Love making homemade cookies and treats? Why leave your pets out when you decide to go whip up goodies in the kitchen? With these homemade recipes for pets both cats and dogs can enjoy, you are sure to find some favorites in our list of ideas. Sugar free, grain free and gluten free options for special diets, high protein and peanut butter munchies, healthy treats for older dogs, catnip treats, organic recipes and more. When you aim to please your special pet, you will absolutely want to try out some the these delicious recipe ideas.
1. Grain Free Sweet Potato Dog Treats
thehealthymaven
Make your dog’s day by baking some Grain Free Sweet Potato Dog Treats. Sweet potato is a natural source of sugar in dog treats and has plenty of health benefits. They would make great training treats because they are low in calories. I can’t wait to make these for my little fur baby.
2. Homemade Flea Prevention Dog Treats
healthstartsinthekitchen
These homemade flea prevention dog treats can help keep these annoying parasites off of your canine companion and out of your home. By combining coconut oil and brewers yeast, Health Starts In The Kitchen has created the perfect anti-flea treats.
3. Apple and Peanut Butter Pupcakes
sugarandsoul
Is your dog’s birthday coming up? Surprise him with this cute little treat from Sugar and Soul. It’s a homemade treat that’s really great since apples and peanut butter are also crazy good for their health. They’re made with whole wheat flour, yogurt, apples, honey, and peanut butter.
4. Spinach, Carrot and Zucchini Dog Treats
damndelicious
Surprise your pup with these veggie-loaded treats. They are are nutritious, healthy and so easy to make. With the prices of store-bought treats reaching an all-time high, I am going to start making my own and I am going to start with this healthy recipe for my pup.
5. DIY Doggie Breath Mints
skinnyms
Our doggies can get bad breath too! Dogs can get bad breath from plaque build-up caused by infrequent brushing, insufficient water intake, or just from the foods they eat. This DIY Doggie Breath Mints will help get rid of your dog’s bad breath no matter the reason so snag the full recipe now from Skinny Ms.
6. Peanut Butter and Apple Sauce Cookies for Dogs
The Lazy Pit Bull
Five wholesome ingredients, only 25 minutes in the oven? Almost too good to be true. But this Peanut Butter and Apple Sauce Cookies recipe is truly healthy, wholesome, and easy to make homemade treats that’s perfect for your best dog bud.
7. Easy Crockpot Dog Food
damndelicious
If you didn’t know what your slow cooker is capable of, you’ll be very happy to know that you can now add dog food to the crockpot list. With just a few veggie ingredients you can easily replicate this recipe from Damn Delicious.
8. Frosty Watermelon Dog Treat Recipe
petguide
These watermelon dog treats will give you all the summer feels not to mention cool your already cool dog down. Not all human foods, including fruits, are appropriate and safe for dogs to consume, but watermelon is one that is certainly a nice treat that you can give your dog every now and then, especially during the hot summer months.
9. Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe
petguide
Keep your dogs cool and happy with this Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat from Pet Guide. Pumpkin can help balance a canine’s digestive system. It is an excellent source of natural fiber, so it could help keep your dog more regular if he is dealing with constipation.
10. Mini Omelettes for Dogs
pawsh-magazine
Eggs are a great source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can give dogs biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet. So follow along with the recipe from Pawsh Magazine to learn more.
11. DIY Slow Cooker Dog Food
pearlsandsportsbras
12. Bacon Cheddar Homemade Dog Treats
munchkinsandmilitary
13. Carrot and Banana Natural Dog Treat
17apart
14. Healthy Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats
jeanetteshealthyliving
15. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats Recipe
missmollysays
16. No Flea Dog Biscuits
bakeatmidnite
17. Frozen Pupcakes
lolathepitty
18. Sweet Potato and Apple Pupcakes
thespeckledpalate
19. Doggie Green Bean Crunchies
skinnyms
20. Healthy and Homemade Woof Loaf
popsugar
21. Catnip Cat Treats Recipe
messforless
22. Easy Homemade Cat Treats
dukesandduch*esses
23. Crunchy Tuna Cat Treats
evermine
24. Homemade Organic Spinach and Chicken Cat Treats
popsugar
25. 3-Ingredient Salmon Cat Treats
thecookierookie
26. Homemade Salmon Oat Cat Treats
joythebaker
27. Tuna and Catnip Cat Treat Croutons
thecookierookie
28. Goat Milk Catsicle
catster
29. Tuna and Cheddar Cat Crisps
adventures-in-cooking
30. Kitty Delight Homemade Cat Treats
serendipityandspice
31. DIY Salmon Crunchies Cat Treats
mywoodenspoon
32. Pet-Approved Recipe for Cats
amybites
33. Homemade Healthy Cat Treats
wellnessmama
34. Homemade Chicken & Cranberry Cat Treats
girlichef
35. Chewy Cat Treats
joythebaker
36. DIY Frozen Apple Dog Treats
popsugar
37. Chicken Sweet Potato Dog Treats Recipe
userealbutter
FAQs
Home Cooked Meal Recipe for Dogs & Cats!
