Trying to control your dog’s weight? Well, homemade dog food for weight loss may be the solution you have been searching for. But doesn’t feeding your pet homemade food seem a little difficult? If you’re looking to prepare homemade dog food for weight loss, promoting general health and providing nutritional benefits, then this list of homemade fat dog food recipes is exactly what you need. These easy to make recipes will help your dog achieve the weight loss they are after and provide them the energy they need to be at their best.
What you should know about Homemade Dog Food
- Homemade dog food is prone to rapid bacterial and fungal growth if it is not chilled. Refrigerate or freeze your prepared homemade dog food in sealed containers at less than 4 degrees Celsius (32-39.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Use refrigerated homemade dog food within 3 days. Check for odor and color changes before serving. Serve at just below body temperature. Ensure there are no hot spots if defrosting or warming the food in a microwave.
- Homemade dog food must be supplemented with calcium and dog vitamin and mineral powders. These dog supplements are not optional.
- Each recipe provides 1000 kcal. Serving size is determined by your dog’s dieting calorie requirement.
- Measure out the ingredients using kitchen scales to ensure the protein and calorie content is accurate.
- Do not cook or heat the vitamin/mineral supplement. Instead, add it to the meal just before feeding.
1. Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food
Nutrient Analysis: This recipe provides 1000 kcal and 76 g protein.
Note: Ingredient weights refer to raw weights.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (skinless) 290g (10oz)
- Brown rice 145g (5oz)
- Broccoli 46g (1.6 oz)
- Carrots 46g (1.6 oz)
- Peas 46 g (1.6 oz)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 ½ teaspoons
- Psyllium Powder 2 tablespoons
Method:
- Cook rice until tender- follow packet guidelines.
- Steam broccoli, carrots and peas until just tender.
- Cook chicken– Steam, microwave or use non-stick pan to oven bake.
- Dice cooked chicken and vegetables
- Mix chicken and vegetables with cooked rice.
- Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 2 level tablespoons of psyllium powder.
- Weigh final product and portion according to your dog’s dieting calorie intake.
- Prior to serving, add a dog vitamin and mineral supplement prior to serving.
Or alternatively add: 1/4 teaspoon iodised salt, 1 x crushed 25 mg zinc tablet, 1500 mg calcium, 1 crushed multi-vitamin tablet (Centrum women). Mix it thoroughly through food and serve.
2. Tuna and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food
Nutrient Analysis: This recipe provides 1000 kcal and 149g protein.
Note: Ingredient weights refer to raw weights.
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna in water or brine, drained (577 grams/ 20.4 oz)
- Potato, scrubbed or peeled (288 grams/ 10.2 oz)
- Cauliflower (138 grams/ 4.9 oz)
- Green beans (138 grams/ 4.9 oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 ½ teaspoons)
- Psyllium powder (1 tablespoon)
Method:
- Steam vegetables until tender.
- Dice and mix vegetables.
- Break up tinned tuna and mix evenly through cooked vegetables.
- Add 2 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 1 level tablespoon of psyllium powder.
- Weigh cooked product and portion according to your dog’s dieting calorie intake.
- Before serving, add mineral and vitamin supplements: Use a dog vitamin and mineral supplement suitable for home cooking. Or alternatively add:1/4 teaspoon iodised salt, 1 x crushed 25 mg zinc tablet, 1500 mg calcium, 1 crushed multi-vitamin tablet (Centrum women).
Mix evenly though food prior to serving.
Recommended serving size for homemade dog food:
The amount of homemade dog food that your dog will require is dependent upon how much your dog weighs and how active he or she is. This amount varies from dog to dog. I suggest talking to your vet and getting their advice on a good starting point.
You can also monitor your dog to make sure they are maintaining their weight and staying happy and active.
This recipe makes about six cups of food, which is three days’ worth of food for Charlie who is about forty-five pounds. You can easily adjust this amount based on the weight of your dog. Also, feel free to scale this recipe up and double or even triple it, if you wanted to cook less often.
Tips for making your dogs food at home:
- If you’re not ready to make the leap to cooking all of your dog’s food, try just adding some real, whole foods to their kibble. You can start with simply stirring in a scrambled egg, mixing in some chopped apples or carrots, or adding a small amount of the homemade dog food in with their normal kibble.
- You should be able to serve this homemade dog food to your dog either hot or cold. I’ve found that dogs love this dog food so much, that they are not picky about how it’s served.
- It’s not usually a good idea to abruptly change your dog’s food. Start transitioning them to homemade food by mixing some of this in with their regular food or kibble for a few days until they are used to the new food. Your dog’s belly will thank you. And again, remember to always discuss with your vet before feeding your pet something new.
- To give your dog a variety of different nutrients, use different meats, fruits, and vegetables to make your dog’s food. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it might be best to stick to one combination that you know works.
