15 Delicious Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Breeds

If you’re a proud owner of a small dog, you already know that their little bodies require extra care and tailored nutrition to keep them healthy and happy.

A lot of recipes you find online are made for large dogs, which means they make huge batches that can spoil quickly and take up a ton of freezer space – which is a pain if you have a small breed.

Maybe you’re trying to deal with your pet’s food sensitivities, maybe you want to introduce some new flavors, or maybe you just want to treat them to a healthy, home-cooked meal.

Whatever the reason, these 15 homemade dog food recipes for small dogs offer a creative and natural alternative to store-bought food.

---

Key Ingredients for Small Dog Health

Small dog breeds have special dietary needs, so it’s important to ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients.

Proteins are important because they help build strong muscles, give them energy, and keep their small bodies functioning properly.

High-quality protein sources like lean chicken, turkey, beef, and fish provide your small dog with the amino acids they need for strong bones and a shiny coat.

Healthy fats, like the ones in fish oil and flaxseed, are also important for brain function and healthy skin in our canine friends.

Carbohydrates from whole grains, sweet potatoes, and veggies will give your small dog lasting energy and help with digestion without the risk of artificial fillers.

Besides the basic nutrients, small dogs can also benefit from specific supplements that address their common health concerns.

Glucosamine & chondroitin are great for joint health. These supplements are essential for breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and all others prone to joint issues.

These hip & joint supplements help keep their joints healthy and can reduce the risk of arthritis as they get older.

Another important dietary supplement for small dogs is omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil.

These healthy fats can help keep your dog’s coats soft and shiny, and they’re also good for heart and brain health.

---

Making Fresh Dog Meals Just Got Way Easier With ChefPaw

If you’re looking for an easier way to make fresh, healthy meals for your dog, we highly recommend the ChefPaw Dog Food Maker.

This all-in-one machine acts as a blender, mixer, scale, and cooker, letting you prepare up to 6.4 pounds of homemade dog food in about 40 minutes.

It’s super easy to use, takes up very little counter space, and even cleans itself.

Plus, it connects with a handy app that gives you access to over 35 vet-approved recipes and detailed nutrition info for over 1,000 ingredients.

Many pet parents rave about how much better their dogs feel after switching to homemade food using ChefPaw, with some noticing fewer skin issues and better digestion.

One happy user even said their dogs are “over the moon” about mealtime now. If you want to save money and make sure your pup is eating the best, ChefPaw makes it simple and stress-free.

---

15 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs

1. DIY Chicken & Veggie Dog Food

Ingredients:

• 6 ½ cups water
• 3 pounds minced chicken meat
• 4 cups rice
• 2 ½ cups frozen vegetable blend (minced; ensure no garlic or onions)

Procedure:

1. In a large Dutch oven or pan, combine chicken, rice, and vegetables.
2. Pour in the water and stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Heat on medium-high, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for roughly 25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
5. Allow the dish to cool completely before serving, and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

---

2. Nutritious Instant Pot Dog Meal

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar or whey
• 3 pounds of ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, venison, or bison)
• 1 pound beef or chicken liver (optional)
• 36 ounces mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ cups bananas or blueberries (optional)
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• 6 tablespoons ground flaxseed

Procedure:

1. Soak the rice in water with apple cider vinegar or whey for a few hours, then drain.
2. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, add ground meat and liver (if using), and cook until half-browned.
3. Pour soaked rice and fresh water, stirring well.
4. Layer the vegetables on top without mixing.
5. Lock the lid, seal the vent, and set it to Manual for 12 minutes.
6. Once done, carefully release the pressure, then stir in fruit (if using) and coconut oil.
7. Let it cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

---

3. DIY Beef & Veggie Meatloaf for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• ¾ cup grated vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, zucchini)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

Procedure:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease two meatloaf pans to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, oatmeal, grated vegetables, eggs, cottage cheese, and ground flaxseed. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer mixture to prepared meatloaf pans, pressing gently to form an even layer.
4. Place pans in the oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes. The meat should be slightly undercooked, while the vegetables remain slightly crunchy, ensuring a natural texture for your dog.
5. Once done, allow the meatloaf to cool before cutting it into 24 portion-sized pieces.
6. To store, separate portions with wax paper, place them in a large zip-lock bag and freeze. When needed, thaw three to four days’ worth in the refrigerator for easy serving.

---

4. Homemade Chicken & Veggie Dog Food

Ingredients:

• Lean chicken breast
• Mixed vegetables (broccoli, sweet potato, carrot, zucchini)
• Brown rice (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and cook until done. Do not add salt or seasoning.
2. While the chicken is baking, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and steam them until tender but slightly crunchy.
3. Mix the chopped chicken with the steamed vegetables, making sure there is more meat than veggies. If using brown rice, mix it in as well.
4. Serve the appropriate portion for your dog and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for future meals.

