9 Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipes Every Dog Will Love

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Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

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Finding the right food for your dog can be overwhelming, and although there are more and more fresh food options available, some owners prefer to feed their dogs food that they have prepared at home. If you’re looking for some grain-free dog food recipes to make at home, you’ve come to the right place.

There has been a lot of hype and interest in grain-free foods, but dogs only really need to steer clear of wheat, gluten, or grains if they are sensitive to them. However, grains aren’t an essential part of the canine diet, and the most important factor is that the food they eat is nutritionally balanced and right for them.

The following recipes contain a good balance of protein, fiber, fats, minerals, and vitamins, but it is important to speak to your vet before starting your dog on home-prepared food, as every dog is different.

Without further ado, here is a list of grain-free recipes that are easy to make.

The 9 Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipes

1. Our Favorite Homemade Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe

Chicken and Apple Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe

I developed this homemade grain-free dog food because my dog is getting older and his health has become more of a priority. I worry about how many nutrients kibble may lose through the cooking process. This food includes all of the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that my dog needs. It took me a bit of research to figure out what foods to use and in what proportions. The protein ingredients include liver and poultry (dark meat poultry is best), sunflower oil for linoleic acid, and 10 other essential amino acids that dogs need in their diet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Dogs

Servings 10 cups

Calories 291 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven
• 1 Cooking pot
• 2 Bowl
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Grinder
• 1 skillet
• 1 Potato masher

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 Medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 Apples - peeled cored, and chopped (make sure seeds are removed)
• ¼ cup Water
• 6 Eggs
• 3 pounds Ground chicken
• 6 ounces Chicken livers chopped
• 3 tablespoons Sunflower seed oil
• 4 cups Baby spinach leaves

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place carrots, apples, and water into a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, crack eggs into a bowl and set aside. Place eggshells onto a baking sheet.
• Bake eggshells in the preheated oven until dry, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove eggshells from the oven and pulverize them using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
• Combine ground chicken, chicken livers, reserved eggs, ground eggshells, and sunflower oil in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat, mixing occasionally, until chicken is browned and crumbly and livers are no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Place spinach on top of the meat mixture, then cover with a lid and steam until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Mash softened carrots and apples in a bowl with a potato masher and add to the meat mixture. Mix until well combined.

Notes

Use organic apples to avoid pesticides and be sure to remove all apple seeds as they are toxic to dogs.

Store three days' worth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze remaining food in three-day portions. Defrost in the refrigerator on the first day of use. Heat each cup for 45 seconds in the microwave, and let cool before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 37gFat: 12g

Keyword Homemade grain-free dog food with chicken and apple

2. Grain-Free Turkey Dog Food Recipe by Pawsome Recipes

This recipe is nutritious and easy to make. It contains all-natural ingredients and is low-carb, which is beneficial to doggies with diabetes. Low-carb diets help regulate blood sugar levels and may even aid with weight loss.

This is a turkey-based dish that provides excellent protein while providing essential vitamins and minerals. You can prepare this dish in 35 minutes, and it’s super easy to make. It calls for quite a bit of ingredients, but all the ingredients are beneficial to your dog’s health. You can access the recipe here.

3. Venison Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe by Azestfor

For doggies that love the taste of venison, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Prep time is only 10 minutes, and cook time is only 30 minutes, so you won’t be cooking away in the kitchen all day to make this delicious meal. You only need 7 ounces of venison, potatoes, kale, sunflower oil, and added vitamins.¹ This recipe is excellent for dogs needing a low-fat diet.

4. Grain-Free Homemade Dog Recipe Chicken or Turkey by Pawsome Recipes

This homemade recipe gives you the option of chicken or turkey, whichever your doggie prefers. It holds a nutritional balance of easy-to-find ingredients consisting of carrots, sweet potato, chicken or turkey, spinach, lentils, and water. It’s low-fat, grain-free, and can be made in 30 minutes. This recipe includes healthy protein, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

5. Slow Cooker Grain Free Chicken Recipe by Top Dog Tips

For those who love to use a slow cooker for convenience, you’ll love making this dish for your doggie. All you need is chicken, sweet potato, apple, carrots, kidney beans, frozen peas, and olive oil. This meal is ready in 8 hours; just add it all in, program your slow cooker, and you’re set!

6. Grain-Free Beef Stew by Life at Clover Hill

This grain-free beef stew recipe only involves a few ingredients: beef, potato or sweet potato, carrot, and frozen peas. You can substitute beef for chicken or turkey if your doggie prefers. This recipe is cheap to make and will last in your fridge for 5–6 days.

7. Beef and Salmon Dog Food Recipe by The Canine Health Nut

To prepare this dish, you will need to add BalanceIT, a canine supplement that includes necessary riboflavin, copper, calcium, iodine, and manganese to make it complete and balanced; however, you may omit this ingredient for serving only as a treat.

This recipe is also high in protein and fat, so keep this in mind if your dog requires a low-protein, low-fat diet. Otherwise, if you have a high-energy doggie, this dish will be a hit with lean ground beef, salmon, pumpkin puree, carrots, broccoli, and walnut oil.

8. Turkey Vegetable Mash by SkinnyMs.

This turkey and veggie recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and no added fillers. It only takes 20 minutes total to make and calls for only a few healthy ingredients, such as lean ground turkey, chicken, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and olive oil.

9. Organic Stew for Dogs Recipe by Happy and Yummy

This is another slow cooker recipe your doggie will love. This recipe includes chicken, sweet potato, and 2 pounds of mixed veggies you can buy in a bag. It does call for brown rice, but in order to make it grain-free, you can substitute brown rice for cauliflower. You can cook for 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low, whichever works best for you.

Conclusion

These recipes are all super easy to make and only call for a few ingredients. We highly recommend consulting your veterinarian before feeding any of these recipes to ensure it’s safe for your dog, as all dogs have specific nutrient requirements, especially those with health issues. If you get the go-ahead from your vet, get cooking!

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• Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs (Vet-Approved)
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Featured Image Credit By: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock