When Toby first turned away from his bowl, I knew something was wrong. His spark was still there, but his stomach wasn’t. He had become tired, itchy, and uninterested in his kibble — the same brand we’d trusted for years. After multiple vet visits and exhausting label-checking marathons, I made a choice that changed everything: I started cooking for him myself.
It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t perfect. But it was honest — just rice, scrambled eggs, and boiled chicken at first. And that small shift brought big changes. Toby’s energy came back. His eyes lit up at mealtime. He started wagging his tail again at the sound of the bowl.
This guide is the result of that journey. It’s for every dog parent who’s ever wondered if there’s a better way — one rooted in love, real food, and connection.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Gentle recipes for sensitive stomachs
- Quick-prep meals for busy weekdays
- Nutritional tips to keep it balanced
- Vetted answers for when things get confusing
Whether your dog is recovering from tummy trouble or you’re just ready to feed more intentionally, this guide will help you do it one bowl at a time.
For specific recovery needs, you might start here:
Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea: What to Feed & Avoid
Why Make Homemade Dog Food?
I didn’t grow up cooking for dogs. I believed kibble was enough — complete, convenient, and vet-recommended. But when Toby’s skin flared up, his energy dipped, and his belly turned against him, I started to question what “complete” really meant.
What I discovered wasn’t just a change in his health — it was a change in our connection. Cooking for him became a way to care on a deeper level. To say: “I see you. I’m listening.”
Here’s why more and more dog parents are making the switch:
1. Health Benefits You Can See
- Shinier coats, brighter eyes, better breath
- More consistent energy and digestion
- Fewer allergy flare-ups and food sensitivities
When I started feeding Toby simple meals like eggs and rice, I could see the difference in days.
2. Emotional Connection
There’s something powerful about preparing a meal and watching your dog enjoy every bite. No preservatives. No mystery “meat by-product.” Just food, made with care.
3. Control Over Ingredients
You get to choose the source, the method, and the quality. You can leave out common irritants — like artificial flavors, excess fat, or low-quality fillers — and include things your dog actually thrives on.
Need a safe starting point? These are my go-to basics:
Best Dog Food with Eggs
Scrambled Eggs for Dogs
4. Cost-Effective Options
Homemade isn’t always cheaper — but it can be. Especially for dogs with chronic conditions, allergies, or picky eating habits, cooking at home often saves on vet bills, specialty foods, and unused kibble.
Core Ingredients for Balanced Recipes
Homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. The secret is using whole, digestible ingredients in thoughtful combinations. Every dog is different — but these staples are where I always begin when cooking for Toby.
Proteins: The Building Blocks
- Eggs: Incredibly digestible and rich in essential amino acids. Start here:
Can Dogs Eat Eggs? - Chicken and turkey: Lean, easy to cook, and gentle on the stomach
- Beef: Great for energy and iron, best served well-cooked and lean
- Fish (like salmon): Adds omega-3s, especially helpful for itchy skin
Need a quick prep method? Try this:
Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes
Carbohydrates: Gentle Energy Sources
- White rice: Easiest to digest — ideal for upset stomachs
- Brown rice: Higher fiber and nutrients, better for long-term use
- Oats: A soft, neutral grain that supports digestion
For sensitive dogs, start with this gentle combo:
Rice and Eggs for Dogs
Veggies: Vitamins + Fiber
- Pumpkin: Soothes the digestive tract
- Carrots: Adds crunch, fiber, and beta-carotene
- Spinach, green beans, peas: Safe in small, cooked amounts
Avoid onions, garlic, and seasoned or oily vegetables.
Healthy Fats
- Olive oil, salmon oil, or flaxseed oil (in small amounts)
Helps with coat health and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Natural Supplements
- Eggshell powder: A calcium boost, especially important when not feeding bones
Learn to prepare it safely here:
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
Our Favorite Easy Dog Food Recipes
These aren’t gourmet meals. They’re simple, honest, and tested in my own kitchen. Each one is designed to support digestion, energy, and that joyful tail-wag at mealtime.
1. Gentle Chicken & Rice Recovery Meal
Best for: Upset stomachs, diarrhea recovery
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup boiled chicken (shredded)
- 1 tbsp plain pumpkin
Directions:
Mix and serve lukewarm. Feed small portions 2–3x per day.
More recovery meals:
Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea
2. Scrambled Eggs for Dogs
Best for: Protein boost, picky eaters
Ingredients:
- 1–2 eggs (scrambled with no oil or milk)
- 1/2 cup white rice or oatmeal (optional)
This is Toby’s favorite. And a perfect base to add veggies or eggshell powder.
Full guide here:
Scrambled Eggs for Dogs
3. Rice and Eggs for Sensitive Stomachs
Best for: Digestive reset, food transitions
A lifesaver combo when nothing else feels safe.
