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5 Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Healthy, Nutritious and Easy to Prepare

pastaJul 28, 20263 min read

5 Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Healthy, Nutritious and Easy to Prepare

Thinking about preparing homemade meals for your dog? Every meal should provide the right balance of animal protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, healthy fats and essential vitamins to support your dog's wellbeing.

Here are five wholesome homemade recipes designed for a healthy adult dog weighing around 10 kg (22 lb). The quantities below represent a full daily ration and should be adjusted according to your dog's size, age and activity level. If your dog eats more than once a day, simply divide the daily portion into multiple meals.


1. Chicken, Carrots and Rice: A Simple Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 130 g chicken (breast, fillets, wings or boneless thighs)
  • 100 g green beans
  • 50 g carrots
  • 30 g brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon rapeseed (canola) oil

Method

Bring a large pot of water to the boil.

Trim the green beans and dice the carrots before rinsing them thoroughly. Add the vegetables and brown rice to the boiling water.

Finely chop the chicken and add it during cooking. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until everything is tender.

Drain the ingredients, reserving a little of the cooking water to moisten the meal if needed. Mash lightly or leave in small pieces, depending on your dog's preference.

Allow to cool before serving.

Ciuffi Tip: Short on fresh vegetables? Unsalted canned vegetables, thoroughly rinsed, can be a convenient alternative.


2. Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients

  • 140 g lean beef
  • 120 g sweet potato
  • 80 g green beans
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Method

Bring a pot of water to the boil.

Peel and dice the sweet potato, then rinse well. Cook it together with the green beans until tender.

Finely chop the beef and add it to the pan during the final five minutes of cooking.

Drain everything, mix well and stir in the flaxseed oil once the food has cooled slightly.

Serve when cool.

Ciuffi Tip: Lightly mashing the sweet potato makes it even easier to digest.


3. White Fish Recipe for Dogs with Sensitive Digestion

Suitable for healthy adult dogs as well as dogs with delicate digestion.

Ingredients

  • 150 g white fish (cod or hake, boneless)
  • 60 g white rice
  • 100 g pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon salmon oil

Method

Cook the rice until very soft.

Steam or boil the pumpkin until tender.

Steam the fish, carefully checking that all bones have been removed.

Combine all the ingredients and stir in the salmon oil once the food has cooled slightly.

Allow to cool completely before serving.

Ciuffi Tip: If your dog has particularly sensitive digestion, cook the rice a little longer to further improve starch digestibility.


4. Turkey and Ciuffi Dog Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 130 g boneless turkey
  • 50 g Ciuffi Dog Pasta (dry weight)
  • 100 g courgettes (zucchini)
  • 50 g carrots
  • 1 tablespoon rapeseed (canola) oil

Method

Cover the Ciuffi Dog Pasta with hot water and allow it to rehydrate for several minutes.

Cook the turkey by steaming or boiling, then cut it into small pieces.

Dice the vegetables and cook until tender.

Combine all the ingredients, add the rapeseed oil and allow the meal to cool before serving.

Ciuffi Tip: Ciuffi Dog Pasta is developed using Italian expertise together with animal nutrition specialists. As a complementary food, it is more digestible than pasta made for people and contains a nutritional profile designed specifically for dogs.


5. Easy Chicken Recipe for Senior Dogs

Older dogs generally require fewer calories and often benefit from softer, easily digestible meals.

Ingredients

  • 120 g chicken
  • 80 g white rice
  • 120 g pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon fish oil

Method

Cook the rice until very soft.

Cook the pumpkin until tender.

Boil the chicken, then finely chop or shred it.

Mix all the ingredients together and stir in the fish oil once the meal has cooled slightly.

Allow to cool before serving.

Ciuffi Tip: If your senior dog has difficulty chewing, mash the meal gently with a fork to create a softer texture.


Learn More

Want to prepare balanced homemade meals for your dog?

Read our practical guides to learn what your dog's bowl should contain and how to calculate the right daily portions.

  • How to Calculate the Ideal Daily Food Portion for Your Dog
  • How to Prepare Healthy and Delicious Homemade Dog Food
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best carbohydrates for dogs?

Carbohydrates are important for providing energy, regulating blood sugar and supporting cognitive function. Good options include rice, pasta formulated for dogs, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, legumes and grains, provided they are well tolerated. There is no single best choice, as the ideal option depends on the dog’s nutritional needs, digestive profile and activity level. These foods should always be cooked thoroughly to ensure proper digestibility and absorption.

Should certain meats be avoided?

Avoid processed, salted or seasoned meats. Leftovers high in salt or spices, such as cured meats and sausages, are not suitable for dogs. Always choose simple, fresh products that are fit for human consumption.

How do I calculate the amount of food for a homemade diet?

A dog’s daily homemade food allowance should equal 2–3% of its body weight in grams. For example, a 30 kg dog will need between 600 and 900 g of food per day (30,000 × 2% or 3%). Two percent is suitable for a healthy adult dog that tends to gain weight, while 3% is better for very active dogs. Observe your dog’s condition and behaviour to adjust the portion to its actual needs and appetite. The meal should include different food groups as well as vitamins and minerals.