Healthy Homemade Dog Food: Raw Dog Food Recipes (2024)

Sprouts should be at least 3 -4 days post sprouting. They are neutral, nor cooling or warming. They benefit to the kidneys, digestive tract and detoxify the body.

Arugula is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. Feed in moderation as arugula is goitrogenic, meaning it can disrupt the process of production of thyroid hormones.

Asparagus is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, copper and manganese. The functions of thiamine include metabolism of carbohydrates, maintenance of normal growth and transmission of nerve impulses. It is also known to be beneficial for kidney health and has a cooling effect.

Contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if ingested in large amounts. Some people are concerned about the possibility of a negative effect on cardiac muscle which has not been yet confirmed.

Basil is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin K and manganese. Dogs need manganese to produce energy, metabolize protein and carbohydrates, and to make fatty acids. Basil has an energetically warming effect to the body.

Cabbage is an excellent source of dietary fibre and high in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and manganese. It is rich in sulfur, has an anti-parasitic effect and helps patients who have stomach and duodenal ulcers. Cabbage is goitrogenic, as it inhibits the body’s ability to use iodine. Do not feed cabbage if your dog is hypothyroid. Energetically, cabbage has a cooling influence.

While carrots are rich in vitamin A and other nutrients, they should be fed in moderation especially in the raw form as dogs do not digest carrots very well. They can be fed raw or cooked.Learn more

Carrot tops are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron. The benefits of these greens include their healthy impact on immunity, bone density, eye health, circulation, kidney function, blood pressure, and digestion.

Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate. A deficiency in vitamin B9 or folate in pregnant dogs can cause birth defects in their puppies. TCM considers this vegetable as having cooling effects upon the body. Cauliflower is goitrogenic, as it inhibits the body’s ability to use iodine. Do not feed cauliflower if your dog is hypothyroid.

Celery is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and manganese. Celery has numerous benefits for skin, liver, eyes and cognitive health. It is high in silicon and excellent for nervous dogs that overheat and are irritable. It is known to support joint, bone and tissue health.

Considered a warming food, cilantro is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K and antioxidants. It is rich in chlorophyll and aids heavy metal elimination from the body.

Dogs eating cinnamon have had a positive effect in the treatment of diabetes. It is known to have the ability to calm down stomach and intestinal upsets. You can use small amounts of cinnamon in your dogs food in a similar way you would use it in your diet. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards cinnamon as a warming food.

Dandelion leaves are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium and manganese. Potassium is necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes, muscles, and nerves. It is also necessary to maintain a proper fluid balance throughout the body. Dandelion greens are energetically cooling. They are readily available, however, care must be taken to harvest in areas away from roadways or where herbicides have been sprayed.

Fresh dill weed is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese.

Ginger is excellent in aiding to break down high protein meals such as meat and aids digestion in general. It can be used as a remedy in cases of diarrhea and vomiting. It should not be used in dogs that are sensitive to heat.

Neutral on the food energetics spectrum, green beans are a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Iron is a central component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, the molecules that carry oxygen in blood and muscles.

Green peas are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese. Adequate amounts of zinc are essential to the health of a dog’s coat and skin, ability to reproduce, and for the functioning of many enzymes that are essential to normal metabolism. Peas are a neutral food when considering food energetics.

Both kelp and Kombu benefit the kidneys, possessing diuretic and anti-coagulant properties which makes them well suited in patients with heart disease. There is also a positive effect on patients with arthritis and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, there are anti-fungal and yeast inhibiting properties associated with kelp and kombu.

Lentils should be fed in moderation and not used to replace a high-quality meat protein. The canine pancreas is not great at dealing with high levels of carbohydrates, but it is incredibly efficient in digesting protein. Some people believe replacing meat protein with lentils in vegetarian dog diets may lead to cardiac damage.

