13 Omega-Rich Cod And Pumpkin Dog Food Recipes

When your pup has an upset tummy or you’re just introducing them to homemade food, simplicity is key. This two-ingredient recipe is as gentle as it gets, providing soothing fiber and easily digestible protein. It’s the perfect starting point for your culinary adventures.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, flaked cod (boneless, skinless)
• 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2-3 tablespoons of water or unsalted bone broth, if needed

Instructions:

1. Ensure the cod is fully cooked (steamed or boiled is best) and free of any bones. Flake it apart with a fork.
2. In a bowl, combine the flaked cod and pumpkin puree.
3. Stir until well-mixed. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or bone broth at a time until it reaches a nice, mash-like consistency.
4. Serve at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is the go-to for dogs recovering from a digestive upset or for pet parents who want to add a simple, healthy topper to their dog’s regular kibble. It’s gentle, hydrating, and a great introduction to fresh foods.

For the active pup who needs fuel for their adventures, this hearty stew is a winner. Quinoa adds a complete protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while carrots provide a boost of beta-carotene. It’s a full, satisfying bowl of goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cod fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2 cups water or unsalted chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, bring the water or broth to a simmer.
2. Add the chopped carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the cod chunks and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, cooked quinoa, and parsley.
5. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes for the flavors to meld.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect as a meal for active dogs or a substantial meal topper for any pup. The combination of ingredients provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and veggies for a well-rounded boost.

Who needs store-bought treats when you can make these healthy, delicious bites at home? Using oat flour as a binder, these little morsels are perfect for training sessions or just a special reward. They’re easy to handle and won’t leave a mess.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, flaked cod
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat, if not sensitive)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the cooked cod.
3. Add the pumpkin puree and egg, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually stir in the oat flour until a thick dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
7. Let them cool completely before treating your pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

These bites are ideal for the pet parent who loves to engage in training or simply wants a healthy, homemade alternative to processed treats. They’re a high-value reward your dog will work hard for!

On a sweltering day, nothing beats a cool treat. These ‘pupsicles’ are hydrating, delicious, and a fun way for your dog to enjoy the benefits of cod and pumpkin. Plus, the addition of yogurt gives a nice probiotic boost!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, flaked cod
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (ensure it’s Xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the cooked cod, pumpkin puree, yogurt, and water in a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
5. Pop one out and let your dog enjoy a refreshing treat!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate summer recipe for any dog that enjoys a cool-down. It’s also great for teething puppies, as the cold can help soothe their gums. A fantastic, fun, and functional treat.

Our senior companions need extra love and care, especially when it comes to their diet. This soft-baked loaf is easy on aging teeth and packed with joint-supporting ingredients like turmeric, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked, flaked cod
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small loaf pan with coconut oil.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients—cod, pumpkin, eggs, oats, and turmeric—until thoroughly combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is firm and cooked through.
5. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent meal choice for senior dogs who struggle with hard kibble or need extra joint support. It’s a thoughtful, comforting meal that shows your old friend how much you care.

Growing puppies have unique nutritional needs. This gentle gruel is perfect for weaning puppies or as a supplement to their puppy food. It’s soft, easy to digest, and contains cottage cheese for an extra kick of protein and calcium for strong bones.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, finely flaked cod
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons full-fat plain cottage cheese
• 2-4 tablespoons of warm water or puppy milk replacer

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the cod into very fine flakes.
2. Add the pumpkin puree and cottage cheese, mixing well.
3. Slowly stir in the warm water or milk replacer until the gruel reaches a smooth, oatmeal-like consistency. It should be easy for a puppy to lap up.
4. Serve warm, but not hot.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for breeders or new puppy parents looking to provide a nutritious, easy-to-eat meal during the crucial weaning stage. Always introduce new foods slowly and watch for any digestive upset.

Want to spoil your picky eater with something a little fancy? This dog-friendly risotto uses brown rice for fiber and has a creamy, comforting texture that can entice even the fussiest of pups. A sprinkle of parsley adds fresh breath benefits, too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, flaked cod
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional, use sparingly)
• 2 cups unsalted chicken or fish broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, warm the broth over medium heat.
2. Stir in the cooked brown rice and pumpkin puree, mixing until it becomes creamy.
3. Gently fold in the flaked cod and the optional Parmesan cheese.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is heated through.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the parsley, and let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect ‘special occasion’ meal for the dog that turns its nose up at everything. The creamy texture and rich flavor profile are designed to be irresistible.

For the pet parent with a busy schedule, the slow cooker is a lifesaver. This ‘set it and forget it’ recipe allows you to prepare a large batch of healthy, homemade food with minimal effort. The slow cooking process makes everything incredibly tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs cod fillets (can be frozen)
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 cup chopped sweet potato
• 3 cups water or unsalted broth

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped sweet potato and green beans at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Lay the cod fillets on top of the vegetables.
3. Spread the pumpkin puree over the cod.
4. Pour the water or broth over everything.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
6. Once cooked, stir everything together. The cod will flake apart easily.
7. Allow to cool completely before portioning and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a game-changer for busy pet owners who want to meal prep for their dogs. It creates a tender, delicious, and veggie-packed meal with almost no active cooking time required.

