How to Make Homemade Dog Food and Save Money: Easy Recipes for Your Pet

Buddy’s Latest Meal Prep Recipe:

• 2-packs family-size chicken breast (12-13 chicken breasts, 10 lbs)

• 6 cans of green beans

• 3 canned chickpeas (sometimes added)

• daily multivitamin

• daily probiotic

His meals used to have brown rice and carrots, but the rice was causing weight gain—so if you’re adding rice, be mindful of portions. The carrots were causing him to have itchy skin - see below on allergy testing for dogs.

Method 1: Slow Cooker Chicken (or Your Dog’s Preferred Lean Meat)

Instructions:

1. Add lean meat – Place all chicken breasts (about 10 lbs) in the slow cooker, halving them to help them fit. You can also substitute another lean protein, like turkey, depending on what works best for your dog. I like to use a slow cooker liner before adding the chicken to help make clean up easy.

2. Add water – Pour in 1 cup of water to prevent sticking and keep the meat moist.

3. No seasonings – since this is for your dog—no salt, pepper, or any other seasonings.

4. Add raw veggies (if using) – If adding carrots or other raw vegetables, toss them in now. (Canned green beans and chickpeas go in later.)

5. Cook – Slow cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 8 hours (stirring a couple times, it is very full so stirring helps the chicken to cook more evenly)

6. Chop – Once done, chop the meat into small, easy-to-digest pieces.

7. Portion – Portion it out into containers. I usually use the small containers here, and store only the chopped chicken. When I remove the frozen chopped chicken from the freezer, i either thaw it in the fridge or microwave and mix in the green beans and chickpeas. This saves a lot on freezer space. If you are adding rice and other cooked ingredients you may need to freeze in the larger size container.

Important: Even if you use a crockpot liner, always clean the slow cooker afterward in case there were any leaks!

Method 2: Baked Chicken (or Your Dog’s Preferred Lean Meat)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven – Set to 375°F.

2. Add meat – Arrange chicken breasts (or your preferred meat) on either 2 large sheet pans or 4 quarter sheet pans. I use a mix of both (1 large, 2 quarter sized)

3. Bake – Cook for 25–32 minutes (for thick cuts of meat, this time varies depending on your oven and thickness of the chicken).

4. Chop – Once done, chop the meat into small, easy-to-digest pieces.

5. Portion – Portion it out into containers. I usually use the small containers here, and store only the chopped chicken. When I remove the frozen chopped chicken from the freezer, i either thaw it in the fridge or microwave and mix in the green beans and chickpeas. This saves a lot on freezer space. If you are adding rice and other cooked ingredients you may need to freeze in the larger size container.

Allergy Testing: A Game-Changer

If your dog has itchy skin, I HIGHLY recommend getting a 5Strands allergy test. When I first got Buddy, he was so itchy, and I felt awful for him. Everyone told me to cut out chicken because it caused issues for their dogs, but I tried every variation, and nothing worked.

When I got his allergy test results back and finally understood why—Buddy is allergic to almost everything except chicken! Even vegetable oil was on the list. I went through 40 different dog food labels, and every single one had something he was allergic to. At that point, I decided to just cook for him and see how it went, and he improved so much.

Buying Chicken (or Other Lean Meats) in Bulk:

I stock up whenever I find chicken breast for $1.99/lb—usually at Kroger, Lidl, or Food Lion. A family pack (6 large chicken breasts) is my go-to. I usually stock up with 2-4 packs and try to make 2 at one time, and freeze the second two.

If your dog does better with turkey or lean ground beef, check for bulk deals at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Tools I Swear By:

• GreenPan 18" x 13" Half Sheet Pan – No more rust, super easy to clean, and totally worth the price for my sanity in the kitchen! if you want a size that fits in the dishwasher, opt for four 13" x 9" Quarter Sheet Baking Pans. I like having the variety so I have one large and 2 quarter sized.

• Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker – I recommend a 6 Qt Slow Cooker that matches the size of the liners below. It's the perfect size.

• Slow Cooker Liners - I like these kind, there's a lot of them so they last forever and make clean up so much easier.

• Joseph Joseph cutting boards – i bought these for myself and my mom and we both agree that these are one of the most used and best products we have bought for the kitchen, it's freestanding & dishwasher-safe (the smaller size fits perfectly).

• KitchenAid Japanese steel knives – super sharp & affordable.

• OXO Can Opener – an actual good and sturdy can opener that doesn't break after 3 months.

• Tongs – i like this brand, it's a good size and durable with silicone tips.

• Oven mitts + Pot holder combo – i like having things in my kitchen that can have 2 functions so i like that these are both oven mitts and pot holders in one, plus two regular oven mitts.

Bake, Freeze, & Store in Containers

• As I chop the meat, I like to use a sharp knife to make sure the meat is cut into easily digestable bites for my dog.

• I portion it into these Rubbermaid containers. I like these sizes in particular for fresh dog food storage. The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are also fantastic for meal preps. The absolute best part about these are you never have to look for another lid again for the rest of your life. Throw all your old containers in the recycling bin and get these!

• I used to mix in canned green beans before freezing, but it took up too much freezer space.

• Now, I freeze just the meat (and other slow cooked items, if added) and add canned green beans/canned chickpeas later.

• When I take a batch out of the freezer, I transfer it to a larger container and mix in 1–2 cans of low-sodium green beans and chop the green beans into small pieces, add the chickpeas, and continue to chop the chicken even more to make sure it is diced and small enough for easy digestion.

