10 Vet-Approved Homemade Puppy Food Recipes

Making homemade food for your puppy can be a rewarding way to ensure they’re getting nutritious meals. But it’s also important to provide balanced nutrition during this critical growth phase. These recipes are designed with puppy nutritional needs in mind.

Table of Contents

• Why You Should Try Making Puppy Food at Home
• 1. Chicken and Brown Rice Base
• 2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Delight
• 3. Beef and Quinoa Bowl
• 4. Fish and Potato Puppy Meal
• 5. Lamb and Rice Puppy Formula
• 6. Chicken Liver and Oatmeal Blend
• 7. Turkey and Vegetable Medley
• 8. Vegetarian Puppy Option
• 9. Beef and Barley Puppy Stew
• 10. Puppy Breakfast Scramble
• Important Nutritional Guidelines for Puppies

Why You Should Try Making Puppy Food at Home

Many turn to homemade puppy food for good reasons.

Making your puppy’s meals at home gives you direct control over what goes into their growing bodies during this vital developmental stage.

But of course, there are many reasons apart from only this!

Benefits of Homemade

• Ingredient Quality Control: You select fresh, human-grade ingredients rather than processed alternatives.
• Avoidance of Additives: No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors that may be present in commercial foods.
• Customization for Health Requirements: Easily adjust recipes for puppies with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Freshness: Homemade food doesn’t sit in warehouses or on store shelves for months.
• Cost Efficiency: Buying ingredients in bulk can be more economical than premium puppy foods.
• Variety in Diet: Ability to rotate proteins and vegetables for nutritional diversity.
• Transparency: Complete knowledge of every ingredient and its source.
• Reduction in Food Recalls Risk: Homemade food eliminates concerns about commercial food recalls.
• Potential Improvement in Coat and Skin Health: Many owners report shinier coats and healthier skin.
• Possible Reduction in Digestive Issues: Some puppies digest homemade food more easily than commercial options.
• Bonding Experience: Preparing food for your puppy can strengthen your connection.
• Environmental Impact: Reduced packaging waste compared to commercial foods.

1. Chicken and Brown Rice Base

Why It’s Vet-Approved

It provides a balanced ratio of lean protein and complex carbohydrates essential for puppy growth. The chicken delivers high-quality, easily digestible protein necessary for muscle development. Brown rice offers sustained energy through complex carbohydrates and provides essential fiber for digestive health.

The addition of calcium carbonate addresses the critical calcium needs of growing puppies, while the ground eggshell provides additional calcium and phosphorus in an appropriate ratio. Fish oil contributes omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain development and reducing inflammation. The vegetables round out the nutritional profile with vitamins and minerals in a gentle, digestible form suitable for developing digestive systems.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup carrots, finely chopped
• ½ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon fish oil
• 1 egg (including shell, ground)
• ½ teaspoon calcium carbonate supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions using water or broth.
2. In a separate pot, boil the chicken until thoroughly cooked.
3. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into small pieces.
4. Steam the carrots and peas until soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the rice, chicken, and vegetables.
6. Once cooled to room temperature, add the fish oil, crushed eggshell, and calcium supplement.
7. Mix thoroughly and portion appropriately for your puppy’s size.

2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Delight

Why It’s Vet-Approved

Veterinarians endorse this recipe because it offers lean protein from turkey that’s easier on sensitive puppy stomachs than some other proteins. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene for eye health and immune system support. The spinach contributes iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K without the oxalate concerns that come with feeding it in large quantities. The yogurt delivers probiotics and calcium for digestive and bone health, while the olive oil provides healthy fats for coat condition and energy.

The addition of flaxseed introduces omega-3 fatty acids supporting brain development and reducing inflammation. The dedicated calcium supplement ensures the growing puppy receives adequate bone support during development.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (no xylitol)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

How to Make

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until thoroughly browned.
2. Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until soft, then mash.
3. Steam the spinach until wilted.
4. Combine the turkey, sweet potato, and spinach in a large bowl.
5. Once the mixture has cooled, add the yogurt, olive oil, calcium supplement, and ground flaxseed.
6. Mix thoroughly and divide into appropriate portions.

3. Beef and Quinoa Bowl

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This recipe contains nutrient-dense quinoa, a complete protein grain that provides all essential amino acids along with fiber and complex carbohydrates. The lean ground beef delivers high-quality protein, zinc, iron, and B vitamins crucial for growth.

Green beans offer gentle fiber and vitamins without excess calories, while butternut squash provides beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin C. The salmon oil specifically targets brain development and coat health with its DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. The egg contributes additional protein and lecithin for neural development. The calcium supplement maintains the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio needed for proper bone formation, particularly important in puppies that will grow into medium or large dogs.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced small
• 1 tablespoon salmon oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the quinoa in water according to package directions.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining excess fat.
3. Steam the green beans and butternut squash until tender.
4. Combine the cooked quinoa, beef, and vegetables in a large bowl.
5. Once cooled, stir in the salmon oil, beaten egg, and calcium supplement.
6. Mix well and portion for your puppy.

