The Ultimate Chicken and Veggie Homemade Dog Food Recipe That Will Change Your Pet’s Life Forever

If you’ve ever wondered how to give your dog the healthiest meals possible, you’re about to discover a recipe that might just change the way you think about dog food. Cooking for your pet can be rewarding and fun. By making this nutritious chicken and veggie dish at home, you ensure your furry friend gets the best mix of proteins and greens.

Imagine watching your pet gobble up a meal full of fresh ingredients, not only enjoying their food but thriving because of it. This recipe offers a simple way to boost your dog’s energy and happiness. With each meal, you’ll know exactly what goes into their bowl.

Homemade dog food can be an affordable and healthier option. Whether your dog has specific dietary needs or you just want to offer them something special, this recipe is a great choice. Your pet deserves meals that are as tasty and healthy as your own.

Benefits Of This Recipe

Creating homemade dog food not only gives your pet delicious meals but also boosts their health, reduces food costs, and monitors calorie intake for a more balanced diet.

Cost Per Cup

Homemade dog food can be more affordable compared to premium store-bought brands. Using chicken, veggies, and grains, you can prepare many cups at a lower cost. Buying ingredients in bulk or on sale saves even more money.

Let’s say you spend $10 for chicken, $5 for mixed veggies, and $3 for grains. You could make about 15 cups of food, costing less than $1.20 per cup, much cheaper than most commercial dog food brands.

Calories Per Cup

Knowing the calories in your dog’s meal is essential. This recipe provides around 250-300 calories per cup. By adjusting the portion size, you can cater to your dog’s energy needs.

To ensure your dog is getting enough nutrients, you should also consider their activity level and weight. Check with your vet to find the best calorie intake for your pet. This helps maintain your dog’s ideal body weight and energy levels.

Health Advantages

With this homemade meal, your dog enjoys fresh, whole ingredients. Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle health. Veggies like carrots and peas are packed with vitamins and minerals, boosting your dog’s immune system.

You also dodge additives common in commercial foods. With real ingredients, your dog’s coat might look shinier, and their digestion could improve. Always keep in mind any specific dietary needs or allergies your pup might have, and adjust ingredients accordingly for the best health outcomes.

Quick Recipe

Making homemade dog food with chicken and veggies is a healthy choice for your pet. It provides balanced nutrition and can be customized to your dog’s taste. Follow these simple steps to create a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
• 1 cup of rice: Brown rice is a good option, but some dogs might prefer white rice.
• 1 cup of vegetables: Choose from carrots, peas, green beans, or spinach.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Adds healthy fats and flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon of calcium powder: Important for strong bones and teeth.

Serve in the right portions for your dog’s size and needs.

Steps – Stovetop

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice and cook according to package instructions. Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor, if desired.
3. Prepare the veggies: Cut vegetables into small pieces. Steam or boil until soft.
4. Mix it all: Combine chicken, rice, and veggies in a large bowl. Add calcium powder and mix thoroughly.
5. Cool and serve: Let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature before serving to your furry friend.

Steps – Crockpot

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add ingredients to crockpot: Place chicken, rice, vegetables, and olive oil into the crockpot. Add enough water or chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
3. Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add calcium powder: Once cooking is complete, add the calcium powder and mix thoroughly.
5. Cool and serve: Let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature before serving to your furry friend.

Make sure to store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy making this healthy and delicious meal!

Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs (2 Meals A Day)

To make sure your dog gets the right amount of food, it’s important to adjust servings based on size. Here’s a helpful feeding table:

Dog Size	Daily Amount (cups)	Per Meal (cups)
Small (up to 20 lbs)	1 – 2	0.5 – 1
Medium (21-50 lbs)	2 – 4	1 – 2
Large (51-100 lbs)	4 – 6	2 – 3
Extra Large (100+ lbs)	6 – 8	3 – 4

Small dogs need less food, while larger dogs eat more. It’s all about their size and energy needs.

