13 Refreshing Dog Friendly Poke Bowl Ideas for Summer

This is the quintessential doggy poke bowl, inspired by the original but made completely safe for your pup. It’s packed with Omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, which are fantastic for promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked, flaked salmon (no seasoning!)
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa, cooled
• 2 tablespoons chopped cucumber
• 2 tablespoons shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon blueberries
• A splash of water or bone broth for moisture

Instructions:

1. Start with the cooled brown rice or quinoa as the base in the bowl.
2. Arrange the flaked salmon, chopped cucumber, and shredded carrots in separate little piles on top of the base.
3. Sprinkle the blueberries over the top like a garnish.
4. Pour a small splash of bone broth or water over the bowl to add a little moisture and entice your pup.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

Perfect for any dog, but especially beneficial for breeds prone to skin issues or those who need an extra boost for a lustrous coat. It’s a fantastic introductory poke bowl.

A simple, lean, and antioxidant-rich option that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Boiled chicken is easy on the tummy, and the berries add a touch of sweetness and a vitamin C punch.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup cooked white rice, cooled
• 2 tablespoons chopped strawberries
• 1 tablespoon spinach, finely chopped
• A drizzle of plain, unsweetened yogurt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Use the cooled white rice as your base.
2. Top with the shredded chicken.
3. Add the chopped strawberries and spinach in their own sections.
4. If your dog tolerates dairy, add a small dollop of plain yogurt in the middle.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs of all ages and sizes, especially those with sensitive stomachs. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrients.

For the active dog that needs to refuel after a long day of play, this iron-rich beef bowl is the perfect choice. Sweet potatoes offer complex carbs for sustained energy.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked lean ground beef, drained of fat
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato, cooled
• 2 tablespoons green beans, steamed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped red bell pepper

Instructions:

1. Spread the cooled mashed sweet potato as the base layer.
2. Sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the top.
3. Garnish with the chopped green beans and red bell pepper for a splash of color and crunch.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

Ideal for active dogs, working breeds, or pups who need to gain a little healthy weight. This is a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave them feeling full and happy.

Bring a taste of the tropics to your dog’s bowl! This recipe uses lean ground turkey and dog-safe tropical fruits for a fun, hydrating, and vitamin-packed summer treat.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, cooled
• 2 tablespoons diced mango
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• A few small pieces of pineapple

Instructions:

1. Start with a bed of cooled oatmeal.
2. Top with the ground turkey.
3. Decorate with the diced mango, shredded coconut, and pineapple pieces.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A fun, festive bowl for a special summer occasion. It’s great for dogs who enjoy sweeter flavors and provides a good dose of hydration on a hot afternoon.

Perfect for dogs who need a lighter meal or an extra dose of greens. This bowl uses a hard-boiled egg for protein and is loaded with nutrient-dense vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1/2 cup steamed and cooled broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons peas
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• A base of chopped zucchini ‘noodles’ or chunks

Instructions:

1. Use the zucchini as a fresh, grain-free base.
2. Arrange the chopped egg, broccoli, and peas on top.
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a breath-freshening bonus!

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs on a diet or those who need to incorporate more vegetables. It’s also a great option for owners looking for a meat-free meal for their pup.

Don’t turn your nose up at this one! Sardines are a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, loaded with Omega-3s and Vitamin D. Just be sure to use sardines packed in water with no added salt.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 whole sardines (packed in water, no salt), mashed
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped kale, stems removed

Instructions:

1. Mix the mashed sardines directly into the cooked quinoa.
2. Top the mixture with the chopped celery and kale for a crunchy texture.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This bowl is a must-try for senior dogs to support their joints and brain health, as well as any dog needing a serious skin and coat boost. It’s potent, but powerful!

This bowl is a digestive superhero! Pumpkin is famous for helping with both constipation and diarrhea, making it a fantastic ingredient for dogs with sensitive tummies.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shredded boiled chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tablespoon steamed and mashed carrots

Instructions:

1. Create a bed of brown rice.
2. Add the shredded chicken to one side.
3. Spoon the pumpkin puree and mashed carrots onto the other side. You can even swirl them together for a fun look.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

The go-to bowl for any dog experiencing mild digestive upset or for those who just love the taste of pumpkin. It’s a soothing and beneficial meal.

Who says poke bowls are just for lunch or dinner? This breakfast-inspired bowl is a great way to start your dog’s day with a protein-packed and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 scrambled egg (cooked without oil or butter)
• 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal
• 2 chopped strawberries
• A few blueberries

Instructions:

1. Spoon the oatmeal into the bowl to form the base.
2. Top with the cooled, scrambled egg.
3. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and blueberries on top.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A wonderful weekend breakfast treat or a special meal for a dog’s birthday. It’s simple, nutritious, and a fun way to mix up their routine.

For the dog with a sophisticated palate or food allergies, duck is a fantastic novel protein. Paired with the gentle sweetness of pear, this bowl is a true gourmet experience.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked duck meat, chopped (no skin or fat)
• 1/2 cup cooked barley
• 2 tablespoons chopped pear (seeds and core removed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Lay down the cooked barley as the foundation.
2. Arrange the chopped duck meat on top.
3. Garnish with the fresh pear and parsley.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

This is the perfect bowl for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef. It’s a unique and delicious way to provide a balanced meal.