- 500g Protein of choice (I used chicken breast), cut into small pieces.
- 2 pieces chicken liver (you can use pork liver, beef liver, etc)
- 1 can of sardine (soaked in water, approx 78g after draining)
- Handful of chopped broccoli and carrot.
- Teaspoon of coconut oil (optional)
Good homemade food for healthy dogs includes all the vitamins, calcium, proteins and minerals your pet needs to stay healthy. You can add ground beef, chicken, lamb or venison, as well as vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.
What should top 3 ingredients be in dog food? ›
What are the top 3 ingredients to look for in dog food? The top ingredients to look for in dog food are high-quality proteins (named meat sources - chicken, beef, fish, and lamb), natural carbohydrates (whole fruits and vegetables), and healthy fats (animal fats or plant-based oils).
What not to put in homemade dog food? ›
There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
What food is good for both dogs and cats? ›
There are some human foods that are safe for both dogs and cats to eat, and these include:
- Salmon.
- Bread.
- Eggs.
- Spinach.
- Chicken.
- Turkey.
- Green beans.
- Broccoli.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), there's no evidence that raw diets are healthier than commercial or homemade diets created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. “It depends on how the food is prepared and who formulated the diet,” says Bartges.
Can I feed my dog chicken and rice every day? ›
Chicken and rice isn't meant to be given as an everyday dog food, nor is it suitable to be used in place of regular dog treats. It's simply a short-term bland diet option intended for a sick dog.
Do vets recommend homemade dog food? ›
“Homemade food is a great option for many pets, but we recommend that owners avoid general recipes from books and the Internet and instead consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist,” Larsen said.
What homemade food can dogs eat everyday? ›
7 Foods to Cook For Your Dog
- Chicken.
- Lean Ground Turkey.
- Eggs.
- Raw or Steamed Vegetables.
- Fresh Fruits.
- Boiled Potatoes.
- Peanut Butter.
- Yogurt.
Some of the better options for lean meat cuts are chicken breasts, lean cuts of beef such as sirloin or flank steak, and pork tenderloin. These kinds of cuts can be boiled, baked, or grilled, but you'll want to avoid adding seasonings or other ingredients that might be harmful to your dog.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Corn and wheat gluten.
- Meat and grain meals and by-products.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
- Ethoxyquin.
- Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE)
- PG (Propylene Glycol)
- Rendered fat.
Dog experts reveal dog superfoods
- Sweet Potato. Sweet potato is a natural source of fiber and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. ...
- Watermelon. Watermelon is a nutritious superfood, with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins A, B and C, potassium and magnesium. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Kale. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Quinoa. ...
- Pumpkin. ...
- Chia Seeds.
Many dog food recipes fall short in certain nutrients, especially iron, copper, calcium, and zinc. Even some recipes created by veterinarians don't measure up.
Is it cheaper to make homemade dog food? ›
For example, you can buy high quality ingredients at your very own local grocery store to make your own homemade dog food for as low as $1.81 per pound compared to store bought fresh dog food which can come out to $10+ per pound.
Do dogs who eat homemade food live longer? ›
A similar research conducted by Belgium scientists, titled “Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay,” revealed that dogs who had a high-quality, homemade diet (not table scraps or industrial, commercial pet food) extended their life expectancy by 32 months.
Can you feed cats and dogs the same homemade food? ›
Dogs and cats require different essential nutrients that must be met to perform their regular bodily functions. Homemade pet food recipes need to be approved by a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Many recipes out there are dangerous, causing nutrient deficiencies or excessive nutrients.
How do you feed cats and dogs in the same house? ›
Put the cat's food up high
If you struggle to feed your cat and dog at the same time, place the cat's food on this high platform to give them some secure privacy. Otherwise, a large windowsill, kitchen counter, or on top of a cabinet can also work.
Is it cheaper to make your own dog food? ›
A nutritionally complete and balanced, homemade diet for a 30-pound dog costs around $3.52 per day, or if using organic ingredients – around $5.58 per day. This is about two to four times the price of commercial kibble of the same quantity. However, it is half the cost of commercial canned wet dog food.
Can cats and dogs eat from same bowl? ›
Does each pet need their own food bowl? Although many pet owners prefer to use one food bowl for multiple dogs (or cats) to eat from, there are two important reasons to always feed each pet from its own bowl. Dogs and cats have individual calorie needs, which means each pet needs a different volume of food.
