Canine Cravings The Benefits of Organic Dog Food
Best Organic Dog Foods
Tender and True Chicken and Liver Recipe is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Tender and True dry product line.
Tender and True Chicken and Liver derives the vast majority of its animal protein from both chicken meal and fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Tender and True is USDA certified organic which makes each recipe a rare find for discerning dog owners.
Read our review of the full Tender and True Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic dried pea, organic chickpea Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog had eczema and allergies. Since switching to the pesticide free dog food, chicken and liver flavor, her eczema is gone. I highly recommend going organic. I really like that the chickens were humanely raised as well."
Gather Free Acres is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Gather product line.
Gather Free Acres gets the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and dehydrated chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
In addition to Gathers certified organic ingredients, each recipe also contains a balanced blend of healthy omega 3 and omega 6 fats. A top choice.
Read our review of the full Gather Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog Daisy has a sensitive stomach and has been having all sorts of problems due to her food that she didnt even like. I switched her to this food and she has made a 180 turn around for the better. Im very happy with this product."
Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe is one of 8 dehydrated recipes included in our review of the Honest Kitchen product line.
This Whole Grain Chicken formulation derives the bulk of its meat protein from dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 15% fat and 50% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
In addition to its multiple organic ingredients, each recipe is processed in a human grade food processing facility.
And each component is non genetically modified (non-GMO) and free of any chemicals or preservatives. All meat ingredients are hormone and antibiotic free, too.
See all available recipes.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusiv Protein Percentage 27% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My German Shepherd is a fussy eater, with his fair share of allergies. Ive tried all different brands and this one makes my Shermy happy. Its a great price, easy meal prep and super filling for him. This is the first brand of food I dont have to add anything or convince him to eat what I put down for him. I think I finally found a food we will be sticking with!"
Stella and Chewys Venison Blend is one of 13 raw recipes included in our review of the Stella and Chewys Freeze-Dried Dinner product line.Venison, lamb, lamb liver, venison liver, venison lung
This Venison Blend recipe derives the largest share of its animal protein from both venison and lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 47% protein, 32% fat and 13% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Stella and Chewys promises all its frozen and freeze-dried raw recipes include vitamins and minerals sourced from 100% certified organic fruits and vegetables.
A top-rated, freeze-dried dog food for those not requiring organic meat. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Stella and Chewys Freeze Dried Dinners Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Main Ingredients Venison, lamb, lamb liver, venison liver, venison lung Texture Raw Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 47% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My pretty pittie is allergic to everything, beef, chicken, lamb, tomato (which is in most dog food) grain, etc. It was also recommended that we go with raw food. We have tried many brands of venison, duck, bison and wild boar. This by far is her favorite food. It is easy to store because most of the other brands were frozen. We feed her 2 1/2 "pucks" broken up and mixed with grain free dry food 2x a day. We typically add water to the pucks but she also enjoys them dry right out of the bag."
Carna4 Chicken is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Carna4 product line.
This Carna4 formula derives most of its animal protein from both fresh chicken and chicken liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Features a number of plant-based, organic ingredients. A quality formulation worthy of consideration.
Read our review of the full Carna4 Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Fresh chicken, chicken liver, eggs, organic sprouted barley seed, wild salmon Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, rice) Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com"You will notice the difference in your dog within a few days of switching them to this dry kibble. All of our dogs (2 Seniors, 1 Adult and 3 Puppies) all love the food. They are happier, healthier looking and acting (shiny eyes, shiny coat, more energy, no tummy troubles ie. vomiting/diarreah no itching skin or scratching)."
Organic Chicken and Liver Recipe is one of 2 wet products included in our review of the Tender and True Canned product line.
This Tender and True organic formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Based on dry matter, this recipe contains 39% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A smooth, finely-chopped pate consistency. Its 100% complete and balanced nutrition with added vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients.
Fully organic. Contains no grain, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy. Also free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. A quality wet diet. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Tender and True Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, water sufficient for processing, organic pea Flour, organic chicken liver, organic chicken heart Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog is the pickiest dog i have ever had, never wanted to eat anything, always turning his nose up at everything I put him in front of him. Someone suggested Tender and True and it has been a complete turnaround, he cant wait to eat. Cleans the bowl as if her were starving. I highly recommend this product."
Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes: 7 Vet-Approved & Nutritionally Complete
Imagine if you had to eat the same food every day of your life. Beyond being painfully dull, wouldnt you question whether youre getting a nutritionally complete and balanced diet? Welcome to a dogs life. Long ago, before commercially produced dog food, dogs ate many of the same foods as humans. Theres a reason our dogs beg for our food theyre meant to eat a variety.Weve cooked up some tips on how to make dog food, nutrition guidelines, and our favorite homemade dog food recipes.
What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food? 3 Advantages
Homemade dog food can benefit your canine companion in several ways:
- If you have a pet who suffers from allergies, skin problems, or gastrointestinal sensitivity.
