It's a fact, feeding your pup a diet of 100% human-grade dog food is easy, cost-effective, and WAY better for them than a traditional doggie diet of processed kibble! My easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and tender herbs for a healthy, vibrant alternative to traditional dog food that has given our 11-year-old dog a new lease on life!
***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian's careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human-grade food diet for your pup. This post was updated with a video on August 16, 2020, updated with additional recipe links 9/14/2020, updated 1/7/2021 with metric measurements, updated 1/3/2022 with recipe links for hydrating meals.***
Our Journey with a Dog with Kidney Disease
When we found out our fur baby Hooch had kidney disease, we immediately dove headfirst into figuring out how to help our dog with kidney disease and learned some seriously eye-opening stuff along the way.
When people find out we make our own dog food at home they always ask us, "What about a raw diet?", so let's get that out of the way first....
There are LOTS of thoughts and theories on feeding your dog a raw diet especially a dog that is living with kidney disease. Our vet however, was personally opposed to feeding a raw diet due to the fact that dogs, just like us, are very susceptible to food poisoning. Besides that, a raw diet can be tricky to get just right! You run the risk of giving your dog a horrible belly ache by mixing a raw diet with cooked treats, so if you decided to go raw it is important to have both raw meals and raw treats planned for your pup at all times. NO MIXING the two! Since raw and cooked foods digest at different rates any combination of the two can wreak serious havoc on your pup's gut which can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations for you - if you get my drift.
Now, let's break down the recipe for my Easy Homemade Dog Food shall we?
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega's. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I've found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup's ideal dog food flavor profile.
***It is important to note that dog's can have food allergies too!!! The top 5 (in order) foods that dogs can be allergic to are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, & egg. If you notice your dog having any issues after ingesting these ingredients you should contact your veterinarian.***
Meat || Lean ground beef, ground chicken, ground white or dark meat turkey, & ground pork are all great options. Just be sure to make sure that any meat you feed your animals is free of seasonings when purchasing! Dog's living with a kidney disease diagnosis need meals that are lower in phosphorus - so for us a lean ground beef like ground sirloin is best the way to go!
Grains || Brown rice has all of the fiber from the hull of the rice grain still intact and it's easily digestible, which makes it a great ingredient for homemade dog food! If you are limiting phosphorus in your dog's food due to kidney disease you can use white rice instead. Other grains like oats, quinoa, and even whole grain pasta are also easily digestible options. Gluten grains can be included in a dog's diet too, however it is important to note that gluten is one of the top 5 dog allergens. In our personal experience with Hooch over the years, gluten has been a real problem that causes him extreme gastrointestinal discomfort, so we avoid it.
Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice? Homemade Meals That Your Pups Will Love!
Many dog owners wonder: can dogs eat brown rice? I have all the answers, nutritious facts, and recipes for you here!
Eggs || Eggs are one of the top 5 allergens for dogs and the yolks are very high in phosphorus -which you want to limit in dog's with kidney disease. But, eggs are also one of the highest quality forms of protein you can feed your pet! Ultimately, a hard-boiled egg is Hooch's favorite thing on the planet so, with our vet's approval, we opted to leave them in his food.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? The Incredible, Edible, Treat All Dogs Love!
Not only CAN dogs eat eggs, they absolutely SHOULD! A moderate daily amount of egg in addition to a regular diet can greatly improve a dog's health.
Vegetables || My dogs both really LOVE fresh shredded carrots and fennel, so if I have either of those on hand I use them, but there are LOADS of other great dog-friendly veggies too! Frozen veggie blends that contain peas, corn, carrots, and green beans are a wonderful choice that our dogs love! Cooked sweet potatoes are a great addition to bulk up their meals too, just never feed your dog raw sweet potato as it can cause serious blockages! Canned 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, is another great addition to your dog's daily meal. A tablespoon or two mixed in at each feeding really ups their fiber intake and can work wonders for your dog's digestive system!
Can Dogs Eat Carrots? A Biscuit Your Pup Will Love!
Can dogs eat carrots? Let's see the benefits of carrots for dogs and make a scrumptious carrot biscuit recipe that your pup will surely enjoy!
Herbs || Lots of fresh and dried herbs are great for dogs! The curly, not flat-leaf, variety of parsley is great for preventative kidney health. It’s cleansing for the organs (which will help prevent disease). However, for a dog with an actual kidney disease diagnosis, you may want to limit their intake of parsley altogether. Herbs like cilantro, thyme, or basil are delicious options for your pup that are loaded with health benefits too!
Homemade Dog Food Seasoning
It's no secret that fresh herbs and spices are beneficial to a person's health and diet, but did you know that your dog's diet could benefit from them too!?