Mint is a good source of vitamin A, iron and manganese. Manganese is an important part of many enzymes and plays a role in the health and maintenance of bone and cartilage in joints. Mint has a cooling effect upon the body.

Fresh mushrooms sold at your local grocery store including; White Button, Cremini, Portobello, Porcini, Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake are safe for dogs. Mushrooms should be cooked before feeding to aid in digestion as dogs cannot create the enzymes needed to break down the fibre and some sugars in mushrooms.Caution: There are over 100 wild mushroom species that are poisonous to dogs. Identifying toxic species of mushrooms in the forest is difficult even for those with experience. If you suspect your dog has ingested a wild mushroom while on a walk, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese. Vitamin A supports the eyes and has been linked to decreases in certain types of cancer. It is considered to be a great digestive tonic and has warming properties. We suggest to feed cooked pumpkin only.

Quinoa has the highest protein content from all the grains and is considered to be warming. Therefore it should not be given to dogs that have a tendency to overheat. Cooked quinoa can be added to your dog’s dietbut it should not replace a high-quality meat protein. Quinoa benefits dogs with kidney and heart disease especially if they have a tendency to be chilly.

Radish is a very good source of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Most dogs do not like radish because of its spiciness. Energetically, radish is a cooling food.

Chard or Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable. The leaf stalks are large and often prepared separately from the leaf blade. Chard, like other green leafy vegetables, has highly nutritious leaves and is a great source of vitamins K, A, and C and are a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. It is generally cooling and good for dogs that overheat. It is high in chlorophyll and has detoxification properties.

Beets are a good source of dietary fibre, folate, potassium and manganese. Rich in antioxidants, beets get their deep color from the betalain pigment, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Most dogs handle cooked or steamed beets better than raw.

Based on HairQ Test results, I consistently see higher arsenic values in dogs that eat rice supplemented diets. I recommend avoiding rice or feeding in small amounts because it is not species-appropriate. Learn more about feeding rice here.

Romaine lettuce is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for coagulation of blood and for metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue.

Seaweed is generally cooling and it is beneficial for detoxing and cleansing, draining the lymphatic system and even eliminating radioactive substances from the body. It is also useful for dogs suffering from hypothyroidism as it is rich in iodine.Seaweed is also supportive for digestive problems, lung disease, and cancer.

Spring greens are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron. They are rich in chlorophyll and vitamins and are generally cooling, so more suitable for dogs that overheat. NOTE: Please refer to each individual plant in your spring green mix to learn more.

Sprouted seeds are generally cooling and are more suitable for dogs that get hot.If you would like to feed sprouts to a dog that gets easily chilly, steaming them lightly is better. Sprouts are rich in vitamins and enzymes and are great to balance the liver. They are a great source of folate, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, protein and a variety of minerals.

Squash is a warming vegetable, therefore more suitable for dogs that get chilly, but most dogs can tolerate it very well. It can be used as a great food in case of diarrhea instead of rice (which is often high in arsenic).Squash and especially the seeds are also known to have anti-parasitic effects. It is a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Sweet potatoes are cooling, therefore more suitable for dogs that overheat easily. They are known to strengthen the spleen and pancreas which makes them one of the most beneficial foods for dogs. Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. They are also beneficial in eye and vision support.

Considered a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and digestive enzymes. It is capable of dissolving and eliminating toxins from the body. Wheatgrass is generally cooling and it is an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Dogs ingesting selenium will benefit from this potent antioxidant that acts in concert with vitamin E to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Yams are cooling so more suitable for dogs that overheat easily. They are known to strengthen the spleen and pancreas which makes them one of the very beneficial foods for dogs. They are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese.

Zucchini is considered to be a summersquash and has cooling properties, good for dogs that overheat. However feeding too much zucchini can lead to reduced digestive capacity. It is a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is important for helping dogs to absorb vitamins such as iron and vitamin B6, as well as helping your dog’s body to activate and use folic acid.