Foods not safe for dogs:
The most important thing to know when making homemade dog food for your dog are the foods they should NOT eat.
You can do a quick google search for an all inclusive list or buy a doggie cookbook for reference. Here’s a list from the Humane Society of foods that can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to take the necessary precautions if you plan to start cooking for your dog, but also know, there’s really not that much to worry about!
Here are some common human foods that should not be fed to your dog:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Kale
- Cooked bones
- Soy sauce
- Avocado
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE DOG FOOD TO LOSE WEIGHT
Picking the right ingredients for a homemade weight-loss dog food is essential: You want to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy and strong. Before settling on what ingredients to serve, discuss your intentions with your dog’s vet.
Start With the Healthiest Protein You Can Find
About 50 percent of your dog’s diet should consist of lean animal protein, including skinless chicken or turkey, eggs, low-fat dairy products such as cottage cheese, and fish. Fish can be fresh or canned, but if you’re feeding canned fish, make sure it has no added oil, as this can increase the calorie content considerably. Protein can be cooked or raw, but if you’re cooking, make sure you’re not using any oils, which increase calorie count. Try varying the protein so your dog is eating two to three types each week, making it more likely he’ll obtain all necessary nutrients and prevent palate boredom.
Vary Your Other Ingredients
Dogs can lose weight eating non-starchy vegetables and whole grains, but grains cause allergies in some dogs, so start with small amounts and increase only if you notice no side effects. Puree cooked healthy veggies such as pumpkin, spinach, kale and other leafy greens, and mix them with the protein. They provide lots of fiber, which will help your dog feel full without adding tons of calories — an excellent compromise for weight loss. To keep the calorie count low, steam, bake or boil all ingredients, either together or separately.
Other Benefits
A low-calorie, low-fat homemade diet has many benefits. Because you can control what goes into a homemade diet, you can make sure your dog is not getting additives and preservatives. You can prepare homemade diets to be free of soy, wheat, corn, dairy and high-fat meats such as beef. These ingredients are not only high in calories and sugars — which means they contribute to weight gain — but they can also cause allergies and a number of problems in dogs.
Things to consider when creating homemade dog food recipes
Before creating your own homemade dog food recipes, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will you be able to accurately determine the calories in you dog food recipes? Human dieting apps such as My Fitness Pal will allow you to breakdown the calorie count of individual ingredients.
- Will you be able to ensure correct nutrient ratios in your dog food recipes, e.g. calcium and phosphorus ratios?
- Can you provide the essential nutrient components in your dog food recipes? This can be very difficult to achieve without the aid of specially prepared supplements.
- Have you factored in the cost and availability of the ingredients in your dog food recipes? Substituting ingredients when there is short supply alters the nutritional balance and calorie content of the recipe.
- Have you ensured that the ingredients are safe for dogs? Some human foods are toxic to dogs.
- Have you considered the possibility of selective eating (where your dog refuses to eat some of the ingredients) such as spitting out the peas? This will alter your dog’s calorie intake and nutrient balance. Avoid selective eating by blending the finished product.
- Have you considered the preparation and cooking time involved in your dog food recipes?
- Have you considered the storage life of homemade dog food and the need for refrigeration or freezing?
The successful preparation of healthy homemade dog food recipes requires planning and attention to detail.
What are the best ingredients for dog weight loss?
If you’re trying to help your dog lose weight, the first thing you’ll want to do is talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can help you make sure you’re feeding your dog the right portion size and nutrients. You’ll want to take into account your pup’s size, age, and activity level before settling on a recipe.
The good news is that making weight loss dog food at home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive! Sticking to low-calorie ingredients like non-starchy vegetables and lean meats can help slim your dog down. Great lean meats include turkey, fish, and chicken, and inexpensive vegetables like carrots and cabbage provide excellent nutrition.
Top Weight Loss Dog Food Recipes:
1.Carb-Free Dog Food Recipe
Our first dog food recipe is fully carb-free, making it a great weight loss diet. Combine chicken thighs with vegetables and an apple to make this low calorie, dog-friendly food.
2.Chicken & Turkey Weight Loss Dog Food
This dog food recipe uses lean meats like turkey and chicken, plus brown rice and your choice of vegetables. And don’t forget the breath-freshening parsley!
3.Adaptable Dog Food Recipe
This recipe — inspired by an adorable pug — is very easy to customize to your pup’s dietary needs. Choose your meat, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables to make your dog’s new favorite food!
