If you’ve ever glanced at the price tag on a bag of premium dog food and nearly dropped your wallet, trust me—you’re not alone. Dog parents everywhere are realizing that feeding their pups nutritious meals doesn’t have to mean emptying the bank account.
Enter the world of DIY Farmer’s Dog food recipes—homemade, balanced, and filled with real ingredients you actually recognize.
Now, before you picture yourself sweating over a stove making five-course meals for your dog (no one has time for that), relax.
These recipes are super easy, nutritionally sound, and perfect for anyone who wants to ditch processed kibble for something fresher.
I’ve personally tried a few of these for my own pup, and let’s just say—he licks the bowl clean faster than I can say “sit.”
Ready to be the chef your dog always knew you could be? Let’s get into these seven delicious and easy Farmer’s-style dog food recipes!
Table of Contents
1. The Classic Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl
If your dog is a meat-lover (and whose isn’t?), this hearty recipe will have them drooling before the bowl even hits the floor. It’s a protein-packed, fiber-friendly, and downright tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Steam or boil the diced sweet potato and carrots until tender.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Drizzle with olive oil for a healthy fat boost.
- Let it cool, then serve or store in airtight containers.
Why It Works
Beef provides muscle-building protein, while sweet potatoes add beta-carotene and fiber. Olive oil gives your pup’s coat that glossy “Instagram-ready” shine.
2. Chicken & Brown Rice Comfort Meal
This one’s basically the doggie version of chicken soup—comforting, nourishing, and gentle on the tummy.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then shred.
- Cook brown rice as usual.
- Steam the carrots and green beans until soft.
- Mix everything together and stir in coconut oil while still warm.
Why It Works
Chicken is easy to digest and full of lean protein, while brown rice adds slow-release energy for active pups. The coconut oil? That’s nature’s moisturizer—from the inside out.
3. Salmon & Quinoa Superfood Mix
Okay, so this one sounds fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple—and loaded with omega-3s for skin and joint health.
Ingredients
- 1 can of wild salmon (in water, no salt added)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse and cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Drain salmon and flake with a fork.
- Stir in the spinach and zucchini.
- Add olive oil for extra nutrition and mix thoroughly.
Why It Works
Salmon gives your dog a shiny coat, and quinoa is a high-protein grain alternative that’s great for sensitive stomachs. Basically, it’s the “green smoothie” of dog food.
4. Turkey & Veggie Power Blend
This Farmer’s Dog-style recipe is a lean, colorful meal that even picky eaters love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon olive or flaxseed oil
Instructions
- Cook the turkey in a pan until no pink remains.
- Steam or boil the veggies until tender.
- Combine everything in a mixing bowl.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and oil.
Why It Works
Pumpkin is fantastic for digestion, while turkey offers a lighter protein option than beef. Bonus: this one smells good enough that you might be tempted to taste it (not recommended, though).
5. Egg & Veggie Breakfast Scramble
Who says breakfast is just for humans? This recipe is perfect for morning meals or quick dinners when you’re short on time.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup zucchini, grated
- 1/4 cup peas
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet.
- Add veggies and sauté lightly.
- Pour in eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
- Cool before serving.
Why It Works
Eggs are a complete protein powerhouse. They help build strong muscles and a healthy coat—basically, a multivitamin in shell form.
6. Slow Cooker Beef & Oats Stew
This one’s the closest thing to The Farmer’s Dog meals—rich, hearty, and cooked low and slow.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean beef stew meat
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1/2 cup peas
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Toss everything into your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Once tender, let it cool and portion into containers.
Why It Works
The slow cooking process keeps nutrients intact, and the oats add healthy carbs for lasting energy. It’s basically Sunday dinner—for your dog.
7. Apple & Chicken Grain-Free Delight
Perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. Sweet, savory, and totally tail-wag-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped apple (peeled, no seeds)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Cook chicken thoroughly in a skillet.
- Add in apple, carrot, and spinach.
- Cook until veggies soften.
- Stir in coconut oil and cool before serving.
Why It Works
Apples bring a natural sweetness plus antioxidants, and coconut oil supports digestion. It’s a clean, wholesome recipe dogs absolutely adore.
Storage & Portion Tips
Alright, you’ve whipped up a week’s worth of gourmet dog meals—now what?
Here’s how to store and serve them safely:
- Refrigeration: Keep portions in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in single servings for up to 2 months.
- Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave on low for a few seconds.
- Serving Size: Generally, feed 2–3% of your dog’s body weight daily (split into two meals).
Example: A 20-lb dog needs about 6–9 oz of food per day, depending on activity level.
Essential Supplements to Add
Homemade dog food is fantastic—but you still need to balance it properly.
Here’s what I personally add for extra nutrition:
- Calcium: Crushed eggshell powder or canine calcium supplement
- Fish oil: Adds omega-3 fatty acids for heart and coat health
- Dog multivitamin: Ensures all micronutrient needs are met
- Probiotics: Keeps digestion smooth and healthy
Always check with your vet before starting new supplements—because every dog’s needs are unique.
Why DIY Farmer’s Dog Food Is Worth It
If you’re wondering, “Is all this cooking really worth it?”—absolutely.
Here’s why I’ll never go back to store-bought kibble again:
- Transparency: You know exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl.
- Freshness: No preservatives, fillers, or weird chemical names you can’t pronounce.
- Better health: Shinier coat, cleaner teeth, better digestion—you’ll see the difference.
- Budget-friendly: Homemade food can cost 30–50% less than premium brands like The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie.
Sure, it takes a little effort, but once you see your pup’s excitement at mealtime, it’s totally worth it.
Quick Tips for DIY Success
- Rotate proteins weekly to keep things balanced.
- Use safe oils (olive, flaxseed, coconut) instead of butter or margarine.
- Avoid harmful foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or chocolate.
- Prep in batches—spend one Sunday cooking, and you’re set for the week.
- Stick to ratios: 50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% veggies is a solid start.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for your dog might sound like a lot at first, but once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature. Plus, it’s honestly rewarding seeing your pup’s tail wag like crazy every time you serve a fresh bowl.
So go ahead—grab that skillet, fire up your slow cooker, and give these 7 DIY Farmer’s Dog Food recipes a shot. Your dog’s taste buds (and tummy) will thank you. And who knows? You might just find that you enjoy cooking for your furry best friend as much as they enjoy eating your creations.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Little Pets Realm. I share important tips, advice and answer all the queries to solve various problems about small pets such as guinea pigs and hamsters on this website.