7 Copycat Purina Pro Plan Recipes You Can Make at Home

This recipe is the quintessential homemade dog food, inspired by the balanced nutrition of formulas like Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice. It’s simple, gentle on the stomach, and packed with high-quality protein and easily digestible carbs—a perfect foundation for a healthy adult dog.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (no skin or bones)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup steamed carrots, finely diced
• 1/2 cup steamed green peas
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil (rich in omega-3s)
• Optional: 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (for probiotics)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken breast thoroughly (boiling or baking are great options) and shred the meat.
2. Cook the brown rice according to package directions.
3. Steam the carrots and peas until tender, then dice them.
4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, carrots, and peas.
5. Drizzle the fish oil over the mixture and add the yogurt, if using.
6. Stir everything together until well combined. Serve once cooled to room temperature.

Recipe Breakdown

This recipe mirrors Pro Plan’s approach by using real chicken as the primary ingredient for lean muscle mass. Brown rice provides sustained energy and fiber, much like the whole grains in their formulas. Carrots offer Beta-Carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), and peas provide essential minerals. The addition of fish oil delivers the Omega-3 fatty acids that Pro Plan often includes for skin and coat health.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ideal starting recipe for a healthy adult dog with no major health concerns. It’s a crowd-pleaser that provides a fantastic baseline of nutrition, closely mimicking the balanced philosophy of a standard, high-quality kibble.

Inspired by Pro Plan’s popular Sensitive Skin & Stomach formulas, this recipe swaps common allergens like chicken and rice for nutrient-rich salmon and gentle sweet potato. It’s designed to soothe the digestive system and promote a lustrous, healthy coat.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, flaked salmon (canned in water with no salt, or baked fresh)
• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup steamed green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or flaxseed oil

Instructions

1. Bake the salmon until it’s cooked through, then flake it with a fork, ensuring there are no bones.
2. Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until very tender, then mash them.
3. Steam the green beans until crisp-tender and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cook the quinoa.
4. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato, green beans, and quinoa.
5. Drizzle with coconut or flaxseed oil and mix gently.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Recipe Breakdown

Salmon is the star here, just as it is in Pro Plan’s sensitive formulas. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are fantastic for skin health. Sweet potato is a highly digestible carbohydrate source rich in vitamins and fiber. Quinoa adds a complete protein boost, and green beans provide extra fiber and nutrients without upsetting the stomach.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect meal for dogs who struggle with itchy skin, a dull coat, or a sensitive digestive system. If your pup is prone to allergies, this fish-based, grain-free (except for the pseudo-grain quinoa) recipe could be a game-changer.

For the canine athlete or the large breed dog with energy to burn, this recipe takes cues from Pro Plan’s Sport and Performance lines. It’s calorie-dense, packed with robust protein from beef, and includes complex carbohydrates like barley for long-lasting energy.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ground beef (90% lean, drained of excess fat)
• 2 cups cooked pearl barley
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium, no onion or garlic)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped apples (no seeds or core)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly.
2. Cook the pearl barley according to its package instructions.
3. In a large pot, combine the cooked beef, barley, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the finely chopped spinach until it wilts.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped apples and olive oil.
6. Let the stew cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Recipe Breakdown

Pro Plan’s Sport formulas use a higher protein-to-fat ratio to fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle. This recipe does the same with lean ground beef. Barley is a fantastic slow-release carbohydrate that provides sustained energy for active dogs. Spinach adds iron and vitamins, while a little bit of apple provides fiber and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is tailor-made for the dog that’s always on the go—whether they’re your running partner, a working dog, or a large breed that simply requires more fuel. It provides the power and nutrients needed to support an active lifestyle.

Drawing inspiration from Pro Plan’s Weight Management formulas, this recipe is lower in fat and calories but still high in satisfying protein and fiber to keep your dog feeling full. It’s an excellent choice for pups who need to shed a few pounds or maintain a lean physique.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ground turkey (93% lean or leaner)
• 2 cups cooked old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup puréed pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• A handful of chopped parsley (for fresh breath!)

Instructions

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain all fat.
2. Prepare the oatmeal with water, not milk, until it’s a thick consistency.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked turkey, oatmeal, pumpkin purée, and chopped zucchini.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley.
5. Serve in appropriate portions once cooled. This mixture can also be formed into patties.

Recipe Breakdown

Weight control formulas focus on high-quality, lean protein to maintain muscle while reducing fat intake—ground turkey is perfect for this. Oats and pumpkin are fiber powerhouses. Fiber helps dogs feel full and aids in digestive regularity, which is key for weight management. Zucchini is a low-calorie way to add bulk and vitamins to the meal.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

If your vet has recommended that your dog lose a little weight, or if you have a less active or older dog prone to weight gain, this recipe is a fantastic, flavorful option. It’s satisfying without being calorie-heavy.

For dogs who might be sensitive to more common proteins like chicken or beef, lamb is an excellent alternative. This recipe is inspired by Pro Plan’s Lamb & Rice formulas, offering a novel protein source that’s both nutrient-rich and easy on the digestive system.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ground lamb, drained of fat
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup steamed and mashed butternut squash
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened kefir or yogurt
• A few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the ground lamb in a skillet. It’s a fattier meat, so be sure to drain the excess grease very well.
2. Cook the brown rice as directed. Steam the butternut squash until fork-tender and mash it.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lamb, rice, and mashed squash.
4. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the kefir or yogurt and the chopped mint.
5. Serve immediately.

