Dog Food & Treats Recipes
Over time, I've refined the PupLoaf recipe to simplify nutritional balance without relying heavily on costly supplements, focusing instead on whole foods for a balanced diet.
Each recipe offers a blend of protein, vegetables, and beneficial fats to support your dog's health. Adjust portion sizes based on your dog's size, age, and activity level, and introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Each of these recipes is crafted to provide a balanced diet for your dog, using whole foods and avoiding the need for additional supplements. Always consult with a veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, especially if they have specific health concerns or dietary needs.
PupLoaf
Ingredients:
3 lbs of beef (90% lean)
8 oz of beef heart
5 oz of beef liver
20 oz of chicken gizzards
3 cans of sardines in water (drained)
6 oz of mussels (or 3 tsp of kelp as a substitute for trace minerals)
2 tsp of ground fresh ginger
5 whole eggs, including shells
3 oz of red bell pepper
5 oz of mixed dark leafy greens (such as kale, chard, spinach)
4 oz of broccoli
6 oz of butternut squash
3 tbsp of flax seed oil
4 oz of cranberries
4 oz of Shiitake mushrooms
Instructions:
Thoroughly grind and mix all the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into loaf, casserole, or muffin pans.
Bake at 325°F for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the pan size. Aim for a juicy center without overcooking.
If there are beef or chicken allergies, turkey is a suitable alternative.
Store the PupLoaf in the refrigerator for 3-5 days; freeze any extra portions for later use.
Serve warmed to room temperature for your pet to enjoy.
This recipe integrates all necessary nutrients directly from whole foods, eliminating the need for additional supplements and ensuring a hearty, healthful meal for your pet.
Hearty Chicken and Rice Dog Meal
A balanced and nutritious meal designed to provide a comprehensive diet with everyday ingredients, eliminating the need for extra supplements.
Ingredients:
2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of brown rice
3 carrots, chopped
1 cup of spinach, finely chopped
2 eggs, including shells (crushed)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
4 oz of peas
2 tablespoons of parsley, finely chopped
Instructions:
Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
Steam the carrots and peas until tender but not mushy.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, rice, steamed vegetables, raw spinach, and parsley.
Stir in the crushed eggs with shells, ensuring they are finely ground to be easily digested.
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and blend well.
Allow the meal to cool to room temperature before serving to your dog.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in portioned containers.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Feast
A delicious and omega-rich meal for dogs, focusing on healthy fats and easily digestible carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
2 lbs of wild-caught salmon (deboned)
2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
1 zucchini, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 ounces of blueberries
2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds
Instructions:
Bake or steam the salmon until fully cooked, then flake it, ensuring all bones are removed.
Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them without adding any seasoning.
Sauté the zucchini in coconut oil until soft.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed zucchini, and blueberries.
Sprinkle the ground flaxseeds over the mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Serve at room temperature, adjusting portions according to your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days or freeze in individual servings.
Beef and Quinoa Delight
A protein-packed and gluten-free option for dogs that thrive on high-energy diets.
Ingredients:
2 lbs of lean ground beef
1 cup of quinoa, cooked
1 apple, cored and chopped (ensure no seeds)
4 oz of kidney beans, cooked and mashed
2 tablespoons of cottage cheese
1 carrot, grated
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef in a pan and drain any excess fat.
Cook the quinoa as directed on the package and allow it to cool.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, quinoa, grated carrot, mashed kidney beans, and chopped apple.
Add the cottage cheese and sprinkle the turmeric powder, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
Once the mixture is well-blended and at room temperature, serve it to your dog in appropriate portions.
Keep any uneaten portions refrigerated for up to 5 days or portion and freeze for later use.
Turkey and Vegetable Mash
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Cook the ground turkey in a pan until browned.
Steam or boil the cauliflower, carrots, peas, and green beans until soft.
Combine the turkey and vegetables, then mash together.
Stir in the olive oil before serving.
Lamb and Millet Stew
Ingredients:
2 pounds lamb meat, cubed
1 cup millet
1 cup chopped spinach
1 sweet potato, cubed
1 zucchini, sliced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
Brown the lamb cubes in coconut oil.
Add water to cover the meat and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Add millet, sweet potato, and zucchini, cooking until tender.
Stir in spinach until wilted before serving.
Chicken and Oatmeal Porridge
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 cup rolled oats
1 apple, diced
1/2 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons flaxseed
Instructions:
Cook chicken thoroughly and shred.
Cook oatmeal as per package instructions, using water.
Mix chicken, oatmeal, apple, and blueberries.
Sprinkle with flaxseed before serving.
Beefy Pumpkin Mix
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup peas
1 tablespoon turmeric
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef and drain.
Steam carrots and peas until tender.
Mix beef, vegetables, pumpkin puree, and turmeric together.
Cool to room temperature and serve.
Fish and Sweet Pea Patties
Ingredients:
2 pounds salmon or tilapia
1 cup green peas
2 eggs
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Coconut oil for frying
Instructions:
Cook fish thoroughly and flake apart.
