Who doesn’t love dogs? Fortunately, I don’t know anyone who’s not fond of animals particularly dogs. My first pup was back when I was a preschooler. His name was Randy, the most adorable and loyal mixed breed that I know. He passed away many years ago, and the cause was just too horrible to look back on. It was too painful, and we were heartbroken.

So, my family made a promise to never raise a pet anymore. But just as the saying goes ”promises are meant to be broken”, I decided to get a puppy for myself. I didn’t inform my family right away coz I was too overwhelmed when I got her. I didn’t tell anyone and kept it a secret for several months. Seeing her for the first time was the happiest day of my life. She’s the main reason why I became a vegan.

I know a lot of people are wondering about what I give to my pup which is something I’m not very comfortable to talk about. I may be a vegan on my own right but it doesn’t mean I don’t feed my pup meat. It sounds ironic but this is my reality. I don’t want to be cruel to my pup just coz I want her to be like me. I sometimes feel awkward talking about it coz it isn’t easy to explain especially to someone who doesn’t have pets nor have interest in veganism. Sometimes I talk to myself and say ”you don’t need to explain things Monica”.

The truth is, some portion of my poodle’s diet has meat on them. I can’t eliminate or cut down all her meat consumption just yet. Dogs, as we all know it are domesticated wolves which means they eat meat or animal flesh to survive. However, there’s a growing trend these days that pet owners are feeding their pets with meatless foods. Some animal experts approved it and some don’t.

It’s easy to find answers on the web about almost everything that we wish to know, so I’m using this opportunity to research on what’s good for my puppy and myself. As a vegan, I’m quite strict and committed when it comes to what I eat. Though it isn’t a walk in the park, I certainly learn how to compromise and discipline myself.

Simple Homemade Vegan Recipes For Dogs

1. A Mixture Of Cooked Veggies And Fruits

This is one of the recipes I made for my poodle when  she was about 6 months old, and she loved it.

When I prepare them I don’t put any preservatives and additives at all. These substances are the ones harming our pets, so it’s a big no for me. This is also the reason why I never give table foods to my pup.

WHAT YOU NEED:

What I usually use are the following:

• -Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumber, Pumpkin or Squash, Cabbage, Yellow Bell pepper, Apples, Pears

Sometimes I add a small portion of broccoli, cauliflower, mangoes, bananas

DIRECTIONS:

• -Prepare a big pot where it’s easy for you to stir all the ingredients
• -Prepare a grinder, grater, mixer, or food processor
• -Thoroughly wash all fruits and veggies
• -Peel off the skin of all the veggies and fruits except for the ones you don’t need to strip off (if you don’t want to peel off the apple skin, then be it, but make sure pears are peeled of)
• -Remove all the seeds (very important)
• -Slice, dice, or grate all the ingredients with a food processor or grater
• -Mix them altogether and put in the big pot with some water,  boil over medium high heat
• -Once it’s boiling, make sure to stir it constantly so that it emulsifies and not stick to the bottom of the pot
• -Turn off the stove if you think it’s cooked enough-You may drain the water immediately or let it sit for a few minutes (if you do this, it might become overcooked coz the temperature of the food remains very hot)-Pour in some cold water and let it soak for a few minutes, then drain again
• Make sure to drain all the water (as much as possible) so that it won’t be watery later when you transfer it to a food container-Transfer it to a flat pan or plate to dry (you don’t need to completely dry it)
• -After about 30 minutes, when it’s warm and just a bit moist, you can transfer it to a container (preferably a glass container) (I use a Ziploc storage when I run out of glass containers)
• -Store them in the freezer (it’ll last up to 3 months or more) or you can place it in the chiller section (putting it outside the freezer will cause it to moist a lot and it gets spoiled easily, so make sure to consume it within 5 days from the day you made it)
• -Microwave before you give it to your dog (food serving for every dog varies so please ask your vet about it or look it up on the web)

My pup is a pure toy poodle and weighs 10 pounds or 4.5kg. So, I give 3/4 cup per day. Knowing the accurate weight or body size of our dogs is crucial in feeding them the right amount of food they need.

