today, I'm sharing a simple, nutritious, and budget-friendly homemade dog food recipe that I've been making for our pups-and it's a tail-wagging hit!
Whether you use an Instant Pot or a Crock-Pot, this recipe is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and nutrient-dense vegetables. It's a great way to skip processed ingredients, save money, and know exactly what's going into your dog's bowl.
Jump to RecipeWhy Make Homemade Dog Food?
Making your dog food has so many benefits:
- Control over ingredients - No fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavoring.
- Supports sensitive stomachs - Gentle ingredients like chicken and rice are easily digestible.
- Customizable - You can rotate veggies and proteins depending on what's in season or on hand.
- Saves money - Buying in bulk and cooking at home is usually more affordable than premium dog food.
- Softer than kibble - Helps our elderly dogs get better nutrition.
Tips for Success
- Soupy is good! Dogs digest softer food better, so don't be afraid to add extra water.
- Batch prep - Make a double batch and freeze in meal-sized portions.
- Slow transitions - If your dog is new to homemade food, introduce it slowly by mixing it with their usual kibble over a week. Alternatively, to save money, you can mix it with their kibble every day, as I do.
- Ask your vet - Every dog is different. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure this recipe meets your pup's specific dietary needs.
Final Thoughts from The Common Sense Grandma
Our pets give us so much unconditional love-it just makes sense to nourish them well in return. This easy, wholesome homemade dog food is one small way we can show them how much we care. Plus, it's simple, affordable, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Have you tried making food for your dog before? Let me know in the comments or share your pup's favorite homemade treat-I'd love to hear from you!
Homemade Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Instructions
- Recipe: Homemade Chicken & Rice Dog Food Ingredients:1 large package boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)2 cups brown rice2 medium carrots or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped1-2 cups of a green vegetable (frozen or fresh: green beans, spinach, or broccoli)6 to 8 cups water (adjust for consistency)Crockpot Method:Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until everything is soft and fully cooked.Instant Pot Method:Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot.Set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 60 - 90 minutes with a natural release.Use a potato masher or large spoon to mash the mixture into a soupy consistency. You may need to add more water to make it soupy.Let cool completely.After Cooking:Use a potato masher or large spoon to mash the mixture into a soupy consistency.Let cool completely.Portion into containers or freezer-safe bags.Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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