Always keep an eye on your dog’s weight and adjust meals if needed. If you’re unsure, check with your vet. They can help you decide if you are feeding the right amount.

This feeding table is a starting point. Remember that exercise, age, and health can affect how much your dog needs.

Variations

This homemade dog food recipe works great for different dogs with different needs. You can adjust ingredients for puppies, senior dogs, those with allergies, or picky eaters.

Puppies

Puppies need a balanced diet rich in protein and fats for growth and energy. Add extra chicken breast to increase protein and use chicken fat or salmon oil for extra fat.

Include calcium sources like ground eggshells or low-fat cottage cheese to support bone development. Make sure the veggies are soft and well-cooked, so they’re easier to digest.

Puppies have sensitive stomachs. Introduce any new food gradually to prevent digestion issues. Always provide fresh water with meals.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs have different nutritional needs. They require lower calories but need high-quality proteins to maintain muscle mass. Use lean chicken and limit extras like additional fats.

Incorporate fiber from veggies like pumpkin or sweet potatoes to support digestion. Easy-to-chew textures are important, so ensure food is cut into small pieces or mashed.

Include joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine from natural sources, such as bone broth, to aid mobility. Keep an eye on portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.

Common Allergies

If your dog has food allergies, be cautious about ingredients like grains, beef, or dairy. Substitute grains with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice.

Opt for lean meats such as chicken or turkey to prevent allergic reactions. Replace any problematic veggies with safe ones like peas or carrots.

Always introduce new ingredients slowly and monitor for any signs of allergic reactions, such as itching or digestive upset.

Picky Eaters

For dogs that turn their nose up at meals, keep food interesting. Use flavorful ingredients like chicken liver or broth to entice them to eat.

Consider alternating between different types of meats and veggies. Adding a small amount of natural, dog-safe flavors, like a sprinkle of oregano, can make meals appealing.

Cut food into tiny, easy-to-eat pieces to encourage picky eaters. Experiment with temperature; some dogs prefer their food a bit warm.

Storage Tips

To keep your homemade dog food fresh and safe, store it properly. Use airtight containers to prevent spoilage and keep it fresh as long as possible.

Refrigeration is important. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevents bacteria from growing. Make sure it’s in a container with a tight lid.

For longer storage, freeze the dog food. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion the food into servings before freezing, so you can easily thaw what you need.

Label each container with the date, so you know when it was made. This helps you track how fresh it is and when to use it by.

When you’re ready to use the frozen food, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Never thaw at room temperature, as it can cause bacteria to grow.

Important: After thawing, use the food within 2 days. Always supervise your dog while eating to make sure they enjoy their meal safely.

Tip: Keep an eye on any changes in taste or smell once thawed. If it seems off, it’s best not to feed it to your dog.

Batch Cooking

Batch cooking can save you time and make meal prep easy for your furry friend. Just plan a few weeks’ worth of meals and store them in your freezer.

For fresh ingredients, gather chicken, carrots, peas, and rice. Cook in large quantities, then divide into portions using a measuring cup.

Try using ziploc bags or reusable containers for storage. Label each container with the date and contents to keep track.

Follow this simple list to get started:

1. Cook Ingredients: Prepare all the chicken and veggies at once.
2. Measure Portions: Use a cup to portion out meals.
3. Store: Place in bags or containers, then freeze.

When needed, take out a portion and let it thaw. This method keeps your dog’s food nutritious and tasty for weeks.

Batch cooking can simplify your routine and ensure your pup always has something delicious waiting. Make sure to enjoy the time saved by prepping in bulk!

Transitioning

Switching your dog’s diet slowly is important. This helps avoid stomach upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their regular meal.

Transition Plan:

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food.
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food.
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food.
• Day 10: 100% new food.

Watch your dog closely. Look for any changes in their behavior or digestion. A little digestive trouble is normal. If it lasts longer than a few days, consult your vet.

Transitioning at your own pace is fine. Every dog is unique. Making changes slowly will help your pet feel their best.