13 Easy Homemade Food For Basset Hounds To Lose Weight

This recipe is a fantastic starting point for any dog’s weight loss journey. Ground turkey is an incredibly lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance without the high fat content of other meats. Quinoa, a seed often used as a grain, is a complete protein and a complex carbohydrate, meaning it provides slow-release energy that keeps your Basset feeling full longer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, cook the ground turkey in olive oil over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the rinsed quinoa, water/broth, carrots, and green beans to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
4. Let it cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for Basset Hounds who need a simple, high-protein, low-fat meal to kickstart their weight loss. It’s a well-rounded and satisfying dish that’s easy to digest for most dogs.

You can’t go wrong with a classic. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is one of the leanest proteins available. We pair it with a powerhouse of low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables like broccoli and zucchini. Fiber is key for weight loss as it helps your dog feel full and satisfied, reducing the urge to beg for treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• A small handful of chopped parsley (for fresh breath!)

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken breasts until cooked through. Let them cool, then shred the meat with two forks.
2. While the chicken is cooking, lightly steam or blanch the broccoli and zucchini until tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy!
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed veggies, peas, and parsley.
4. Mix everything together. Serve once cooled to room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An ideal grain-free, low-calorie meal for Basset Hounds that are less active. The high fiber content makes it incredibly filling, helping to curb hunger between meals.

If your Basset is a fan of red meat, this is the recipe for them. The trick is to use extra-lean ground beef (95% lean or more) to keep the fat content down. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional superstar, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They offer a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, providing sustained energy without spiking blood sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potato cubes until they are very tender. Drain and mash them.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef in coconut oil until browned. Be sure to drain all the excess fat thoroughly.
3. Wilt the spinach by adding it to the hot skillet with the beef for the last minute of cooking.
4. Combine the beef and spinach mixture with the mashed sweet potato.
5. Let it cool before serving up a hearty, healthy portion.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great choice for the Basset Hound who turns their nose up at chicken. It feels like a rich, decadent meal but is packed with nutrients perfect for a weight management plan.

This recipe is a treat for your Basset’s joints. Salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This is especially beneficial for Basset Hounds, as excess weight puts extra stress on their joints and spine. We pair it with fiber-rich green beans and protein-packed eggs for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6 oz) of salmon packed in water, no salt added
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped green beans, steamed or boiled until tender
• 1 tsp flaxseed oil (for extra Omega-3s)

Instructions:

1. Drain the can of salmon thoroughly.
2. In a non-stick skillet, scramble the two eggs until cooked. No oil or butter needed.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the drained salmon, cooked green beans, and flaxseed oil to the scrambled eggs.
4. Use a spatula to break up the salmon and mix everything together.
5. Serve warm, but not hot.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A must-try for any Basset Hound showing signs of stiffness or joint discomfort. The anti-inflammatory benefits are a huge plus for this particular breed’s conformation.

Looking for a super simple, no-cook option? This is it! Low-fat cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, and it’s often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs. Carrots provide a satisfying crunch and are packed with beta-carotene and fiber. It’s a light meal that’s surprisingly filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (uncooked)
• Optional: A few blueberries for antioxidants

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, simply mix the cottage cheese, shredded carrots, and rolled oats together.
2. If using, sprinkle the blueberries on top.
3. Serve immediately. This recipe is best made fresh and not stored.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner on a hot day, or for Basset Hounds who are recovering from a minor tummy upset. It’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket for busy days.

This hearty, plant-based stew is a fiber explosion! Lentils are an amazing source of protein, fiber, and iron, while pumpkin puree is famous for its digestive benefits. It helps with both constipation and diarrhea, and its high fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, which is essential for weight loss.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and celery.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
4. The stew should be thick. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent meal for Basset Hounds with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Its high fiber content makes it one of the best recipes for keeping a hungry hound feeling full and satisfied.

Don’t let the smell fool you; this is a nutritional powerhouse your dog will love. Sardines are small, oily fish that are packed with Omega-3s and are low on the food chain, meaning they have fewer heavy metals than larger fish. We mix them with nutrient-dense spinach and a bit of brown rice for a well-rounded, coat-enhancing meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• A splash of water

Instructions:

1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions and let it cool.
2. In a small pan, add the spinach and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until the spinach is wilted.
3. In your dog’s bowl, combine the cooked rice, wilted spinach, and the entire can of sardines (including the water from the can).
4. Mash everything together with a fork and serve.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for a Basset with dull, flaky skin or a lackluster coat. The high concentration of fatty acids will have them looking sleek and shiny in no time, all while supporting their weight loss goals.

These little patties are fun, easy to portion, and low in calories. Eggs are a fantastic, highly digestible source of protein. Zucchini is mostly water and fiber, making it a great low-calorie filler that helps your dog feel full. A little bit of oat flour helps bind them together.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 medium zucchini, grated and moisture squeezed out
• 1/4 cup oat flour (or ground rolled oats)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. Squeeze as much water as you can from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a key step!
4. Add the dry zucchini, oat flour, and dill to the whisked eggs. Mix until well combined.
5. Spoon small patties onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the patties are set and lightly golden. Let them cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A wonderful, low-calorie, and grain-free (if using just oats) option that’s perfect for Bassets who need strict portion control. They also make great healthy treats in smaller sizes!

