Human Foods Dogs Can Eat

Curious about human foods dogs can eat? This simple, nutritious homemade dog food recipe is perfect for adult dogs and senior dogs, offering a delightful way to supplement their diet with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s packed with essential nutrients to support your canine companion’s well-being.

Key Ingredients for Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious and healthy meal for your furry friend:

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded. An excellent source of lean protein essential for muscle building and repair.
• 1 Large Sweet Potato (approx. 8 oz): Cooked (steamed or baked) and mashed. Rich in beta-carotene for vision and skin health, and provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• 1 Cup Green Beans: Trimmed and cooked (steamed or boiled). A good source of fiber for digestive health and vitamins like K and C.
• 1/2 Cup Cooked Lentils: (Plain, no salt or seasonings). Packed with protein, fiber, and iron, supporting energy levels and overall health.
• 2 Tablespoons Cooked Quinoa: (Cooked according to package directions). A complete protein source, offering all essential amino acids, plus fiber and minerals.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin, unseasoned. Provides healthy fats for skin and coat health, and aids in nutrient absorption.

Health Benefits of This Homemade Dog Food

This Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a nutritional powerhouse designed to support your dog’s health from the inside out. The lean protein from chicken aids in muscle maintenance and repair, crucial for keeping your dog active and agile. Sweet potatoes offer a readily available source of energy thanks to their complex carbohydrates, while also being rich in beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A and promotes healthy vision and glowing skin. The fiber content from green beans and lentils works wonders for your dog’s digestive system, promoting regularity and a happy tummy. Quinoa, a complete protein, ensures your dog receives all the essential amino acids needed for a strong, healthy body. Finally, the healthy fats from olive oil contribute to a shiny coat and can help reduce inflammation, making this meal a holistic approach to canine wellness.

How to Make Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Creating this nutritious meal is incredibly simple, taking less than 30 minutes of active preparation. It’s a fuss-free way to provide your dog with a balanced meal packed with easily digestible nutrients and delightful flavors, proving that healthy dog food can be both easy and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Boil or bake boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato: Steam or bake the sweet potato until fork-tender. Once cooled, peel and mash it thoroughly.
3. Cook the Vegetables and Grains: Steam or boil fresh green beans until tender-crisp. Cook lentils and quinoa according to package directions, ensuring they are plain without any added salt or seasonings.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, cooked green beans, cooked lentils, and cooked quinoa.
5. Add Healthy Fat: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving to your dog.

Is This Recipe Safe for Dogs?

Absolutely! We’ve carefully selected human foods dogs can eat that are known to be safe and beneficial for canine consumption. This recipe intentionally excludes common toxic foods for dogs such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol. While these ingredients are generally safe, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food, especially if your dog has known allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing health conditions. Your vet can provide personalized advice tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Why You’ll Love This Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

This homemade dog food recipe offers a superior nutritional profile compared to many commercially produced options. By controlling the ingredients, you ensure your dog receives high-quality protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals without any unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors often found in kibble. It’s a direct step towards supporting your dog’s vibrant health and energy levels with every bite.

Furthermore, preparing this meal at home can be incredibly cost-effective in the long run, especially for owners of multiple dogs or those looking to reduce their grocery bill. You’ll find yourself saving money while providing your beloved pet with the freshest, most wholesome ingredients nature has to offer. Give your dog the gift of a delicious, nourishing meal made with love – they’ll surely thank you for it!

How Much of This Should I Feed My Dog?

Serving size will vary based on your dog’s individual needs, age, activity level, and metabolism. As a general guideline:

• Small Dogs (e.g., Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier): Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal.
• Medium Dogs (e.g., Beagle, Border Collie): Approximately 1/2 to 1 cup per meal.
• Large Dogs (e.g., Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd): Approximately 1 to 1.5 cups per meal.

This recipe can be served as a complete meal or used as a nutritious topper for their regular kibble to enhance flavor and nutritional value. We highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian for a precise feeding recommendation tailored to your dog’s specific dietary requirements.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, divide the cooled food into single-serving portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze. To thaw, transfer a portion from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm, ensuring it is not too hot for your dog’s mouth. Avoid reheating multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Food

• Can puppies eat this recipe? While this recipe uses safe ingredients, puppies have specific nutritional needs that differ from adult or senior dogs. It’s best to consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist for a puppy-specific homemade diet.
• Can I freeze homemade dog food? Yes, homemade dog food can be frozen. Ensure it is cooled completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers and freezing. This is an excellent way to have healthy meals ready for your dog.
• How long does it stay fresh? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade dog food typically stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Can this be fed daily? Yes, this recipe can be fed daily as part of a balanced diet, either as a complete meal or a topper, provided it meets your dog’s overall nutritional needs. Always ensure variety or consult your vet for long-term daily feeding plans.

Final Thoughts

The Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a wonderfully simple, healthy, and safe homemade dog food option that harnesses the goodness of human foods dogs can eat. By preparing this meal yourself, you’re offering your canine companion a nourishing dish made with love and wholesome ingredients. Treat your dog to this delightful recipe and watch them thrive! This homemade dog food recipe is intended as a general guide and should not replace veterinary-recommended diets.

Wholesome Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

This simple, nutritious homemade dog food recipe is perfect for adult dogs and senior dogs, offering a delightful way to supplement their diet with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s packed with essential nutrients to support your canine companion’s well-being.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Cooked and shredded.
• 1 Large Sweet Potato approx. 8 oz. Cooked (steamed or baked) and mashed.
• 1 Cup Green Beans Trimmed and cooked (steamed or boiled).
• 1/2 Cup Cooked Lentils Plain, no salt or seasonings.
• 2 Tablespoons Cooked Quinoa Cooked according to package directions.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil Extra virgin, unseasoned.

Equipment

• Large Bowl

Method

 

1. Boil or bake boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
   1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
2. Steam or bake the sweet potato until fork-tender. Once cooled, peel and mash it thoroughly.
   1 Large Sweet Potato
3. Steam or boil fresh green beans until tender-crisp. Cook lentils and quinoa according to package directions, ensuring they are plain without any added salt or seasonings.
   1 Cup Green Beans, 1/2 Cup Cooked Lentils, 2 Tablespoons Cooked Quinoa
4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, cooked green beans, cooked lentils, and cooked quinoa.
   1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, 1 Large Sweet Potato, 1 Cup Green Beans, 1/2 Cup Cooked Lentils, 2 Tablespoons Cooked Quinoa
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
   1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
6. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving to your dog.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze in single-serving portions for longer storage.