Step-by-step recipe here:
Rice and Eggs for Dogs
4. Instant Pot All-in-One Meal
Best for: Batch cooking, busy weeks
Includes chicken, rice, peas, carrots, and a soft egg — all pressure-cooked to perfection.
Get the full recipe:
Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes
5. Best Dog Food with Eggs
A curated set of recipes that include eggs for added nutrients and flavor — plus tips to avoid overfeeding.
Explore the full guide:
Best Dog Food with Eggs
Feeding Tips & Safe Transitions
Homemade food isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. But switching from kibble or canned food to fresh meals does take some care. Here’s how to make the process safe and stress-free, both for your dog and your schedule.
Start Slow, Stay Consistent
- Mix homemade food with current food over 5–7 days
Start with 25% homemade, 75% existing food
Gradually shift the ratio each day - Watch for signs of adjustment:
Normal: slightly softer stool, increased appetite
Not normal: vomiting, lethargy, severe diarrhea
For sensitive dogs, begin with rice and eggs or scrambled eggs — they’re easy on the gut and widely tolerated.
Portion Guidelines by Weight
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount (Cooked Food) |
|---|---|
| Under 10 lbs | 1/2 to 1 cup |
| 10–25 lbs | 1 to 2 cups |
| 25–50 lbs | 2 to 3 cups |
| 50–75 lbs | 3 to 4 cups |
| 75+ lbs | 4 to 5+ cups |
Adjust based on energy level, age, and treats.
Make It Easy on Yourself
- Batch cook once a week using your Instant Pot
- Freeze portions in labeled containers
- Use simple bases (like eggs, rice, veggies) and build from there
Consider Calcium & Nutrient Balance
If your dog’s diet lacks bones, add a natural calcium source like eggshell powder. It’s simple, safe, and essential for bone health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to miss a few details when cooking for your dog. Here are the most common homemade dog food mistakes — and how to stay on the safe side.
1. Skipping Essential Nutrients
Homemade doesn’t mean incomplete — but it can be if you forget:
- Calcium: Without bones or supplements, calcium deficiency can occur. Add eggshell powder or consult your vet.
- Omega-3s: Add healthy fats like fish oil for skin and joint support.
- Fiber: Include soft veggies or pumpkin for healthy digestion.
2. Feeding Unsafe Foods
These human foods should never make it into your dog’s bowl:
- Onion, garlic, leeks (toxic even in small amounts)
- Grapes, raisins, chocolate
- Foods seasoned with salt, spices, butter, or oil
Stick to simple recipes like scrambled eggs or chicken and rice.
3. Feeding Raw Eggshells or Whole Bones Improperly
- Raw eggshells can carry bacteria and may cut your dog’s throat or gut
- Whole bones (especially cooked) can splinter dangerously
- Instead: bake and grind shells into a safe powder:
Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
4. Too Much Fat, Too Fast
Switching to homemade doesn’t mean loading the bowl with meat. Fatty meats, oils, and dairy can trigger pancreatitis, especially in older or sensitive dogs. Start lean, and build gently.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Starting to cook for your dog can feel overwhelming at first. These are the most common questions I’ve heard — and asked — along the way.
Is homemade dog food cheaper than kibble?
Sometimes. If you’re using common ingredients like rice, eggs, and seasonal veggies, it can be very affordable — especially for small to medium dogs. Batch cooking and freezing meals helps save time and money.
Recipes like these offer both ease and economy:
Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes
Homemade Dog Food for Diarrhea
Can I feed my dog eggs every day?
Yes — eggs are a complete protein and highly digestible. Just balance them with other ingredients and avoid raw feeding unless advised by a vet. For variety and safety, see:
How to Cook Eggs for Dogs
Do I need to add calcium?
If you’re not feeding bone-in meat, yes. Homemade diets need calcium to prevent deficiency. Eggshell powder is a safe and simple option.
How should I store homemade dog food?
Fridge: Up to 3–4 days
Freezer: Up to 2–3 months
Store in sealed containers or pre-portioned freezer bags
What if my dog doesn’t like the food?
Start simple — like with scrambled eggs and rice — and add flavor boosters like cooked pumpkin, turkey broth, or peas. Avoid seasoning with salt or spices.
One Bowl at a Time
I didn’t plan on becoming “that dog mom who cooks.” I just wanted Toby to feel better — to eat without pain, to wag his tail again, to look at his food with joy. And when I saw what homemade meals did for him, I couldn’t go back.
You don’t need to be a vet or a chef to feed your dog well. You just need to care — and take the first step.
Start small. Try scrambled eggs. Boil some white rice. Add a spoonful of pumpkin. Sprinkle in some eggshell powder.
And if you ever feel lost — I’m here. Toby and I have walked this path before, and we’re building this guide for every tail that deserves better.
If you’re here, you’re not alone. Welcome to the pack.