4. Fish and Potato Puppy Meal

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This fish-based recipe provides an alternative protein source excellent for puppies with potential allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef.

White fish offers easily digestible protein and natural omega-3 fatty acids important for cognitive development. Potatoes provide digestible carbohydrates for energy without triggering grain sensitivities some puppies experience. The carefully measured vegetables deliver essential vitamins and minerals while maintaining the appropriate carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. The addition of brewer’s yeast contributes B vitamins supporting metabolism and energy production. The calcium supplement compensates for the naturally lower calcium content in fish compared to meat with bones, ensuring proper skeletal development.

The balanced nature of this recipe makes it particularly suitable for puppies showing early signs of food sensitivities.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless white fish (like cod or tilapia)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement
• 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast (optional, for B vitamins)

How to Make

1. Boil or bake the fish until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Boil the potatoes until soft, then drain and mash lightly.
3. Steam the carrots and peas until tender.
4. Flake the fish into small pieces and mix with the potatoes and vegetables.
5. Add the canola oil, calcium supplement, and brewer’s yeast if using.
6. Stir thoroughly and portion appropriately.

5. Lamb and Rice Puppy Formula

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This lamb-based recipe is good particularly for puppies with chicken or beef sensitivities.

Lamb provides a novel protein source rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins essential for growth and energy production. White rice serves as a gentle carbohydrate source that’s easily digestible for puppies with sensitive stomachs. The combination of zucchini and carrots offers vitamins A, C, and K plus potassium and fiber without excessive calories. The olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats and supports coat condition. The egg provides a complete protein complement with additional biotin for skin health. The calcium supplement ensures proper bone growth, especially important with lamb which naturally contains less calcium than some other protein sources.

The gentle ingredients makes this recipe suitable for puppies transitioning to solid food or those recovering from digestive upsets.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup zucchini, finely diced
• ½ cup carrots, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the rice in water until tender.
2. Brown the ground lamb in a skillet, draining excess fat.
3. Steam the zucchini and carrots until soft.
4. Combine the rice, lamb, and vegetables.
5. Once cooled to room temperature, add the olive oil, beaten egg, and calcium supplement.
6. Mix thoroughly and portion for your puppy.

6. Chicken Liver and Oatmeal Blend

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This recipe has nutrient density and organ meat inclusion.

The chicken liver provides essential vitamin A, copper, iron, zinc, and B vitamins in highly bioavailable forms critical for growing puppies. Veterinary nutritionists often emphasize the importance of small amounts of organ meats in a balanced diet. The chicken breast offers lean protein while oatmeal provides gentle fiber and sustainable energy from complex carbohydrates. The measured inclusion of vegetables ensures appropriate vitamin content without excessive carbohydrates. Sunflower oil contributes linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for skin health and coat condition. The calcium supplement balances the phosphorus naturally present in meat to support proper bone formation.

This recipe is particularly valuable for puppies showing signs of anemia or those needing additional nutritional support during growth spurts.

Ingredients

• ½ pound chicken breast, diced
• ¼ pound chicken liver
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup carrots, grated
• ¼ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the chicken breast and liver in a skillet until thoroughly cooked.
2. Cook the oatmeal in water according to package directions.
3. Steam the carrots and peas until tender.
4. Chop the cooked chicken and liver into very small pieces.
5. Mix all ingredients together, adding the sunflower oil and calcium supplement once cooled.
6. Portion appropriately for your puppy’s size and needs.

7. Turkey and Vegetable Medley

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This recipe’s got a diverse nutrient profile and digestive benefits.

The lean turkey protein supports muscle development without excessive fat that could lead to unwanted weight gain. Brown rice provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates and contributes essential fiber for digestive health. The pumpkin puree is particularly valuable for its soluble fiber content that helps regulate bowel movements in puppies prone to loose stools or constipation. Spinach delivers iron and calcium in moderate amounts, while the careful inclusion of antioxidant-rich blueberries provides vitamin C and phytonutrients supporting immune function. The fish oil specifically targets brain and eye development with its omega-3 content. The calcium supplement ensures proper bone development during the critical growth period.

This recipe is often recommended for puppies with mild digestive sensitivities or those recovering from intestinal upsets.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup spinach, chopped
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
• ¼ cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon fish oil
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the brown rice in water until tender.
2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet.
3. Steam the spinach until wilted.
4. Combine the rice, turkey, spinach, and pumpkin puree.
5. Once cooled, gently fold in the blueberries, fish oil, and calcium supplement.
6. Mix thoroughly and portion appropriately.

