7 Copycat JustFoodForDogs Recipes That Save You Money

Inspired by the JFFD Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni recipe, this is a crowd-pleaser for active dogs who do well with grains. It’s packed with lean protein and wholesome carbs for sustained energy.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Turkey (93/7 lean)
• 2 cups cooked Whole Wheat Macaroni
• 1 cup finely chopped Carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped Zucchini
• 1 cup chopped Spinach
• 1/4 cup JFFD Omega Plus fish oil or other high-quality fish oil
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped carrots and zucchini to the pot with the turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cooked macaroni and fish oil to the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Allow the food to cool completely before stirring in your chosen nutrient blend. This is important as heat can degrade some vitamins.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for energetic, medium-to-large breed dogs without grain allergies. It’s a fantastic, hearty meal that supports muscle maintenance and an active lifestyle, all while being gentle on your wallet.

A copycat of the classic JFFD Chicken & White Rice recipe, this dish is the go-to for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s bland, easily digestible, and incredibly soothing for the GI tract, making it a perfect maintenance diet for pups who need a little extra care.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breast, diced
• 2 cups cooked White Rice
• 1 cup chopped Broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 cup chopped Green Beans (steamed)
• 1 small Apple, cored and finely diced
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Boil or bake the chicken breast until cooked through. Let it cool, then shred or dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the white rice according to package directions. For extra flavor and nutrients, you can cook it in the water used to boil the chicken.
3. Lightly steam the broccoli and green beans until tender-crisp. This makes them easier to digest. Chop them into small pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, white rice, steamed vegetables, and diced apple.
5. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the nutrient blend thoroughly.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ideal recipe for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or those transitioning to a fresh food diet. It’s simple, palatable, and provides the gentle nutrition they need to thrive.

Mirroring the JFFD Beef & Russet Potato recipe, this is a robust, protein-packed meal designed for building and maintaining muscle. The combination of beef and potatoes makes it a satisfying and nutrient-dense option.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 2 cups Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup shredded Carrots
• 1/4 cup fish oil or flaxseed oil
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced russet and sweet potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and lightly mash them.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain the excess fat thoroughly.
3. Add the shredded carrots and peas to the skillet with the beef for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to soften them slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the mashed potatoes.
5. Drizzle the fish oil over the mixture and stir to combine.
6. Let the food cool down completely before mixing in the required nutrient blend.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for active dogs, working breeds, or those needing to gain a little healthy weight. This hearty meal provides the fuel they need to power through their day.

For a homemade version of the JFFD Fish & Sweet Potato recipe, this dish is a skin and coat powerhouse. Packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, it’s perfect for dogs with allergies or dry, itchy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Cod or Tilapia fillets (boneless, skinless)
• 2.5 cups Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups chopped Spinach
• 1/2 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Bake or steam the fish fillets until they are cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
2. Boil the sweet potato cubes until they are very soft. Drain and mash them.
3. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, wilt the spinach in a pan with a small amount of water or by adding it to the hot, drained potatoes.
4. In a large bowl, flake the cooked fish into small pieces. Add the mashed sweet potato, wilted spinach, blueberries, and coconut oil.
5. Mix all the ingredients together gently.
6. After the mixture has cooled to room temperature, add your nutrient blend and stir until it’s fully incorporated.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate recipe for dogs suffering from skin allergies, dull coats, or joint inflammation. The powerful combination of fish and sweet potato provides delicious, targeted nutrition to help them feel and look their best.

Based on the JFFD Lamb & Brown Rice formula, this recipe utilizes lamb as a novel protein, making it a fantastic option for dogs who have developed sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Lamb
• 2 cups cooked Brown Rice
• 1 cup chopped Green Beans
• 1/2 cup cranberries (dried, unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Lamb is fattier than other meats, so be sure to drain off all the excess fat very well.
3. Add the chopped green beans to the skillet with the lamb and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked brown rice, cranberries, and olive oil.
5. Combine everything thoroughly.
6. Let the mixture cool completely before adding the nutrient blend to preserve its potency.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

If your dog is itchy and you suspect a food allergy to chicken or beef, this lamb-based recipe is an excellent one to try. It’s a nutritious and tasty alternative that can help manage sensitivities while providing a well-rounded meal.

