10 Homemade Instant Pot Dog Food Recipes That Take Less Time Than a Walk

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.

We know that feeding your furry friend can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when you’re juggling a busy life.

That’s why we’ve rounded up these Instant Pot dog food recipes that are both nutritious and ridiculously easy to make.

Think of it as meal prep, but for your four-legged sous chef.

Whether you’re tired of mysterious ingredients in commercial dog food or just want to show extra love through home cooking, we’ve got your back (and your pup’s belly).

Note: Always consult with a veterinarian before switching to homemade dog food to ensure recipes meet your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

1. Basic Chicken and Rice Blend

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 sweet potato, cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 12 minutes
• Natural release for 10 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Optional add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon fish oil for omega-3s
• Calcium powder (as recommended by your vet)

2. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs lean ground beef (80/20)
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instant Pot settings:

• Sauté function for browning beef
• Manual high pressure for 15 minutes
• Quick release

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g

Optional add-ins:

• Fish oil capsule for omega-3s
• Calcium powder (as recommended by your vet)
• Vitamin E supplement
• Glucosamine for joint health

3. Turkey and Vegetable Medley

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs ground turkey
• 2 cups brown rice
• 2 zucchini, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup spinach
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 10 minutes
• Natural release for 5 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

Optional add-ins:

• Glucosamine supplement for joint health
• Probiotic powder for gut health

4. Fish and Brown Rice Bowl

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs white fish (cod or haddock)
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 sweet potato, cubed
• 4 cups water or fish stock

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 8 minutes
• Quick release

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g

Optional add-ins:

• Seaweed powder for additional minerals
• Vitamin E supplement

5. Lamb and Quinoa Mix

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs ground lamb
• 2 cups quinoa
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 apple, diced
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 12 minutes
• Natural release for 8 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Optional add-ins:

• Turmeric powder for anti-inflammatory benefits
• Coconut oil for healthy fats

6. Organ Meat Special

What you’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef liver
• 1 lb beef heart
• 2 cups white rice
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 15 minutes
• Natural release for 10 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/3 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily (due to richness)

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Iron: 15mg

Optional add-ins:

• Vitamin B complex
• Bone meal powder for calcium

7. Pork and Pumpkin Dinner

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs lean ground pork
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 12 minutes
• Natural release for 8 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 5g

Optional add-ins:

• Digestive enzymes
• Ginger powder for digestion

8. Vegetarian Dog Food Option

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups lentils
• 2 cups quinoa
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 1 cup spinach
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 10 minutes
• Natural release for 5 minutes

Portion size:

• 3/4 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed twice daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 8g

Optional add-ins:

• Plant-based protein powder
• Nutritional yeast for B vitamins

9. Senior Dog Formula

What you’ll need:

• 2 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 cup white rice (easier to digest)
• 1 sweet potato, mashed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 10 minutes
• Natural release for 10 minutes

Portion size:

• 1/3 cup per 15 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed 3 smaller meals daily

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g

Optional add-ins:

• Glucosamine/chondroitin supplement
• Fish oil for joint health
• Vitamin E for cognitive function

10. Puppy Growth Recipe

What you’ll need:

• 2 lbs ground chicken
• 1 lb salmon
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup sweet potato, mashed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas)
• 4 cups water

Instant Pot settings:

• Manual high pressure for 12 minutes
• Natural release for 8 minutes

Portion size:

• 3/4 cup per 10 lbs of body weight per meal
• Feed 3-4 times daily for puppies under 6 months
• Feed 2-3 times daily for puppies over 6 months

Storage:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

Nutritional info (per cup):

• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• DHA: 500mg

Optional add-ins:

• Calcium supplement (as directed by vet)
• Puppy multivitamin
• Probiotics for developing gut health

Final Tips:

1. Always transition gradually to new food over 7-10 days.
2. Monitor your dog’s weight and energy levels when switching to homemade food.
3. Consider rotating between 2-3 recipes to ensure varied nutrition.
4. Always cool food to room temperature before serving.
5. Use airtight containers for storage.
6. Label containers with date and recipe name.
7. Consider your dog’s specific needs (allergies, health conditions) when choosing recipes.