13 Simple Copycat Canidae Dog Food Recipes

This recipe is the quintessential homemade meal for dogs, inspired by Canidae’s versatile All Life Stages formula. It’s simple, gentle on the stomach, and packed with the lean protein and wholesome carbs your dog needs to thrive, no matter their age.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup chopped carrots, steamed or boiled
• 1 cup green peas, steamed or boiled
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium, no onion or garlic)
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (for Omega-3s)
• Optional: A vet-approved canine multivitamin

Instructions:

1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions. Let it cool slightly.
2. Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Steam or boil the carrots and peas until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, carrots, and peas.
5. Drizzle with the low-sodium chicken broth and fish oil. Mix everything together thoroughly.
6. Stir in the canine multivitamin if you are using one.
7. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a fantastic starting point for any pet owner venturing into homemade dog food. It’s perfect for dogs of all ages, from playful puppies to serene seniors, who don’t have a poultry allergy.

For dogs with sensitive systems or grain intolerances, this recipe inspired by Canidae’s PURE line is a lifesaver. Salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin, while sweet potato offers grain-free energy and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs salmon fillet, skin removed, baked and flaked
• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup steamed green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup blueberries (a great source of antioxidants)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool and then flake it with a fork.
2. While the salmon bakes, peel, chop, and boil the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain and mash them.
3. Steam the green beans until crisp-tender, then chop them into small pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato, chopped green beans, and blueberries.
5. Pour the melted coconut oil over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
6. Serve once cooled to room temperature. This recipe can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities or poultry allergies. It’s a rich, nutrient-dense meal that pampers your pup from the inside out.

Lamb is a fantastic protein source that many dogs find irresistible. This recipe, modeled after the Canidae PURE Lamb & Pea formula, is another excellent grain-free option that’s both delicious and easy to digest for most pups.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground lamb
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 2 large carrots, finely diced
• 1 apple, cored and chopped (no seeds!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for fresh breath!)
• A small drizzle of olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain off the excess fat.
2. Add the diced carrots to the skillet with the lamb and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the thawed peas, chopped apple, and fresh parsley. The residual heat will gently warm them.
4. Let the mixture cool down completely before serving to your eager pup.
5. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for picky eaters or dogs with chicken or beef allergies. The rich flavor of lamb combined with the sweetness of apples and peas makes this a canine culinary delight.

If your furry friend is carrying a few extra pounds, this recipe can help. Inspired by Canidae’s weight management formulas, it uses lean ground turkey and fiber-rich ingredients to help your dog feel full and satisfied without excess calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7 or leaner)
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1.5 cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a large pot or skillet until no longer pink. Drain any fat thoroughly.
2. Stir in the chopped green beans and zucchini, cooking for 5-8 minutes until they are tender.
3. Add the cooked brown rice to the pot and mix everything together.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the flaxseed oil.
5. Let it cool completely. Portion control is key for weight management, so be sure to serve the appropriate amount for your dog’s target weight.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for less active or overweight dogs. This high-fiber, low-fat meal helps with weight control while still providing the essential nutrients and flavor your dog loves.

For the red meat lovers, this beef and barley recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal. It mimics the robust flavor profile of Canidae’s red meat formulas, providing ample protein for muscle maintenance and energy for an active lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
• 3 cups cooked barley
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium, no onion/garlic)
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat.
2. Stir in the beef broth, shredded carrots, and cooked barley. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the finely chopped spinach. The heat from the mixture will wilt it perfectly.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
5. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is ideal for active adult dogs who need a protein-packed meal to fuel their adventures. The combination of beef and barley provides long-lasting energy and supports strong muscles.

Growing puppies have unique nutritional needs. This recipe is designed with them in mind, featuring extra protein and calcium for development. Oatmeal is a gentle grain that’s easy for young tummies to digest.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground chicken
• 3 cups cooked oatmeal (cooked with water, not milk)
• 1 cup full-fat plain cottage cheese or plain yogurt (for calcium)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon fish oil (for DHA/brain development)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground chicken thoroughly in a skillet. Drain any fat.
2. Prepare the oatmeal according to package instructions using water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, oatmeal, cottage cheese/yogurt, carrots, and broccoli.
4. Stir in the fish oil and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Serve in smaller, more frequent meals suitable for a puppy’s feeding schedule. Always ensure it’s cooled.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a wonderful supplemental meal for growing puppies, but it’s absolutely critical to work with your vet to ensure their complete nutritional needs for development are being met. It provides a great start with key nutrients for bones, brains, and bodies.