4.Gourmet Dog Food
Don’t let the lengthy ingredient list scare you off of this recipe! It comes together surprisingly quickly and offers plenty of nutrition for your dieting dog
Homemade Weight Loss Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds whole wheat macaroni
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 pound ground beef (at least 90% lean)
1/2 pound chicken liver What you should know about Homemade Dog Food
- Homemade dog food is prone to rapid bacterial and fungal growth if it is not chilled. Refrigerate or freeze your prepared homemade dog food in sealed containers at less than 4 degrees Celsius (32-39.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Use refrigerated homemade dog food within 3 days. Check for odor and color changes before serving. Serve at just below body temperature. Ensure there are no hot spots if defrosting or warming the food in a microwave.
- Homemade dog food must be supplemented with calcium and dog vitamin and mineral powders. These dog supplements are not optional.
- Each recipe provides 1000 kcal. Serving size is determined by your dog’s dieting calorie requirement.
- Measure out the ingredients using kitchen scales to ensure the protein and calorie content is accurate.
- Do not cook or heat the vitamin/mineral supplement. Instead, add it to the meal just before feeding.
1. Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food
Nutrient Analysis: This recipe provides 1000 kcal and 76 g protein.
Note: Ingredient weights refer to raw weights.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (skinless) 290g (10oz)
- Brown rice 145g (5oz)
- Broccoli 46g (1.6 oz)
- Carrots 46g (1.6 oz)
- Peas 46 g (1.6 oz)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 ½ teaspoons
- Psyllium Powder 2 tablespoons
Method:
- Cook rice until tender- follow packet guidelines.
- Steam broccoli, carrots and peas until just tender.
- Cook chicken- Steam, microwave or use non-stick pan to oven bake.
- Dice cooked chicken and vegetables
- Mix chicken and vegetables with cooked rice.
- Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 2 level tablespoons of psyllium powder.
- Weigh final product and portion according to your dog’s dieting calorie intake.
- Prior to serving, add a dog vitamin and mineral supplement prior to serving.
Or alternatively add: 1/4 teaspoon iodised salt, 1 x crushed 25 mg zinc tablet, 1500 mg calcium, 1 crushed multi-vitamin tablet (Centrum women). Mix it thoroughly through food and serve.
2. Tuna and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food
Nutrient Analysis: This recipe provides 1000 kcal and 149g protein.
Note: Ingredient weights refer to raw weights.
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna in water or brine, drained (577 grams/ 20.4 oz)
- Potato, scrubbed or peeled (288 grams/ 10.2 oz)
- Cauliflower (138 grams/ 4.9 oz)
- Green beans (138 grams/ 4.9 oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 ½ teaspoons)
- Psyllium powder (1 tablespoon)
Method:
- Steam vegetables until tender.
- Dice and mix vegetables.
- Break up tinned tuna and mix evenly through cooked vegetables.
- Add 2 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 1 level tablespoon of psyllium powder.
- Weigh cooked product and portion according to your dog’s dieting calorie intake.
- Before serving, add mineral and vitamin supplements: Use a dog vitamin and mineral supplement suitable for home cooking. Or alternatively add:1/4 teaspoon iodised salt, 1 x crushed 25 mg zinc tablet, 1500 mg calcium, 1 crushed multi-vitamin tablet (Centrum women).
Mix evenly though food prior to serving.
Recommended serving size for homemade dog food:
The amount of homemade dog food that your dog will require is dependent upon how much your dog weighs and how active he or she is. This amount varies from dog to dog. I suggest talking to your vet and getting their advice on a good starting point.
You can also monitor your dog to make sure they are maintaining their weight and staying happy and active.
This recipe makes about six cups of food, which is three days’ worth of food for Charlie who is about forty-five pounds. You can easily adjust this amount based on the weight of your dog. Also, feel free to scale this recipe up and double or even triple it, if you wanted to cook less often.
Tips for making your dogs food at home:
- If you’re not ready to make the leap to cooking all of your dog’s food, try just adding some real, whole foods to their kibble. You can start with simply stirring in a scrambled egg, mixing in some chopped apples or carrots, or adding a small amount of the homemade dog food in with their normal kibble.
- You should be able to serve this homemade dog food to your dog either hot or cold. I’ve found that dogs love this dog food so much, that they are not picky about how it’s served.
- It’s not usually a good idea to abruptly change your dog’s food. Start transitioning them to homemade food by mixing some of this in with their regular food or kibble for a few days until they are used to the new food. Your dog’s belly will thank you. And again, remember to always discuss with your vet before feeding your pet something new.
- To give your dog a variety of different nutrients, use different meats, fruits, and vegetables to make your dog’s food. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it might be best to stick to one combination that you know works.
Foods not safe for dogs:
The most important thing to know when making homemade dog food for your dog are the foods they should NOT eat.
You can do a quick google search for an all inclusive list or buy a doggie cookbook for reference. Here’s a list from the Humane Society of foods that can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to take the necessary precautions if you plan to start cooking for your dog, but also know, there’s really not that much to worry about!
