Learn how to make healthy, homemade dog food on your stovetop in just 30 minutes. A simple recipe made with real, whole, easy-to-find ingredients that you (and your pup) will love!
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My dog, Charlie (see photo below!), is 4 years old. I recently decided to start making his food from scratch instead of relying only on store-bought dog food. I mean, if everyone else in our house is eating Clean & Delicious, why shouldn’t Charlie?
When it comes to homemade dog food, the secret is keeping things simple and balanced. Dogs need the same core nutrients we do — protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals — just in dog-friendly portions. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), these are the building blocks of a healthy canine diet.
The recipe I’m sharing below is a great place to start. It’s made with ground turkey, veggies, and brown rice — a wholesome, protein-packed combo that’s easy to prep and totally pup-approved.
👉 Pro Tip: You don’t have to go all-in right away! If you’re testing the waters, start with a few DIY dog treats or simple mix-ins like cooked veggies or shredded chicken. (Charlie is obsessed with these homemade treats!)
Key ingredients: the what and the why
When I first started making homemade food for Charlie, I wanted it to be simple, balanced, and made from real ingredients — just like the meals I make for the rest of the family. This recipe has become our go-to because it checks all the boxes: lean protein, veggies, and healthy grains.
*Every dog is a little different, so it’s always smart to check in with your vet before making any big diet changes.
- Ground turkey: A lean, high-quality protein that will keep your pup strong and full of energy. While dogs can eat ground beef, bison, salmon, and chicken, turkey seems to be Chalries’ favorite.
- Veggies (zucchini, spinach, carrots): Dogs need their veggies too! They add fiber, antioxidants, and a little extra color and crunch. Just make sure you’re choosing dog-safe options — here’s a helpful resource with a list of fruits and veggies dogs can’t eat.
- Egg: I almost always crack an egg into Charlie’s food — it’s such an easy way to boost nutrition. Eggs are gentle on the stomach, highly digestible, and packed with vitamins like D and B12. Plus, I always have them in the fridge.
- Rice (brown or white): I like adding rice to this simple recipe because it binds everything together, making the meal more filling and balanced. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients, which can be great for healthy, active dogs. White rice is easier to digest.
- Coconut oil: Adds a dose of healthy fat that can support skin, coat, and digestion. Charlie loves the flavor (it’s light, naturally sweet, and nutty), so I mix in a small spoonful.
- Turmeric (optional): I like to sprinkle in just a pinch for its natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which may help support joint health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system — especially helpful for older or more active dogs. A little goes a long way, so I always start small and mix it well into the food.
Disclaimer: I’m not a vet, just a dog-mom who loves sharing what works for Charlie! Every dog has unique nutritional needs based on things like age, size, and activity level, so this recipe is meant to complement your dog’s diet, not fully replace it. Be sure to check in with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pup’s meals to be sure they’re getting everything they need to stay happy and healthy.
How to make homemade dog food:
Before we dive into the kitchen, the very first (and most important!) step is to chat with your vet! Just like us, every dog has their own unique nutritional and caloric needs, and your vet can help make sure the recipe you’re using is safe, balanced, and a good fit for your pup.
Heat the coconut oil, then sauté the turkey until browned and cooked through.
Add the veggies and spices. Cook until tender.
Turn off the heat, crack the egg, and mix it in. The heat of the food will cook the egg as you mix it in. Stir in the rice, cool, and serve!
Recommended serving size for homemade dog food:
The amount of homemade dog food your pup needs will depend on their weight, age, and activity level. Since every dog is different, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
A simple way to gauge serving size at home is to monitor your dog. Make sure they’re maintaining a healthy weight, staying energetic, and looking forward to mealtime.
This recipe makes about six cups of food, which lasts Charlie (my 45-pound pup) about three days. You can easily adjust the portions based on your dog’s size, or double/triple the batch if you’d like to cook less often.
Charlie LOVES his homemade food, and I’m excited to experiment with new recipes and treats for him, so if you want to see more recipes for your pup, let me know in the comment section below!
