Some people dote on their pets like they’re tiny humans — sometimes more than humans.
One friend of mine held a graduation bash for her dog after he completed obedience classes.
Another partner once bought snow boots for his pup while they lived in Denver. The dog detested them, so they got returned.
A coworker says her mother whips up bacon and eggs each morning; the dog gets the first plate. (Curry is reserved for the evening.)
If you lavish your dog with that kind of attention, you might have thought about preparing your pup’s meals at home (not sharing human entrees).
Many owners choose homemade dog food because they want to monitor what their pet consumes. Maybe it has food sensitivities, a delicate stomach, or maybe it’s simply spoiled…
Either way, tacking another homemade meal onto your grocery list can quickly add cost.
So don’t mess it up. Below are budget-friendly recipes to help you begin — plus important tips so you don’t unintentionally harm your dog.
Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian — and I never will be (I barely passed intro bio). Check with your pet’s doctor about your fur baby’s particular requirements before you dive in.
The Basics: What to Feed — and What to Avoid
First up: Just because your dog lounges on the sofa like a person, uses your pillow like a person and snores like a person… that doesn’t mean it should eat like one.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals listssix crucial nutrients dogs require to thrive: water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
You can find these nutrients in the recipes below.
Then there are ingredients you mustn’t give your dog, even though someone always claims their canine ate chocolate and is fine — or refuses to believe curry is problematic. (I’m looking at you, Grace.)
Here are foods to avoid, per the American Kennel Club:
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Ice cream
- Almonds
- Macadamia nuts
With the groundwork set, let’s head to the kitchen.
3 Budget-Friendly Recipes to Start Making Your Dog’s Meals
These recipes won’t make you a gourmet canine chef, but they’re nutritious, affordable choices to launch your DIY dog-food journey.
Note: The prices below were gathered from my local Publix in February 2017; your grocery costs will likely differ.
1. For a fancier option…
Honestly, this “Mutt Loaf” looks impressive. I might even sample it… and I’m not a fan of meatloaf. The recipe claims it takes under 30 minutes, so I’m in.
What you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef ($4.49)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled ($1.25)
- 2 beaten eggs (83 cents)
- 5 ounces finely chopped carrots (25 cents)
- 4 ounces fresh or frozen peas (33 cents for frozen)
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese ($2)
- 3 ounces whole wheat breadcrumbs (63 cents)
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree (7 cents)
- ½ ounce chopped parsley — optional
Total cost for about 10 slices: $9.85, or under $1 per slice.
For the full recipe and a video, check out The Whoot.
2. If you love your slow cooker…
The slow cooker is one appliance I actually know how to use — and enjoy. There’s a crockpot recipe for dogs too: a straightforward beef-and-rice dish.
What you’ll need:
- 2.5 pounds ground beef ($11.23)
- 1.5 cups brown rice ($1.71)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (89 cents)
- 1.5 cups chopped butternut squash ($1.29 per pound)
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots ($1.50)
- ½ cup frozen peas (33 cents)
Total cost: about $16.95, yielding roughly 11 cups — about $1.50 per cup. (See feeding amounts below.)
Find the complete recipe at Canine Journal.
3. If you prefer a dry-food style…
My family has typically fed our pups dry food — it seems dull, but my mom does it because it’s easier and allows free-feeding.
If you’re committed to dry food, try this recipe:
- 2.5 cups whole wheat flour ($2.18)
- 1.5 cups brewer’s yeast (link) ($5.60)
- ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder ($1.66)
- ½ cup cornmeal (14 cents)
- 4.5 cups water (free)
- 3 medium eggs ($1.25)
- 2 teaspoons flaxseed oil (21 cents)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (12 cents)
- ½ cup pureed cauliflower ($1.25 per frozen bag)
- ½ cup pureed zucchini ($1.25 per frozen bag)
- ½ cup pureed green beans ($1.25 per frozen bag)
Total: $14.91, producing about 30 cups — enough to feed a large dog for over a week.
Thanks to Best Bully Sticks for this solid recipe; their site explains assembly.
How Much to Feed Your Dog
Figuring portions is one of my least favorite tasks because my dog will beg like he’s starving — even after he sneaks the cat’s kibble.
So how do you know when your dog is satisfied?
Canine Journal provides a helpful chart to estimate your dog’s needs.
Still, always confirm portioning with your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives a balanced diet.
Transition Slowly When Changing Diets
We humans can usually switch foods without issues, but dogs require a gradual transition to avoid digestive upset.
If you move your dog to a new formula too abruptly, you could see diarrhea, vomiting or other stomach problems — not ideal when you have new carpeting.
Introduce the new food slowly. PetMD recommends this schedule:
- Day 1: 20% new food, 80% old
- Day 2: 40% new, 60% old
- Day 3: 60% new, 40% old
- Day 4: 80% new, 20% old
- Day 5: 100% new food
If your dog shows signs of digestive distress at any point, revert to the previous food and contact your vet.
For more on switching diets and special cases, PetMD has additional guidance.
Your Turn: Will you try making your pup’s meals, or do you already prepare them? Share your favorite cheap homemade dog treats, recipes or kitchen mishaps in the comments!
Bailey Morgan is a staff writer at Savinly. She sends love to her pups, Bandit and Dimples.
