The day I switched Mocha from kibble to homemade food happened while I was making quinoa for my kids. When she gave me those “where’s mine?” eyes, I realized she deserved the same care I put into my family’s meals.

That’s when it hit me: why was I meticulously planning balanced meals for my human family but settling for processed mystery pellets for my furry baby? So began my deep dive into homemade dog food, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for both of us!

Why I Started Making Homemade Dog Food

Listen, I’m not saying I’ve become one of those dog moms (though my husband might disagree when he sees me cooling Mocha’s food before serving it). But the benefits have been impossible to ignore:

  • Her coat is GLOWING, y’all. Like, I’m almost jealous of how shiny her fur is when I’m over here dry-shampooing for the third day.
  • Her energy levels are so much more balanced. Remember those 3pm zoomies that inevitably coincided with work calls? Much more manageable now!
  • Digestive issues? Basically gone. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say our backyard clean-up routine is much more pleasant.
  • She actually sits and waits for her food now, instead of inhaling it like it’s the last meal she’ll ever see.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching someone you love enjoy food you’ve prepared—even when that someone has four legs and occasionally eats socks.

Power Bowl: Homemade Dog Food Recipe

This recipe has been Mocha-approved after much “recipe testing” (she’s a very willing taste-tester, unlike SOME little humans in my household who suddenly “don’t like carrots anymore” despite requesting them specifically at the grocery store).

Bowls containing rice, lentils, spinach, carrot, blueberries, coconut oil and a spoon with turmeric.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (sometimes I swap in quinoa when I’m feeling fancy)
  • 1 cup cooked lentils (amazing protein source!)
  • ½ cup grated carrots
  • ½ cup chopped spinach
  • ¼ cup blueberries (Mocha’s absolute favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for that B-vitamin boost!)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric (anti-inflammatory superstar)
  • 2 tablespoons plain unsweetened yogurt (I use coconut yogurt)

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a big bowl. That’s it. I KNOW! If only making dinner for my kids was this straightforward. No “I wanted the pasta BESIDE the sauce not UNDER it” drama from Mocha!

Nutritional Breakdown:

This recipe is basically a superfood bowl for your pup:

  • Protein: The lentils provide protein for muscle maintenance and repair. With about 9g of protein per half cup of cooked lentils, they help keep Mocha strong.
  • Complex Carbs: Brown rice gives sustainable energy. These slow-burning carbs help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
  • Healthy Fats: Flaxseed and coconut oil for skin, coat, and brain health. That tablespoon of coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are amazing for cognitive function.
  • Antioxidants: Blueberries and turmeric are fighting free radicals. Blueberries are packed with vitamin C and K, while turmeric contains curcumin that reduces inflammation.
  • Fiber: Keeps everything moving smoothly (if you know what I mean). The combination of brown rice, lentils, and veggies provides about 7g of fiber per serving.
  • Calcium: Yogurt helps support those precious bones and teeth, providing about 100mg of calcium per serving.
  • Omega-3s: The flaxseed is packed with alpha-linolenic acid that reduces inflammation and keeps that dog’s coat shiny.
  • B Vitamins: The nutritional yeast isn’t just there for funky flavor—it’s loaded with B vitamins that support metabolism and energy production.
  • Hydration: This food naturally contains more moisture than dry kibble, helping with hydration—crucial information.
  • Zero Artificial Preservatives: There’s nothing artificial here. Just real ingredients that I can actually pronounce without a chemistry degree!

The Real-Life Reality Check

I batch cook Mocha’s food on Sundays during family meal prep and freeze portions for the week—because with kids and an endless to-do list, daily dog food prep isn’t happening!

There was that chaotic morning I microwaved her frozen food at 6am while simultaneously signing school forms, hunting for shoes, and enforcing teeth brushing. Meanwhile, Mocha just watched the mayhem with judgy eyes.

A dog carrying his empty food bowl.

Important Health Notes (Because I Care About Your Pup!)

Before jumping into the homemade dog food world, I consulted with our vet. You should too! Every dog is different, and what works for my Mocha might need adjustments for your fur baby.

A few things I’ve learned along the way:

  • Dogs need specific nutrient ratios that differ from humans
  • You might need to supplement with vitamins made specifically for dogs
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid tummy troubles
  • Monitor your dog’s weight and energy levels when changing diets

I usually sprinkle a dog-specific vitamin powder our vet recommended to make sure Mocha is getting everything she needs. Think of it as the canine equivalent of those gummy vitamins I have to hide from my kids because they think they’re candy.

The Unexpected Benefit of Homemade Dog Food

The best unexpected benefit? Our special mealtime bond. Seeing her excitement when I prepare her food makes my heart happy—almost enough to forgive her eternal vendetta against the mail carrier.

Try cooking for your pup! It’s rewarding, impresses vets, and gives you that rare sense of tangible accomplishment in the midst of never-ending household tasks.

Give your dog a belly rub from us! Remember, we’re all just doing our best for everyone in our care—sometimes that’s homemade dog food, sometimes it’s drive-thru fries between activities. Zero judgment here!

If you’re looking for more nutritious meal ideas for your pup, check out these posts:

Disclaimer:

Please consult your vet before changing your pup’s diet—every dog has different needs based on age, size, and health conditions. Introduce new foods gradually, and your vet might recommend specific supplements for balance.

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