7 Cheap Homemade Dog Food Ideas

Feeding your dog doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Over my 20 years of caring for dogs—grooming, cooking, and experimenting with recipes—I’ve learned that homemade meals can be both affordable and incredibly nutritious. Not only do they save money, but I also know exactly what goes into my dogs’ bowls, which gives me peace of mind and keeps their tails wagging.

Key Takeaways:

• Homemade dog food saves money while providing full nutritional value.
• Seven easy, budget-friendly recipes suitable for dogs of all ages.
• Includes tips for portioning, freezing, and safe ingredient swaps.
• Nutritional insights: protein sources, fiber, antioxidants, omega-3s.
• Safety guidance: foods to avoid, storage tips, and supplement advice.

1. Chicken & Rice Bowl

This is a classic for a reason. Simple, nutritious, and gentle on sensitive stomachs, it’s perfect for recovery or everyday meals. I often make this with leftover rotisserie chicken—it’s a time-saver and still healthy. Did you know chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle maintenance in adult dogs?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded, no bones or skin)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup steamed carrots (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken thoroughly and shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare rice as per package instructions.
3. Steam carrots until soft, then chop.
4. Mix together in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil if desired, and serve.

Tips:

• Rotisserie chicken is great for budget-conscious owners.
• Carrots add fiber and vitamin A for eye and immune health.

2. Beef & Veggie Stew

This hearty meal is protein-packed and full of veggies. I often make a batch on Sundays to freeze for the week. Sweet potatoes in this stew are a fiber-rich superfood—great for digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup sweet potatoes (diced)
• 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 cups water or low-sodium broth

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add sweet potatoes, green beans, and peas.
3. Pour in water or broth, bring to boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes.
4. Cool before serving.

Tip: Rotate vegetables to keep meals interesting and nutritionally balanced.

3. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Bites

Perfect for training or spoiling your pup. These no-bake bites are fiber-rich and promote digestion. I always store a batch in the fridge for quick rewards during grooming sessions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain)
• 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 cup oats

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Gradually stir in oats until moldable.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls, refrigerate at least 1 hour, then serve.

Tips:

• These can be frozen for longer storage.
• Pumpkin supports gut health and reduces occasional diarrhea.

4. Turkey & Quinoa Mix

Quinoa is a complete protein and contains essential amino acids. Combined with turkey, it’s a low-fat, energy-boosting meal. My dogs particularly love the addition of blueberries—they go wild for the flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Cook and drain turkey.
2. Prepare quinoa per package instructions.
3. Mix turkey, quinoa, spinach, and blueberries. Serve at room temperature.

Tip: Blueberries are antioxidant-rich and support brain health in dogs.

5. Salmon & Sweet Potato Mash

Salmon is a budget-friendly omega-3 source, promoting a healthy coat and reducing inflammation. I use canned salmon in water when I need a quick prep option.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked salmon (boneless)
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup peas

Instructions:

1. Cook salmon thoroughly, remove any bones.
2. Mash sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. Mix with peas and serve.

Tip: Omega-3s support joint health, especially in senior dogs.

6. Egg & Veggie Scramble

Eggs are a complete protein, making this a nutrient-rich and affordable meal. I sometimes make this for breakfast during busy mornings—it’s quick and my dogs love it.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup zucchini (chopped)
• 1/4 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil, sauté zucchini and carrots until soft.
2. Scramble eggs with vegetables.
3. Cool before serving.

Tip: Rotate veggies based on season and availability to reduce cost and increase variety.

7. Tuna & Oatmeal Delight

Tuna is an affordable protein, paired with oatmeal for fiber and energy. I recommend this as an occasional meal due to mercury content.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned tuna (in water, no salt)
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/4 cup peas

Instructions:

1. Cook oatmeal per package directions.
2. Mix tuna and peas with oatmeal. Serve at room temperature.

Tip: Serve only occasionally; moderation is key for tuna.

FAQs

1. Can I feed my dog homemade food every day? Yes, if meals are balanced. Consult your vet.
2. Foods to avoid? Onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, xylitol—all toxic.
3. Storage tips? Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze longer-term.
4. Raw meat safe? Cooking is safer to prevent salmonella.
5. How much to feed? 2–3% of body weight per day, split into meals. Vet consultation recommended.
6. Supplements? Only under vet guidance.
7. Is homemade cheaper? Often yes, especially with leftovers or affordable ingredients.

Final Thoughts

After 20 years of feeding, grooming, and experimenting, I can confidently say homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These seven recipes are nutritious, budget-friendly, and easy to prep. Watching my dogs happily devour their meals—and knowing exactly what’s in their bowls—is priceless. Get cooking and let the tail-wagging begin!