How to Make Vet Recommended Dog Food

Options for feeding dogs exist beyond the food that companies manufacture. It is possible for owners to make nutritionally-sound food that dogs will enjoy.



"If you know how to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, you can apply that same principle to feeding your dog," said Paula Terifaj, a veterinarian from Founder's Veterinary Clinic in California. "Only the ratio of meat to carbohydrates and size proportions will change."

Things You'll Need

  • ¼ pound skinless chicken
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 cup peas and carrots
  • ¼ teaspoon salt substitute
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 250 mg calcium citrate
  • Multivitamin/mineral
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Instructions

  1. Basics

    • 1
      Cook homemade food for your dog.

      Include a protein, carbohydrate and vegetable source. Cook and combine ingredients. Add bone meal powder or calcium citrate, and a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.

    • 2

      Change the protein source to create variety. Choose fish, turkey, beef or lamb. You may also substitute with nonmeat protein such as three cooked eggs or 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese.

    • 3

      Vary carbohydrates with 1-2 cups potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes or pasta. Alter vegetables with green beans, squash, broccoli or cauliflower. You should use fresh or frozen varieties instead of canned to control salt intake.

    • 4

      Cut the recipe in half for your 10-pound dog, and double it for a 40-pound dog. If your dog is overweight, cut back slightly on the portions. Add food if your dog is underweight.