This is the quintessential ‘bland diet’ recipe, and for good reason. It’s gentle, easy to digest, and low in fat. For a weight-loss twist, we use a higher ratio of chicken to rice and add some finely chopped celery for extra fiber and crunch without adding significant calories. It’s a simple, reliable meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, brown rice, celery, and water/broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them, and then return them to the pot.
5. Stir everything together and let it cool before serving. The mixture will have absorbed most of the liquid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The perfect foundational recipe. It’s reliable, safe, and effective for weight management. It’s especially good for Bassets with sensitive tummies or those just starting on a homemade diet.

For an ultra low-calorie, low-carb meal, this recipe is a winner. Cod is a very lean white fish that’s easy to digest. We swap out traditional grains for cauliflower rice, which is packed with vitamins and provides a similar texture to rice with a fraction of the calories and carbs. It’s a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cod fillets, baked or steamed
• 2 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• A small handful of chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the cod fillets by baking or steaming them until they are opaque and flake easily.
2. While the cod is cooking, sauté the riced cauliflower in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until it’s tender.
3. Flake the cooked cod into a bowl. Add the cooked cauliflower rice and chopped parsley.
4. Gently mix everything together and let it cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate diet meal for the Basset Hound who needs to lose weight more aggressively. It’s clean, simple, and packs a nutritional punch without the caloric density of other meals.

A little taste of Thanksgiving that’s healthy for your hound! This recipe uses lean ground turkey and adds a pop of flavor and antioxidants with cranberries. It’s crucial to use unsweetened, dried cranberries or a small amount of pure, unsweetened cranberry juice to avoid added sugars. Cranberries are also known to support urinary tract health.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Cook the oatmeal according to package instructions, using water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, cooked oatmeal, chopped cranberries, and carrots.
4. Mix well and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fun and flavorful meal that offers unique health benefits. It’s great for adding some variety to your Basset’s diet plan and providing some extra immune support.

Organ meats like beef liver are incredibly nutrient-dense, packed with Vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. A little goes a long way! We balance the richness of the liver with fibrous kale and a bit of sweet apple for a meal that’s bursting with vitamins and minerals. This is a fantastic ‘booster’ meal to serve once or twice a week.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb beef liver, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 small apple, cored and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef liver and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned but still slightly pink inside. Do not overcook.
2. Add the chopped kale and apple to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the kale is wilted and the apple is slightly softened.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool down completely. Chop the liver into smaller, bite-sized pieces if needed.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The perfect nutrient-boosting meal to rotate into your Basset’s weekly diet. Its richness means a smaller portion size is needed, which is great for calorie management.

When you need a meal that is both filling and incredibly easy on the stomach, this puree is the answer. As we’ve mentioned, pumpkin is a superstar for digestive health and satiety. Combining it with lean ground chicken creates a smooth, almost pate-like consistency that many dogs adore. It’s simple, effective, and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth, if needed

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain off any fat.
2. Place the cooked chicken and the pumpkin puree into a blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Let it cool completely before serving. This is also great for stuffing into puzzle toys!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An outstanding choice for Basset Hounds with sensitive stomachs or for those who seem to be constantly hungry. The high fiber from the pumpkin works wonders for making them feel satisfied with a smaller portion.

Creating your own recipes can be fun, but it’s important to know the building blocks of a healthy weight-loss meal for your Basset. Keep these principles in mind:

1. Lean Proteins are Priority

Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass while your dog loses fat. Stick to the leanest options available.

• Excellent Choices: Boneless/skinless chicken or turkey breast, 93-99% lean ground turkey or beef, whitefish (like cod or haddock), eggs, and low-fat cottage cheese.
• Limit: Fatty cuts of red meat, dark meat poultry with skin, and processed meats.

2. Fiber is Your Friend

Fiber helps your dog feel full, aids digestion, and keeps them regular. Load up on low-calorie, non-starchy vegetables.

• Excellent Choices: Green beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, zucchini, carrots, celery, and pure pumpkin puree.
• In Moderation: Peas and corn have higher sugar content.

3. Choose Carbs Carefully

Carbohydrates provide energy, but the wrong kind can hinder weight loss. Opt for complex carbs that provide slow-release energy.

• Excellent Choices: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal.
• Avoid: White potatoes, white rice, and any foods with added sugars or refined flour.

4. Healthy Fats for Health

Don’t eliminate fat entirely! Healthy fats are essential for brain function and skin/coat health. Focus on Omega-3 fatty acids.

• Excellent Choices: Salmon, sardines, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds.
• Avoid: Greasy table scraps, bacon fat, and excessive oils.

Crucially: Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet. They can help you determine the right daily calorie intake for your Basset’s specific needs and advise on any necessary supplements, like a calcium and mineral blend, to ensure the homemade diet is balanced and complete.

How much homemade food should I feed my Basset Hound for weight loss?

This is a critical question that depends heavily on your dog’s current weight, age, activity level, and metabolic rate. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight in total food per day. However, the best and safest approach is to consult your veterinarian. They can calculate the precise daily caloric needs for your specific dog and help you determine the correct portion sizes for these homemade recipes to ensure a safe and steady rate of weight loss.

Is it safe to switch my Basset from kibble to homemade food?

Yes, it is safe, but the transition should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new homemade food (e.g., 25%) with their old kibble (75%). Over the course of 7-10 days, slowly increase the proportion of homemade food while decreasing the kibble until they are fully transitioned. Watch for any signs of stomach trouble like loose stools or vomiting and slow down the process if needed.

What supplements should I add to homemade dog food?

While these recipes are healthy, long-term homemade diets can sometimes lack certain essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health. To ensure the diet is complete and balanced, it’s highly recommended to talk to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist. They will likely recommend a good quality canine multivitamin or a specific supplement blend designed for homemade diets to fill any nutritional gaps.