How to make balanced homemade dog food for all breeds (Vet Approved)
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. They’re not just pets—they’re family. And just like we care about what goes into our plates, it’s only natural to worry about what goes into their bowls, too. That’s why so many pet parents choose to make homemade dog food vet approved
Feeding your dog homemade meals means you know precisely what they’re eating—no mystery ingredients, no fillers, and no worries.
It’s a great way to provide fresh, healthy, and tasty food made with love. Plus, it can help with common issues like allergies, digestion, and even picky eating.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step guide to making balanced homemade dog food safe and healthy for all breeds—whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a big Labrador.
You don’t need to be a chef, and you don’t need expensive tools: just a little time, some fresh ingredients, and lots of love.
Let’s start giving your pup the healthy, homemade meals they deserve.
Why choose homemade dog food vet-approved?
Walking down the pet food aisle makes it easy to feel overwhelmed. So many brands, flavors, and labels promise “natural” or “premium” dog food. But if you’ve ever looked at the ingredients list, you might’ve seen things you can’t pronounce. That’s where the problem begins.
Many commercial dog foods are made with fillers, artificial colors, low-quality meat by-products, and preservatives your dog doesn’t need. Some even contain allergens that could cause itchy skin, upset stomach, or long-term health issues.
On the other hand, homemade dog food gives you complete control. You choose the ingredients. You know exactly what’s going into each meal—fresh meat, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. It’s natural dog food made in your kitchen with love. Plus, many owners notice that homemade meals can reduce dog food allergies, improve energy levels, and give dogs shinier coats.
But homemade isn’t always the right choice for every pup. If your dog has special health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or heart problems, it’s essential to talk to your vet first. In some cases, a carefully formulated prescription diet may be safer.
So, while homemade vs commercial dog food is a hot debate, the truth is this: if you do it right and work with your vet when needed, homemade food can be one of the healthiest choices for your dog.
What makes homemade dog food vet-approved “Balanced”?
Just like humans need a mix of nutrients to stay healthy, dogs do too. A balanced dog diet includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each is important in keeping your dog strong, active, and happy.
- Protein helps build muscles and supports the immune system. Good sources are chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and eggs.
- Carbs give your dog energy. Think brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes.
- Fats keep their skin and coat healthy. Add small amounts of fish oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil.
- Vitamins and minerals support everything from bone health to eyesight. Leafy greens, carrots, and supplements help here.
One essential thing to remember is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. If too much or too little of either, your dog’s bones can become weak or overgrown, especially in puppies. Many vets recommend adding calcium powder or bone meal when cooking homemade meals.
Some pet owners follow AAFCO guidelines or work with a pet nutritionist to ensure their dog food meets nutritional standards. This helps ensure that meals meet all the essential needs without overdoing anything.
Lastly, be careful of common mistakes. Many people accidentally feed too much rice, which lowers the protein level. Others forget essential fats or nutrients like taurine, which are vital for heart health, especially in breeds like Golden Retrievers and Dobermans.
So, if you’re planning to cook for your dog, the goal is not just to fill its belly but to give it complete dog food nutrients in every bowl.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Balanced Homemade Dog Food Vet Approved
Making healthy, homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simple, fun, and gratifying! Follow these easy steps to create a balanced, homemade dog food recipe your pup will love.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start with fresh, dog-safe ingredients. Always wash everything properly.
- Veggies – Wash, peel, and chop carrots, green beans, peas, or spinach.
- Proteins – Choose chicken, beef, turkey, or fish. Remove any bones and skin. Boil or bake the meat until fully cooked.
- Grains – Cook brown rice, oats, or quinoa. Never feed these raw.
- Optional: Boil an egg or two for extra protein and nutrients!
Step 2: Cook in Proper Ratios
To make sure the food is balanced, aim for this general ratio:
- 40% protein
- 50% veggies and grains
- 10% healthy fats (like coconut oil or fish oil)
Mix everything well. If you add supplements (like calcium or multivitamins), do it at the end so heat doesn’t destroy the nutrients.
Step 3: Portion for Breed Size and Activity
How much your dog eats depends on size, age, and energy level. Here’s a simple guide:
| Dog Size | Portion per Day |
| Small (under 20 lbs) | 1 – 1.5 cups |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | 2 – 3 cups |
| Large (50+ lbs) | 3 – 4.5 cups |
Feeding Frequency Tips:
- Puppies: 3 times a day
- Adults: 2 times a day
- Seniors: 1–2 times a day, depending on activity level
Step 4: Store & Serve
Once the food is cooked:
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Make batches and freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Before Serving: Warm it slightly (room temperature is best)—never serve hot food to your dog.