Mash peas slightly and mix with fish, eggs, and parsley.
Form into patties and fry in coconut oil until golden.
Cool before serving.
Venison and Apple Dinner
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground venison
1 apple, grated
1 cup butternut squash, cubed
1/2 cup cranberries
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Cook venison thoroughly.
Steam squash until tender.
Mix venison, apple, squash, cranberries, and olive oil.
Serve at room temperature.
Duck and Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
2 pounds duck breast, cubed
1 cup brown rice, cooked
1 cup chopped kale
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
Cook duck in coconut oil until fully cooked.
Combine duck with cooked rice, kale, and carrots.
Allow to cool before serving.
Bison and Broccoli Bites
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground bison
1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
1/2 cup quinoa, cooked
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Mix ground bison, broccoli, quinoa, and egg.
Form into small bite-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Pork and Parsnip Puree
Ingredients:
2 pounds pork loin, cubed
1 cup parsnips, cubed
1 apple, cubed
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook pork thoroughly and blend into a puree.
Steam parsnips and apple until tender, then puree.
Mix pork, parsnip, apple, ginger, and parsley.
Serve at room temperature.
Cod and Carrot Chowder
Ingredients:
2 pounds cod fillets
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced potatoes
1/2 cup peas
1 tablespoon dill
Instructions:
Cook cod and flake apart.
Boil carrots and potatoes until tender.
Combine cod, vegetables, and dill, adding water for a soup-like consistency.
Cool to room temperature before serving.
Autumn Harvest Stew with Root Vegetables
Ingredients:
1 pound lean pork muscle meat
4 ounces of carrots, chopped
6 ounces of beets (choose from yellow, red, or purple, noting that red or purple beets may alter the color of urine or stools)
3 ounces of turnips, cubed
6 ounces of kale, roughly chopped
4 ounces of beef liver, chopped
1/2 ounce of dried Shiitake mushrooms, crushed
3 teaspoons of hempseed powder
3 teaspoons of ground turmeric
1 ounce of fresh oysters, chopped
3 teaspoons of seaweed-based calcium supplement
1/2 teaspoon of cod liver oil
Instructions:
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large slow cooker.
Pour enough water or bone broth over the ingredients to just cover them.
Set the slow cooker to low and let the stew cook for about 6 hours.
Once cooked, stir the stew well and allow it to cool slightly before serving to ensure it's at a safe temperature.
Doodle Treats
Creating homemade dog treats can be a fun and rewarding way to spoil your furry friend with healthy snacks. Here are several recipes for dog treats that focus on simplicity, nutrition, and taste. Always check with your vet before introducing new ingredients into your dog’s diet, especially if they have specific health concerns or food sensitivities.
Enjoy preparing these treats for your Labradoodle, knowing you're giving them something healthy and made with love. Remember, while treats are a fantastic way to bond with and reward your pet, they should not constitute more than 10% of their daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Remember, these treats are meant to be given in moderation and should not replace a balanced diet. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. Enjoy baking for your four-legged friends!
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with oat flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
2 eggs
A splash of water, if needed
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, adding water if necessary to help the dough come together.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out treats using a cookie cutter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hard. Let them cool before serving.
Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, washed and dried
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Cut the sweet potato into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dry and chewy.
Let them cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Chicken and Rice Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups brown rice flour
1/2 cup cooked, finely diced chicken
1 egg
1/3 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool before serving.
Apple Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
1/2 cup apple, finely diced
1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
1 egg
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.
Roll into small balls or use a cookie cutter to create shapes, then place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm.
Cool before serving.
Beef and Parsley Breath Busters
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Banana Peanut Butter Freeze
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1 cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Instructions:
Mash the bananas in a bowl.
Mix in Greek yogurt and peanut butter until well combined.
Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Pop out a treat and let your dog enjoy it (especially on hot days).
Oat and Apple Dog Pretzels
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute oat flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 egg, beaten (set aside a little for the egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, applesauce, and rolled oats. Add most of the beaten egg, reserving a bit for an egg wash.
Knead the dough until well combined, then roll into long ropes.
Shape the ropes into pretzels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the pretzels with the remaining egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool before serving.
Spinach, Carrot, and Zucchini Dog Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup carrots, finely shredded
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup spinach, finely chopped
1/4 cup zucchini, finely shredded
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, carrots, spinach, zucchini, and egg.
Gradually add the flour, stirring until combined.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out treats with a cookie cutter.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Chicken and Sweet Potato Balls
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1 cup cooked, finely diced chicken
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons rolled oats
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato, chicken, parsley, and rolled oats until well combined.
Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.
Let them cool before serving.
Beefy Bites
Ingredients:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup beef broth (low sodium)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the ground beef, beef broth, and egg.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour and powdered milk, kneading until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter to create shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Cool before serving to your Labradoodle.
Frozen Banana Yogurt Bites
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
A drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions:
Mash the bananas until smooth.
Mix in the Greek yogurt and honey until well combined.
Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
Freeze until solid, then pop out a treat and offer it to your dog.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Freezies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
Blend the frozen strawberries and water until smooth.