Oil || You will want to drizzle a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega 3's into each batch of dog food you make. I usually just stick with olive oil or safflower oil because I typically have them on hand and they are affordable. There are great Omega oil blends available on the market too that contain Omega's 3,6, & 9 but they tend to be a bit pricier.
Hydration is VERY important for dog's with kidney disease.
Dog's with kidney disease are in need of hydrating fluids wherever they can get them! The benefit of feeding food that is saturated instead of dry is that the kidneys won't have to work as hard to perform their normal function in the body.
There are lots of ways to add more liquid to your pup's meals. Obviously, a bit of water mixed in is one option, but we prefer hydrating with a liquid that adds nutritional value as well.
Dog-Friendly Bone Broth Recipe
Bone broth recipes for dogs should be very different than those for humans! Dog's cannot eat certain ingredients that are typically used in bone broth for humans like onions.
This recipe is full of dog-friendly ingredients like apples, ginger, and mushrooms and can be made on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or slow cooker!
You can hydrate your dog's food while also boosting their immune system, improving liver health, supporting healthy digestion, and helping to relieve joint pain by adding homemade bone broth to your dog's daily meals.
Beef Bone Broth Topper from The Native Pet
Native Pet's bone broth contains only natural ingredients and is sourced and packaged in the USA.
Our bone broth delivers on the nutritional benefits of a homemade broth in a convenient powder form and is used to re-hydrate dry food, or as a simple, nourishing drink.
Use code "THISMESSISOURS20" at checkout for 20% off your order!
Goat's Milk
Unlike most pet food, which is feed grade, this 100% human-grade goat milk from The Honest Kitchen is made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients and more safety standards, just like you would expect from your own food!
This topper is easy to make too —simply add warm water to the dehydrated mix and stir to combine.
How much and when should you feed your dog?
This will vary from dog to dog, but a general rule of thumb is for every 10 lbs your dog weighs they should be fed roughly 1 cup of prepared food.
For our 80 lb Hooch, that means 2 meals a day each containing 4 cups of food. It is important to note that, dogs with kidney problems often feel better when fed several small meals throughout the day rather than just one or two large meals, so you may find that you need to adjust your feeding schedule as time goes on accordingly to keep your pup comfy!
What kind of snacks can I feed my dog with kidney disease?
Our dogs walk a bit on the wild side when it comes to snacks as they love thin apple slices, banana chunks, carrots, whole unsalted peanuts in the husks, and dehydrated sweet potatoes! Dog's with kidney disease should avoid meat-based chews/treats that are high in phosphorus, so you may find that you need to explore doing friendly fruit and veggies for treats like we have. We still on occasion will offer Hooch bully sticks or a jerky treat, but it is better for him if we limit his intake due to the levels of phosphorous that those treats contain.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? Try This Simple & Tasty Treat
We’ve covered carrots and fruit, but can dogs eat sweet potatoes? The answer is a resounding YES! Sweet potatoes aren't only great for humans, they are an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients for our 4-legged friends as well! Cubed and steamed, mashed, or sliced and dehydrated like this simple treat - there are lots of easy ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your dog's diet.
Can dogs eat blackberries? A Soft Baked Blackberry Dog Treat.
Our Soft Baked Blackberry Dog Treats are sure to be a hit with any pup but are especially good for dogs that need softer treats due to issues with their teeth.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? The Ultimate Canine Superfood
Can dogs eat blueberries? YES and they totally should! Blueberries are one of the most nutritious foods that dogs can eat.
Can Dogs Have Strawberries? A Berry Special Treat
This simple homemade strawberry treat will keep your dog cool and refreshed while providing an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Easy Banana Bread Dog Treat
Ever wondered can dogs eat bananas? This simple 3-ingredient dog treat recipe for your furry friend is inspired by homemade banana bread. This recipe for soft dog treats is perfect for dogs that require a softer treat but are actually delicious enough that humans can eat them too.
Can Dogs Eat Apples? A Simple No-Cook Apple Dog Treat
This 2-ingredient no-cook dog treat is a BIG hit with our dogs and keeps them entertained for quite some too!
If you’ve made our Easy Homemade Dog Food for your pup I would be so grateful if you would rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! I just love hearing from you and your reviews and comments really help others that visit This Mess is Ours. Want to be a part of our online community outside of the blog? It’s easy!! All you have to do is follow @THISMESSISOURS on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, or PINTEREST to see cooking demos, and peeks into our day to day life.
PrintEasy Homemade Dog Food
To make prepping this homemade dog food a cinch and to save LOTS of time and dishes in the process I like to cook the hard boiled eggs and the rice in my Instant Pot!
I start with cooking the eggs first, then while the rice is cooking the Instant Pot I brown the sirloin and get all of the fresh ingredients together. It really does help make the process of meal prepping homemade dog food so much easier!
