7 Tasty Pollock And Sweet Potato Dog Food Recipes

Recipe Review

This is the perfect starter recipe if you’re new to homemade dog food. It’s incredibly simple, gentle on the tummy, and a big hit with even the fussiest of eaters. The soft texture makes it ideal for senior dogs or those with dental sensitivities. It’s a comforting, warm meal that provides balanced nutrients without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless pollock fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for skin & coat)
• 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot with the water or broth. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
2. Gently add the pollock fillets to the pot with the sweet potatoes. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 8-10 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
3. If using frozen peas, add them in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to heat them through.
4. Drain most of the liquid, reserving a little to help with mashing.
5. Add the optional coconut oil and mash everything together until you reach your dog’s preferred consistency. Some dogs like it chunky, others prefer it smooth.
6. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This Simple Mash is the go-to recipe for dogs needing a gentle, easily digestible meal. It’s perfect for seniors, dogs recovering from an upset stomach, or as a simple introduction to homemade food for picky eaters.

Recipe Review

Who needs store-bought treats when you can make these healthy, delicious bites at home? These are perfect for training sessions or as a special reward. They’re crunchy, easy to handle, and packed with goodness. Plus, your house will smell amazing while they bake!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 lb pollock, cooked and flaked
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a grain-free option)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, flaked pollock, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a firm dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use a small cookie cutter (bone shapes are always fun!) to cut out the treats. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm.
7. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before treating your pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These baked bites are fantastic for any dog owner who loves to use positive reinforcement training or simply wants to give their dog a healthy, homemade snack. They’re a great way to control ingredients and avoid the preservatives found in many commercial treats.

Recipe Review

On a chilly day, nothing beats a warm, hearty stew – and your dog will agree! This recipe is a complete and balanced meal, loaded with vegetables for extra vitamins and minerals. It’s a flavorful, hydrating dish that will have your pup licking the bowl clean.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pollock, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup kale or spinach, chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Add the sweet potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
3. Gently add the pollock chunks and green beans. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
5. Remove from heat and let the stew cool down to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This hearty stew is an excellent choice for a complete meal replacement, especially for active dogs who need plenty of energy. It’s also great for dogs who don’t drink enough water, as the broth provides extra hydration.

Recipe Review

These pollock patties are a fantastic way to add a protein-packed punch to your dog’s regular meal or serve as a special standalone dish. They’re quick to make and have a satisfying texture that dogs love. The pan-searing gives them a lovely golden crust that adds an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pollock fillets, finely minced or pulsed in a food processor
• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the minced pollock, mashed sweet potato, rolled oats, and beaten egg. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Form the mixture into small, palm-sized patties.
3. Heat the coconut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
6. Let them cool completely before serving whole or crumbled over your dog’s food.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These patties are a winner for dogs who get bored with their regular kibble. They work wonders as a special topper to entice picky eaters or for dogs who need an extra boost of high-quality protein in their diet, like highly active or working dogs.

Recipe Review

Beat the heat with these refreshing and healthy frozen treats! These ‘pupsicles’ are a fun and easy way to help your dog cool down on a hot day. They provide hydration and nutrients, and the frozen texture can be soothing for teething puppies.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb pollock, cooked and flaked
• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the cooked pollock, mashed sweet potato, yogurt, grated carrot, and water.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more water until you reach a pourable consistency.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. You can even use small paper cups.
4. For a fun handle, you can stick a dog-safe chew stick (like a carrot stick or a dental chew) into the center of each mold.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
6. Pop a pupsicle out of the mold and let your dog enjoy a cool treat!

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Every dog parent should have a batch of these in the freezer during the summer months. They’re a fantastic, healthy way to provide relief from the heat and a fun treat that your dog will go crazy for. They are especially great for teething puppies.

Recipe Review

Why should humans have all the fun at breakfast? This Pollock & Greens Scramble is a quick, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a special morning treat or a light dinner. It comes together in minutes and adds a great variety of nutrients to your dog’s diet.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 lb pollock, cooked and flaked
• 1/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• A handful of spinach, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
4. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. As they begin to set, gently scramble them with a spatula.
5. When the eggs are about halfway cooked, stir in the flaked pollock and mashed sweet potato.
6. Continue to cook, stirring gently, until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft.
7. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This scramble is perfect for a weekend treat or for a dog that needs a little extra encouragement to eat. It’s a light, flavorful, and highly nutritious meal that feels like a special occasion for your pup.

Recipe Review

For the busy pet parent, the slow cooker is a lifesaver. This ‘set it and forget it’ recipe allows you to prepare a large batch of delicious, healthy food for your dog with minimal effort. The slow cooking process makes the ingredients incredibly tender and creates a rich, savory gravy your dog won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs pollock fillets
• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 cup brown rice or quinoa, rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 6 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the sweet potatoes, carrots, and rinsed brown rice/quinoa at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Lay the pollock fillets on top of the vegetables and grains.
3. Sprinkle the rolled oats over the fish.
4. Pour the water or broth over all the ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are soft and the fish is cooked through.
6. Once cooked, use a fork to flake the fish and stir everything together to create a thick, casserole-like consistency.
7. Let it cool completely before serving. This makes a large batch, so you can portion and freeze it for later.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This slow cooker recipe is the ultimate solution for pet parents with packed schedules. It allows you to provide a wholesome, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic, cost-effective way to meal prep for your pup for the week.

Switching to homemade dog food can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to do it right. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your pup is getting everything they need to thrive.

Consult Your Veterinarian

This is the most important step! Before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, always talk to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you understand your specific dog’s nutritional needs based on their age, breed, size, and health status. They can also help you formulate recipes that are complete and balanced.

Focus on Nutritional Balance

Dogs need a specific balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While pollock and sweet potato are fantastic base ingredients, a complete diet needs more. Ensure you’re including:

• Protein: Fish, poultry, meat, eggs.
• Healthy Fats: Fish oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil.
• Complex Carbs: Sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats, quinoa.
• Vitamins & Minerals: A variety of dog-safe vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and leafy greens.

Your vet may also recommend a supplement to ensure all nutritional bases are covered.

Ingredient Sourcing and Safety

Always use high-quality, fresh ingredients. When using fish like pollock, make sure it’s boneless. Cook all animal products thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria. Be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener).

Proper Preparation and Storage

You can prepare homemade dog food in batches to save time. Portion out meals and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Always thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, not on the counter, and make sure it’s at a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving.

Can I use frozen pollock fillets for these recipes?

Absolutely! Frozen pollock is a convenient and cost-effective option. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you begin cooking, especially for recipes like the pan-seared patties. Ensure the only ingredient is pollock, with no added salt or seasonings.

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This varies greatly depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed about 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day, but this is just a starting point. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you determine the correct portion size for your individual dog to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

Can I substitute other vegetables for the ones in the recipes?

Yes, you can! Feel free to swap in other dog-safe vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or pumpkin. Variety is great for providing a wider range of nutrients. Just be sure to research any new vegetable to confirm it’s safe for canine consumption before adding it to the mix.

How do I transition my dog from kibble to homemade food?

A slow and gradual transition is key to avoiding 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 they are fully transitioned.