13 Wholesome Buckwheat Dog Food Recipes (Gluten-Free)

This recipe is like a classic meatloaf, but redesigned for your dog’s nutritional needs. It’s hearty, easy to slice for portion control, and freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping. The combination of lean beef, nutrient-rich buckwheat, and colorful veggies creates a balanced and irresistible meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for binding)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked buckwheat, grated carrots, chopped spinach, and beaten egg.
3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf tough.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is cooked through and the center is no longer pink.
6. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for active, adult dogs who need a substantial, protein-rich meal. It’s also a lifesaver for busy pet parents who love to meal prep.

If your pup has a sensitive tummy, this gentle mash is the perfect solution. Ground turkey is a lean protein that’s easy to digest, while pumpkin and green beans provide soluble and insoluble fiber to support gut health. It’s a simple, soothing, and nutritious one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Stir in the cooked buckwheat, pumpkin purée, and chopped green beans.
3. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
5. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, seniors, or those recovering from an upset tummy. This gentle recipe provides balanced nutrition without being too rich.

Give your dog’s skin and coat a luxurious boost with this Omega-3 packed recipe. Sardines are a fantastic source of healthy fats, which help reduce inflammation and promote a shiny coat. Paired with antioxidant-rich blueberries and buckwheat, this is a true superfood meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1 cup cooked and cooled buckwheat
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for fresh breath!)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the sardines (including the soft bones for extra calcium) with a fork.
2. Add the cooked buckwheat, blueberries, and chopped parsley.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Serve immediately. This recipe is best made fresh and is not ideal for batch cooking due to the strong fishy smell.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for dogs with dry skin, dull coats, or those who need extra joint support. It’s a quick and easy meal for owners who want to add a powerful nutritional punch.

For the pet parent who loves convenience, this slow cooker recipe is a game-changer. Just toss all the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! Hours later, you’ll have a tender, flavorful, and nutrient-dense stew that your dog will go crazy for. The apples add a touch of natural sweetness and extra fiber.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup uncooked buckwheat groats, rinsed
• 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the rinsed buckwheat, chopped apples, and chopped carrots on top.
3. Pour in the water or broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the buckwheat is tender.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken and the frozen peas back into the crockpot. Let it sit for 5 minutes for the peas to cook.
6. Stir well and allow it to cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic option for busy owners who want to provide a fresh, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Tempt a picky eater with the rich, unique flavor of lamb. This recipe combines ground lamb, a novel protein for many dogs, with the digestive benefits of mint and the wholesome goodness of buckwheat. It’s a gourmet meal that can help entice dogs who have grown bored with their usual food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked buckwheat and chopped zucchini. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly softened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh mint.
4. Let the mixture cool completely before serving to your discerning pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The perfect recipe for picky eaters or dogs with poultry allergies. The rich flavor of lamb is often a huge hit with dogs who turn their noses up at other foods.

Need a quick, protein-packed breakfast or a gentle meal for a senior dog? This simple scramble is perfect. Eggs are a complete protein source, and their soft texture combined with cooked buckwheat is incredibly easy to eat and digest, making it suitable for puppies and older dogs alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cooked buckwheat, warmed
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon finely grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
2. Melt the butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring gently, until they begin to set.
4. Stir in the warm cooked buckwheat and continue to cook until the eggs are scrambled but still soft.
5. If using, sprinkle with cheese and stir until melted.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A wonderful meal topper, special breakfast, or complete meal for puppies being weaned or senior dogs with dental issues. It’s gentle, nutritious, and ready in minutes.

Duck is another excellent novel protein that is often recommended for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. This simple, limited-ingredient recipe combines flavorful duck with fiber-rich pumpkin and buckwheat to create a meal that’s both delicious and hypoallergenic for many dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground duck
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 3/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup chopped kale, stems removed

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground duck over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Duck is fatty, so be sure to drain off the excess fat thoroughly.
2. Stir in the cooked buckwheat, pumpkin purée, and chopped kale.
3. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender.
4. Let the mixture cool down before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An ideal choice for dogs struggling with allergies to more common proteins. This recipe provides rich flavor and digestive support in a simple, clean formula.

This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse, designed to support your dog’s joints, brain, and overall vitality. Salmon provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s, spinach is packed with vitamins and iron, and buckwheat offers sustained energy. It’s the ultimate ‘health food’ meal for your canine companion.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. You can either bake or poach the salmon. To bake, place it on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flaky. To poach, gently simmer in a shallow pan of water for 10-12 minutes.
2. While the salmon cooks, you can quickly wilt the spinach by placing it in a colander and pouring boiling water over it, or by sautéing it for 1-2 minutes.
3. Once the salmon is cooked, flake it apart with a fork.
4. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cooked buckwheat, and wilted spinach.
5. Drizzle with flaxseed oil and toss gently to combine. Serve once cooled.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Highly recommended for senior dogs, active dogs needing joint support, or any pup who could benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet. It’s brain food and body fuel all in one.

Treat your dog to a taste of the wild with this hearty venison stew. Venison is a lean, novel protein that’s low in fat and high in iron. The addition of cranberries provides antioxidants and can help support urinary tract health, making this a uniquely beneficial and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison or venison stew meat, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1/2 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced small
• 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries or 1/2 cup fresh/frozen
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 sprig of rosemary (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the venison over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced sweet potato, cranberries, and beef broth. If using, add the rosemary sprig.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potato is fork-tender.
4. Remove the rosemary sprig.
5. Stir in the cooked buckwheat and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken.
6. Cool and serve this rustic, delicious stew.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great choice for dogs with allergies, those needing urinary health support, or simply for providing a gourmet, rotational meal to keep things interesting.