---

5. Fresh Dog Food Recipe for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 2 tablespoons bone broth (optional)

Procedure:

1. Rinse all vegetables thoroughly, then peel the carrots and sweet potato.
2. Chop the green beans, carrots, sweet potato, and zucchini into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the vegetables in a steamer pot, for about 15-20 minutes until they soften enough for small dogs to chew.
4. Cook the ground chicken over medium heat in a separate pan while breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
5. Once both the vegetables and chicken are fully cooked, combine them in a large bowl and mix well.
6. If using bone broth, drizzle it over the mixture and stir to incorporate the added nutrients.
7. Let the meal cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

---

6. Beef & Rice for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 90% lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup non-fat cheese
• ½ cup carrots, chopped
• ½ cup broccoli, chopped

Procedure:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the brown rice according to the package instructions and allow it to cool.
3. Chop the carrots and broccoli into small pieces, then steam or boil them until tender.
4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, softened vegetables, and non-fat cheese. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Let the mixture cool completely before serving – portion about ¼ cup for every 10 pounds of body weight.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for future meals.

---

7. Beef & Veggie Mix for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup frozen peas

Procedure:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Prepare the brown rice following the instructions on the package. Once done, allow it to cool slightly.
3. Steam the chopped carrots for 5-7 minutes until they become tender.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, steamed carrots, and frozen peas. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
5. Let the mixture cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

---

8. Protein-Packed Meatloaf for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of lean ground beef or turkey
• ¾ cup grated vegetables (avoid onions, chives, and garlic)
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake for one hour until firm and cooked through. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.

---

9. Easy Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients:

• 250g beef mince
• 1 small potato, thinly sliced
• 6 green beans, chopped
• ¼ cup rice
• 3 ¼ cups water
• 1-2 eggs (optional)

Procedure:

1. In a pan over medium heat, brown the beef mince, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Set aside.
2. Cook the rice by combining it with ¼ cup water in a microwave-safe bowl and heating for about 4 minutes (adjust as needed based on the rice type).
3. In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer. Add the green beans and sliced potatoes, cooking until tender. Drain the water.
4. Mix the cooked vegetables, rice, and beef in a large bowl, stirring well.
5. If using eggs, lightly scramble or cook them as a rough omelet, then chop and mix them into the dish before serving.
6. Let the meal cool completely before serving to your dog.

---

10. Dirty Rice for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 small potato, finely sliced
• 6 green beans, chopped
• ¼ cup instant rice
• 3 ¼ cups water

Procedure:

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the instant rice with ¼ cup water and cook for 4 minutes or until done.
3. In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer, then add the sliced potatoes and chopped green beans. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then drain.
4. Mix the cooked beef, rice, and drained vegetables in a large bowl, stirring until well combined.
5. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for future meals.

---

11. Small Dog Turkey Omelet

Ingredients:

• 2 slices turkey bacon
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup alfalfa sprouts

Procedure:

1. Cook the turkey bacon according to the package instructions. Once done, pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess grease.
2. In a small bowl, beat the egg, then pour it into a preheated pan over medium heat. Cook until the edges start to set.
3. Sprinkle the alfalfa sprouts on top of the egg, then fold it over to form an omelet.
4. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Serve fresh.

---

12. Beef & Veggie Meatloaf for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• ¾ cup shredded vegetables
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 tbsp ground flax seeds

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two meatloaf pans with olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded vegetables, eggs, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and ground flax seeds. Mix well until fully blended.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pans, pressing it down evenly.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes until firm and cooked through.
5. Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before slicing into portions for serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.

---

13. Beef & Veggie Stew for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups water
• 2 – 2 ½ pounds sirloin, chuck roast, or ground beef
• 1 cup white or light brown rice
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups green beans
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup green peas

Procedure:

1. In a large pot, combine the beef, rice, sweet potatoes, green beans, blueberries, and peas. Pour in the water and mix well.
2. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the rolled oats and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and a light gravy has formed.
4. Remove from heat and allow the stew to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

---

14. Small Breed Dog Breed Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dog-friendly vegetables, chopped
• ¼ cup quick oats
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Procedure:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until fully cooked and lightly browned.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the oats and chopped vegetables. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to soften.
4. Remove from heat and let the meal cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

---

15. Small Dog Homemade Food

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds of ground turkey
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• ½ cup peas (canned or frozen)

Procedure:

1. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice and cook according to the package instructions. Set aside once done.
2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, and sauté until browned about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded carrots, zucchini, peas, and cooked rice. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the ingredients are evenly heated.
4. Remove from heat and let the meal cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

---

Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Your Small Dog

Making your dog food is a great way to use fresh, high-quality ingredients while skipping unnecessary additives.

While at it, make sure that your small dog’s meals have all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and full of energy.

Before switching your dog to homemade meals, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet to see if there are any supplements they might need.

Small breeds have their own specific dietary needs, and adding the right vitamins, minerals, or amino acids can help prevent any nutritional deficiencies and keep them healthy in the long run.

Take some time to do your research, plan out your meals, and tweak recipes as needed to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.

---

Conclusion

Cooking homemade meals for your small dog can be a fun experience. These 15 homemade dog food recipes for small dogs give you a bunch of nutritious and tasty options to consider.

Make sure you know how many calories your small dog should be eating so they don’t end up eating too much or too little. Happy Cooking!

---

RELATED:

11 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Large Dogs