Like humans, pets, too, like eating different types of foods. Pet parents who want to add variety to their pet’s meal plan can make them home-cooked food. A range of DIY dog food recipes can be quickly made and packed with the nutrition a dog needs. A homemade meal is a surefire way to incorporate healthy ingredients into a pet’s food regimen and ensure they are nourished and satiated. Here are a few recipes to try out:

1. Ground turkey and rice
Ground turkey with rice and vegetables is a complete meal with essential micro- and macronutrients. Add six cups of water and two cups of brown rice to a pound of ground turkey before cooking in a Dutch oven. Let it cook until the turkey starts breaking before increasing the heat and letting it simmer for 20 minutes. Then, add frozen or freshly chopped vegetables and cook them for another 5 minutes. It would help to avoid onions, garlic, and excessive salt, as they can be toxic to dogs. This meal can easily be prepped and stored in the fridge for a week. It is easy to make and extremely nutritious.

2. Chicken and rice
Grab 80 grams of cooked chicken, 1/3 cup of rice, and a few spoons of mixed vegetables. Cook the rice in water and mix all the ingredients in one tablespoon of oil to ensure sufficient fat in their food. This is a recipe for one serving for an adult dog that weighs 15 lbs. Studies state that a 15-pound dog will have a daily energy requirement of approximately 443 kcal. This recipe is delicious, has the right amount of essential fats and protein, and is easy to cook. It can be meal-prepped and stored in the fridge for up to one week.

3. Peanut butter treats
One can make customized dog treats that are equally healthy and suit a pet’s taste buds. One can always make a whole batch of dog treats and store them for later. To make this recipe, combine 2 ½ cups of wheat flour with one large egg. Add 1 cup of water, a dollop of peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Now, roll the dough and use a bone-shaped cookie cutter or any other shape to cut out the desired shape. Place the shapes in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Avoid using peanut butter that contains xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. One can store it in a container for up to two months.

Things to remember
When making recipes at home, measure ingredients properly to ensure the pet doesn’t overeat certain ingredients, as too much intake of a certain food can be toxic for them. There should be ample protein, like turkey, fish, or lean beef, and some carbohydrates, like rice or potatoes, in their meals. Don’t forget to include ingredients with essential fats. Certain nut butters can be toxic to dogs, so check with a vet before introducing anything to their food plan. Make sure that they get enough fiber from vegetables.
Cooking for one’s pets can be a fulfilling experience. One should monitor their dog’s health and consult the vet before modifying their food plan. All dogs have different nutritional requirements, so it is essential to give them food accordingly.