2. Dried Vegetables

Have you heard of food dehydrator? It’s an appliance that removes moisture from foods to preserve them. Like this one that I’m using.

Perhaps, this is a necessity in the kitchen for families who are homesteading and for people like me that has a pet. In my household, I started using a food dehydrator only when I got a puppy. It’s an excellent way to preserve food or make homemade dog snacks like meat, fruits, and some vegetables. Besides, this is by far the most useful device I have when it comes to preparing dog foods. I guarantee that you’ll never regret buying one for yourself and for your fur-babies. You’ll save time, money, and effort when you have a food dehydrator. I bet you’ll thank me later.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• -Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin or Squash, and Carrots

DIRECTIONS:

• -Properly wash all ingredients
• -Peel off the skin of pumpkin, squash, carrots
• -Separate the sweet potatoes from other veggies (coz you have to cook them before slicing into small pieces)
• -Prepare a big pot and boil all the sweet potatoes with water until it gets tender (you know it’s cooked when you can easily pierce it with a fork)
• -Transfer the sweet potatoes on a flat plate. making sure they’re dry and let it cool down before slicing
• -Slice sweet potatoes and other veggies thinly  about 1/4 – 1/2 inch
• -Place them on dehydrating trays; at 65 degrees Celsius until pliant
• -Store them in a dry glass container (cover with a clean cloth to prevent moist, then put on another cover to secure the storage )
• -Refrigerate but don’t put in the freezer

The duration of drying ranges from 2-4 hours for veggies and fruits.  Drying times vary per veggie that’s why it’s important to check it often. Unless you like a crunchy consistency, then you can over dry it. Your dog won’t eat it though. Like my pup, she likes a chewy dried food, and all three carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are her favorites. The thinner you slice it, the sooner it dries.

You don’t have to wait or keep an eye on it for hours. Just make sure to check it every 2 – 3 hours, flip, and rotate trays if necessary. It’s best to start drying early in the morning or from the time you get up. I’ve noticed that my dried veggies often last for more than 3 months. My pup eats it very well everyday, so it doesn’t take long to fully consumed.

Simple Non-Vegan Recipes For Dogs

1. Dried Meat

Like my dried veggies, I also use food dehydrator to dry meat. It’s a great investment, and it doesn’t cost much.

INGREDIENTS:

-Lean meats of: Beef, Pork, Chicken, others (gizzard, beef liver)

DIRECTIONS:

• -Slice meat as thin as possible (1/4 to 1/2 inch)
• -Spread it in a single layer on dehydrating trays (before this step, make sure all meat are dry and not soaking wet)
• -Set the temperature to 65 – 67 degrees Celsius, and let it dry for about 6 to 8 hours (the thinner you slice the meat, the sooner it dries)
• -Check every 3 hours and flip till both sides are completely dried
• -Transfer to a dry food container, secure with cover, and refrigerate

If you noticed, I didn’t mention about washing the meat, right? It’s because the modern food safety system (USDA) don’t require washing raw meat and even poultry products. I suggest going on their website to learn more about how to prepare raw meat or search cross-contamination.

In  our household though, we still wash all the meat and even soak it with vinegar.

2. Boiled Shrimp And Salmon

I’m not going to talk about the nutritional benefits of these seafoods to dogs coz I’m not a Vet. What I’m sure is, I made a substantial research before even considering this one, and I spoke to our veterinarian as well. I was advised to give shrimps and salmon once a week, and the serving should be based on my dog’s body weight. Ideally 10g of salmon per 500g of your pup’s body weight. Please Please seek your vet’s advice on this coz if your dog has a history of allergies (for example), it might be detrimental for them.