See recipe notes for Instant Pot cooking tips and times!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 13 cups 1x
- Category: gluten free
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: homemade dog food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
6 cups cooked organic brown rice (3 cups uncooked rice)
2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
3 medium sized carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
¼ cup minced curly parsley
3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients together in a large container and stir to combine completely.
Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator in-between feedings.
Notes
The amount of food you feed your dog each day varies by weight. Our 80+ pound senior dog Hooch eats 4 cups of this food twice per day and our 40 pound Rebel eats 2 cups of food twice per day.
This food can be individually portioned out for smaller dogs and frozen to store for longer periods of time than a week. Just thaw the amount you need when you need it.
Metric measurements:
790 grams cooked organic brown rice
700 grams ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
4 (200 grams) hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
207 grams carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
14 grams minced curly parsley
22 grams of olive or safflower oil
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs: Place the metal trivet into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Add uncooked eggs on top of the trivet. Place the lid on top, lock to sealing, and cook high pressure for 5 minutes. Release pressure valve manually at the end of the cooking time and carefully remove the hard boiled eggs to a water bath to cool.
Instant Pot Rice: Combine the desired amount of rice and water in an Instant Pot. Place the lid on and set the pressure to sealing. Select the rice function, allow the pressure to release naturally when the cook time is complete.
No fresh parsley? You can substitute it in this recipe with ¼ cup of our Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 119.7 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 22.9 g
- Cholesterol: 197.8 mg
Want to see more of the delicious homemade dog food recipes we make for our dogs?
Home Made Dog Food recipe for the Holidays
This 100% human grade home made dog food recipe utilizes some of the best fall produce for your dog like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage. It's perfect for every day feedings and does double duty as a really delicious holiday meal for your dog!
Pumpkin and Yogurt Bowl for Dogs Recipe
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for all of us, even our dogs! Get your dog's day off to a great start with a healthy dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals by feeding him/her a delicious Pumpkin and Yogurt Bowl for Dogs. These yogurt bowls are filled with good for your dog ingredients like fat free Greek yogurt, 100% pure pumpkin puree, plant based vitamin and mineral powder, and my Homemade Dog Food Seasoning which is a blend of 5 herbs that have extraordinary health benefits for your dog!
Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend recipe
It's no secret that fresh herbs and spices are beneficial to a person's health and diet, but did you know that your dog's diet could benefit from the addition of them also!? In the summer months, it's easy to include green leafy herbs like parsley and basil in our dog's fresh homemade food because I have lots growing in the garden. But, when fresh herbs are sparse I turn to my spice cabinet where I keep a little jar of spices labeled 'Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend'. This easy to make custom spice blend combines dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, and oregano for a seasoning blend your dog is sure to love!
We aren't the only people that have converted to making homemade dog food and are LOVING the results! Check out the links below for more homemade dog food recipes your pup will LOVE!
Easy Crockpot Dog Food from Damn Delicious || This simple homemade dog food recipe combines ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, and peas in the slow cooker so you can set it and forget it!
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth's sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things - even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal's sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious ||Chungah's dog Butter's battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
Anonymous says
Whit Hoffman says
My husband and I wanted to switch our dogs to homemade food, especially because of their allergies and yeast infections, but were worried it would be too difficult. Then we found your recipe. Both dogs absolutely love it, and it couldn’t be easier.
Joyce says
I have a 4 1/2 month old golden retriever. I made this today and it looks great but it's a lot for my puppy right now. Can I freeze this in individual servings?
Thanks,
Joyce
meg@thismessisours says
Yes you can absolutely freeze into individual portions.
Diane Von Bargen says
Instead of hard boiled eggs, is it ok to scramble the eggs?
meg@thismessisours says
Absolutely, just don't season the eggs or use a lot of oil. Olive oil is a great choice to cook the eggs in should you need it.
Jason McBain says
My dog Betty is a rescue who was just feed biscuits a bit of wet food at the shelter and wanted to start feeding her something more than boring biscuits and this recipe must be doing her goo as she bounces around for her morning/evening feeds.She has grown from a skeletal mess into something resembling more herself.
meg@thismessisours says
Awww Jason, that is so wonderful to hear! I am so happy for Betty she found a wonderful forever home with you.
Phil says
Hi, I am fan of this recipe but have concerns about it meeting all of the nutritional requirements for a dog set by the AAFCO. Can you tell me if there is a way to determine if this diet meets those standards? Thanks!
Summer Dickerhoof says
Absolutely! This recipe was made in collaboration with our vet, so it meets the needs of our dog with kidney disease. This might not be the diet that works for every dog, so I always say to check with your vet before trying to be sure that it will be beneficial for your pup!
Sarai says
Hi Summer,
I’m also curious about this recipe meeting all the vitamins/minerals a dog needs daily. Do you give your dogs any supplements? I’ve been making homemade dog food that’s similar to your recipe but when I’ve used BalanceIt.com, it says without extra vitamins there are quite a few deficiencies.
