15 Delicious Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Breeds

If you’re a proud small dog owner, you already know that tiny bodies require tailored nutrition to stay healthy and happy.

Many online recipes are made for large dogs, which means huge batches that can spoil quickly and take up tons of freezer space—a hassle for small-breed owners.

Whether you’re tackling food sensitivities, introducing new flavors, or simply want to treat your pup to healthy, home-cooked meals, these 15 homemade dog food recipes offer a creative, natural alternative to store-bought food.

Key Ingredients for Small Dog Health

Small dogs have unique dietary needs. To keep your little one thriving, focus on:

Proteins

• Essential for strong muscles, energy, and overall function.
• High-quality sources: chicken, turkey, beef, fish.

Healthy Fats

• Brain, skin, and coat health depend on good fats.
• Sources: fish oil, flaxseed, olive oil.

Carbohydrates

• Provide lasting energy and aid digestion.
• Sources: whole grains, sweet potatoes, veggies (skip artificial fillers).

Supplements for Small Breeds

• Glucosamine & chondroitin: Supports joint health (especially for Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and other joint-prone breeds).
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Keep coats shiny and support heart and brain health.

Making Fresh Dog Meals Easier with ChefPaw

If you want to simplify homemade dog food, consider the ChefPaw Dog Food Maker:

• Blends, mixes, scales, and cooks up to 6.4 lbs of food in ~40 minutes
• Connects to an app with 35+ vet-approved recipes and nutrition info for 1,000+ ingredients
• Easy to clean, compact, and convenient for busy pet parents
• Many users report better digestion and shinier coats

15 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs

1) DIY Chicken & Veggie Dog Food

Ingredients:

• 6½ cups water
• 3 lbs minced chicken
• 4 cups rice
• 2½ cups frozen vegetables (no garlic/onions)

Directions:

1. Combine chicken, rice, and veggies in a Dutch oven.
2. Add water and stir.
3. Heat on medium-high until boiling, then simmer 25 minutes until rice absorbs water.
4. Cool completely, store in airtight container.

2) Nutritious Instant Pot Dog Meal

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar or whey
• 3 lbs ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, venison, or bison)
• 1 lb liver (optional)
• 36 oz mixed vegetables
• 1½ cups bananas or blueberries (optional)
• 6 tbsp coconut oil
• 6 tbsp ground flaxseed

Directions:

1. Soak rice in water + vinegar/whey, then drain.
2. Sauté meat and liver in Instant Pot until half-browned.
3. Add rice + water; layer veggies on top.
4. Seal lid, cook 12 min manual.
5. Stir in fruit and coconut oil; cool before serving.
6. Store in fridge 2 weeks or freeze 3 months.

3) DIY Beef & Veggie Meatloaf for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• ¾ cup grated vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, zucchini)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp ground flax seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 350°F; grease meatloaf pans.
2. Mix all ingredients until combined.
3. Bake 20–24 min; allow to cool.
4. Slice into portions; freeze for easy meals.

4) Homemade Chicken & Veggie Dog Food

• Chicken breast, mixed vegetables (broccoli, sweet potato, carrot, zucchini), brown rice (optional).
• Bake chicken 350°F until done. Steam veggies. Mix all and serve.

5) Fresh Dog Food Reci

• Ground chicken, green beans, carrots, sweet potato, zucchini, optional bone broth.
• Steam veggies, cook chicken separately, mix, cool, and store.

6) Beef & Rice for Small Dog

• 1 cup lean ground beef, 1 cup brown rice, ½ cup carrots, ½ cup broccoli, 1 cup non-fat cheese.
• Cook beef, rice, and veggies separately; combine and cool before serving.

7) Beef & Veggie Mix

• 1 lb lean beef, 1 cup brown rice, 1 cup chopped carrots, ½ cup peas.
• Cook beef, rice, and carrots; combine with peas and cool.

8) Protein-Packed Meatloaf

• 2 lbs lean ground beef/turkey, ¾ cup grated vegetables, 2 eggs, 1½ cups oatmeal, ½ cup cottage cheese, 2 tbsp flax seeds.
• Mix, bake 1 hour at 350°F, cool, and portion.

9) Easy Homemade Dog Food

• 250g beef mince, 1 small potato, 6 green beans, ¼ cup rice, 3¼ cups water, optional 1–2 eggs.
• Cook each component, mix, cool, and serve.

10) Dirty Rice for Small Dogs

• ½ lb ground beef, 1 small potato, 6 green beans, ¼ cup instant rice, 3¼ cups water.
• Cook beef, rice, and veggies separately; combine and cool.

11) Small Dog Turkey Omelet

• 2 slices turkey bacon, 1 egg, ¼ cup alfalfa sprouts.
• Cook bacon, scramble egg with sprouts, cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

12) Beef & Veggie Meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef, ¾ cup shredded vegetables, 2 eggs, ½ cup cottage cheese, 1½ cups oatmeal, 1 tbsp flax seeds.
• Mix, bake 40–45 min at 350°F, cool, and slice for portions.

13) Beef & Veggie Stew

• 2–2½ lbs beef, 2½ cups water, 1 cup rice, ¼ cup oats, 2 cups sweet potato, 2 cups green beans, 2 cups blueberries, 1 cup peas.
• Simmer meat, rice, and veggies 25 min; add oats, cook 20–30 min; cool and store.

14) Small Breed Dog Recipe

• 2 diced chicken breasts, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped vegetables, ¼ cup quick oats, 1 tsp vegetable oil.
• Sauté chicken, add broth, oats, and veggies; simmer 10 min; cool before serving.

15) Small Dog Homemade Food

• 3 lbs ground turkey, 1½ cups brown rice, 3 cups spinach, 2 carrots, 1 zucchini, ½ cup peas, 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Cook turkey with olive oil, stir in veggies and rice; cook 3–5 min; cool and serve.

Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Small Dogs

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Consult your vet about supplements for vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Plan meals carefully to prevent nutritional gaps.

Conclusion

Cooking homemade meals for your small dog can be fun, nutritious, and cost-effective.

These 15 recipes give you plenty of options while keeping portion sizes and nutritional needs in mind.

✅ Tip: Monitor calories to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your tiny companion.

Happy cooking, and enjoy those tail wags!