7 High-Protein Copycat Wellness Core Dog Food Recipes

This recipe is our homage to the classic Wellness Core Original formula. It’s a poultry-powered masterpiece, packed with high-quality protein from both chicken and turkey to support lean muscle mass and all-day energy. We’ve balanced it with wholesome veggies and a sprinkle of nutrient-dense flaxseed for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 8 cups
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped sweet potato
• 1/2 cup kale, finely chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and diced chicken, cooking until browned.
2. Add the sweet potato, carrots, and water/broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
3. Stir in the broccoli and kale, and cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool down significantly. Stir in the ground flaxseed.
5. You can serve it as a chunky stew or use an immersion blender to create a smoother pâté-style food.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect foundational recipe for a healthy adult dog. It provides a fantastic balance of protein, healthy carbs, and micronutrients, making it a go-to choice for maintaining ideal body condition and overall vitality. If your dog does well on chicken-based foods, this recipe is a guaranteed tail-wagger.

Inspired by Wellness Core’s fish-based formulas, this recipe is a dream for any dog needing a little boost for their skin and coat. Salmon and whitefish are loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are superstars for reducing inflammation, promoting a glossy coat, and supporting healthy skin. Blueberries add a pop of antioxidant power!

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 7 cups
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 25 mins

• 1.5 lbs cod or tilapia fillets (or other flaky whitefish)
• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish oil (rich in Omega-3)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a simmer. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Gently place the whitefish and salmon fillets into the pot with the sweet potatoes. Let them poach in the simmering water for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
3. Add the green beans and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the fish and vegetables from the pot, reserving the broth. Let them cool.
5. Once cool, flake the fish with a fork, ensuring there are no bones. Mash the sweet potatoes slightly. Combine the fish, potatoes, and green beans.
6. Stir in the blueberries and the fish oil. Add a little of the reserved broth to reach your desired consistency.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

If your dog suffers from dry, itchy skin, a dull coat, or common allergies, this Ocean’s Bounty recipe could be a game-changer. It’s also a fantastic poultry-free option for sensitive stomachs. It’s a delicious way to deliver targeted nutrition that makes your pup shine from the inside out.

For the canine athlete or the dog that just loves a rich, meaty flavor, this Beef & Bison Power Bowl is the ultimate fuel. Inspired by red meat formulas, this recipe provides dense, high-quality protein to build and maintain strong muscles. We’ve added iron-rich spinach and fibrous chia seeds to round out this powerful meal.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 8 cups
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 35 mins

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (90/10 lean)
• 1 lb ground bison
• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 apple, cored and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and bison, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain off excess fat.
2. While the meat is cooking, wilt the spinach in a separate pan or in the microwave. Squeeze out any excess water and chop it finely.
3. Once the meat is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked brown rice/quinoa, chopped apple, and wilted spinach.
4. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in the chia seeds. The seeds will absorb some of the moisture and add a gel-like consistency.
5. Serve once completely cooled to room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is tailor-made for active, high-energy dogs, working breeds, or underweight dogs that need to build mass in a healthy way. The combination of beef and bison offers a complex amino acid profile perfect for recovery and strength. It’s a five-star meal for the powerhouse pup in your life.

Lamb is a fantastic ‘novel protein,’ meaning it’s a protein source that many dogs haven’t been exposed to, making it an excellent choice for pups with food sensitivities, especially to chicken or beef. This gentle stew combines nutrient-rich lamb with easily digestible sweet potato for a soothing, delicious, and hypoallergenic meal.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 7 cups
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 40 mins

• 2 lbs ground lamb
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, carrots, and broth to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried rosemary.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let the stew cool completely before serving. The consistency should be thick and hearty.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect recipe for the dog with a troubled tummy or persistent skin issues related to food allergies. Its simple, wholesome ingredient list minimizes potential triggers while delivering a delicious, high-protein meal that’s easy to digest. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness for the sensitive soul.

Puppies have unique nutritional needs for their rapidly growing bodies and developing minds. This recipe is specially formulated to give them the best start. It combines lean protein from chicken with DHA-rich salmon—a crucial fatty acid for brain and eye development. A little pumpkin helps keep their sensitive young digestive systems running smoothly.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 6 cups
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 25 mins

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1/2 lb salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (for extra DHA)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, gently poach the salmon fillet in simmering water for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon, let it cool, and flake it with a fork.
2. In a separate skillet, cook the ground chicken until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground chicken, flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, pumpkin puree, grated carrots, and chopped spinach.
4. Stir in the fish oil and mix everything together thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, add a little of the salmon poaching water or fresh water to thin it out.
5. Serve in smaller, more frequent meals suitable for a puppy’s feeding schedule.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is an excellent choice for puppy owners who want to supplement their pup’s diet with a fresh, wholesome meal or for those working closely with a vet to develop a complete homemade feeding plan. It provides the key building blocks for healthy growth in a delicious, easy-to-digest format that your little one will adore.

