Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Small Dogs Using Cod & White Potato

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.

Are​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you tired of watching your little dog refuse to eat kibble? Or maybe you’re concerned about what’s really in their store-bought food?

It’s hard to be sure that they are getting what they need, especially with all the recalls and mysterious labels.

But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that complicated to feed them properly. That is the reason this recipe is available to help ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌you out!

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: A gentle, digestible, and nutrient-rich meal specially formulated for small dogs, ideal for sensitive stomachs.
• Benefits: High-quality protein, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, and key vitamins and minerals in a tasty package.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 small dog servings (about 1.5-2 cups total volume).

Ingredients List

• 1 lb fresh cod fillets (skinless, boneless) – Estimated cost: $8-12
• 2 medium white potatoes (about 1 lb total) – Estimated cost: $1.50-2.50
• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and chopped – Estimated cost: $1.50-2.00
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and finely diced – Estimated cost: $0.50-1.00
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin) – Estimated cost: $0.20
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric – Estimated cost: $0.05
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – Estimated cost: $0.75
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (check ingredients for dog-safe only) – Estimated cost: $0.50
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dog-specific multivitamin and mineral supplement (ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size/needs) – Estimated cost: $0.30 (per serving)

Total Estimated Cost: $13.50 – $19.30 (excluding optional supplement)

Substitutions:

• Cod: You can use other lean white fish like tilapia or pollock.
• White Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good alternative, just ensure to adjust cooking time if needed.
• Green Beans: Peas or spinach can be swapped in for similar nutritional benefits.
• Carrots: Small amounts of zucchini work too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you like, but leaving the skin on adds more fiber.
• Dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Place the diced potatoes into a pot and cover them with water.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the cod. Cut the fillets into 1-inch pieces.
• Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced carrots and chopped green beans to the skillet.
• Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften.
• Add the cod pieces and turmeric to the skillet.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently breaking up the fish with a spoon, until it’s opaque and flakes easily.
• Drain the cooked potatoes and add them to the skillet with the cod and vegetables.
• Pour in the low-sodium broth and stir everything together.
• Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
• Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
• If you’re using a dog-specific multivitamin and mineral supplement, mix it in now after the food has cooled slightly.
• Allow the food to cool completely before serving to your dog.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (5-10 lbs): Serve about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• Small-medium dogs (10-20 lbs): Offer about 1/2 to 1 cup per day, divided into two meals.
• These are just starting points, and you might need to adjust based on your dog’s activity level.
• Active dogs might need a bit more, while less active dogs might need less to maintain a healthy weight.
• Puppies, senior dogs, and pregnant/nursing dogs have different nutritional needs.
• For example, puppies need more calories and protein for growth, while seniors might need fewer calories but still require high-quality protein.
• Always talk to your vet before making big changes to your dog’s diet, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues.
• They can give you personalized advice for your dog.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Cod: This is a lean, high-quality protein source. It provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and overall health without a lot of fat. It’s also easy to digest, which is good for sensitive stomachs.
• White Potatoes: These offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They’re also a good source of potassium and Vitamin C.
• Green Beans: Full of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps your dog feeling full. They also provide vitamins K, C, and A.
• Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, good for vision and immune health. They also add fiber.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, including Omega-6, good for skin and coat health.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with joint health.
• Parsley: A natural breath freshener and a good source of vitamins K and C, and antioxidants.
• The balance of ingredients here aims for around 12-15% protein, 6-8% fat, and 45-50% complex carbs and fiber, which is suitable for adult dogs.
• For complete nutritional adequacy, especially for long-term feeding, consider adding a vet-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once cooled, transfer the homemade dog food to an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Frozen food is good for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm them in the microwave.
• Always check that the food isn’t too hot before serving it.
• You can serve this meal warm, at room temperature, or even mixed with a bit of their regular kibble to help them transition to the new food.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe scales well. Just make sure to portion it out before freezing for easy serving.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

While the ingredients are safe, puppies have higher caloric and specific nutrient needs for growth. You should talk to your vet to ensure this recipe meets all their developmental requirements, possibly with added supplements.

What if my dog doesn’t like fish?

You can try substituting the cod with lean ground turkey or chicken. Make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and unseasoned.

Do I need to add any supplements?

For a balanced, complete diet when feeding homemade food long-term, it’s often a good idea to add a veterinarian-approved canine multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure all nutritional bases are covered. Talk to your vet about this.

My dog has a sensitive stomach, is this safe?

Yes, cod and white potatoes are generally considered gentle on the stomach. The simple ingredients and lean protein make it a good option, but always introduce new foods slowly.

Wrapping Up

Giving your small dog this homemade cod and white potato meal is a great way to show love. It’s packed with good stuff, easy to digest, and made by you. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!