Watch & Learn… Let’s Make It Together!
👉🏻 If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thank you!
30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Dog Food
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large zucchini shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 egg
- 3 cups cooked rice (I like using frozen brown rice)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or pot over a medium-high heat. Add in the coconut oil and turkey and sauté until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the zucchini, spinach, carrots and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Turn off the heat and and crack in the egg. Let the egg cook in the hot food, mix it around to ensure it mixed through and cooked through.
- Stir in the rice until everything is well combined. Cool and serve!
Comments
LL says
Not sure if you still answer on this post, but how do you measure this? Recipe says 6 cups, but I’m lucky to get 4. Should I not be using a round measuring cup?
Other than that, this is easy to make
Dani Spies says
It sounds like you are making heaping cups. I measure mine evenly over the top.
Terie says
A good dog food recipe is 80% meat to 20% whole veggies. Rice is a filler that should be used sparingly. This recipe has no calcium Consider adding powdered egg shells. Add organ meat as well
Jan Hoffman says
Too much rice! It should be 2 cups not 3. I wished I wouldn’t have followed the recipe.
Alec says
My dog is prone to pancreatitis and, after a tooth surgery, went downhill on the prescribed medication and stopped eating entirely. I turned to this recipe and desperation and have seen an incredible turnaround in my dog in the last 6 months. She eats this food exclusively supplemented with a powdered supplement from our pet food store. The only change I have made is I substitute quinoa for the rice because I’m told it’s a little easier on her pancreas. But she has also eaten the rice version with no issues. I have since shared this recipe with many friends who cannot believe that my 16-year-old dog runs around like a puppy now! I am never going back to store-bought kibble.
Jeanne V says
My dog recently stopped eating his kibble. We call him Finicky Finney. We changed brands a couple of times, but he still doesn’t want to eat it. I made this recipe and mixed it in with a little kibble and he absolutely licks his bowl clean. Very easy to make. I used prepackaged 90 second brown rice and not quite as much as the recipe called for. Finney is loving it.
Rita Finn says
Hi Dani,
I would love to see more home cooked dog food recipes. This Turkey recipe is fabulous. It was easy, quick, safe, and delicious. Our dog Willy is an extremely finicky eater but gobbled up this Turkey recipe. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rita Finn
Loretta Rafferty says
Decided to make my 7 lb pomeranian homemade food and found your recipe on Utube. Well, it was easy to make and she loves it!!!!. I’m all in. She is 4 years old and I want her around for years to come. Will continue to follow you….
Hyepets says
Wow, such a thoughtful and realistic recipe! I love how you’ve kept it simple and balanced ground turkey, veggies, rice, and even a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits. Great point about checking with your vet before switching to homemade food. Every dog’s nutritional needs are so different. And the storage tips are super practical, especially for busy pet parents. Your style feels so down-to-earth and caring my pup would absolutely gobble this up. Thanks for sharing!
Trina says
I really like this recipe as my little 19 lb. Sophie really likes it; however, her system has seemed a little sluggish since starting this. I believe there’s too much rice. It’s like triple what I put in a Salmon meal I make her on occasion. I will reduce the amount of rice in subsequent meals. Also, I use Basmati rice as it has a lower glycemic index than other rice.
Hyepets says
Really nice recipe! It’s great to see a dog-food option that uses simple, wholesome ingredients. I love how you’ve kept it balanced the mix of lean protein, veggies and grains seems thoughtful. I’ll definitely try this for my pup, and appreciate the step-by-step instructions. Thanks for sharing
Gigi Wylie says
My little 10 lb. baby won’t eat turkey. Can I substitute with beef, preferably hamburger?
Dani Spies says
yes! Ground chicken or beef would be a great substitution.
Paul Howard says
Hi, Do you serve it warm?
Dani Spies says
I usually do 🙂
Pat Michels says
An I use a frozen vegetable , like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots
Tara Shirley says
More recipes please