For the truly sensitive dog, this recipe inspired by JFFD’s Venison & Squash is a game-changer. Venison is a less common protein, making it an excellent choice for an elimination diet or for dogs with multiple known food allergies.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Venison
• 2.5 cups Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 cup chopped Kale, stems removed
• 1/4 cup dried Cranberries, unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons Safflower Oil
• Prescribed amount of a canine nutrient blend

Instructions:

1. Roast or boil the butternut squash cubes until very tender. Mash them with a fork or potato masher.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground venison over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the venison and cook until the kale is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the venison and kale mixture with the mashed butternut squash.
5. Stir in the cranberries and safflower oil.
6. Once the food has cooled to room temperature, mix in your chosen nutrient blend completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This gourmet recipe is a lifesaver for pet parents dealing with significant food allergies. It provides a clean, simple, and highly nutritious meal that eliminates common triggers and helps you pinpoint sensitivities.

Puppies have unique nutritional needs for their growing bodies. This recipe, inspired by puppy-specific formulas, is designed to be nutrient-dense and easy for little tummies to digest. Note: It is especially critical to work with a vet for puppy diets to ensure proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for bone development.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken
• 2 cups cooked Brown Rice
• 1 cup finely shredded Carrots
• 1/2 cup Peas
• 1/4 cup fish oil
• A high-quality puppy-specific nutrient and calcium supplement (as directed by your vet)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground chicken until no longer pink. Drain off the fat.
2. Add the shredded carrots and peas to the chicken, cooking for a few minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the cooked brown rice and fish oil. Mix everything together.
4. Let the food cool completely.
5. This is the most important step: Add the puppy-specific nutrient and calcium supplement exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Proper mineral balance is non-negotiable for growing puppies.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the dedicated puppy parent who wants to start their new friend on a fresh food journey, this recipe is a great foundation. However, it should only be used under the direct supervision of a veterinarian to ensure your puppy grows up healthy and strong.

Talk to Your Vet First

We can’t say it enough: your veterinarian is your most important partner. Before you even buy the first ingredient, have a conversation with them. Discuss your dog’s specific health needs, age, activity level, and any existing conditions. They can provide guidance on caloric needs and recommend a board-certified veterinary nutritionist if necessary.

The Nutrient Blend is Non-Negotiable

Meat and veggies alone do not make a complete diet. Long-term feeding of an unbalanced diet can lead to serious health issues. To make these recipes complete, you MUST add a nutrient supplement. Companies like JustFoodForDogs sell their DIY Nutrient Blend, and services like BalanceIT.com (created by veterinary nutritionists) can create a custom supplement recipe for you to use. This ensures your dog gets all the essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids they need.

Batch Cook and Store Safely

To make homemade food manageable, cook in large batches. You can portion out the meals into individual containers. Homemade dog food will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the portions. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw a portion in the fridge the night before you need it.

Introduce New Food Slowly

Switching diets abruptly can cause digestive upset. Transition your dog to their new homemade food over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount (about 25%) of the new food with their old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the old food each day until you’re feeding 100% homemade.

Is making my own dog food really cheaper than buying JustFoodForDogs?

Almost always, yes. While you are investing your time, the cost of raw ingredients, especially when bought in bulk, is significantly lower than the cost of a pre-made, packaged fresh food service. You can save anywhere from 40-60% by cooking at home.

Can I swap ingredients in these recipes?

You can make small swaps, like using kale instead of spinach or ground turkey instead of ground chicken. However, any major change (like swapping a protein for a vegetable or changing the carb source) will alter the nutritional profile of the meal. If you plan to make significant changes, it’s best to run them by your vet or use a tool like BalanceIT.com to ensure the meal remains balanced.

What human foods are toxic to dogs and should NEVER be included?

It’s crucial to know what’s dangerous. Never include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), alcohol, or cooked bones in your dog’s food. When in doubt, always research an ingredient’s safety before adding it.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This depends entirely on your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and the specific recipe’s caloric content. A general starting point is to feed about 2-3% of their ideal body weight in food per day, but this is a rough estimate. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you calculate the precise portion size for your individual dog.