Alpaca meat is considered low in calories, fat, cholesterol and has high-protein content. It is also a warming meat with regards to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

Beef is a great source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc and selenium. The amount of fat will vary with the cut. Beef is a slightly warming meat and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is beneficial to the spleen, pancreas and stomach.

Bison is a source of lean protein as well as niacin, iron, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B12, zinc and vitamin B6 for proper brain development and function. With regard to TCM bison is considered a neutral food.

Buffalo is packed with protein and is high in iron and trace mineral content. Iron is a major component of blood and helps cells to circulate oxygen throughout the body. Buffalo is also considered a neutral food with regards to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chicken is a readily available source of protein that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The skin can be removed to lower the fat content if needed. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards chicken as a warming food.

Eggs contain all 20 amino acids. Egg yolks are a source of choline for normal brain development and memory and one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Pasture-raised, free-range hens tend to produce eggs that contain higher amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. With regards to TCM, duck eggs are cooling, while chicken and quail eggs are neutral.

Deer meat contains less fat, cholesterol and protein than Beef. It also has a good source of B vitamins, zinc, phosphorous and iron. Deer is considered an energetically warming meat.

Duck is a great source of protein, iron, selenium, B vitamins, and zinc. However, the skin contains about 1/3 saturated fat and 2/3 monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat. Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes duck as a cooling meat.

Elk is a great source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin B12 which help to keep nerves and blood cells healthy. Most game meats fall into the classification of warming meats.

Emu meat is very low in fat and high in protein. It is a great alternative protein choice.

Goat is a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Referencing TCM principles, goat would be considered a warming meat.

High in protein, iron, and other nutrients, goose meat is safe for dogs to eat, but only in small servings due to thehigh cholesterol and fat content. On the TCM food energetics scale, goose is neutral.

Kangaroo is a low-fat source of protein, iron, and zinc (for a strong immune system and healthy hair and nails). It is also a great source of valuable B vitamins. Kangaroo is a warming meat based on TCM food energetic principles.

Lamb is a great source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12 and zinc. However, it contains higher amounts of fat. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers lamb a warming to hot food which may be beneficial where there are kidney, spleen or pancreas deficiencies.

Llama is lean meat while still having a higher protein content. It's a great alternative for dogs with food sensitivities.

Mackerel have been found to contain higher levels of mercury compared to other species of fish. You can learn more about this here.

Moose is high in vitamin B-3 and B-2 and is a lean source of protein.

Mutton meat is rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, but is considered higher in fat content than other similar proteins.

Ostrich is a great source of vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium and niacin which supports healthy cardiovascular function.

A great source of lean protein and vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, niacin and vitamin B6. Pheasant meat is warming.

Pork is often controversial when it comes to feeding it to dogs, as some people are concerned about pigs being carriers of trichinosis, a muscle parasite that can be life-threatening. Dr. Dobias recommends feeding only cooked pork for this reason. In TCM pork is considered a neutral food.

Quail is a great source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and copper (maintains healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, immune function and contributes to iron absorption). Even the smallest dogs can consume whole or halved quail for the teeth cleaning benefits. Quail is a neutral food on the TCM energetic scale.

Rabbit is high in vitamin B12 and is also a great source of protein, vitamin B6, phosphorus, niacin, and selenium. Rabbit is also very low in fat which makes it a good meat for dogs with liver disease and other conditions requiring a low-fat diet. The energetics of rabbit meat is cooling.

Reindeer is low in fat and very high in B-12 along with omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Suitable for dogs requiring a low-fat diet.

In the past, sardines were considered healthy food. However, because they are consumed with the bones, a diet high in sardines may lead to elevated radioactive strontium levels. This is mainly due to the f*ckushima accident and the fact that Japan is one of the main sardine exporters supplying other sardine canneries around the world. Learn more here. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies sardines as a neutral food.

Tongue is a good protein source and also contains zinc, iron, choline and vitamin B12.

