Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs aren’t just healthier — they’re a total game-changer for your pup’s happiness! You know that look your dog gives you when you open a bag of kibble—kind of excited but also a little meh? Yeah, I know it too. That’s exactly what got me into making homemade meals for my small dog. And trust me, once you see your pup wagging for your fresh-cooked food, you’ll never go back to plain kibble again.

If you’ve been thinking about giving your small dog healthier, tastier, and more natural meals, this guide is for you. I’ve rounded up 10 easy Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs that are not only vet-friendly but also ridiculously simple to make at home. Let’s dig in (pun intended).

Why Make Homemade Dog Food?

Ever looked at the ingredients on a bag of dog food and thought, “Wait, what even is that?” You’re not alone.

When you make food yourself, you control every single ingredient. That means:

• No artificial preservatives or fillers.
• You can adjust meals for allergies or picky eaters.
• You’re giving your dog food that’s fresher, cleaner, and packed with real nutrients.

For small dogs, this can be a game-changer. They’ve got tiny tummies, sensitive digestion, and specific calorie needs. Homemade food lets you customize portions perfectly so they get just the right amount—no more, no less.

Quick note: Always run new diets by your vet, especially if your pup has health issues. You want balance, not guesswork.

The 10 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Small Dogs

Each of these recipes is designed with small-breed nutrition in mind. They’re easy to make, easy to portion, and full of flavor your dog will absolutely adore.

1. Chicken & Rice Comfort Bowl

This one’s like comfort food for dogs—it’s soothing, light, and always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded chicken breast, cooked
• ½ cup brown rice
• ¼ cup carrots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup peas

Instructions:

1. Boil chicken until tender, then shred it.
2. Cook rice separately and steam the veggies.
3. Mix everything together and cool before serving.

Why it’s awesome: It’s easy to digest, making it perfect for sensitive stomachs or recovering pups.

2. Beef & Sweet Potato Delight

If your dog’s the “meat lover” type, this recipe will make them sprint to the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lean ground beef
• ½ cup sweet potato, mashed
• ¼ cup green beans, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain the excess fat.
2. Add mashed sweet potato and green beans.
3. Stir in olive oil and mix well.

Pro tip: Portion and freeze—perfect for meal prep!

3. Salmon & Spinach Super Bowl

Want your pup’s coat to shine like a shampoo commercial? This meal is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked salmon, flaked
• ½ cup brown rice
• ¼ cup steamed spinach

Instructions:

1. Cook salmon (bake or poach) with no oil or salt.
2. Combine with rice and spinach.
3. Cool and serve.

Why it rocks: Great for skin, joints, and that glossy fur every dog parent dreams of.

4. Turkey & Quinoa Power Mix

Perfect for dogs who burn energy like crazy (you know, those who zoom from the couch to the door in seconds).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground turkey
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• ¼ cup grated zucchini
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey in a non-stick pan.
2. Add zucchini and cook until soft.
3. Stir in quinoa and pumpkin.

Why it’s great: High in protein and fiber, low in fat, and easy to digest.

5. Sweet Potato & Chicken Mash

This is my go-to recipe for when my dog’s being picky. It’s soft, sweet, and smells delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded chicken
• ½ cup mashed sweet potato
• ¼ cup peas

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender and mash.
2. Add chicken and peas.
3. Stir well and serve warm.

Ever noticed your dog licking the bowl clean? Yeah, that’s this recipe’s magic.

6. Veggie Egg Scramble

Breakfast just got way more fun—for both of you.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsp carrots, shredded
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil, add veggies, and sauté briefly.
2. Add eggs and scramble.
3. Cool before serving.

Why it works: It’s protein-packed, fast, and perfect for a morning meal.

7. Cottage Cheese Fruit Bowl

This one’s ideal for hot days or when your pup needs a light snack.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
• ¼ cup blueberries
• 1 tbsp oats, soaked

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and serve chilled.

Pro tip: Blueberries = antioxidants. This little bowl is like a canine superfood combo.

