Introduction:
In a world increasingly aware of the pitfalls of ultra-processed foods, pet owners are beginning to take a closer look at what’s in their dog’s bowl. Could preparing home-cooked meals for your dog be easier and healthier than you think? With a bit of planning, you can provide a natural, balanced diet that harkens back to the way dogs were fed long before commercial kibble dominated the market.
The Rise of Commercial Dog Food
The story of commercial dog food began in the 1860s, when an entrepreneurial James Spratt observed sailors feeding leftover ship’s biscuits to their dogs. Inspired, he created the first “dog biscuit,” a mixture of wheat, vegetables, and meat that offered convenience for urban pet owners.
By the mid-20th century, canned and dry foods had become the norm, marketed as complete and scientifically balanced. Yet, behind the shiny labels, many products contained fillers, by-products, and additives designed more for shelf stability than health. Today, as pet obesity and chronic illnesses rise, questions are being raised about these processed foods, much like they are for human diets.
Why Cook for Your Dog?
Cooking for your dog allows you to control the quality of ingredients, reduce reliance on preservatives, and tailor meals to their specific needs. While it may seem daunting at first, a bit of preparation and guidance can make it manageable, even enjoyable.
- Fresh Ingredients: No mystery meats or fillers—just wholesome proteins, vegetables, and grains.
- Custom Nutrition: Adjust portion sizes and ingredients based on your dog’s breed, size, and activity level.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl can offer reassurance that they’re eating well.
One Meal a Day for a Week: Recipes for Every Size Dog
Here’s a 7-day plan with recipes for large, medium, and small dogs. These meals are intended as one meal per day and should be combined with high-quality commercial food or additional meals as advised by your vet to meet your dog’s complete nutritional needs.
Note: Olive Oil may be swapped out for Coconut Oil if you prefer.
Day 1: Chicken and Rice Delight
Ingredients per Size:
- Large Dog (30+ kg):
- 200g chicken breast (cooked, shredded)
- 150g cooked brown rice
- 75g steamed carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Medium Dog (10–30 kg):
- 150g chicken breast
- 100g cooked brown rice
- 50g steamed carrots
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Small Dog (Under 10 kg):
- 100g chicken breast
- 50g cooked brown rice
- 25g steamed carrots
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook chicken thoroughly and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine with rice and carrots, drizzling olive oil over the top.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Day 2: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Ingredients per Size:
- Large Dog:
- 250g lean ground beef (cooked)
- 100g mashed sweet potato
- 50g green beans (steamed, chopped)
- Medium Dog:
- 150g lean ground beef
- 75g mashed sweet potato
- 25g green beans
- Small Dog:
- 100g lean ground beef
- 50g mashed sweet potato
- 20g green beans
Instructions:
- Cook the beef until no pink remains, drain excess fat.
- Steam and mash sweet potatoes; chop green beans.
- Mix all ingredients together and serve.
Day 3: Turkey and Quinoa Feast
Ingredients per Size:
- Large Dog:
- 200g ground turkey (cooked)
- 75g cooked quinoa
- 50g chopped spinach (lightly steamed)
- Medium Dog:
- 150g ground turkey
- 50g cooked quinoa
- 30g spinach
- Small Dog:
- 100g ground turkey
- 25g cooked quinoa
- 20g spinach
Instructions:
- Cook turkey and quinoa separately.
- Lightly steam spinach for easier digestion.
- Combine and serve when cooled.
Days 4–7: Repeat Days 1–3 with Variations
Swap chicken for turkey, beef for lamb, or mix in alternative dog-safe vegetables like courgette or peas. Adjust proportions as necessary to maintain variety.
Tips for Successful Home-Cooked Meals
- Stick to Dog-Friendly Ingredients: Avoid onions, garlic, chocolate, and other toxic foods.
- Batch Cook: Prepare meals in bulk and store in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for convenience.
Preparing home-cooked meals for your dog might sound ambitious, but with simple recipes and a little planning, it’s more achievable than you think. By taking control of your dogs' diet, you can ensure they enjoy meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
Give your dog a taste of natural nutrition! Try preparing one of these recipes for your dogs and share your experience in the comments below.
Would you like a printable version of these recipes or tips for transitioning your dog to home-cooked meals?
Want to see more posts on pet health? See our blog post; Unlock the Joy of Walks: How to Keep Your Dog Excited at Every Step
Going away? See our blog post; Choosing the Ideal Pet Sitter: What to Look For and Questions to Ask.
Ingredients and Safety Checks
- Chicken Breast ✅Safe for dogs when cooked and unseasoned. Avoid bones and skin.
- Brown Rice ✅Safe for dogs. Provides carbohydrates and is gentle on digestion.
- Carrots ✅Safe for dogs. Rich in vitamins and fibre. Can be served cooked or raw.
- Olive Oil ✅Safe in small amounts. A source of healthy fats for skin and coat health.
- Lean Ground Beef ✅Safe when cooked and unseasoned. Avoid fatty cuts and raw preparation unless part of a vet-approved raw diet.
- Sweet Potato ✅Safe when cooked. A great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fibre.
- Green Beans ✅Safe when steamed or raw. A low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable.
- Ground Turkey ✅Safe when cooked and unseasoned. Avoid using skin or fat trimmings.
- Quinoa ✅Safe in moderation. A good source of protein and fibre, but can cause digestive issues if overfed.
- Spinach ✅Safe in small amounts. High in iron and vitamins but contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption if fed excessively.
- Lamb (optional variation) ✅Safe when cooked and unseasoned. Avoid fatty or overly rich cuts.
- Courgette (optional variation) ✅Safe raw or cooked. Low in calories and rich in vitamins.
- Peas (optional variation) ✅Safe when cooked or raw. High in protein and fibre. Avoid canned peas with added salt.
The content provided in this blog post, including recipes and dietary recommendations, is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet or introducing new ingredients, especially if your pet has existing health conditions or dietary sensitivities. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the recipes or advice shared in this post. By using this information, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the author, publisher, and any affiliated parties from any claims, losses, or damages arising out of or in connection with its use.
Author Bio
Author Bio: Glenn Bauer is a trusted professional specializing in pet and house sitting for rural homes and estates across the Cotswolds and South West and South England. With years of hands-on experience in managing properties and animals, he offers tailored care and solutions. His expertise is reflected in consistent 5-star client reviews. Read Glenn's journey to professional pet and house sitter Glenn and Mandy: The Journey behind A-Breed-Apart
If you'd like to send Glenn a message, then visit his Contact Page.
Add comment
Comments