If Buddy needs to lose a little weight (like after the rice incident), I use 2 cans of green beans to bulk up his meals with extra veggies. It worked i could tell he lost a little weight.

GreenPan 18" x 13" Half Sheet Pan – No more rust, super easy to clean, and totally worth the price for my sanity in the kitchen! if you want a size that fits in the dishwasher, opt for four 13" x 9" Quarter Sheet Baking Pans. I like having the variety so I have one large and 2 quarter sized.

Joseph Joseph cutting boards – i bought these for myself and my mom and we both agree that these are one of the most used and best products we have bought for the kitchen, it's freestanding & dishwasher-safe (the smaller size fits perfectly).

KitchenAid Japanese steel knives – super sharp & affordable.

Cost Breakdown & How It Saves Money

A batch of food lasts Buddy (a 20 lb dog) about 15-16 days.

For one batch:

• Chicken: $19.90 (2 family-size chicken breast packs, 10 lbs)
  (Food Lion, Kroger, or Lidl have the best prices for sales at $1.99/lb on sale)

• Green Beans: $3.84 (for 6 cans)
  (Lidl sells low-sodium green beans for $0.64 per can)

• Chickpeas: $2.58 (for 3 cans)
  (Lidl sells low-sodium green beans for $0.86 per can)

• Total per batch (15 days): $26.32 (this will also range depending on the size of your dog) This averages about $52 a month.

This is way cheaper than most fresh dog food brands. Compare it to:

• The Farmer’s Dog – $120–$160/month

• Nom Nom – $140–$180/month

• FreshPet – $80–$100/month

That’s a savings of $27–$107 per month depending on the size and food quantity needs for your dog.

I totally get that not everyone has time to cook for their dog. If you’d rather buy fresh food, these brands offer fresh pet food delivery.

Health Benefits of a Fresh, Homemade Diet

Switching your dog to a fresh, homemade diet can lead to noticeable health improvements. A study published in Veterinary Sciences examined 167 dogs on customized homemade diets and found significant benefits, including better digestion, improved skin and coat health, and increased energy levels. Many owners also reported a reduction in allergy symptoms and better weight management. (Source)

Research also suggests that dogs fed a fresh, balanced diet can live longer than those on ultra-processed kibble. Studies show that processed pet food may contribute to chronic health issues like obesity and inflammation, which can shorten lifespan.

That said, it’s a necessity that your dog’s meals are nutritionally balanced. While fresh food provides a healthier alternative to many commercial kibbles, consulting a veterinary nutritionist can help you tailor meals to your pet’s specific needs.

Additional Healthy veggies you can add to your recipe for dog's food:

• Chickpeas – Rich in fiber and protein, great for digestion.

• Green Beans – Low in calories and packed with vitamins.

• Sweet Potatoes – High in fiber and a good source of vitamins A and C.

• Pumpkin – Supports digestion, especially for constipation or diarrhea.

• Carrots – Low-calorie snack that's high in fiber and beta-carotene.

• Zucchini – Low in calories and great for hydration with high water content.

• Spinach – Good source of vitamins A, B, C, and K; feed in small amounts.

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Multi-vitamins & Probiotics

I like to include a daily multivitamin and daily probiotic to his diet to keep him young and healthy!

Zesty Paws multi-vitamins: they have a 8-in-1 version and a 11-in-1 senior version. Buddy is young, but I actually give him the senior version because it has more features like cognitive support, enhanced joint support, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. He likes to get the zoomies and jump a lot so I want him to have the extra support.

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamins for Dogs:

This version typically provides 8 key benefits to support your dog's overall health. The 8-in-1 formula may include support for:

• Joint Health – Supports mobility with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM (OptiMSM®).

• Skin & Coat – Promotes a shiny, healthy coat with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Omega fatty acids.

• Immune System Support – Strengthens immunity with antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

• Digestive Health – Aids digestion and gut health with Digestive Enzymes (Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, Lactase, Bromelain) and Probiotics (Lactobacillus strains).

• Heart Health – Supports cardiovascular function with essential nutrients and antioxidants.

• Liver Health – Contains nutrients that promote liver function and detoxification.

• Eye Health – Supports vision with Vitamin A and antioxidants.

• Overall Wellness – Provides essential Vitamins A, D3, and E for a balanced, healthy life.

Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Multivitamins for Dogs:

The 11-in-1 formula builds upon the 8-in-1 by adding three additional benefits with key ingredients:

• Enhanced Joint Support – Includes Ceylon Cinnamon for added mobility benefits.

• Cognitive Function – Features Coenzyme Q10 and B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Biotin) to support brain health and mental clarity.

• Anti-Inflammatory Support – Contains Curcumin (Qmin+™) and Cod Liver Oil for natural anti-inflammatory properties.

• Urinary & Kidney Health – Includes CranMax® Cranberry Extract to promote a healthy urinary tract.

• Eye Health Boost – Enhanced with Lutein and Zeaxanthin for additional vision support.

Bark & Spark Probiotics for Dogs:

This probiotic formula is designed to support digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being with key ingredients:

• Digestive Health – Features Bacillus coagulans, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Products to aid digestion and promote a balanced gut microbiome.

• Prebiotic Support – Includes Fructooligosaccharides to nourish beneficial gut bacteria for improved digestion.

• Nutrient Absorption – Papaya and Flaxseed help enhance digestion and nutrient absorption for overall health.

• Skin & Coat Health – Canola Oil and Lecithin provide essential fatty acids to support a shiny, healthy coat.

• Antioxidant Support – Mixed Tocopherols help protect cells from oxidative stress and support immune function.