13 Copycat Royal Canin Recipes for Specific Breed Needs

1. German Shepherd: The Digestive & Joint Defender

German Shepherds are noble, intelligent dogs, but they’re often prone to sensitive stomachs and hip dysplasia. This recipe focuses on highly digestible ingredients and includes natural sources of glucosamine to support those hard-working joints.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1/2 lb chicken gizzards, finely chopped (natural glucosamine source)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup water
• Approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (as per vet)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and chopped chicken gizzards over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
2. Add the carrots, green beans, coconut oil, and water to the pot. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the cooked brown rice and pumpkin puree. Mix everything together thoroughly.
4. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving.
5. Stir in the vet-approved supplement just before serving according to dosage instructions.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is perfect for German Shepherd owners looking to provide a gut-friendly and joint-supportive meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

2. Golden Retriever: The Skin & Coat Glow-Up

Goldens are famous for their stunning coats, but they can be susceptible to skin allergies and weight gain. This recipe is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a radiant coat and uses lean protein and fiber-rich veggies to help maintain a healthy weight.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil or fish oil
• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, sweet potato, carrots, quinoa, and water/broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the frozen peas and the flaxseed or fish oil. The residual heat will cook the peas.
4. Mash slightly with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or shred the chicken with two forks.
5. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An ideal meal for the Golden Retriever in your life, focusing on producing that signature shiny coat while keeping them lean and active. It’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish they’ll love.

3. Labrador Retriever: The Weight & Joint Manager

Labs are bundles of energy with appetites to match, which can lead to extra pounds and strain on their joints. This recipe is designed to be satisfying and lower in calories, with ingredients that support joint health and a healthy metabolism.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, no salt added, mashed
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal (cooked in water)
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet until browned. Drain any fat.
2. Add the green beans and zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the cooked oatmeal, mashed sardines (including the water), blueberries, and olive oil.
5. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for the food-loving Labrador, this recipe helps them feel full and satisfied while providing crucial support for their joints and helping to keep their weight in a healthy range.

4. Poodle: The Brain & Beauty Bowl

Poodles are known for their high intelligence and unique, curly coats. This recipe is packed with brain-boosting antioxidants and fatty acids to support cognitive function and nourish their skin and hair from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, baked and flaked
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Bake the salmon fillet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool and then flake it with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, chopped spinach, and blueberries.
3. Drizzle with the coconut oil and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve once the mixture has cooled to room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A gourmet meal fit for a Poodle! This recipe targets the two things owners cherish most: their Poodle’s sharp mind and their beautiful, unique coat. It’s a clean, simple, and powerful bowl of nutrition.

5. Yorkshire Terrier: The Picky Eater’s Delight

Yorkies can be notoriously picky, and their small mouths require food that’s easy to chew. This recipe uses flavorful ingredients cut into tiny pieces to entice even the fussiest of eaters while being gentle on their teeth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, finely minced
• 2 oz chicken liver, finely minced
• 1/2 cup cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green peas
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced chicken thighs and liver, cooking until no longer pink.
2. Add the shredded carrots, peas, and water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are very soft.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked white rice.
4. Let the mixture cool completely. The texture should be a soft, easy-to-eat pâté-like consistency.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the go-to recipe for the discerning Yorkshire Terrier. It’s designed to win over picky palates with its rich flavor and soft texture, ensuring your little one gets the nutrition they need.

6. Dachshund: The Back & Body Supporter

With their long spines, Dachshunds are prone to back problems (IVDD). Maintaining a lean body weight is crucial. This recipe is calorie-controlled and includes ingredients to support bone and joint health.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 93/7 lean ground turkey
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup cooked barley
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (with shell finely crushed for calcium)
• 1 tablespoon fish oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain all fat.
2. While the turkey is cooking, wilt the spinach in a separate pan or in the microwave. Squeeze out all excess water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, wilted spinach, grated carrots, cooked barley, and chopped hard-boiled egg.
4. Crush the eggshell into a very fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Sprinkle this over the food for a natural calcium boost.
5. Drizzle with fish oil and mix thoroughly.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A purpose-built meal for the beloved ‘wiener dog.’ This recipe helps protect their unique physique by focusing on weight control and providing the building blocks for strong bones and healthy joints.