If your dog loves to chew, this jerky is a fantastic, healthy outlet for that instinct. It’s a single-ingredient treat (plus the pumpkin coating!) that helps clean teeth and provides long-lasting enjoyment without any artificial additives.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless cod fillets
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Slice the cod fillets into thin, long strips (about 1/4 inch thick). Slicing is easier if the fish is partially frozen.
2. In a shallow dish, spread out the pumpkin puree.
3. Lightly coat each strip of cod in the pumpkin puree.
4. Place the coated strips on the trays of a food dehydrator, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 6-8 hours, or until the jerky is dry and leathery.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the dedicated DIY pet parent with a dehydrator, this jerky is a top-tier treat. It’s a fantastic, single-protein chew that satisfies a dog’s natural instincts and helps with dental hygiene.

Boost your dog’s diet with a punch of antioxidants! Blueberries are a well-known superfood for both humans and dogs, packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system. This simple blend is a powerhouse of health.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, flaked cod
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, gently mix the flaked cod and pumpkin puree.
2. Carefully fold in the blueberries. If using frozen, you can let them thaw slightly or mix them in frozen for a cooler treat.
3. Serve as a meal topper or a standalone special meal.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for pet parents looking to add an extra layer of immune-boosting goodness to their dog’s bowl. It’s a simple, effective, and colorful way to enhance their regular food.

For dogs needing serious joint support, this casserole is a powerhouse. Green-lipped mussels are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, renowned for their anti-inflammatory and joint-lubricating properties. This is functional food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked, flaked cod
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• 1 egg
• 2-3 teaspoons of green-lipped mussel powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flaked cod, pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, and egg. Mix well.
3. Stir in the green-lipped mussel powder until it’s evenly distributed.
4. Spoon the mixture into the casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is set.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is tailor-made for senior dogs, large breeds prone to joint issues, or any canine athlete needing extra support for their hardworking joints. It’s a proactive and delicious way to promote mobility.

If your pup is on a weight management journey, providing satisfying meals that are low in calories can be a challenge. This light, hydrating soup is flavorful and filling without packing on the pounds, making it a perfect meal addition.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, flaked cod
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups warm, unsalted bone broth or water
• A few leaves of fresh spinach, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree and warm bone broth together until smooth.
2. Stir in the finely flaked cod and the chopped spinach.
3. Serve as a light, hydrating soup. It’s great for pouring over kibble to add moisture and flavor without many extra calories.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs needing to watch their weight. This soup adds volume and flavor to their meals, helping them feel full and satisfied while staying on track with their diet plan.

For the pet parent who wants to achieve that show-stopping, glossy coat for their dog, this loaf is the secret weapon. By adding sardines (canned in water, no salt added), you’re supercharging the Omega-3 content, leading to unparalleled skin and coat health.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked, flaked cod
• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, no salt added, mashed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup ground flaxseed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flaked cod, mashed sardines (including the water from the can), pumpkin puree, and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the ground flaxseed until a thick, cohesive mixture forms.
4. Press the mixture into the loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until firm and cooked through.
6. Let cool completely before slicing. This loaf is very rich, so serve in small portions.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate recipe for maximizing skin and coat health. It’s perfect for dogs with dry skin, dull coats, or for anyone wanting to give their pup that extra bit of super-shiny glow. Use it as a rich supplement, not a full meal.

Whipping up meals for your dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to do it safely and effectively. Here are a few key things to keep in mind when you step into the role of canine chef.

Choosing Fresh Ingredients

Always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find. When buying cod, look for fillets that are firm and don’t have an overly fishy smell. For pumpkin, 100% pure canned pumpkin puree is the easiest and safest option—just be absolutely sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs. If using fresh vegetables, wash them thoroughly.

Achieving Nutritional Balance

While the recipes above are fantastic, most are intended as supplemental feedings or treats, not a long-term, exclusive diet. A complete and balanced diet for a dog requires a specific ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re serious about transitioning to a fully homemade diet, it is critical to consult with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you formulate recipes that meet all of your dog’s specific needs based on their age, breed, and health status.

Safe Foods and What to Avoid

Stick to dog-safe ingredients. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), and macadamia nuts, as they are toxic to dogs. Also, be mindful of salt and excessive fats. The recipes here are designed with safety in mind, but always double-check any ingredients you consider adding.

Proper Cooking and Storage

Always cook fish and meat thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. Ensure there are absolutely no bones in the fish you serve. Once you’ve prepared a batch of food, let it cool completely before serving. You can store homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion it out and freeze it. Frozen meals can last for several months.

Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, you can! Salmon and pollock are also excellent choices and are rich in Omega-3s. Salmon is a bit higher in fat, so it’s great for active dogs, while pollock is a leaner option. Just ensure any fish you use is boneless, skinless, and cooked thoroughly.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This depends entirely on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and whether you’re using the recipe as a topper or a full meal. A general guideline for a topper is to replace about 10-25% of their regular kibble with the homemade food. If you’re serving it as a special meal, consult a veterinary feeding guide or your vet for appropriate portion sizes to avoid over or under-feeding.

My dog has allergies. Are these recipes safe?

Cod is often a good choice for dogs with allergies to more common proteins like chicken or beef. However, some dogs can be allergic to fish. If you know your dog has multiple food sensitivities, it’s best to introduce any new recipe slowly and in small amounts. Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or digestive upset. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about food allergies.