8. Vegetarian Puppy Option

Why It’s Vet-Approved*

This vegetarian option receives conditional veterinary approval for specific situations such as puppies with multiple protein allergies or for short-term feeding during elimination diet trials.

The careful combination of plant proteins from lentils and quinoa with animal proteins from cottage cheese and egg creates a more complete amino acid profile. Nutritional yeast provides essential B vitamins including B12, which is typically lacking in plant-based diets. The calcium supplement is particularly crucial in this recipe as plant-based calcium sources are less bioavailable. The moderate fat content from olive oil supports energy needs and nutrient absorption.

However, most veterinary nutritionists recommend this only as a temporary option or with additional supplementation, as puppies have higher protein requirements than adult dogs. Close monitoring of growth, coat condition, and energy levels is essential when using this recipe.

Note: This recipe should be used in consultation with your vet, as puppies have high protein needs that may be challenging to meet with a vegetarian diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup cottage cheese (low sodium)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup carrots, finely diced and steamed
• ½ cup peas, steamed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

How to Make

1. Cook the lentils and quinoa according to package directions.
2. Steam the carrots and peas until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
4. Allow to cool completely before serving.
5. Portion appropriately for your puppy’s size.

9. Beef and Barley Puppy Stew

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This recipe has a balanced composition and inclusion of barley, an excellent source of soluble fiber beneficial for digestive health.

The lean ground beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and zinc essential for growing puppies. Barley offers a lower glycemic index than some other grains, providing steady energy without blood sugar spikes. The diverse vegetable selection contributes a range of vitamins and minerals while maintaining the appropriate carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. The egg enhances the protein quality with all essential amino acids and contributes to neural development through its choline content. The olive oil provides healthy fats for energy and fat-soluble vitamin absorption. The calcium supplement ensures proper mineralization of growing bones.

This recipe is particularly suitable for active puppies with their increased energy needs or those prone to loose stools that benefit from barley’s soluble fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup barley
• 1.5 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup green beans, chopped
• ¼ cup peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Cook the barley in water or broth until tender.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining excess fat.
3. Steam the vegetables until soft.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, adding the beaten egg, olive oil, and calcium supplement once the mixture has cooled.
5. Mix thoroughly and portion appropriately.

10. Puppy Breakfast Scramble

Why It’s Vet-Approved

This breakfast recipe receives veterinary approval for its nutrient density and digestibility as a morning meal.

The combination of eggs and turkey provides a high-quality protein foundation with complete amino acids necessary for tissue repair and growth that occurs during sleep. The oatmeal contributes gentle fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained morning energy. Yogurt offers probiotics supporting gut health and calcium for bone development. The small amount of pumpkin aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function and learning capacity, particularly beneficial for morning training sessions. The calcium supplement ensures proper bone development.

Use for active puppies who expend significant energy in morning play and training, or for puppies being crate-trained who need sustained energy through the morning hours.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ¼ pound ground turkey
• ¼ cup oatmeal, cooked
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (no xylitol)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon fish oil
• ½ teaspoon calcium supplement

How to Make

1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet.
2. In the same skillet, scramble the eggs.
3. Cook the oatmeal according to package directions.
4. Mix all ingredients together once cooled to room temperature.
5. Portion appropriately for a morning meal.

Important Nutritional Guidelines for Puppies

When preparing homemade food for puppies, remember these points:

1. Consult Your Veterinarian: Always discuss any homemade diet with your vet before beginning. They may recommend specific supplements based on your puppy’s breed, size, and health.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Puppies need a precise balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, and phosphorus for proper growth. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is particularly critical.
3. Protein Requirements: Puppies need significantly more protein than adult dogs—around 22-32% of their diet, depending on breed size.
4. Proper Portioning: Feed based on your puppy’s expected adult weight and current age. Generally, puppies need to eat 3-4 times daily until 6 months of age.
5. Gradual Transitions: Introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
6. Food Safety: Cook all animal proteins thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. Store prepared food properly and discard leftovers after 3-4 days.
7. Supplements: Most homemade diets require supplementation to be nutritionally complete. Common supplements include:
   • Calcium carbonate or bone meal
   • Multivitamins formulated for growing puppies
   • Fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids
8. Regular Monitoring: Monitor your puppy’s growth, energy levels, and coat condition. Adjust portions or ingredients as needed with veterinary guidance.
9. Avoid Harmful Foods: Never include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, or excessive salt in puppy recipes.
10. Consider Commercial Balance: Some vets recommend using these homemade recipes as toppers or mixers with high-quality commercial puppy food to ensure nutritional completeness.

Remember that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and these needs vary by breed size. Large and giant breed puppies, for example, need carefully controlled calcium levels to prevent skeletal issues. Your veterinarian is your best resource for customizing these recipes to meet your specific puppy’s needs. Consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your puppy’s diet.