Here are some common human foods that should not be fed to your dog:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Kale
- Cooked bones
- Soy sauce
- Avocado
Things to consider when creating homemade dog food recipes
Before creating your own homemade dog food recipes, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will you be able to accurately determine the calories in you dog food recipes? Human dieting apps such as My Fitness Pal will allow you to breakdown the calorie count of individual ingredients.
- Will you be able to ensure correct nutrient ratios in your dog food recipes, e.g. calcium and phosphorus ratios?
- Can you provide the essential nutrient components in your dog food recipes? This can be very difficult to achieve without the aid of specially prepared supplements.
- Have you factored in the cost and availability of the ingredients in your dog food recipes? Substituting ingredients when there is short supply alters the nutritional balance and calorie content of the recipe.
- Have you ensured that the ingredients are safe for dogs? Some human foods are toxic to dogs. For more information read foods poisonous to dogs.
- Have you considered the possibility of selective eating (where your dog refuses to eat some of the ingredients) such as spitting out the peas? This will alter your dog’s calorie intake and nutrient balance. Avoid selective eating by blending the finished product.
- Have you considered the preparation and cooking time involved in your dog food recipes?
- Have you considered the storage life of homemade dog food and the need for refrigeration or freezing?
The successful preparation of healthy homemade dog food recipes requires planning and attention to detail.
What are the best ingredients for dog weight loss?
If you’re trying to help your dog lose weight, the first thing you’ll want to do is talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can help you make sure you’re feeding your dog the right portion size and nutrients. You’ll want to take into account your pup’s size, age, and activity level before settling on a recipe.
The good news is that making weight loss dog food at home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive! Sticking to low-calorie ingredients like non-starchy vegetables and lean meats can help slim your dog down. Great lean meats include turkey, fish, and chicken, and inexpensive vegetables like carrots and cabbage provide excellent nutrition.
Top 10 Weight Loss Dog Food Recipes:
1. Carb-Free Dog Food Recipe
Our first dog food recipe is fully carb-free, making it a great weight loss diet. Combine chicken thighs with vegetables and an apple to make this low calorie, dog-friendly food.
2. Chicken & Turkey Weight Loss Dog Food
This dog food recipe uses lean meats like turkey and chicken, plus brown rice and your choice of vegetables. And don’t forget the breath-freshening parsley!
3. Adaptable Dog Food Recipe
This recipe — inspired by an adorable pug — is very easy to customize to your pup’s dietary needs. Choose your meat, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables to make your dog’s new favorite food!
4. Gourmet Dog Food
Don’t let the lengthy ingredient list scare you off of this recipe! It comes together surprisingly quickly and offers plenty of nutrition for your dieting dog
Homemade Weight Loss Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds whole wheat macaroni
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 pound ground beef (at least 90% lean)
- 1/2 pound chicken liver
- 1/2 pound beef heart
- 1 egg white
- 3.5 ounces sardines in water
- 1 pound broccoli
- 6,000 mg calcium
- 1 tsp. kelp meal
- 200 IUs Vitamin E (about 10 drops)
Directions
When your dog eats more calories in a day than he burns, it leads to weight gain. That’s common sense, right? The reason I mention this is because you may just need to adjust the portions you’re serving your pooch or increase the amount of exercise he gets each day. You can use commercial weight loss dog foods, but homemade recipes are just as good (if not better in some instances).
Before you switch your dog to a homemade weight loss dog food, consult your vet. They can help you decide whether a change in diet is needed or it’s just a matter of portion control and an extra walk in the evening.
There are about 4200 kcal in this recipe, and it has 24 grams of fat per 1000 kcal. Keep in mind that the serving sizes below are only an estimation. Your veterinarian can help you decide the proper serving size for your pet, as age, weight, activity level and metabolism are all factors in figuring out the right amount to feed your pet each day.
Serving sizes per day are as follows:
- 175 kcal for a 5-pound dog
- 600 kcal for a 25-pound dog
- 1000 kcal for a 50-pound dog
- 1700 kcal for a 100-pound dog
Making this homemade weight loss dog food is pretty simple. Start by boiling the macaroni according to the instructions on the package. You’ll also need to chop and boil the broccoli. While that’s cooking, cut the chicken thighs, chicken livers and beef heart into bite sized pieces for your pet.
Add the chopped protein sources to a large skillet with the ground beef. Cook on medium heat until all the meat is thoroughly cooked. When the meat is completely cooked, add the egg white to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the egg white is cooked through.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked protein sources, sardines, cooked broccoli, calcium, kelp meal and vitamin E. Stir until all of the ingredients are equally mixed.
Store the leftover homemade weight loss dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also make this food in bulk quantities and freeze it for up to 3 months.