- Highly-processed foods also lose nutritional value, whereas making dog food from scratch maintains more vital nutrients during the cooking process.
- With fresh food, you know exactly what your dog is getting versus reading the label and being confused by all the additives and preservatives.
Complete Nutrition From A Veterinarian
That said, homemade dog foods can require a significant amount of time and effort to get right. Homemade dog food needs to contain nutrients dogs need to be healthy. But those nutrients should be right amounts so as not to get too much or too little ofany nutrient.
A veterinary nutritionist has specialized training to help pet parents like yourself make nutritionally balanced meals for your dog. The recipes in this article have all been reviewed by our veterinary consultant with this goal in mind. So you can rest assured these homemade dog food recipes are vet approved.
Its a good idea to have the nutritionally complete homemade dog food recipes in this article handy in case you run out of dog food. Treat your dog like any of your other family members by preparing nutritious food from trusted ingredients.
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What Nutrition Guidelines Should You Follow?
Like humans, every dog is different, so this is not a one-pup-fits-all rule. Serving size, your dogs weight, health conditions, size, and activity level are all factors you should consider when determining whats suitable for your dog.
However, in general, dogs need six basic nutrients to maintain a healthy, balanced diet: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. A mix of these nutrients provides energy for your dogs body to metabolize and grow.
To ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs, you may want to add a fully balanced nutrition blend, like one of these blends from JustFoodForDogs. And in addition to meals, you may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
Check with your vet before adding any type of supplement to your dogs diet because over-supplementation of vitamins and minerals can sometimes have serious health consequences in dogs.
Necessary Nutrients
Here are the benefits of the necessary nutrients and why its essential your pup has adequate amounts of each (listed in order of priority).
- Protein (chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, and cooked eggs) Helps with the growth and maintenance of cells, tissues, organs, antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
- Fat (from oil and meat) Assists with absorbing specific vitamins, protects and insulates internal organs, and promotes good skin and hair growth.
- Carbohydrates (rice, corn, and beans) Keeps intestines healthy and supplies glucose to critical organs, including the brain.
- Minerals, including calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Give dogs structurally sound bones and teeth, among other benefits.
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K Promotes eye and skin health, immunity, and more.
Water accounts for 60-70% of a dogs body weight, so its critical that your dog stays hydrated and eats a well-balanced diet. Dehydration can lead to some health issues, so give your dog access to plenty of clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
Before embarking on a homemade meal plan, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dogs diet sufficiently meets all of his nutritional needs.
Low-Calorie Dog Food Recipes
The recipes listed below are low in calories but should be consumed in moderation (serving sides similar to what they currently eat). Work with your vet to ensure that the amount you feed matches your dogs daily caloric needs.
Homemade Dog Food Delivered
In the age of UberEats, DoorDash, and having just about anything you wish delivered, you also have the option to buy fresh, natural dog food for doorstep delivery. It can be a huge time-saver and may be worth the cost after adding all the ingredients youll need to buy to cook a recipe.
The Farmers Dog ships frozen, allowing you to keep it on hand or serve it daily as a regular meal. This food is made with fresh, healthy, and easy-to-pronounce human-grade ingredients. And you can spend your time on more important things, like belly rubs and walks.
7 Of Our Favorite Homemade Dog Food Recipes
To jump to a recipe youre interested in, click on the link below. We also have some yummy organic dog treat recipes and treats made with Thanksgiving leftovers. You may wish to have a collection of pet food recipes on-hand at all times, making a cookbook an excellent choice. Dinner PAWsible is one of our favorites.
- CBD-Infused Treats
- Beef Stew, Doggie Style
- Turkey, Rice, and Veggie Mix
- Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
- Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
- Grain-Free Chicken Jerky Strips
- Frozen Banana Treats
Note: The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.
CBD-Infused Dog Treats
You can purchase already-made CBD dog treats, but if you want to take a whack at making your own, heres a recipe. Be sure to tell your vet that youre adding CBD to your dogs diet. Check with the manufacturers dosing guidelines of the CBD product you plan on giving your dog to verify youre giving the proper amount.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup oat
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 apple, cored and grated
- 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup water
- dash of sea salt
- 120 mg CBD oil
Total: Makes 24 treats
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan.
- Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe from: Truth Theory
Beef Stew, Doggie Style
This recipe is loaded with iron from fresh protein and can be stored in your fridge for most of the week (or frozen and heated up later).
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Total: Makes approx. 4 cups (32 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 301
- Protein: 36.7 g
- Fat: 8.4 g
- Carbs: 17.4 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the beef into small chunks about the size of a nickel.