A plant-based option for dogs who may need a break from rich meats. Plain, cooked tofu is a good source of protein that’s easy to digest for many dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain, firm tofu, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 tablespoons steamed edamame (shelled)
• 1 tablespoon shredded carrots

Instructions:

1. Start with the quinoa base.
2. Top with the crumbled, cooked tofu.
3. Sprinkle the shelled edamame and shredded carrots over the bowl.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A great choice for a ‘meatless Monday’ meal or for dogs who need a very low-fat protein. It’s light, healthy, and offers a different flavor profile.

On a really hot day, nothing beats a cool, refreshing snack. This no-cook (if you have rice prepped) bowl is incredibly simple and provides protein, calcium, and hydration.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked white rice, chilled
• 2 tablespoons diced watermelon (seedless)
• A few mint leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Spoon the chilled white rice into the bowl.
2. Add a dollop of cottage cheese on top.
3. Garnish with the diced watermelon and chopped mint.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

The ultimate quick-fix treat for a sweltering afternoon. It’s perfect as a light snack rather than a full meal replacement, especially for dogs who tolerate dairy well.

A hearty, earthy bowl that’s great for dogs who need a novel protein source. Lamb is rich in flavor and nutrients, while lentils provide an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cooked ground lamb, fat drained
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils, cooled
• 2 tablespoons chopped apple (seeds and core removed)
• 1 tablespoon steamed and chopped asparagus

Instructions:

1. Use the cooled lentils as a fiber-rich base.
2. Top with the cooked ground lamb.
3. Add the chopped apple and asparagus for sweetness and texture.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

A fantastic option for adventurous eaters or dogs with poultry and beef allergies. This robust bowl is filling and packed with a unique combination of nutrients.

This bowl’s primary mission is to get more water into your dog on a hot day. It’s less of a meal and more of a hydrating, soupy treat, using water-rich ingredients and bone broth.

Ingredients:

• A few small pieces of shredded boiled chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• A few small pieces of seedless watermelon
• 1/2 cup of cool bone broth (no salt added)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, cucumber, celery, and watermelon pieces in the bottom of the bowl.
2. Pour the cool bone broth over all the ingredients, creating a soupy, delicious mixture.

Pros & Cons:

Verdict:

The perfect post-walk or post-playtime treat on a scorching summer day. It’s an excellent way to encourage a dog who is reluctant to drink water to get the hydration they need.

Feeling inspired? Creating your own dog-friendly poke bowls is easy and fun! Just follow these simple guidelines to ensure your creations are both delicious and safe for your furry friend.

1. Pick a Protein (Always Cooked!)

The star of the bowl should be a high-quality, cooked protein. Never feed your dog raw fish or meat in these bowls due to the risk of bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. Great options include:

• Fish: Salmon, cod, flounder, sardines (in water, no salt)
• Poultry: Chicken breast, turkey (skinless)
• Red Meat: Lean ground beef, lamb (drain all fat)
• Other: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, plain tofu

2. Choose a Healthy Base

The base provides substance and healthy carbohydrates for energy. Make sure it’s well-cooked and cooled.

• Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, barley
• Veggies: Mashed sweet potato, zucchini noodles, chopped leafy greens

3. Add Colorful Veggies & Fruits

This is where you can get creative! Toppings add vitamins, minerals, and texture. Always wash produce and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

• Safe Veggies: Carrots, cucumbers, green beans, bell peppers, peas, spinach, kale, broccoli (in moderation).
• Safe Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, watermelon (seedless), mango, apple (no core/seeds), pear (no core/seeds).

4. What to ALWAYS Avoid

Many human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include the following in your dog’s bowl:

• Onions, garlic, chives, leeks
• Avocado
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Spicy sauces, soy sauce, or excessive salt

5. Add a Drizzle of Goodness (Optional)

A little ‘sauce’ can make the bowl even more appealing. Stick to simple, safe options:

• A splash of water
• Low-sodium bone broth
• A small dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir (if your dog tolerates dairy)
• A tiny bit of dog-safe fish oil

Can my dog eat raw fish like in a human poke bowl?

No, it is not recommended. Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can make your dog very sick. Always cook all proteins (fish, chicken, beef, etc.) thoroughly before adding them to your dog’s bowl.

How often can I give my dog one of these bowls?

Think of these poke bowls as a special treat or a fun meal topper rather than a daily replacement for their balanced commercial dog food. Giving one 1-3 times a week, depending on your dog’s size and activity level, is a great way to add variety and extra nutrients to their diet without overdoing it.

Can I prepare these bowls in advance?

Yes! You can prep the individual ingredients (cook the grains, chop the veggies, cook the protein) and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Then, you can quickly assemble a fresh bowl whenever you’re ready to serve it. It’s a great way to save time!

My dog is a picky eater. How can I encourage them to try it?

Start small! Introduce a tiny portion of the bowl alongside their regular food. You can also try drizzling a bit of low-sodium bone broth over the top, as the smell is often irresistible to dogs. Using their absolute favorite protein (like chicken or beef) in the first bowl you make can also help win them over.