How to Make Homemade Dog Food (with Grain) Your Pup Will Gobble Up

As a dog lover with over 20 years of experience in grooming, cooking, and caring for dogs, I know how important it is to feed them real, wholesome food. Our furry friends deserve meals that are not only tasty but also nutritionally balanced. Homemade dog food allows me to control ingredients, avoid preservatives, and ensure my dogs’ tails are always wagging.

Key Takeaways:

• Homemade dog food with grains can be easy, nutritious, and freezer-friendly.
• Five grain-based recipes provide lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Ingredients like brown rice, barley, oats, quinoa, and millet aid digestion and energy.
• Portioning, storage, and gradual diet transitions are crucial for safety.
• You can adjust ingredients for allergies, taste preferences, and nutritional needs.

1. Chicken & Brown Rice Bowl For Sensitive Tummies

This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The combination of lean chicken, brown rice, pumpkin, and spinach is gentle, nutritious, and filling. I always see an immediate tail-wag when I serve this meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (plain)
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice with broth, simmering 30-35 minutes until tender.
2. Sauté chicken in olive oil for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Stir in carrots and spinach; cook until softened.
4. Combine rice, pumpkin, and turmeric, mixing well.
5. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Substitute green beans for spinach if preferred.
• Freeze portions flat in zip-lock bags for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Pumpkin aids digestion, making this ideal for sensitive tummies.

2. Beef, Barley & Sweet Potato “Sunday Supper”

My dogs adore this hearty bowl. Barley gives chewiness, sweet potatoes add fiber and natural sweetness, and lean beef provides protein for muscle strength. I often prepare this recipe for active dogs who need sustained energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean or better)
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil (supports healthy coat)
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook barley in water until tender (25-30 minutes).
2. Brown beef in skillet for 6-8 minutes, drain excess fat.
3. Add sweet potato and 1/2 cup water; cook until tender.
4. Mix in barley, peas, oil, and parsley; warm through.
5. Cool before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Add a spoon of plain Greek yogurt for extra protein.
• Barley can be replaced with farro for dogs who tolerate it well.

3. Turkey, Oats & Apple Harvest Hash

This is one of my favorite breakfast-style meals for dogs. Rolled oats are gentle on the stomach, while apple adds natural sweetness and fiber. I’ve noticed even picky dogs get excited when they smell this cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced (no seeds/core)
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil (added after cooking)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, dog-safe in small amounts)

Instructions:

1. Simmer oats in water until creamy.
2. Cook turkey in skillet until fully done.
3. Stir in apple and green beans, cooking until softened.
4. Fold turkey mixture into oats and cool.
5. Stir in flaxseed oil and optional cinnamon.

Pro Tips:

• Swap apple for pear if your dog prefers.
• Great for portioning into training rewards.
• Flaxseed oil supports coat shine and joint health.

4. Salmon, Quinoa & Veggie Shine-Up

This omega-rich recipe supports a shiny coat, healthy joints, and cognitive function. My senior dog especially enjoys this meal for its lightness and high-quality protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless, pin bones removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dill (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa in broth, simmering 15 minutes.
2. Bake salmon at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
3. Steam zucchini and carrot until soft.
4. Flake salmon and mix with quinoa, veggies, olive oil, and dill.
5. Cool before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Substitute canned salmon if fresh is unavailable.
• Serve once or twice a week for variety and omega-3 support.

5. Lamb, Millet & Blueberry Energy Mix

Perfect for energetic dogs, this mix combines easily digestible millet with lean lamb and antioxidant-rich blueberries. I prepare this before long walks or hikes for an energy boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs ground lamb (lean)
• 1 cup millet, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup diced yellow squash
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• Pinch of dried rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook millet until tender.
2. Brown lamb in skillet; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in squash until softened.
4. Combine millet, lamb mixture, blueberries, oil, and rosemary.
5. Cool before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Swap lamb for pork if preferred.
• Thaw frozen blueberries to avoid discoloring the mix.

Feeding Tips, Storage, and Safety

• General portion guide: 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 lbs of body weight per day. Adjust for age, activity, and body condition.
• Introduce new recipes gradually over 3-5 days.
• Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months.
• Include balanced vitamins and minerals; consult your vet for canine supplements.
• Avoid onions, garlic, excessive salt, and sweeteners like xylitol.

Final Thoughts
These five grain-friendly homemade dog food recipes are nutritious, easy to make, and approved by my dogs after decades of trial and error. Try one tonight, batch a few for the freezer, and watch your pup happily dive into dinner. Your dog’s health—and tail wag—will thank you!