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Sarai,
We do give our dogs a supplement called Dog Greens- Organic and Wild Harvested Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Dogs which we purchase from Amazon. We have used it since 2019 and have had great results. Hope this helps!
Kim C. says
Our Max, an older hound stray, has been with us for four months and every day has been a struggle to get him to eat canned or kibble food. This week I found and made your recipe and WOW! It’s such a relief to see him enjoy his food and such a weight off my mind. The batch took little time to make too. Thank you SO much for allowing us to benefit from your research.
Summer Dickerhoof says
Of course! Happy that you found it useful!
Lisa M says
I have a 11 months old shih Tsu about 8.5 pounds . How much should I feed him per day?
If your 40 pounds dog gets 2 cups twice a day should my puppy get 1/2 cup twice a day total 1 cup plus some of his kibble food which is always available for him?
Thank you
Summer Dickerhoof says
Just to be safe, check with your vet to see what the perfect amount is for your pup!
Mark, Tim & Boss says
I was searching the web because I wanted to give my dog Boss, a Red Healer who is a little fussy, something different, something healthy and I came across this recipe. When I saw the herbs being sprinkled generously, I was a bit unsure if Boss would ever like this taste added but I followed it to the end and served it to my him. Well I'll be! He ate it all. I had to give him another cup full and that too went down a treat. The next day I served a small portion for breakfast and he just loved it. I have made this now every second week and he just loves it so much. Thank you for providing such a recipe with interesting texture and flavour - For us it's a Five Star Winner. Mark, Tim and Boss.
Summer Dickerhoof says
This is so great to hear!
Eric says
Hi we’re excited about this recipe and appreciate your diligence in preparing it, I’m confused about the 6 cups cooked rice then the 3 cups uncooked rice.? A you also say 790 grams of cooked rice which is 3 cups, just want to be sure I’m making the correct amount of rice, do I cook 6 cups and add 3 cups uncooked to the dish? Thanks again Eric
Summer Dickerhoof says
Great question! Once you cook 3 cups of uncooked rice, it will puff up and be 6 cups when it is fully cooked!
DOLLY OAKLEY says
Is it ok to use white rice, instead of brown?
meg@thismessisours says
Yes you totally can!
Catie says
Hi!
Is there anything you would recommend to replace the hard boiled eggs? My dog seems to be sensitive to them. Should I add more meat to supplement the protein?
Thanks!
Summer Dickerhoof says
It is okay to omit them completely if your dog is sensitive. Thanks for your comment!
dogcounsel says
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and this wonderful homemade dog food recipe! It's inspiring to see how you took proactive steps to improve your dog's health after the diagnosis. I appreciate the tips on filtered water, increased exercise, and the importance of vitamins. I can't wait to try this recipe for my furry friend
Summer Dickerhoof says
You're welcome! I am happy to hear you enjoyed reading the posts!
dogcounsel says
This homemade dog food recipe sounds amazing! It's wonderful to see how much effort and research you've put into providing your dog with a nutritious and wholesome diet. However, as you mentioned, it's important for dog owners to consult with their veterinarians to ensure that the specific dietary needs of their pets are being met.
dogcounsel says
This homemade dog food recipe has been a game-changer for my furry friend! He's never been healthier and happier. Highly recommend giving it a try!
dogcounsel says
"This homemade dog food recipe sounds wonderful! It's inspiring to see pet owners prioritizing their furry friends' health and well-being by opting for fresh, nutritious ingredients. While consulting with a veterinarian is crucial, this approach to feeding our beloved pups is definitely worth exploring for those seeking a healthier alternative to processed kibble."
Whitney says
My dog was recently diagnosed with cancer. And we started her on this homemade dog food today with a Chinese medicine supplements. She loved this recipe so much. She didn’t hesitate. For those concerned about calcium. The blogger writes about bone broth. 1 cup of homemade bone broth contains 9-14 gram. I love the eggshell recommendation as well. My dog also loves beef liver and she loves bone marrow from the freezer section at the pet store.
I can’t wait to try the other recipes ♥️♥️
Summer Dickerhoof says
So happy to hear this!
Catie says
Hello! I’ve been feeding my dogs this recipe for the last 2 weeks and already noticed a big difference with my dogs! They seem healthier and happier. I think one of my dogs might be sensitive to the hard boiled eggs though, so I was thinking of leaving them out next time. Is there anything that I should substitute in place of the eggs? Thanks!
Paulina says
I see it says in the list 6 cups of cooked rice and 3 cups uncooked ? why the 3 cups of uncooked and should this be added after all the food is mixed
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Paulina!
The note for the 3 cups of uncooked rice is for how much rice you will need to cook to make the 6 cups of cooked rice!
Hope this helps!