Layer the peanut butter and strawberry mixture in an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
Freeze until solid.
Give your dog a refreshing frozen PB&J treat.
Chicken Broth Pupsicles
Ingredients:
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped apples
Instructions:
Mix the chicken broth, carrots, and apples in a bowl.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze until solid.
Offer these savory popsicles to your dog on a hot day.
Watermelon Mint Refreshers
Ingredients:
2 cups seedless watermelon, chopped
A few leaves of fresh mint
1/2 cup coconut water
Instructions:
Blend the watermelon, mint, and coconut water until smooth.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze until solid.
Serve to your dog as a hydrating treat.
Blueberry Yogurt Swirls
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Mash the blueberries slightly to release their juice.
Mix the mashed blueberries with Greek yogurt.
Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
Freeze until solid.
Pop out a treat for a tasty and antioxidant-rich snack.
Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Frosts
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1/4 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Mix the mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Fill ice cube trays or silicone molds with the mixture.
Freeze until solid.
Offer these creamy delights to your dog as a special treat.
Green Smoothie Cubes
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 cup water or unsweetened coconut water
Instructions:
Blend the spinach, cucumber, apple, and water until smooth.
Pour the green smoothie mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze until solid.
Give your dog these nutritious smoothie cubes for a refreshing snack.
These frozen treats not only help to keep your dog cool but also provide them with extra hydration and nutrients. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to ensure your dog doesn't have any adverse reactions, and remember to count treats as part of your dog's daily calorie intake to maintain a healthy diet.
Homemade Healthy Dehydrated Pet Treats
Our pets absolutely adore treats, and the excitement is palpable when they hear the rustle of a treat bag or see the treat cabinet open. With several eager pets at home, a single bag of commercial treats disappears quickly. To keep up with their demand without breaking the bank, I've turned to making some of their treats at home. While my pets prefer immediate satisfaction, making these treats is a labor of love that requires some patience.
I've found it convenient to use the oven, especially when I'm already spending time in the kitchen or office. Below is my go-to recipe for dehydrated treats that my pets love:
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients: Select your pet's favorite ingredients. Suitable options include meats (such as liver, kidney, lung, heart, and tripe) and fruits or vegetables (like sweet potato, apple, pineapple, banana, green beans, mango, and papaya). Slice everything into pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick. The length and width can vary based on your preference and the size of your pet.
Arrange for Baking: Lay out the slices or pieces on a wire rack placed over a cookie sheet. This setup ensures even airflow and dehydration.
Dehydrate in the Oven: Set your oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit and let the treats bake for 8-12 hours. The low and slow approach helps remove moisture while preserving the treats' nutritional value.
Finishing Touches: Once dehydration is complete, remove the treats from the oven. Use a paper towel to blot away any residual moisture. This step is crucial for ensuring the treats are fully dehydrated.
Cooling and Storage: Allow the treats to cool down to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and aim to use them within a week for optimal freshness. If you've achieved a very low moisture content, the treats will be harder and last longer. For extended storage, you can freeze the treats and thaw them as needed.
Creating your own dehydrated pet treats is a simple and cost-effective way to spoil your furry friends with healthy, preservative-free snacks. Plus, the process allows you to cater to their individual tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy making these treats, and watch your pets dance with joy as they savor the fruits (and meats) of your labor!
Kid Friendly Recipes
Creating dog food and treat recipes can be a fun and educational activity for kids aged 10 and up. These recipes are designed to be simple, safe, and enjoyable for children to prepare under adult supervision. They'll learn about the nutritional needs of dogs while honing their cooking skills. Remember to check for any food allergies or dietary restrictions your pet may have before starting.
These recipes offer a mix of no-bake and simple baking options that allow children to be hands-on in the kitchen while ensuring they're making something healthy and delicious for their pets. Always supervise the process to ensure safety and to help with any steps that might require adult intervention, like using the oven or stove.
Puppy Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, let the kids combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
Have them roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls suitable for your dog's size.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about an hour until firm.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Frozen Yogurt Pup Pops
Ingredients:
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 banana, mashed
1/4 cup blueberries
Instructions:
Mix the yogurt and banana in a bowl. Let the kids fold in the blueberries gently.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or small paper cups.
Place a dog treat stick in the center of each (optional).
Freeze until solid, then enjoy watching your dog gobble them up!
Crunchy Apple Pup Treats
Ingredients:
2 apples, cored and sliced thin
A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
Let the kids arrange apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
If using, they can lightly sprinkle cinnamon over the apples for extra flavor.
Bake for 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the edges curl up.
Cool completely before serving.
Veggie-licious Doggie Muffins
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup shredded zucchini
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and have the kids grease a mini muffin tin.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until just combined.
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cooling before treating your dog.
Simple Doggie Stew
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 sweet potato, diced
1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1/2 cup carrots, diced
2 cups water or low-sodium broth
Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
Add the sweet potato, peas, carrots, and water/broth to the pot.
Let the kids help stir the mixture.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
Cool thoroughly before serving to your furry friend.
