The Canine Cuisine: Nourishing Recipes for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Give your pup the gift of health with balanced, home-prepared meals.
TL;DR:
- Homemade dog food can be healthy if done correctly.
- Balanced recipes must include protein, fats, carbs, and essential vitamins/minerals.
- Use vet-approved recipes to avoid deficiencies.
- Supplements help round out homemade or fresh diets.
Home-Cooked Meals for the Modern Pup
More UK dog owners are ditching the kibble in favour of fresh, home-prepared meals. Done right, homemade dog food can be a healthy, joyful way to nourish your pup. But a bowl of chicken and rice isn’t enough. Dogs need a specific blend of nutrients — and if anything’s missing, their health can suffer. Let’s look at how to do canine cuisine the right way.
Key Ingredients for Balanced Dog Recipes
- Protein:Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs
- Healthy fats:Salmon oil, flaxseed oil, or animal fats
- Complex carbohydrates:Brown rice, oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes
- Vegetables:Carrots, green beans, spinach, peas
- Calcium source:Crushed eggshells or a vet-approved supplement
- Avoid: Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and other foods toxic to dogs
Simple Vet-Approved Dog Food Recipe
Turkey and Sweet Potato Bowl (for medium-sized dog – yields 3 servings)
- 500g lean turkey mince (cooked)
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (steamed, skin removed)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach (lightly steamed)
- 1/4 cup peas
- 1/2 teaspoon fish oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed eggshell or calcium supplement
Instructions:Mix all ingredients together. Cool before serving. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Should You Add Supplements to Homemade Meals?
Yes. Even the best homemade meals often miss key nutrients like:
- Calcium and phosphorus: Essential for bone strength
- Vitamin D: Hard to get from food alone
- B vitamins: Needed for metabolism and nervous system health
- Taurine and L-carnitine: For heart health (especially in certain breeds)
Nutritional supplements for dogs can balance the meal and ensure long-term health.
Final Tip
Homemade doesn’t mean guesswork. Follow trusted recipes, consult your vet or a canine nutritionist, and use supplements when needed. When done right, your dog gets the best of both worlds — delicious meals and complete nutrition.