This casserole-style bake is pure comfort food for your pup. Ground pork offers a different flavor profile from beef or chicken, while sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene and fiber. Baked together with buckwheat, it creates a satisfying, sliceable meal that’s packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground pork until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pork, cooked buckwheat, grated sweet potato, frozen peas and carrots, and the beaten egg.
4. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the bake is set.
7. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A wonderful, fiber-rich meal for dogs who need extra digestive support or those who enjoy a heartier, baked texture. It’s a well-rounded and comforting dish.

When you’re dealing with severe allergies and need a truly novel protein, rabbit is often a top choice for elimination diets. It’s extremely lean and rarely found in commercial dog foods. This simple recipe keeps the ingredients minimal to avoid triggering sensitivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground rabbit
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (a good source of Omega-6)

Instructions:

1. Heat the sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground rabbit and cook thoroughly. Rabbit is very lean, so it will cook quickly.
3. Stir in the grated carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
4. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked buckwheat.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is specifically designed for dogs with significant food allergies or those undergoing a food trial under veterinary supervision. It’s a clean, simple, and highly hypoallergenic meal.

For owners who prefer a plant-based option, this vegan recipe provides protein from lentils and a wealth of nutrients from vegetables. It’s important to note that a long-term vegan diet for dogs should only be undertaken with guidance from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure all nutrient needs are met. This recipe, however, is great for an occasional meat-free meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, cooked
• 1 cup buckwheat, cooked
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, savory flavor and B vitamins)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cooked buckwheat, chopped bell peppers, and chopped celery.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
3. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. This can be served warm or at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A good choice for an occasional meatless meal to add variety to your dog’s diet or for dogs with sensitivities to animal proteins. Always consult a vet for long-term vegan feeding plans.

For the truly adventurous pup, goat meat is a lean, nutrient-dense red meat that’s a sustainable and novel protein source. Paired with the superfood kale, this casserole is for the health-conscious pet owner looking to provide a unique and powerful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground goat
• 1 cup cooked buckwheat
• 1 cup finely chopped kale, tough stems removed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (as a topper, for probiotics)
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground goat. Drain off any fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked goat, cooked buckwheat, chopped kale, and beaten egg.
4. Press the mixture into the casserole dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set.
6. Let it cool before serving. You can top a serving with a dollop of plain yogurt for added digestive benefits.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for dogs with allergies who have already tried other novel proteins, or for owners who want to feed a varied, nutrient-dense, and sustainable diet.

Feeling inspired to start cooking? That’s great! Making your dog’s food can be incredibly rewarding. Before you grab your apron, let’s go over a few key things to keep in mind when using buckwheat in your recipes.

Why Buckwheat?

As we mentioned, buckwheat isn’t wheat. It’s a ‘pseudocereal’—a seed that’s consumed like a grain. This makes it naturally gluten-free. It’s also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s high in fiber, which aids digestion, and is a good source of important minerals like manganese, magnesium, and copper. It’s a fantastic, low-glycemic carbohydrate source that provides steady energy without spiking blood sugar.

Preparation is Key

Cooking buckwheat is simple. The general rule is a 1:2 ratio of buckwheat to water or broth. So, for every one cup of raw buckwheat groats, you’ll use two cups of liquid. Always rinse the groats under cold water before cooking to remove any dust or debris. Then, simply bring the liquid to a boil, add the buckwheat, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the groats are tender.

Balancing the Bowl

A healthy homemade diet is all about balance. While these recipes are a great start, a long-term homemade diet requires careful balancing of nutrients. Always aim for a good mix of:

• High-Quality Protein: Lean meats, poultry, fish, or eggs should be the foundation.
• Healthy Carbohydrates: This is where buckwheat shines! Other great options are sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and quinoa.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, green beans, and bell peppers add essential vitamins and fiber. Avoid onions, garlic, and grapes, which are toxic to dogs.
• Healthy Fats: A drizzle of fish oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil can provide essential fatty acids for skin, coat, and brain health.

Important Note: Before switching your dog to a fully homemade diet, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you ensure the diet is complete and balanced for your dog’s specific age, breed, and health needs.

Is buckwheat safe for all dogs?

Yes, for the vast majority of dogs, buckwheat is perfectly safe and healthy. It’s gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for dogs with wheat sensitivities. As with any new food, it’s best to introduce it slowly to make sure it agrees with your dog’s digestive system. Start with a small amount and monitor for any adverse reactions.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This is a critical question and it depends heavily on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and metabolism. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For example, a 50-pound dog might eat 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. It’s always best to consult your vet for a personalized recommendation.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of homemade food. If your dog doesn’t like carrots, try green beans. If you can’t find lamb, lean beef is a good substitute (unless there’s an allergy). The key is to swap similar ingredients—a protein for a protein, a dog-safe veggie for another dog-safe veggie—to maintain the general nutritional balance of the meal.

How long does homemade dog food last?

In the refrigerator, most of these cooked meals will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend! Many of these recipes, especially the loaves and stews, can be portioned out and frozen for up to 3 months. This makes batch cooking a convenient way to always have a healthy meal on hand.