Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs: Easy, Real-Life Money Savers

Let’s Spill the Beans…

Can we talk about the cost of being a “good dog parent” for a minute? I mean, every time I do the math on what I’m spending for that fancy bag of premium kibble, my jaw hits the floor. All those promises on the label? Shiny coats, endless energy, magical breath (OK, maybe not the last one)—but then my tiny mutt sniffs it, walks away, and I’m left grumbling about wasted cash. Seriously, have you ever noticed how the price just keeps inching up, but your pup doesn’t seem any more thrilled?

That’s what started my deep dive into the world of best homemade dog food recipes for small dogs. (Imagine me, sleeves rolled, YouTube running, calculator in one hand…) Is it really cheaper to make your own? Is it weird? Will Sparky even eat it?

Why Swap From Store Food?

What’s Hiding in That Kibble Bag?

Here’s a fun little surprise (or not): most cheap dog food is pumped full of, well… stuff that fills a bowl but not your dog’s belly. Fillers. Byproducts. “Natural flavors” (like, what does that even mean?). Cheap up front, sure—but just wait for the day you’re shelling out $180 at the vet because your dog’s scratching like there’s no tomorrow. Been there. Ouch.

And those “designer” brands? Oh, they’ll drain your budget, fast. According to some research on real costs, premium kibble can hit $2.67 a pound. Don’t even get me started on when food recalls happen (yeah, that happened one summer—no thanks).

Homemade Doesn’t Mean Expensive

You don’t need to be Martha Stewart to whip up dog food. Think: ground turkey, brown rice, last night’s leftover carrots. (Yes… seriously, I once tossed yesterday’s steamed broccoli into the pot. She loved it. Who knew?) The trick is to keep it simple—honestly, if you can boil water and chop veggies, you can do this. The big win? My vet bills dropped, and my wallet stopped whispering threats every time I walked through the pet aisle.

Let’s Look at Real-Life Costs:

Even if homemade isn’t always the cheapest, the real kicker is fewer vet trips and no more wasted food. (Raise your hand if your dog’s ever just left dinner untouched. Sigh.)

Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples

What’s Actually Good (and Cheap) for Dogs?

Alright—so you’re staring into the fridge, wondering, “Will my dog even eat this?” The good news: most small dogs aren’t as picky as Instagram would have you believe. Start with protein—think ground turkey, beef, or even chicken thighs when they’re on sale. Rice is my go-to filler, especially brown rice. And for veggies? Grab those carrots, peas, broccoli, or green beans (fresh or frozen—nobody’s judging).

Oh, and those “fancy” superfoods? Total budget-breakers, and honestly, your dog appreciates humble sweet potato more than organic goji berries.

The best part? You control everything—no suspicious “byproducts,” no red dye #40. (I mean… what is that doing in dog food?) If you’re wondering what you should—and shouldn’t—be adding, here’s a smart guide on What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food?.

How I Shop Smart for Pup Supplies

Pro-tip? I bulk-buy brown rice and frozen veggies at the warehouse club. Chicken hearts sound weird, but when you find a pack marked down for quick sale? Trust me, your dog thinks you’re a five-star chef. (My neighbor swears by meat clearance bins for her two Chihuahuas… and let’s just say they’re the definition of spoiled healthy.)

Frugal Swaps and Ingredient Hacks

Switch it up! Got old-fashioned oats but no rice? Use ’em. Out of turkey? Try lentils for a plant-protein day. Just watch those onions, grapes, and anything “spicy”—they’re a no-go for pups.

Want to see more? The whole section on homemade dog food ideas is packed with substitutions and swaps that’ll save money and trips to the store.

My Go-To Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Fast Turkey-Veggie Stew (Small Dog Edition)

This one is a weeknight staple—good for the dog and for my budget. You literally just need a pot:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups brown rice
• 6 cups water
• Half a bag frozen mixed veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower)
• Sprinkle of dried rosemary (if your dog likes a little flair!)

Brown the turkey, add everything else, simmer until soft. Cool before serving. Portion into half-cup scoops (my 12lb mutt gets two small meals a day). And yes… you will feel like a wizard when your dog cleans their bowl.

This basic recipe costs me about $10 to make for the whole week (that’s less than a pizza delivery—just sayin’). And it freezes brilliantly.

Want to swap in beef or chicken? Go for it! Or hey, try tossing in some chicken hearts, like those TikTok dog moms are always recommending…

Mini Meatloaf Bites (Perfect for Picky Eaters)

OK, so sometimes Sparky turns his nose at mushy stew. That’s when mini meatloaf bites come in. Here’s my super-simple take (thanks to a tip from a friend and a bunch of dogs on this pet blog):

• 1 lb lean beef or chicken
• 1.5 cups shredded carrots and sweet potato (or whatever’s wilting in the veggie drawer)
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (optional for extra protein and creamy texture)

Mix. Smash into muffin tins (no paper liners needed, just grease the pan). Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Cool, freeze, and voila! You have a stash of single-serve meals ready to go. (Honestly… why do I feel more on top of my life feeding the dog than myself?)