You know what? My toy poodle is crazy with shrimps and salmon. There was never a time that she didn’t eat them. And by the way, I don’t give salmon and shrimp together. I alternate them, so when I fed him shrimp last week, the following week would be salmon, and this doesn’t always the case. I mean, I don’t always give her salmon and shrimp every other week. It’s just one of her snacks. My pup is choosy, so when I give food, as much as possible, I try not to pattern it.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Salmon, Prawns or Shrimps

INSTRUCTIONS:

• -Wash the salmon or shrimp
• -Remove the skin and intestines
• -In a pan or pot, boil some water and add salmon or shrimp
• -Cook for about 10 minutes over medium high heat
• -Turn off stove and place it on a bowl
• -Remove the bones (I find it easier to remove the bones when the salmon is cooked)
• -Serve it to your pup when it’s not too hot

You have to be meticulous in removing the bones from a salmon coz they’re thick and tricky to locate. It can be deadly to your dog when it’s swallowed, so be very careful.

3. A Mixture Of Boiled Fruits, Vegetables, and Meat

As I mentioned above, I used to feed my pup with a combination of fruits and veggies. It lasted for about 6 months, so after that, I had to try another one. You might be thinking that I spoil my pup, right? Well, maybe you’re right. But who doesn’t? Though I kind of become a servant of my pup, I guess I take more from her than she takes from me. What’s important is that, I don’t spoil her in a way that’s harming her. I’m also careful of what I’m feeding her. I make sure that I thoroughly research first and consult the vet before giving her something that I’m not sure of.

It was until her first birthday when I noticed that she wasn’t interested with her food anymore. She started becoming very picky, so, I thought of incorporating some meat. It worked out, and I never had a hard time feeding her with it. It lasted for about 6-8 months.

You might be asking, ”was it the only thing you were feeding her at the time?”.  The answer is no. It was only her first meal of the day, then the other one in the evening was the solid dog food (which she didn’t really like that much but still ate it anyway). I also give her some snacks in between meals.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• -Meat (beef, pork, chicken, gizzard, beef liver, or anything that’s allowed for your dog), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumber, Pumpkin or Squash, Cabbage, Yellow Bell Pepper, Apples, Pears

I sometimes add a small portion of broccoli, cauliflower, mangoes, and bananas. I include fruits to add sweetness  since I don’t use sugar or any additives to my dog food.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• -Prepare a big pot where it’s easy for you to stir all the ingredients
• -Prepare a grinder, grater, mixer, or food processor
• -Thoroughly wash all fruits and veggies
• -Prepare the meat properly
• -Peel off the skin of all the veggies and fruits except for the ones you don’t need to strip off (if you don’t want to peel off the apple skin, then be it, but make sure pears are peeled of)
• -Remove all the seeds; Remove the bones, muscles, and fats (very important)
• -Use a food processor or grater for slicing and dicing all the ingredients
• -Mix them altogether and put in the big pot with some water, enough to cook all your ingredients over medium high heat
• -Once it’s boiling, make sure to stir it constantly so that it emulsifies and not stick to the bottom of the pot
• -If you think it’s well cooked, turn off the stove
• -You may drain the water immediately or let it sit for a few minutes (if you do this, it might become overcooked coz the temperature of the food remains very hot)
• -Pour in some cold water and let it soak for a few minutes, then drain again
• -Make sure to drain all the water (as much as possible) so that it won’t be watery later when you transfer it to a food container
• -Transfer it to a flat pan or plate to dry (you don’t need to perfectly dry it)
• -After about 30 minutes, when it’s warm and just a bit moist, you can transfer it to a container (preferably a glass container with a cover) (I use a Ziploc storage when I run out of glass containers)
• -Store them in the freezer (it’ll last up to 3 months or more) or you can place it in the chiller section (putting it outside the freezer will cause it to moist a lot and it gets spoiled easily, so make sure to consume it within 5 days from the day you made it)
• -Microwave before you give it to your dog (food serving for every dog varies so please ask your vet about it or look it up online)

I uploaded a video on YouTube about this dog food I made. It’s just a simple compilation of the old videos I had from my phone. I’m not a video content creator, so I apologize in advance for the mediocre quality of my video. My channel isn’t intended for monetizing that’s why it doesn’t seem professional. I thought you might find it helpful.

I weigh my dog’s food all the time except for some snacks.