7. Bulldog: The Sensitive Skin & Tummy Soother

Bulldogs, with their adorable wrinkles and sensitive systems, often struggle with skin fold irritations and digestive upset. This recipe uses a limited number of novel proteins and easily digestible carbs to soothe from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb
• 1.5 cups cooked oatmeal
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (for fresh breath)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for skin health)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground lamb in a large pot or Dutch oven until browned. Drain the fat thoroughly.
2. Stir in the cooked oatmeal and pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and coconut oil.
4. Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature before serving to your Bulldog buddy.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This gentle, soothing recipe is a Bulldog’s best friend. It’s designed to minimize digestive and skin issues by keeping the ingredient list simple, clean, and effective, letting your Bully’s happy personality shine through.

8. Boxer: The Heart & Muscle Fueler

Boxers are athletic, muscular dogs that can be predisposed to certain heart conditions like Boxer Cardiomyopathy. This recipe focuses on high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and includes ingredients rich in taurine and L-carnitine to support cardiac health.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
• 1/2 lb beef heart, trimmed and finely diced
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (rich in taurine)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced beef heart until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the green beans and carrots to the skillet with a splash of water. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the cooked brown rice and mix everything together.
4. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool down before stirring in the fish oil.
5. Serve when at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An powerhouse meal designed for the energetic and lovable Boxer. It provides the specific nutrients needed to fuel their muscles and, most importantly, support a strong and healthy heart for a long, happy life.

9. Shih Tzu: The Majestic Mane Maintainer

That long, flowing coat is a Shih Tzu’s crowning glory, but it requires a lot of nutritional support. This recipe is designed to be easy for their short snouts to eat and is packed with nutrients for healthy skin and a silky, luxurious coat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and finely shredded
• 2 oz chicken liver, cooked and mashed
• 3/4 cup cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup steamed and mashed peas
• 1/4 cup steamed and mashed carrots
• 1 teaspoon fish oil

Instructions:

1. Boil or bake the chicken breast and liver until fully cooked. Let them cool.
2. Finely shred the chicken breast and mash the liver into a paste.
3. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed liver, cooked white rice, mashed peas, and mashed carrots. The consistency should be soft and almost like a thick stew.
4. Stir in the fish oil until evenly distributed.
5. Serve at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate beauty treatment in a bowl for your Shih Tzu. Every ingredient is chosen to support their skin and coat, while the soft texture makes mealtime a breeze for their unique jaw structure.

10. The Chihuahua: The Tiny Titan’s Fuel

Chihuahuas may be small, but they have big energy and a fast metabolism. They can also be prone to pickiness. This recipe is nutrient-dense to fuel their energy needs, highly palatable, and minced finely for their tiny mouths.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 93/7 lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup finely grated apple (no seeds or core)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa, grated apple, and chopped spinach. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and mix everything thoroughly.
4. Ensure the mixture is completely cool before serving in small portions.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A perfect meal for the feisty Chihuahua in your life. It packs a big nutritional punch in a small, easy-to-eat package, with a touch of sweetness to satisfy their discerning taste.

11. Rottweiler: The Muscle & Heart Builder

Rottweilers are powerful dogs that need high-quality protein to maintain their impressive muscle mass. They are also a breed that benefits from cardiac support. This recipe is built to sustain their strength and protect their big hearts.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs 90/10 ground beef
• 1 cup cooked barley
• 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup chopped kale, stems removed
• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, no salt added

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off the excess fat.
2. Stir in the cooked barley and mashed sweet potato.
3. Add the chopped kale and mashed sardines (with their water). Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
4. Remove from heat and mix thoroughly.
5. Let the food cool completely before serving to your Rottie.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is a robust meal for a robust breed. It delivers the protein, energy, and heart-healthy nutrients a Rottweiler needs to thrive, supporting everything from their muscles to their loyal heart.