8. Mini Chicken Meatballs

These bite-sized treats are perfect for training or portion control.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated carrots
• 2 tbsp rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients and roll into marble-sized balls.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
3. Cool before serving.

Why your dog will love it: Tiny bites with big flavor—great for small jaws!

For tips on using these high-value treats effectively, see our 10 Must-Know Dog Training Tips for Beginners! (Easy Guide).

9. Pumpkin Turkey Stew

Cozy, hearty, and perfect for autumn evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground turkey
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup green beans
• ¼ cup carrots, diced

Instructions:

1. Cook turkey and drain fat.
2. Add veggies and pumpkin.
3. Simmer with a little water for 10 minutes.

Fun fact: Pumpkin helps with digestion—it’s your pup’s tummy’s best friend.

10. Rice & Veggie Bowl for Sensitive Stomachs

Gentle, simple, and a lifesaver during upset-tummy days.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white rice, cooked
• ¼ cup boiled chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup boiled carrots
• 1 tsp pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and mash slightly for easy chewing.

Why it’s special: Soothes digestion and delivers balanced nourishment.

The Correct Dog Nutrition

Let’s talk balance—because feeding your dog just meat or just rice won’t cut it. Dogs need a mix of:

• Protein for muscle maintenance (chicken, beef, fish, turkey)
• Carbohydrates for energy (rice, quinoa, oats)
• Fats for shiny coats and brain health (salmon oil, olive oil)
• Vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) homemade food can be great—if it’s balanced properly. Their experts recommend incorporating calcium, fatty acids, and key vitamins to maintain full-body health.

Small dogs have higher metabolic rates than big dogs, meaning they burn calories faster. So, portion control is crucial—you don’t want an overfed fluffball with health issues.

Cooking Quantity Recommendations

Here’s a quick guide for portioning homemade dog food for small breeds:

Dog Weight	Daily Food Amount	Meals per Day
5 lbs	~½ cup	2–3
10 lbs	~¾ cup	2–3
15 lbs	~1 cup	2
20 lbs	~1¼ cups	2

Tip: Split meals into smaller portions throughout the day—small dogs prefer frequent, smaller meals rather than big ones.

Store leftovers in airtight containers. They’ll last:

• 3 days in the fridge
• 3 months in the freezer

Always let food cool before serving, and never add salt or seasoning. Dogs’ taste buds are different—they don’t need flavor boosts!

Transitioning to Homemade Dog Food

If you switch suddenly, you might end up with a grumpy tummy and, uh, not-so-fun cleanup duty. Go slow!

Step-by-step transition plan:

1. Replace ¼ of your dog’s current meal with homemade food for the first few days.
2. Gradually increase to ½ homemade, ½ kibble over a week.
3. By day 10, go full homemade if your pup’s stool, energy, and appetite look good.

Watch for signs of upset stomach—soft stool or low energy mean slow down and let them adjust.

Ever changed your own diet too fast? Yeah, same principle here—ease them into it.

Why Homemade Meals Work Wonders for Small Dogs

Small breeds like Yorkies, Poms, Chihuahuas, and Maltese are notorious for being divas about food. They’re also prone to dental issues and obesity if meals aren’t carefully portioned.

Homemade meals help you:

• Control calories and texture (so it’s gentle on tiny teeth)
• Prevent allergies by avoiding artificial additives
• Boost appetite with fresher, more enticing smells

And honestly? Watching your little one lick their bowl clean every time is incredibly satisfying.

Conclusion: Happy Dog, Happy You

Feeding your small dog homemade food isn’t just about nutrition—it’s an act of love. You’ll notice the difference: brighter eyes, shinier fur, more energy, and fewer tummy troubles. And hey, it’s pretty fun too.

Start simple—try the chicken and rice bowl or mini meatballs this week. Once you see your pup’s reaction, you’ll know you’re doing something right.

Because let’s face it: a well-fed dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog makes a happy home.