Our senior dogs deserve extra care. This recipe is crafted to be easy to chew and digest, with ingredients that support joint health. It’s lower in calories to match a senior’s typically slower metabolism.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 3 cups cooked white rice (easier to digest than brown for some seniors)
• 1 cup pureed pumpkin (for digestive health)
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach, steamed
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for cognitive function)
• Optional: Glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, as recommended by your vet

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey and drain the fat well.
2. Cook the white rice.
3. In a large bowl, mix the turkey, rice, pureed pumpkin, and steamed spinach.
4. Stir in the coconut oil and the joint supplement, if using.
5. The soft texture makes it very easy for older dogs with dental issues to eat. Serve warm (not hot) to enhance the aroma.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A comforting, easy-to-digest meal perfect for the golden years. It addresses common senior concerns like digestion and joint stiffness, providing targeted nutrition in a delicious package.

Duck is another fantastic novel protein that can be a game-changer for dogs with allergies. This grain-free recipe pairs rich duck with nutrient-packed sweet potato for a gourmet meal your dog won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground duck (or duck breasts, cooked and shredded)
• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup steamed asparagus, chopped
• 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or unsweetened dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. If using ground duck, cook it in a skillet until browned. Duck is fatty, so be sure to drain the excess fat very thoroughly.
2. Prepare the mashed sweet potato and steamed, chopped asparagus.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked duck, sweet potato, and asparagus.
4. Gently fold in the cranberries and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Mix well and serve once completely cool.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a gourmet option for the discerning pup, especially those who can’t tolerate more common proteins like chicken or beef. It’s a rich and flavorful meal that feels like a special treat.

Go for a taste of the wild with this bison and chickpea recipe. Bison is a lean, nutrient-dense red meat that’s lower in fat and cholesterol than beef. Chickpeas provide grain-free fiber and protein.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground bison
• 2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and lightly mashed
• 1 cup butternut squash, cooked and cubed
• 1 cup kale, steamed and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons hemp seed oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground bison in a skillet over medium heat. It’s very lean, so there won’t be much fat to drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked bison, rinsed and mashed chickpeas, and cooked butternut squash cubes.
3. Stir in the steamed, chopped kale and the hemp seed oil.
4. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Let it cool before serving this lean and powerful meal to your dog.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great choice for active dogs who need lean muscle mass and for those with sensitivities to other red meats. This recipe is packed with unique, high-quality ingredients for optimal health.

Whitefish like cod or haddock is an easily digestible protein that’s lower in fat than salmon. This makes it a great option for dogs who need a gentle, fish-based diet. This recipe is simple, clean, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs whitefish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock), baked or steamed
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup zucchini, shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the whitefish fillets until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish with the cooked brown rice.
3. Stir in the shredded zucchini and chopped parsley.
4. Drizzle with sunflower oil and mix gently.
5. Serve at room temperature. This meal is light yet satisfying.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is an ideal meal for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or those who need a lower-fat diet but still benefit from fish protein. It’s clean, simple, and very palatable.

Pork is a highly palatable protein that many dogs adore. Paired with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthy goodness of sweet potatoes, this recipe is a flavor-packed meal that provides a great alternative to more common meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground pork
• 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 large apple, cored and finely chopped (no seeds)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork until it is no longer pink. Drain the fat thoroughly.
2. Prepare the mashed sweet potato and the steamed, chopped broccoli.
3. Combine the cooked pork, sweet potato, chopped apple, and broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
4. Stir in the coconut oil until everything is well-mixed.
5. Let the mixture cool down before serving this sweet and savory feast.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic rotational protein to add variety to your dog’s diet. The combination of savory pork and sweet apple is a winner for dogs who get bored with their food easily.

