Healthy homemade dog food

Healthy homemade dog food is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Tonic Health on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $9.24 total, $2.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size cubes)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 1 cup Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 1 cup Spinach (fresh, washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (extra‑virgin, unsalted)
  • 1/2 cup Low‑Sodium Chicken Bone Broth (no onion or garlic added; can be homemade or store‑bought)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Wash, peel (if needed), and dice the carrots. Trim and cut the green beans into 1‑inch pieces. Roughly chop the spinach.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Meat and Veggies

    Place the diced carrots, green beans, spinach, and chicken cubes into a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients (about 3 cups).

    Time: PT2M

  3. Bring to a Boil

    Turn the heat to high and bring the pot to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  4. Simmer Until Tender

    Reduce heat to medium‑low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 90°C

  5. Separate Meat

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken pieces and set them aside in a bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Mash the Vegetables

    Return the pot to the stove, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid if needed, and mash the vegetables until a coarse puree forms.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Combine All Ingredients

    Stir the chicken back into the mashed veggies. Add the tablespoon of coconut oil and ½ cup of low‑sodium bone broth. Mix until the oil is fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cool and Serve

    Remove the pot from heat and let the dog food cool to room temperature (or cooler) before serving to your pet.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
10g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Grain‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Fat, Dog‑Friendly

Allergens: Chicken, Coconut

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Healthy homemade dog food

Recipe by Tonic Health

A quick, affordable, and nutritious homemade dog food made with fresh vegetables, lean chicken, coconut oil, and low‑sodium bone broth. No seasonings, just real ingredients that support a longer, healthier life for your canine companion.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.24
Total cost
$2.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not add any onion, garlic, or added salt – these are toxic to dogs.
  • Ensure vegetables are fully cooked and mashed to a safe texture.
  • Cool the final mixture before serving to avoid burns.

Safety Warnings

  • Never use onions, garlic, or added salt in dog food.
  • Ensure the bone broth is low‑sodium and contains no onion/garlic.
  • Cool the food before serving to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog food in American pet care?

A

In the United States, the movement toward homemade pet meals grew out of a desire for transparency and control over ingredients, especially after concerns about commercial pet food recalls. Home‑cooked diets are seen as a way to provide fresh, whole‑food nutrition that mirrors a dog’s ancestral diet.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of homemade dog food in American cuisine?

A

American homemade dog food varies by region: coastal areas often use fish and seaweed, the Midwest favors beef and root vegetables, while the South incorporates sweet potatoes and collard greens. The core principle remains the same—real, unprocessed ingredients without harmful additives.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is homemade dog food traditionally associated with in American pet culture?

A

Many U.S. pet owners prepare special homemade meals for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or holidays like Thanksgiving, often adding extra turkey or pumpkin to celebrate alongside the family.

cultural
Q

What makes Simple Homemade Dog Food special or unique in American pet cuisine?

A

This recipe is unique because it combines lean chicken, a variety of dog‑safe vegetables, coconut oil for healthy fats, and low‑sodium bone broth for joint support—all without any seasoning, making it a clean, nutrient‑dense meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Simple Homemade Dog Food at home?

A

Common errors include adding onion or garlic, over‑seasoning with salt, under‑cooking the meat, and serving the food while it’s still hot. All of these can be harmful or unappetizing for dogs.

technical
Q

Why does this Simple Homemade Dog Food recipe use coconut oil instead of other oils?

A

Coconut oil provides medium‑chain triglycerides that are easy for dogs to digest and can support skin and coat health. It also has a mild flavor that most dogs accept, whereas some oils like olive oil can be too strong or cause gastrointestinal upset in larger amounts.

technical
Q

Can I make Simple Homemade Dog Food ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can batch‑cook and store the food in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving and always bring to room temperature.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Simple Homemade Dog Food?

A

The vegetables should be soft but not pureed into a liquid; a coarse mash with small chicken pieces is ideal. The mixture should be uniform in color—light orange from carrots, green from beans, and a hint of white from coconut oil.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tonic Health specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tonic Health focuses on evidence‑based nutrition and wellness tips for both humans and pets, offering simple, affordable recipes that prioritize whole‑food ingredients and scientific research.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tonic Health's approach to pet nutrition differ from other pet cooking channels?

A

Tonic Health emphasizes low‑cost, research‑backed ingredients and avoids unnecessary additives, whereas many pet channels focus on gourmet or trend‑driven recipes that may include expensive or less‑studied components.

channel

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