While many dogs love tripe, it should never be considered a meat replacement. It is composed of mainly collagen and elastic fibres with only a very thin muscle layer. However, adding tripe in your dog’s diet as an ‘organ addition’ offers several benefits. Tripe provides an ideal ratio of phosphorus and calcium as well as essential fatty acids. Green (unbleached) tripe contains an abundance of healthy probiotics and enzymes if it comes from a healthy cow. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards it as a neutral food.

Trout is a lean freshwater fish which makes it a low-mercury alternative if it came from clean waters. Most trout on the market are farmed, which may be problematic depending on the quality of feed and crowding levels. This is why I recommend feeding farmed fish in limited amounts and suggest wild freshwater fish from unpolluted waters. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies trout as a hot food.

Turkey is a great source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and selenium which is important in many bodily processes including cognitive function, a healthy immune system, and fertility. Turkey is also known for containing tryptophan, an amino acid with calming and sedating effects. On the TCM energetics scale, turkey is warming.

Venison, especially wild, is a great source of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and thiamin (for nerve, muscle, and heart function). It is considered one of the most species-appropriate meats for dogs. The energetics of venison according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is warming.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Be cautious about feeding beef ribs if your dog has a tendency to swallow them whole. These bones are long and may get stuck in the esophagus. If your dog is a good chewer, they should be fine.

Chicken bones are a common addition to a raw diet and they are easily consumed by even the smallest dogs. They are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat, and collagen.

Chicken wings are a common addition to a raw diet and they are easily consumed by even the smallest dogs. They are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat, and collagen.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps make the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat. Great for small dogs although generally, poultry necks are often too soft to clean your dog's teeth.

Goat bones are rich in minerals, particularly calcium for building bones and teeth, as well as enabling muscles to contract, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat, and collagen.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps to clean teeth and makes the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat.

Lamb bones are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat and collagen.

Lamb necks are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat and collagen.

Lamb shanks are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat and collagen.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps to clean teeth and makes the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps to makes the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat. Great for small dogs although generally, poultry necks are often too soft to clean your dog's teeth.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps make the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat. Great for small dogs although generally, poultry necks are often too soft to clean your dog's teeth.

Raw bones provide a highly digestible source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Feeding bones helps to clean teeth and makes the stomach muscle layers stronger, which prevents bloat.

Turkey bones are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus (needed for many functions, such as filtering waste and repairing tissue and cells), magnesium, and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat and collagen.

Venison bones are rich in minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium (a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation), and potassium, along with amino acids, vitamins, fat and collagen.

Brain is a great source of vitamin C, niacin and pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium. It also provides a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are often lacking in a raw diet.

Gizzards are high in protein and contain iron, minerals, and vitamins C, E and B. Glucosamine is also found in Gizzards and can be helpful for dogs with arthritis.

Heart is comprised of quality protein along with thiamin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, copper, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, iron, coenzyme Q10 and selenium.

Kidney is a great source of vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, iron, phosphorus, copper, selenium and protein.

Liver is exceptionally nutrient-dense and is, therefore, an important part of any raw diet. Liver is a great source of iron, zinc, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, copper selenium, and protein. Feeding smaller amounts is recommended as it will cause diarrhea if fed in larger quantities. Although the liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the body it does not store toxins that would be harmful if ingested.

Lung is a great source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc and copper, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus and selenium.

Pancreas is a great source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, selenium and vitamin B12. It also contains enzymes that support healthy digestion.

Spleen is a great source of pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus and selenium.

While many dogs love tripe, it should never be considered a meat replacement. It is composed of mainly collagen and elastic fibres with only a very thin muscle layer. However, adding tripe in your dog’s diet as an ‘organ addition’ offers several benefits. Tripe provides an ideal ratio of phosphorus and calcium as well as essential fatty acids. Green (unbleached) tripe contains an abundance of healthy probiotics and enzymes if it comes from a healthy cow. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards it as a neutral food.

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