And there you go! You’ve just learned how to make dog food at home that’s healthy, safe, and full of love.
Customizing for Different Breeds & Sizes
No two dogs are the same. A husky who runs all day needs very different food from a sleepy bulldog who lounges around. Here’s how to tweak your meals to fit your dog’s needs.
Energy Levels
Active or working breeds (like Border Collies, Huskies): May need more protein and healthy fats for energy
Less active dogs (like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus): Lower calorie meals help avoid weight gain
Breed-Specific Sensitivities
- Labradors and Beagles: Gain weight easily—watch fat and carb portions
- Pugs and French Bulldogs: Prone to allergies—stick to simple, hypoallergenic proteins like fish or turkey
- German Shepherds: May have sensitive stomachs—use easy-to-digest carbs like oats and sweet potatoes
Adjust Protein/Fat Based on Needs
- Underweight dogs: Add more fats and proteins
- Overweight dogs: Reduce fat, increase low-cal veggies
- Senior dogs: Need fewer calories but more joint support (add omega-3s)
Check In with Your Vet
Even if your dog is healthy, having a vet check your homemade meals every few months is a good idea. They can help you fine-tune things based on blood tests or changes in weight.
Making homemade dog food for large breeds or tiny pups is possible—you must adjust the ingredients and amounts based on your dog’s size and lifestyle. The beauty of a breed-based dog diet is that it’s built just for them.
Customizing for Different Breeds & Sizes
Not every dog has the exact needs. A greyhound that loves running all day needs a different diet from a little Shih Tzu who prefers naps. You can create meals that match your dog’s lifestyle and breed when you cook at home.
Energy Levels: Active vs. Couch Potatoes
- Working or high-energy breeds (like Border Collies, German Shepherds, Huskies): Need more protein and fat to fuel their active lives.
- Low-energy or older dogs (like bulldogs and basset hounds) need fewer calories to avoid weight gain, so focus on lean protein and fiber.
Breed-Specific Sensitivities
Some breeds come with unique food challenges:
- Labradors, Beagles: Easily gain weight, so portion carefully and limit carbs.
- Pugs, Bulldogs, Terriers: Often have allergies—try limited ingredient meals with fish or turkey.
- Toy breeds (like Chihuahuas): Need calorie-dense meals in small portions.
- Large breeds: Require controlled calcium/phosphorus ratios to support joint and bone health.
When to Tweak the Recipe
- Underweight or highly active dogs: Add healthier fats like fish or coconut.
- Overweight dogs: Reduce fat, add more green veggies, and limit grains.
- Seniors: Focus on heart and joint health with omega-3s and lower-calorie meals.
Don’t Forget Regular Vet Checkups
Even with the perfect homemade plan, having your pup checked by a vet every few months is wise. Blood tests and weight checks can help ensure your pup gets all the nutrients it needs.
With a breed-based dog diet, you’re not just feeding your dog; you’re giving them the best life possible.
FAQs About homemade dog food vet approved
We know you might still have questions, so here are answers to the most common ones about feeding dogs at home:
It depends on their weight, age, and activity level.
As a general guide:
Small dogs: 1–1.5 cups
Medium dogs: 2–3 cups
Large dogs: 3–4.5 cups
Split the daily amount into two meals (or 3 for puppies).
Yes—if it’s balanced. That’s the key. Dogs need the right mix of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. It’s best to follow AAFCO guidelines or check with a pet nutritionist. A little extra planning now means fewer vet visits later.
Usually, yes. Some nutrients (like calcium, taurine, or omega-3s) can be complex to get from food alone. Always consult your vet before adding anything new, but a good multivitamin or joint supplement is often helpful.
Watch your dog’s energy, coat, weight, and digestion. If they’re thriving, you’re probably on the right track. But to be sure, consider a vet checkup every few months. There are also online recipe balancing tools or pet nutritionists who can help.
That’s a personal choice. Some dog owners swear by raw diets, but they must be done safely. Raw feeding carries risks like bacteria (especially for kids and older adults in the house). If you’re interested, talk to a vet first.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog homemade, balanced meals is one of the most loving things you can do. You get to control what they eat, avoid harmful fillers, and cater to their specific needs—all while watching them enjoy every bite.
Start small. Try one recipe. Watch how your dog responds. Then adjust and grow from there. Over time, you’ll find the perfect routine that works for both of you.
And remember—you’re not alone. If you ever feel unsure, your vet or a certified pet nutritionist is just a call away.