Recipe Breakdown

Lamb provides a different amino acid profile than poultry or beef, which can be beneficial for dogs with specific food sensitivities. It’s a rich source of B vitamins and zinc. Brown rice offers digestible fiber, while butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C. The addition of kefir provides a powerful probiotic boost for gut health, a feature often highlighted in Pro Plan’s fortified foods.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the go-to recipe if you suspect your dog has a sensitivity to chicken or beef but still does well with grains. It’s a gentle, flavorful, and nutritionally dense meal that can help get their system back on track.

Puppies have unique nutritional needs for growth and development. This recipe is inspired by the calorie-dense, nutrient-packed nature of Pro Plan Puppy formulas, with a focus on high-quality protein and nutrients like DHA for brain and vision development.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, finely shredded chicken
• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup cooked white rice (more easily digestible for young tummies)
• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed carrots
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fish oil (specifically one high in DHA)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken and shred it into very small, manageable pieces.
2. Cook the white rice until soft. Steam and mash the carrots. Hard-boil and chop the egg.
3. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rice, cottage cheese, mashed carrots, and chopped egg.
4. Drizzle the DHA-rich fish oil over the top and mix thoroughly.
5. Serve in 3-4 small meals throughout the day, according to your vet’s portion recommendations.

Recipe Breakdown

Puppy formulas are higher in calories, protein, and fat to fuel rapid growth. This recipe uses chicken, cottage cheese, and egg to provide a powerful protein punch. Calcium from the cottage cheese supports growing bones. We use white rice here because it’s gentler on a puppy’s developing digestive system. Most importantly, the DHA from fish oil is a direct nod to a key ingredient in Pro Plan Puppy, which is critical for cognitive and retinal development.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is designed specifically for the nutritional demands of a growing puppy. It’s soft, delicious, and packed with the building blocks they need. However, due to the critical nature of puppy nutrition, this recipe more than any other requires the direct guidance and supplementation plan from a veterinarian.

Older dogs often benefit from a diet that’s easier to chew, lower in calories to prevent weight gain, and fortified with ingredients that support joint and cognitive health. This stew takes its cues from Pro Plan’s Senior and Bright Mind formulas.

Recipe & Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, flaked whitefish (like cod or haddock, boneless)
• 1.5 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup low-sodium bone broth (a natural source of glucosamine)
• 1/2 cup steamed, chopped broccoli
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions

1. Gently bake or poach the whitefish until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
3. Lightly steam the broccoli until tender-crisp, then chop it into small pieces.
4. In a bowl, combine the flaked fish and quinoa. Pour the warm bone broth over the mixture to create a soft stew.
5. Gently stir in the broccoli, blueberries, and turmeric.
6. Serve warm (not hot) for maximum aroma and palatability.

Recipe Breakdown

Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein that’s also a good source of omega-3s. Bone broth provides hydration and natural glucosamine and chondroitin for aging joints. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which are thought to support cognitive function—a key feature in Bright Mind formulas. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can also help with joint stiffness.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This gentle, warming stew is perfect for the beloved senior in your life. It addresses their changing needs with easy-to-digest ingredients and added functional foods to support their joints and mind, helping them enjoy their golden years in comfort.

Switching to a homemade diet is a big commitment, and doing it safely is the most important part. While these recipes are a great start, long-term homemade feeding requires more than just mixing ingredients. Here’s what you need to consider.

The Big Three: Macronutrients

• Protein: This is the cornerstone. Use high-quality animal proteins like chicken, beef, fish, lamb, and eggs. They provide the essential amino acids dogs need for everything from muscle maintenance to hormone production.
• Fat: Don’t fear the fat! Healthy fats from sources like fish oil, flaxseed oil, and lean meats are a crucial energy source and are vital for absorbing certain vitamins and maintaining a healthy coat.
• Carbohydrates: Wholesome carbs from sources like brown rice, sweet potatoes, barley, and vegetables provide energy and important fiber for digestive health.

Beyond the Basics: Micronutrients

This is where homemade diets often fall short. Commercial foods like Pro Plan are fortified with a precise blend of vitamins and minerals. To replicate this, you will almost certainly need to add a supplement. Key nutrients to discuss with your vet include:

• Calcium and Phosphorus: The ratio between these two is vital for bone health. Meat is high in phosphorus, so you need a calcium source to balance it.
• Vitamins E, D, and B-Complex: These are essential for everything from immune function to energy metabolism.
• Trace Minerals: Nutrients like zinc, copper, and iodine are needed in small but critical amounts.

Never use a human multivitamin for your dog. Work with your vet to find a canine-specific vitamin and mineral supplement designed for homemade diets.

Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Many human foods are toxic to dogs. This list is not exhaustive, but never include these in your dog’s meals: onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), alcohol, and caffeine.

Is making homemade dog food cheaper than buying Purina Pro Plan?

It can be, but not always. While you can save money by buying ingredients in bulk, high-quality proteins like salmon or lamb can make homemade food just as, or even more, expensive than a premium kibble. The real value is in the control over fresh, high-quality ingredients, not necessarily in cost savings.

How should I store homemade dog food?

Treat it like you would your own fresh food. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion out the meals into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze them. A batch can last for several months in the freezer. Just thaw a portion in the fridge the day before you need it.

How do I transition my dog to a homemade diet?

Slowly! A sudden switch can cause digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new homemade food (about 25%) with their old food (75%). Over the course of 7-10 days, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the amount of kibble until you have fully transitioned.