Homemade Dog Treats Recipe With Salmon & Peas

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Does your dog keep scratching, have lackluster fur, or just turn their nose up at kibble?

A lot of store-bought dog food is packed with fillers and weird stuff that can mess with your dog’s stomach or leave their skin irritated.

Here’s what really changes things: feed your dog whole, fresh food. You’ll see a huge difference in their energy and coat.

That’s why we’re sharing this easy, wholesome homemade dog food recipe with salmon and garden peas, simple ingredients, big benefits.

Recipe Overview

This homemade dog food recipe is built around lean protein and healthy fats, focusing on ingredients that support skin, coat, and joint health. It’s fantastic for adult dogs, especially those needing an Omega boost or a break from common allergens like chicken or beef.

• Purpose: Complete and balanced meal for adult dogs focused on Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes roughly 8-10 cups (enough for a medium 40 lb dog for 3-4 days)

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to make this Salmon & Pea recipe at home. Remember to source high-quality ingredients for the best nutrition.

• 1.5 lbs Wild-Caught Salmon Fillets (skin off), $15.00
• 2 cups Cooked Brown Rice (or Quinoa), $1.00
• 1.5 cups Frozen Green Peas, $0.75
• 1 cup Chopped Carrots, $0.50
• 1 large Sweet Potato (cooked and mashed), $1.50
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Coconut Oil, $0.25
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley, $0.50
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric, $0.10
• Optional: High-Quality Canine Multivitamin Powder (highly recommended for nutritional completeness), $1.00

Substitutions: If salmon is too pricey, you can use canned sardines (in water, no salt added) or lean ground turkey. For the rice, use quinoa or cooked lentils if your dog is sensitive to grains.

Total Estimated Cost: $20.60

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this recipe is surprisingly easy, even if you’ve never cooked for your dog before. Just follow these simple steps.

• Start by preparing the base: Steam or boil the sweet potato until fork-tender, then mash it lightly.
• Cook the salmon: You can bake, steam, or pan-sear the salmon fillets until they flake easily. No need to add salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
• Once cooked, let the salmon cool slightly, then shred it into small pieces. Be careful to check for any tiny bones, even if you bought fillets.
• While the salmon cools, cook the brown rice according to the package directions.
• In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped carrots and turmeric. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
• Add the frozen peas. Cook for another 3 minutes until they are bright green and warmed through.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Now, stir in the cooked brown rice, the mashed sweet potato, and the shredded salmon.
• Mix everything thoroughly until it is evenly combined.
• Stir in the fresh parsley and the optional canine multivitamin powder, making sure it’s distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
• Let the food cool completely before storing or serving.

Feeding Guidelines

Every dog is different, so how much you feed depends entirely on their individual needs. Always talk to your vet before making a major change to your dog’s diet.

• Small Dogs (10-20 lbs): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, split into two meals.
• Medium Dogs (30-50 lbs): Feed about 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Large Dogs (60-80 lbs): Feed about 3 to 4 cups per day, split into two meals.
• Activity Level Adjustments: Highly active dogs might need 25-50% more volume. Less active, senior, or overweight dogs will need less.
• Puppies and Nursing Dogs: Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs have higher nutritional demands, especially for calcium and specific minerals. This recipe, even with a supplement, might not be balanced enough for these life stages. Consult a veterinary nutritionist for specific puppy formulations.
• Mixing: Many owners mix this with their dog’s regular kibble to transition them slowly or to make the kibble more appealing. Start with 75% kibble and 25% homemade, increasing the ratio over two weeks.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

This recipe provides a balanced mix of macro and micronutrients essential for adult dog health. We chose these specific ingredients for their high nutritional value.

• Salmon: An excellent source of high-quality protein and the superstar Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These fats are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and maintaining a glossy coat and healthy skin.
• Sweet Potato: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is packed with Vitamin A, which supports eye health, and Vitamin C, which supports the immune system. It also contains essential dietary fiber.
• Brown Rice: A highly digestible complex carb that offers energy and B vitamins, making it easier on sensitive stomachs than simple grains.
• Peas and Carrots: Great sources of fiber and essential vitamins like K (peas) and Beta-Carotene (carrots). Fiber helps regulate digestion and keep things moving smoothly.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit joints and overall mobility.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is important since this food contains fresh, perishable ingredients. Never leave homemade food out for more than two hours.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the food in individual serving sizes. Use freezer-safe bags or containers and it will last for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds. Warming it up can make the flavors more appealing.
• Serving: You can serve this food by itself as a complete meal or use it as a flavorful topper mixed into their daily kibble.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but make sure it is packed in water, not oil, and has no added salt or seasoning. Drain and rinse the canned salmon thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.

Is brown rice necessary, or can I use white rice?

Brown rice is better because it contains more fiber and B vitamins than white rice. White rice is okay if your dog is recovering from a stomach upset, but for daily nutrition, stick to brown rice or quinoa.

Do I really need to add a supplement?

Homemade diets are often deficient in key minerals like Calcium, Zinc, and essential vitamins, even when using great ingredients. Adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin or mineral powder ensures the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced long-term. This is highly recommended.

Wrapping Up

Switching to this homemade salmon and pea recipe is a simple way to boost your dog’s health, giving them better skin, a shinier coat, and happier digestion. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!