Want to see more creative spins? You can search for homemade dog food ideas for small breeds—lots of variations and step-by-step inspo.

Chicken & Sweet Potato Mash (One-Pot Wonder)

You ever have those days where you just want to dump everything in a pot and walk away? That’s this recipe. Especially good if your local store has a “manager’s special” on chicken thighs—or hearts/gizzards, which, by the way, are dirt cheap and packed with nutrients.

• 2 lbs chicken parts (thighs, hearts, or gizzards—mix it up!)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup rice (brown or white, whatever’s in the pantry)
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups frozen peas or chopped green beans

Simmer till it’s all soft—about 35–40 minutes. Let it cool, then mash slightly. Watch out, it’s hot! I almost taste-tested mine by accident once.

More Recipe Variations?

If you get bored (or your dog does), check out homemade dog food ideas for tons more options. Some folks add flaxseed for healthy fats; others sneak in a little cottage cheese for creaminess. Experiment. Your dog will tell you—loudly—if you nailed it.

How Much, How Often?

Don’t Overfeed! (Or Underfeed…)

Here’s the tricky part: these little guys don’t need much. Most small dogs need just 200–400 calories a day—sometimes less. When I first started, I was kind of eyeballing it… but oops, my dog got chunky. Whoops. Now I measure by weight, not just cups. (It’s not as fussy as it sounds. You get used to it!)

For smaller pups, start with 1/4 cup per meal and adjust up if they’re super active. If they start resembling a loaf of bread on legs… scale back.

If you want extra peace of mind (or your dog has health stuff), get tips from What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food?. And when in doubt? Check with your vet. Always worth it, trust me.

Batch Prep = Budget Win

I’m no meal-prep queen, but on Sunday afternoons, I crank out a week’s worth in less than an hour. Ice cube trays for freezing single portions = pure genius. Who knew my freezer would make both smoothie cubes and doggy dinners? No more wasted kibble, no more last-second stress. This is how budgeting wins get made, one tiny dog meal at a time.

There’s something satisfying about seeing your pup’s meals lined up, ready to go. (Little life victories!)

Common Stumbles—And How To Dodge Them

Not All “Homemade” Is Balanced

Look, you want your dog to be healthy, not just full. You wouldn’t live on ramen, right? (Or… maybe you would, in college.) Dogs need balance—protein, carbs, healthy fats, a sprinkle of vitamins. If you’re unsure if your recipe checks all the boxes, compare ingredients on What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food?. When in doubt, a basic multi-vitamin is actually a pretty good safety net (just, uh, don’t swap your own gummies for a canine formula… it’s not the same).

Transition Slower Than a Senior Pug

If you switch from kibble to homemade overnight? Let’s just say… you’ll regret it, and so will your carpet. Mix the new stuff in slowly, upping each week. Your dog’s stomach and your sanity will thank you.

Money Talk—How Much Am I Really Saving?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Counting up my receipts, I’m saving about $30–$40 a month, easy. That’s after a little bit of trial-and-error (and a few batches that, ahem, got sniffed and rejected). It feels good. Like, “treat myself to a fancy coffee and buy a new chew toy” good.

If you want an even deeper dive into affordable cooking for pets, give homemade dog food ideas a look. You may find you’re saving more than you ever imagined—on food, on vet trips, and, honestly, on peace of mind.

Ready to Give It a Go?

No Judgement, Just Start Simple

If you’re curious, just try one small batch. Mix it with your current food. See what your pup does (some are suspicious at first, some dig in like they’ve won the lottery). Get the kids involved, or make it a Sunday ritual. Enjoy those tail wags—you earned them.

Sometimes it’ll get messy—sometimes what you make will bomb—but every recipe is a step toward saving money and spoiling your dog in the best possible way. Who knows? In a few months, you might realize you haven’t been down the expensive pet aisle in weeks. And your dog? Well, they’ll just think you’re a genius chef.

Let’s Wrap This Up—You Got This!

Making the best homemade dog food recipes for small dogs isn’t just a wallet-saver or a trend—it’s a whole vibe. It means fewer headaches, a bit more cash in the bank, and a heck of a lot of happy tail wiggles. Start simple. Switch up those proteins and veggies when you catch a sale. Don’t worry if it’s “perfect”—your dog just wants real food, served with love, and maybe a little patience as you experiment.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve already taken your first step—so go ahead, batch-cook some meaty magic and stash it in the freezer. Compare your grocery receipts next month. Marvel at how chill your next vet visit feels. And most of all, enjoy the extra time and snuggles with your little sidekick. You’re not just saving money. You’re making memories—one homemade meal at a time.