12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Gentle Heart Guardian

Cavaliers are sweet-natured companions who are unfortunately prone to the heart condition Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This recipe focuses on heart-supportive nutrients like taurine and Omega-3s, while also being mindful of calories to prevent obesity, a key risk factor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup steamed peas and carrots mix
• 1 oz canned sardines in water, mashed (for Omega-3s)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish oil

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, cooked brown rice, and steamed peas and carrots.
2. Add the mashed sardines and chopped hard-boiled egg. The egg and sardines are natural sources of nutrients that support heart health.
3. Drizzle with the fish oil and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Serve at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A meal made with love for the loving Cavalier. This recipe is carefully crafted to provide key nutrients for cardiac support while helping to maintain the slender physique that is so important for their overall health and longevity.

13. French Bulldog: The Sensitive System Solution

Frenchies are famous for their charming personalities, but also for their sensitive stomachs and skin allergies. This recipe uses a novel fish protein and easily digestible carbohydrates to minimize potential triggers and promote a healthy gut and skin barrier.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs cod or pollock fillets, baked or steamed
• 1 large sweet potato, baked and mashed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup steamed green beans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the fish fillets until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish with the mashed sweet potato and pumpkin puree.
3. Stir in the chopped green beans and the coconut oil.
4. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The texture will be soft and easy for a Frenchie to eat.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect recipe for the sensitive French Bulldog. It’s gentle on the tummy, great for the skin, and designed to keep your bat-eared companion happy, healthy, and free from digestive distress.

Your Guide to Crafting Homemade Breed-Specific Diets

Jumping into the world of homemade dog food is exciting! It gives you complete control over your dog’s nutrition. However, it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. Here’s what you need to consider to do it safely and effectively.

The Core Components of a Balanced Meal

• High-Quality Protein: This is the foundation. Think chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish. It’s essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall energy.
• Complex Carbohydrates: These provide sustained energy. Good sources include brown rice, quinoa, barley, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal. They also offer important fiber for digestive health.
• Healthy Fats: Fats are crucial for skin and coat health, brain function, and absorbing vitamins. Fish oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil are excellent sources of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This is where homemade diets can fall short. Vegetables like carrots, spinach, kale, and green beans are great, but they often don’t provide the full spectrum of nutrients. This is why consulting a vet about a good canine multivitamin or supplement powder (like calcium) is non-negotiable for long-term feeding.

The Golden Rule: Talk to Your Vet

We can’t stress this enough. Every dog is an individual, even within a breed. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is your most valuable resource. They can:

• Assess your dog’s current health and identify any specific needs.
• Help you calculate the correct portion sizes and caloric intake.
• Recommend specific, high-quality supplements to ensure the diet is 100% complete and balanced.
• Advise you on safe ingredients and what to avoid (like onions, garlic, grapes, etc.).

Think of these recipes as a blueprint. Your vet is the architect who will help you customize them perfectly for your beloved pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade food really better than high-quality kibble?

It can be, but it isn’t automatically. The benefit of homemade food is the use of fresh, whole ingredients and the absence of fillers or artificial preservatives. However, a well-formulated, high-quality commercial kibble is balanced to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. An *unbalanced* homemade diet is far worse than a good quality kibble. The ‘best’ diet is one that is complete, balanced, and works for your specific dog (and your lifestyle!).

How do I store this homemade dog food?

You can store the food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. A great method is to portion the food into individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. This makes mealtime super easy—just thaw a portion in the fridge overnight.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

To some extent, yes, but do so carefully. You can often swap one lean protein for another (e.g., turkey for chicken) if your dog isn’t allergic. You can also switch out similar vegetables (e.g., green beans for peas). However, don’t substitute core components without understanding the nutritional impact. For example, swapping sweet potato for white potato changes the vitamin and fiber content. Always discuss significant substitutions with your vet.

How much of this food should I feed my dog?

This is a critical question that depends entirely on your dog’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and metabolism. The recipes don’t include serving sizes for this reason. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day, but this is just a starting point. Your veterinarian is the only one who can give you an accurate recommendation for your individual dog.