While dogs are not naturally vegetarians, some may require a meat-free diet for specific health reasons under veterinary guidance. This recipe uses lentils and eggs for protein, providing a wholesome, plant-forward meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked brown lentils
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for B vitamins and cheesy flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cook the lentils and quinoa according to package directions.
2. Hard-boil the eggs, then peel and chop them.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, quinoa, chopped eggs, shredded carrots, and spinach.
4. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the top and mix everything together.
5. Serve this protein-rich veggie meal once it’s cooled.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe should only be used in consultation with a veterinarian for dogs with specific dietary needs that preclude meat. It’s a carefully crafted alternative that provides protein from non-meat sources.

This recipe is for those times you have a little bit of everything left over. It’s a versatile base that allows you to mix and match healthy ingredients, reducing waste and providing a varied meal for your pup.

Ingredients:

• Protein Base (2 lbs total): Any combination of cooked ground turkey, beef, chicken, or flaked fish.
• Carb Base (3 cups total): Cooked brown rice, quinoa, barley, or mashed sweet potato.
• Veggie Mix (2 cups total): Any combination of dog-safe veggies like carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, or zucchini, steamed and chopped.
• Healthy Fat (1-2 tbsp): Fish oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
• A Fun Extra: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, a spoonful of plain yogurt, or some blueberries.

Instructions:

1. Ensure all your protein and carbohydrate bases are fully cooked.
2. Steam or boil your chosen vegetables until tender, then chop them.
3. In a very large mixing bowl, combine your chosen protein, carbs, and veggies.
4. Drizzle with your chosen healthy fat and add your ‘fun extra’.
5. Mix thoroughly until you have a balanced, beautiful casserole.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for the experienced homemade food chef with a healthy dog. This recipe embraces variety and is a practical way to ensure nothing dog-safe in your kitchen goes to waste.

Switching to homemade dog food is a big step, but a rewarding one! To make sure you’re doing it safely and effectively, keep these key points in mind.

1. Talk to Your Vet First

This is the most important rule. Before you start cooking, have a conversation with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can assess your dog’s individual health needs, including age, breed, activity level, and any existing medical conditions. They can help you formulate recipes that are complete and balanced, ensuring your dog gets all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to thrive. They can also recommend specific supplements, like calcium or a multivitamin, to fill any nutritional gaps.

2. Achieve Nutritional Balance

A balanced canine diet typically consists of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. A good rule of thumb for a basic recipe is:

• 50% Protein: Cooked lean meats, fish, or poultry.
• 25% Complex Carbs: Brown rice, sweet potatoes, barley, or oatmeal.
• 25% Vegetables & Fruits: Carrots, peas, spinach, green beans, blueberries (in moderation).

Remember, this is a general guideline. Your vet can provide ratios tailored to your specific dog.

3. Know Your Unsafe Foods

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

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
• Alcohol or caffeine

Always double-check if an ingredient is safe before adding it to your dog’s bowl.

4. Cook and Store Properly

Always cook meat thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. Vegetables are often more digestible for dogs when they are cooked or pureed. Once you’ve prepared a batch of food, let it cool completely before serving. You can store homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion it out into meal-sized servings and freeze it. It can typically be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

1. Is it cheaper to make my own dog food?

It can be, but not always. If you’re comparing it to super-premium brands like Canidae, making your own food can be cost-effective, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk or on sale. However, if you’re used to buying budget-friendly kibble, the cost of fresh meat and produce will likely be higher. The primary benefits are often quality control and customization, not just cost savings.

2. How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This varies greatly depending on the recipe’s caloric content and your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A general starting point is to feed about 2-3% of your dog’s 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, you must consult your vet for a precise recommendation and monitor your dog’s weight and body condition, adjusting portions as needed.

3. Do I need to add supplements to my homemade dog food?

Almost certainly, yes. It is extremely difficult to create a homemade diet that meets 100% of a dog’s nutritional needs without some form of supplementation. The most common deficiencies in homemade diets are calcium, essential fatty acids, and certain vitamins and minerals. A veterinary nutritionist is the best resource for recommending a specific canine multivitamin or other supplements to ensure the diet is complete and balanced for long-term feeding.