As our beloved companions enter their golden years, their nutritional needs change. This recipe focuses on supporting aging joints and maintaining a healthy weight. Lean turkey is easy on the digestive system, while chickpeas provide excellent fiber. We also recommend adding a glucosamine supplement to give those senior joints some extra love and support.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 8 cups
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 30 mins

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 4 cups water or low-sodium turkey broth
• A dog-safe glucosamine & chondroitin supplement (follow package instructions for your dog’s weight)

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.
2. Add the water or broth, carrots, and green beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Slightly mash about half of the chickpeas before adding them, along with the whole ones, to the pot. This helps thicken the stew.
4. Stir in the cooked oatmeal. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Before serving, stir in the appropriate dose of the glucosamine supplement for your dog.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl for your senior dog. It’s designed to be gentle, supportive, and easy to digest, addressing the common concerns of aging dogs like joint stiffness and weight management. It’s a wonderful way to show your old friend some extra care and keep them comfortable and happy.

Small breed dogs have fast metabolisms and require nutrient-dense meals to fuel their big personalities. Duck is a rich, flavorful protein source that many dogs love, and lentils provide a fantastic source of fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. This recipe is chopped into a fine medley, perfect for tiny mouths.

Ingredients & Instructions

Yields: Approx. 5 cups
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 40 mins

• 1.5 lbs boneless duck breast, skin removed
• 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 small zucchini, finely diced
• 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or unsweetened dried)
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Dice the duck breast into very small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced duck and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the rinsed lentils and broth/water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Stir in the finely diced zucchini and cranberries. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the zucchini is tender. The mixture should be thick.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving in small portions appropriate for your dog’s size.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This gourmet recipe is perfect for the discerning small or toy breed dog. It packs a mighty nutritional punch into every small bite, providing the sustained energy they need. The rich flavor of duck is often a hit with picky eaters, making mealtime an exciting event for your little companion.

Switching to homemade dog food is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. To truly replicate the benefits of a balanced commercial food like Wellness Core, you need to understand the fundamentals of canine nutrition. Here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Balance is Everything

A bowl of only chicken and rice isn’t a complete meal. Dogs need a specific balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The most critical aspect is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is vital for bone health. Meats are high in phosphorus, so you must add a source of calcium. This is why consulting with a veterinarian or a certified veterinary nutritionist is non-negotiable before switching to a long-term homemade diet. They can help you formulate recipes that are complete and balanced for your dog’s specific life stage and health needs.

2. Choose Quality Proteins

Protein is the star of these recipes. Opt for high-quality, lean muscle meats like chicken breast, turkey, 90/10 ground beef, lamb, and fish. Organ meats like liver and heart can be added in small amounts (no more than 5-10% of the total meal) for a fantastic boost of vitamins and minerals.

3. Don’t Fear the Carbs (and Veggies)

While protein is key, healthy carbohydrates and vegetables provide essential energy, fiber, and phytonutrients. Good choices include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, peas, spinach, and blueberries. These ingredients support digestive health and provide antioxidants to fight cellular damage.

4. Healthy Fats are Friends

Fat provides energy and is essential for absorbing certain vitamins. More importantly, fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (found in fish oil, salmon, and flaxseed) are critical for reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.

5. Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many products)
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Cooked bones (they can splinter and cause serious injury)

How should I store homemade dog food?

Homemade dog food should be treated like any fresh food. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw a portion in the fridge the night before you need it.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

To some extent, yes! You can often swap one lean protein for another (like turkey for chicken) or one dog-safe vegetable for another (like carrots for green beans). However, be mindful of the nutritional properties. For example, don’t swap a lean protein for a very fatty one without adjusting the recipe elsewhere. Avoid making major changes without understanding the nutritional impact, and always introduce new ingredients slowly to monitor for any digestive upset.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This is one of the most common and important questions. The amount depends on your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and the specific recipe’s caloric content. A general starting point is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For a 50-pound dog, this would be 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily, divided into two meals. However, this is just a guideline. The best approach is to discuss portion sizes with your vet and monitor your dog’s body condition, adjusting as needed.