- Cook the beef stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the drippings while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool and serve.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe from: Money Crashers
Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix
This is an excellent, low-calorie, and low-fat recipe for pooches who may need to keep the pounds off. With a good balance of lean animal protein, healthy carbs, and veggies, it yields 12 cups of dog food and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 (16 ounces) package of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower
Total: Makes approx. 10 cups
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 11.5 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe from: Allrecipes
Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
We love this recipe for its nutritional value, quick prep time (10 minutes), and easy crockpot cooking. It yields 12 cups and, like the beef stew, can be frozen for future feedings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
Total: Makes approx. 12 cups (or 88 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 39.1g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 44.2 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium, Calcium
Directions
- Stir in all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or high heat for 2 to 3 hours.
- Stir as needed and cool to room temperature.
Recipe from: Damn Delicious
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Are you looking for a doggiedigestive aid? Pumpkin is easy on sour stomachs and can help alleviate your dogs digestive issues. These homemade dog biscuits are a great way to introduce an all-natural tummy aid into your pups diet.
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain-free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain-free flour)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Total: Makes approx. 24 treats
Nutritional Info (per 1 biscuit serving):
- Calories: 27
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbs: 2.8 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Iron
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour a floured surface and roll the dough to 1/2 thick. Cut out using a cookie cutter.
- The dough will be a little sticky; add a dusting of flour to your hands and the rolling pin to help. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
Recipe from: My Baking Addiction
Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe: Chicken Jerky Strips
Dont trust store-bought rawhides, which often have a ton of additives and preservatives? Homemade chicken jerky strips are a perfect replacement. This grain-free recipe is a much healthier alternative and very easy to make. Store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks (if they last that long!).
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 boneless, 3-oz skinless chicken breasts
- Total: Makes approx. 10-20 strips
Nutritional Info (per 1 stick serving):
- Calories: 33
- Protein: 7.8 g
- Fat: >1g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Potassium
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Trim all excess fat off the chicken breasts.
- Cut into 1/8 inch thick strips using a paring knife.
- Bake for 2 hours on a baking sheet until the strips are dry and hard.
- Cool completely before presenting to your pup.
Recipe from: Top Dog Tips
Frozen Banana Treats
After a long walk in the hot sun, what pooch wouldnt want a refreshingly cool treat? We love this simple recipe yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Its a frozen smoothie for your dog. Need we say more?
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled & mashed
Total: Makes approx. 8 1-oz treats
Nutritional Info (per 1 treat serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8.5 g
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbs: 19.5 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Calcium, Potassium, Iron
Directions
- Blend all ingredients into a puree.
- Pour into 4-ounce plastic cups (ice trays or toddler popsicle trays work well).
- Freeze until firm.
- Can keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe from: Dr. Marty
Best Cooking Practices
Its important not to stray from homemade dog food recipes or substitute ingredients as you might for yourself and your family. Dogs have different nutritional needs that require cooking recipes exactly as instructed. Be sure to cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria, and cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier for your pup to digest.
When in doubt, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternativeby Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. First published in 1999, the book is considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade pet nutrition. For even more cooking options, be sure to check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
We strongly emphasize first discussing your dogs specific nutritional needs with your vet, as every pup is different. And remember that switching your dogs food to homemade from kibble is a slow process, so patience is key.
Cooking For Canines: Online Help
Theres no shortage of homemade dog food recipes you can find online. We found this fun and informative video series that gives you weekly recipe tutorials, tips, and more. Check it out in case you want to subscribe through YouTube.
What About BARF?
You might have heard of a raw diet fad, more commonly known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). The basic idea is to feed your dog raw meats, grains, and veggies like his canine ancestors ate millions of years ago.
BARF has gained popularity among dog owners in recent years. However, the FDA and significant veterinary organizations strongly advocate against raw food diets for dogs. So, we suggest you speak with your vet before starting down this path. Learn more about the benefits and risks and get a raw dog food recipe to try at home in our raw dog food diets article.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe For Dogs?
The FDA has not found a significantlink between grain-free dog food and heart health. However, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet if you have any concerns.
What Foods Should Your Dog Never Eat?
As a dog owner, youve likely come across this essential list before, but its always good to have it on hand as a reminder, especially if youre cooking dog food from scratch. The principal toxic foods include:
- Chocolate
- Onions and garlic
- Avocados
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw bread dough
- Alcohol
For a more extensive list, check out this article on foods not to feed dogs.
Did you know that most pet insurance policies cover accidental injury and poisoning? Find out what else is commonly included inour pet insurance comparison.
Tired Of Cooking?
If all that sounds like a lot of work, but you want yourpup to experience homemade food with the convenience of having it delivered to your doorstep, give The Farmers Dog a shot. With The Farmers Dog, you can have natural, fresh dog food sent right to your house (were big fans and customers ourselves)!
While DIY dog food recipes can be fun to make and a healthy alternative to consuming canned food or kibble, they may still lack all the essential minerals and vitamins needed. In addition to The Farmers Dog fresh food, we encourage you to check out these other dog food delivery options that are specially formulated by dog nutritionists and shipped directly to you for your pup to enjoy. Also, visit our reviews of dog food for all types of diets, ages, and health concerns.
Our Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Tagged With: DIY, Recipes, Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM
