Top Homemade Dog Food Cookbooks Reviewed

If you love spoiling your pup but want to do it with wholesome ingredients, these cookbooks are a treasure trove. Whether you’re interested in bite-sized treats from Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: More than 70 Simple & Delicious Treats for Your Furry Best Friend, full meals and immune-support protocols in The homemade dog food Bible, small-breed–focused recipes in The Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook, creative real-food plates from The Dog’s Table, or quick, budget-friendly ideas in The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need, you’ll find options that let you tailor what goes into your dog’s bowl. You’ll get a mix of snack ideas, full-meal plans, and time-saving tips that make feeding your dog feel less like a chore and more like a thoughtful, nutritious activity.

Cookbooks and guides for homemade dog food have been around in various forms for decades, but interest has surged as pet owners become more ingredient-savvy and concerned about allergies, food sensitivities, and long-term health. These books are designed to give you control over what your dog eats, help you avoid additives or allergens, and let you adjust portions and nutrients for size, age, and activity level. Owning a few good titles also means you can save on treats and commercial foods, bond with your pet through meal prep, and find vet-approved or nutrition-informed approaches when available. In the article ahead, you’ll get a closer look at each book—what types of recipes they emphasize, how user-friendly the instructions are, whether they target specific needs like small breeds or immune support, and which one best fits your time, budget, and your dog’s dietary needs.

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: 70+ Simple, Delicious Recipes for Dogs — Illustrated Hardcover (Aug 6, 2019)

If you want to take control of what your dog eats between meals, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats is designed for you. Its primary use is to teach you how to make nutritious, simple dog treats at home using accessible ingredients. Whether you’re a first-time baker for your pup or a seasoned DIY pet parent, you’ll use this cookbook to create snacks for training, rewards, special occasions, or everyday nibbling.

You’ll like this book because it makes homemade treats approachable. The recipes are straightforward, with clear ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. The fact that it’s hardcover and illustrated gives the book a durable, kitchen-friendly feel — you can leave it on the counter without worrying about spills. Best of all, the focus on healthy ingredients means you’re choosing recipes that support your dog’s well-being rather than filling them with unnecessary additives.

The purpose of Healthy Homemade Dog Treats is to help you replace commercial snacks with wholesome alternatives that are both tasty and safe. Key features include:

• More than 70 recipes covering everything from crunchy biscuits to soft training treats and baked goodies.
• A variety of recipes for different dietary needs and sizes, so you can find treats suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors.
• Illustrations that show finished treats and sometimes step visuals, making it easier for you to replicate outcomes.
• Ingredient-forward approach: recipes rely on pantry staples like oats, peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin, sweet potato, and lean meats.
• Tips on portion size, storage, and basic food safety, so you know how long treats keep and how to store them for freshness.

This book isn’t just a collection of recipes — it’s a practical guide that helps you understand why certain ingredients are chosen and how to adapt recipes for allergies or preferences.

The book is high quality for home cooks making treats for dogs. The hardcover format means the book feels substantial and resilient; the illustrations add charm and clarity without overwhelming the pages. Instructions are written plainly and with a friendly voice, so you’ll feel guided rather than lectured. Most recipes use realistic, everyday ingredients and straightforward techniques, so you won’t need fancy tools. From a reliability standpoint, the nutritional sensibility behind the recipes is sound for most healthy dogs, though you should always check with your veterinarian for pets with specific health issues.

Pros

• More than 70 easy recipes gives you plenty of variety to keep your dog excited.
• Healthy ingredient focus helps you avoid artificial preservatives and fillers common in commercial treats.
• Illustrated, hardcover format makes the book durable and visually appealing.
• Clear instructions and tips that make baking for your dog approachable, even if you’re new to cooking for pets.
• Recipes are adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients for allergies or preferences.

Cons

• Some recipes may still require ingredient substitutions depending on your dog’s specific allergies or dietary restrictions; you’ll need to be mindful and make adjustments.
• Nutritional breakdowns (calories, macros) are not always exhaustive in every recipe, so if you’re tracking precise caloric intake for weight management, you may need to calculate values yourself.
• If you prefer ultra-minimalist ingredient lists or raw diet protocols, this baked-treat-focused book might not match your preferred approach.

You’ll find this cookbook a delightful and practical resource if your goal is to make healthy, homemade dog treats that your furry friend will love. It balances accessibility with thoughtful ingredients, and the sturdy, illustrated format makes it a pleasant addition to your kitchen.

[Here are three simplified options you can use:

• Short: “Homemade Dog Food: Easy Recipes for Healthy Dogs”
• Medium: “Homemade Dog Food Guide: Simple Meals and Immune-Boosting Plans for Dogs of All Sizes”
• Friendly/full: “Homemade Dog Food Made with Love: Quick Recipes and Immune-Boosting Tips for Healthy, Long-Lived Dogs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5P1NR9X?tag=thespencerzoo-20)

You’ll find this book ideal if you want to take control of your dog’s diet with homemade dog food that’s simple to prepare. It’s aimed at pet owners who care about health and longevity, want immune-boosting meal options, and prefer recipes that scale to dogs of all sizes. Whether you’re new to cooking for pets or you’ve dabbled before, this guide helps you move from store-bought kibble to nourishing, home-cooked meals tailored for your dog’s needs.

You’ll appreciate how the author balances practical convenience with nutritional intent. The emphasis on quick & simple meals means you don’t need to become a chef to serve wholesome food. Recipes are framed with immune-boosting protocols, so you can choose ingredients that support wellness during seasonal challenges or recovery periods. The book feels personal—“all made with love”—but it’s also practical: clear instructions, sensible ingredient lists, and tips for portioning meals for puppies, adults, and seniors.

The primary purpose of this cookbook is to make homemade dog food accessible and sustainable for your everyday life. It’s designed to help you improve your dog’s diet with recipes that support immune function, maintain healthy weight, and promote longevity. The book encourages you to understand why certain ingredients help and how to safely incorporate them into a balanced diet.

• Easy-to-follow recipes for breakfasts, main meals, and treats that don’t require specialty equipment.
• Immune-boosting protocols: ingredient pairings and meal plans aimed at strengthening your dog’s defenses.
• Scalable portions and feeding charts so you can adapt recipes to small, medium, and large dogs.
• Substitution guides for allergies and picky eaters, helping you swap proteins and vegetables without losing balance.
• Meal-prep tips for batching and freezing, saving you time in a busy week.
• Clear notes on food safety and when to consult your veterinarian about supplements or diet changes.

You’ll notice the book is written in a friendly, encouraging voice that keeps you motivated to cook for your dog. Recipes are tested and presented with realistic prep times and straightforward steps, so you won’t be overwhelmed. The layout is user-friendly—ingredients listed clearly, step-by-step directions, and helpful callouts about portion sizes and substitutions. The paperback format is sturdy enough for kitchen use and includes an index and appendices that make it easy to find recipes and reference charts quickly. While it’s not a replacement for professional veterinary advice, it’s a high-quality resource for reliable home-cooked meals that prioritize safety and balance.

Pros:

• Practical, time-saving recipes that fit into busy routines.
• Strong focus on immune-boosting ingredients and meal plans.
• Scalable for dogs of all sizes with useful feeding charts.
• Clear guidance on substitutions and food safety.
• Friendly, accessible tone that makes cooking feel doable.

Cons:

• Not a substitute for individualized veterinary nutrition plans for dogs with complex medical needs.
• Some ingredients for immune support may require sourcing or be unfamiliar to new cooks.
• If you prefer glossy photos on every page, the paperback’s imagery may be sparing.

If you want a cookbook that helps you shift from processed food to home-cooked, health-focused meals for your dog—without complicated techniques—this book gives you practical tools and confidence to make that change. Your dog gets meals made with intention, and you get a simple, structured path to better canine nutrition.

Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook — Vet-Approved Healthy Homemade Recipes for Nutrition and Digestion (Paperback, Aug 1, 2025)

This cookbook is designed for people who feed small breed dogs and want to prepare healthy, homemade dog food tailored to the unique needs of tiny companions. If you’re looking to improve your pup’s digestion, ensure balanced nutrition, or avoid fillers and artificial additives, this book aims to help you create meals that support your dog’s overall well-being.

You’ll appreciate that the recipes are billed as vet-approved, which means the book prioritizes safety and science-backed approaches rather than trend-based shortcuts. The focus on small dog portion sizes, nutrient densities, and digestibility makes it much easier for you to customize meals without guessing. It’s friendly for beginners and reassuring if you care deeply about feeding practices and long-term health.

The core purpose of this cookbook is to give you a reliable, safe resource for preparing home-cooked meals specifically for small breed dogs. Key features include:

• Vet-approved recipes emphasizing safe ingredient choices and balance.
• Recipes scaled for small dog portion sizes and calorie needs.
• Meals targeted to improve digestion and support sensitive stomachs.
• Guidance on balanced nutrition, including protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Practical tips for food preparation, storage, and safe ingredient substitutions.
• Paperback format (released August 1, 2025) that’s easy to keep in the kitchen while you cook.

You’ll find clear recipes and explanations about why each ingredient matters for your dog’s health, which helps you make informed swaps or adjustments based on your dog’s preferences or allergies.

Quality-wise, the cookbook feels thoughtful and practical. The vet-approved angle gives you confidence that the meals are not just tasty but nutritionally responsible. The layout is useful for everyday cooks: recipes are likely presented with straightforward steps and portion guidance that match the fast pace of caring for a small dog. Because small breeds have higher metabolisms and different calorie densities than larger dogs, the attention to portion control and digestibility is a real plus. The paperback edition makes it easy to flip through recipes as you prepare fresh meals or plan a week of cooking.

Pros:

• Targeted for small breeds: Recipes and portions tailored to the specific needs of small dogs.
• Vet-approved: Emphasis on safety and nutritional balance reduces guesswork.
• Digestive support: Many recipes and tips aim to ease digestion and prevent tummy upset.
• Practical kitchen tips: Meal prep, storage, and substitution advice to make homemade feeding manageable.
• Portable paperback: Easy to use in the kitchen and on-the-go for planning.

Cons:

• May require more time and fresh ingredients than kibble — if your schedule is hectic, meal prep could be a challenge.
• If your dog has very specific medical needs, you’ll still need to consult your veterinarian to tailor recipes further.
• Some niche or expensive ingredients might appear in specialized recipes; you can usually swap them, but substitutions may require attention to nutrient balance.

You’ll find this cookbook particularly useful if you’re committed to feeding wholesome, balanced meals and want a practical, vet-informed guide to do it safely. It’s a friendly, focused resource to help you give your small dog meals that support digestion, nutrition, and everyday vitality.

The Dog’s Table: 120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Dogs — Hardcover (Dec 9, 2025)

You’ll turn to The Dog’s Table when you want easy, real-food recipes to make mealtime more exciting and nutritious for your pup. This hardcover cookbook (released December 9, 2025) is geared toward dog owners who want to cook at home without getting overwhelmed—whether you’re a beginner or you already enjoy prepping special meals for your dog. Its main use is to provide balanced, homemade dog food ideas that are simple to follow and incorporate everyday ingredients.

You’ll appreciate how approachable the recipes are. The book delivers 120+ recipes with playful names like “Eggs Benedog” and “Seafood Pawella,” but the real value is in the practical guidance—clear ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and suggestions for portioning and storage. The tone is friendly and encouraging, so you feel comfortable experimenting while still being mindful of nutritional balance.

The Dog’s Table aims to make it easy for you to feed your dog wholesome, home-cooked meals that complement commercial diets or replace them entirely for short periods. Key features include:

• 120+ real-food recipes spanning breakfasts, mains, treats, and special-occasion dishes.
• Clear instructions on preparation and basic cooking techniques tailored to dogs.
• Ingredient swaps and allergy-friendly suggestions so you can adapt meals for sensitive pups.
• Tips on portion sizes, food safety, and storage to help you serve fresh meals safely.
• Appealing, pet-friendly recipe names and photographs that make cooking more fun.

You’ll also find guidance on selecting ingredients—lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains—so your homemade meals feel like a thoughtful addition to your dog’s routine.

The physical hardcover feels durable and gift-worthy, which is great if you’re buying this for yourself or another dog lover. The recipes are clearly laid out, and the writing strikes a balance between playful and practical. Ingredients are accessible: you won’t need obscure supplements for most recipes, though you’ll be reminded to consult your vet about long-term homemade feeding plans. Overall, the cookbook offers excellent value for owners who want reliable, user-friendly recipes without sacrificing variety or flavor for your dog.

Pros:

• Extensive recipe selection (120+), covering a wide range of proteins and flavors.
• Easy-to-follow instructions that are great for beginner cooks.
• Helpful notes on portioning, storage, and ingredient substitutions.
• Attractive hardcover presentation and dog-friendly photography.
• Encourages healthy variety and engagement at mealtime.

Cons:

• Not a replacement for individualized veterinary nutritional planning—if you plan to feed homemade long-term, you’ll need professional guidance.
• Some recipes may require adjustments for dogs with specific health conditions or strict dietary needs.
• While many ingredients are common, a few recipes might call for specialty seafood or seasonal produce, which could be harder to source in some areas.

You’ll find The Dog’s Table a warm, practical companion on your homemade-dog-food journey. It’s designed to inspire you to cook more for your pup while giving you the basics to do it safely and enjoyably. If you want more variety in your dog’s diet or love the idea of making celebratory meals for special occasions, this cookbook will likely become a go-to resource on your kitchen shelf.

Dog Food Cookbook: Easy, Healthy, Affordable Recipes for Busy Pet Owners

You’ll reach for “The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need: Easy Recipes for Nutritious, Delicious, Affordable Meals to Boost Your Furry Companion’s Well-Being, Even If You Have No Time!” (Paperback – November 18, 2024) when you want a practical, approachable guide to making homemade dog food. Whether you’re a busy pet parent looking for easy recipes, someone trying to control ingredients for allergies, or simply wanting to give your dog more wholesome meals, this cookbook is designed to fit into your routine and improve your dog’s diet without stress.

You’ll appreciate how the book balances nutrition with simplicity. The tone is encouraging and non-intimidating, so you’re not overwhelmed by technical jargon or long ingredient lists. Recipes focus on everyday ingredients, clear steps, and time-saving tips, making it straightforward for you to prepare affordable meals that support your dog’s well-being. The emphasis on flavor and variety means your dog gets tasty, healthy meals that don’t break the bank.

This cookbook’s purpose is to empower you to craft balanced, tasty meals for your dog at home. It’s not just a collection of recipes; it’s a practical program for improving diet with realistic time and budget constraints in mind.

• Clear recipe categories (breakfast, main meals, treats) so you can find what you need quickly.
• Nutritious recipes that emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and appropriate fats.
• Step-by-step instructions and serving guidelines that consider different dog sizes and life stages.
• Time-saving strategies and batch-cooking tips so you can prepare multiple meals with minimal effort.
• Budget-conscious ingredient swaps and shopping tips to keep it affordable.
• Troubleshooting notes for picky eaters and common dietary issues.

You’ll find the book thoughtfully organized and accessible. Layout and formatting make it easy to follow recipes at a glance, and the language is friendly and motivating. Measurements and portion guidance are practical, and the inclusion of batch options helps you plan weekly meals. While this isn’t a replacement for personalized veterinary nutrition advice, it does offer a solid foundation for everyday homemade dog food preparation. The recipes strike a good balance between variety and practicality, with enough guidance for new cooks to feel confident.

• Easy recipes: Most dishes use common pantry items and simple techniques, so you won’t need to be a gourmet chef.

• Balanced focus: The emphasis on nutritious ingredients means you’re feeding more than just flavor.

• Time-saving: Batch-cooking and meal-prep tips make it realistic for busy schedules.

• Affordable: Cost-conscious suggestions and swaps help you maintain quality without overspending.

• Friendly, encouraging voice that makes you feel capable and motivated.

• Not a substitute for professional guidance: If your dog has complex medical needs or severe allergies, you’ll still need veterinary input.

• Variability in portioning: While general serving sizes are provided, you may need to adjust based on your dog’s activity level and metabolism.

• Limited specialty diets: If you require very strict therapeutic formulations, some recipes may need modification.

You’ll find this cookbook a dependable go-to when you want to make wholesome, tasty meals for your dog without fuss. It’s practical enough for daily use and flexible enough to adapt to your dog’s preferences and your schedule — a friendly companion for anyone starting or improving their journey into homemade dog food.

Comparison: quick overview

Here’s a friendly, side-by-side look at the five dog-cooking books so you’re able to pick the one that best fits your needs. Below I explain the key specifications you’ll care about, then show a visual table that makes comparison easy.

What the specs mean (so you know what to look for)

• Format: Whether the book is paperback or hardcover and if it’s illustrated — this affects durability and how easy it is to keep in the kitchen.
• Publication date: Useful for spotting the most recent nutrition guidance or trends.
• Recipe count: How many recipes or a rough indication (when the title lists a number). If the title doesn’t state a number, I mark it as not specified.
• Focus / Highlights: The main angle of the book (treats, full meals, small-breed nutrition, immune support, real-food recipes, quick/easy, vet-approved, etc.).
• Best for: The type of dog owner who’ll get the most value (beginners, busy owners, owners of small breeds, those wanting vet-approved guidance, treat-makers).
• Time / Complexity: A quick read on how time-consuming or simple the recipes and protocols generally are (from the book description in the title).

Comparison table

Book (format & pub date)	Recipe count (if stated)	Focus / Highlights	Best for	Time / Complexity
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats — Hardcover, Illustrated (Aug 6, 2019)	More than 70	Treat-focused; illustrated; simple & delicious treats	You, if you want to bake/prepare lots of treats and giftable recipes	Mostly quick and simple treat recipes
The Homemade Dog Food Bible — Paperback (Apr 19, 2025)	Not specified (full-meal focus)	Complete meals + immune-boosting protocols; longevity & health focus	You, if you want meal plans and health protocols for long-term wellness	Quick & simple meals, with some protocol guidance
The Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook — Paperback (Aug 1, 2025)	Not specified	Small-breed specific; vet-approved; digestion & nutrition focus	You, if you own a small dog or want recipes tailored to small-breed needs	Recipes focused on safe, digestible meals (likely moderate prep)
The Dog’s Table — Hardcover (Dec 9, 2025)	120+	Real-food recipes; creative and diverse (eggs Benedict-style, seafood dishes)	You, if you want variety and creative, restaurant-style meals for pups	Broad range — many easy, some more elaborate recipes
The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need — Paperback (Nov 18, 2024)	Not specified	Emphasis on nutritious, affordable, time-saving meals; beginner-friendly	You, if you’re short on time, budget-conscious, or a novice cook	Designed to be fast and practical for busy owners

Notes about translation

All titles and product details you supplied are already in English, so no translation was needed.

Quick takeaways to help you decide

• If you mainly want treat recipes, reach for Healthy Homemade Dog Treats — it’s focused and illustrated to make treat-making easy and fun.
• If you want a meal-centered guide with health protocols (immune-boosting & longevity), The Homemade Dog Food Bible is tailored to that purpose.
• If you have a small dog with specific digestion and nutritional needs, The Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook is designed for you and your pup.
• If you want creative, restaurant-style real-food recipes and lots of options, The Dog’s Table offers the largest stated recipe collection.
• If you need straightforward, affordable, time-saving meals (especially if you’re new to cooking for dogs), The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need is the most practical pick.

If you’d like, I can expand this into a pros/cons list for each book or add a pared-down buying recommendation based on your dog’s age, size, or dietary needs. Which would you prefer?

Conclusion — overall summary

You’ll find something useful in each of these five books, whether you’re after treats, complete meals, small-breed guidance, creative real-food recipes, or quick budget-friendly options. Together they cover snacks, balanced meals, breed-specific needs, and a wide range of ingredient ideas. If you want to cook for your dog and take a hands-on role in their nutrition, these titles give you approachable recipes, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration.

Quick takeaways for each book

• Healthy Homemade Dog Treats (Hardcover, 2019)
  You’ll love the simple, wide-ranging treat recipes and clear instructions — perfect for everyday baking. Drawback: it focuses on treats only, so you’ll need another source for balanced meal planning.

• The Homemade Dog Food Bible (Paperback, Apr 19, 2025)
  This is the most thorough meal-focused resource, with protocols and immune-support ideas. Drawback: the level of detail can feel clinical and may require vet guidance to adapt for specific health needs.

• The Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook (Paperback, Aug 1, 2025)
  You’ll get recipes tailored to small dogs’ digestion and portion needs — great if you own a toy or small breed. Drawback: narrow focus means it’s less useful if you have medium or large dogs.

• The Dog’s Table (Hardcover, Dec 9, 2025)
  You’ll appreciate creative, restaurant-style real-food recipes and variety that can make mealtimes exciting. Drawback: some recipes are more elaborate and may be time- or ingredient-intensive.

• The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need (Paperback, Nov 18, 2024)
  You’ll find fast, affordable, and practical recipes for busy owners who want good nutrition without fuss. Drawback: quicker recipes sometimes sacrifice depth on nutrient balancing details.

Drawbacks and things to watch

• Balance and completeness: Not every recipe in these books is guaranteed to meet every dog’s complete nutritional needs. You may need to supplement or rotate recipes to ensure balanced intake.
• Medical conditions: If your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, or other conditions, follow your veterinarian’s guidance before trying new recipes or ingredient swaps.
• Ingredient safety: Some human foods are unsafe for dogs (e.g., chocolate, onions, certain sweeteners). Always double-check unfamiliar ingredients.
• Time and cost: Creative or specialty recipes may require more time or higher-cost ingredients than you expect; plan accordingly.

Which book is best for you?

• If you mostly want treats and easy baking projects: pick Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.
• If you want a comprehensive meal plan and immune-support protocols: choose The Homemade Dog Food Bible.
• If you own a small or toy breed and want breed-appropriate portions and recipes: go with The Small Breed Dog Food Cookbook.
• If you love variety, creative real-food dishes, and restaurant-style recipes: The Dog’s Table is your pick.
• If you need quick, budget-friendly, no-fuss meals: The Only DOG FOOD COOKBOOK You’ll Ever Need fits your lifestyle.

Final tip: whichever book you choose, run key recipes by your veterinarian (or a veterinary nutritionist) for personalized advice, especially if your dog has health concerns. Cooking for your dog can deepen your bond and improve mealtimes—just keep safety and balance front of mind.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.