Protein, organs, omega-3s, whole grains, seasonal vegetables, anti-inflammatory superfoods and joint-supporting bone broth — all in one complete bowl. Built for real nutrition, not shortcuts.
This bowl suits most healthy adult dogs — but a handful of breeds carry genetic traits that make one or two ingredients a concern. Check your breed before serving.
The vast majority of healthy adult dogs can enjoy this recipe as written — including German Shepherds, Border Collies, Standard Poodles, Huskies, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, Rottweilers, Vizslas, Weimaraners and most mixed breeds.
Dalmatians — This recipe contains multiple high-purine ingredients: liver, sardines, hearts, beans and shiitake mushrooms. Dalmatians carry a unique genetic mutation (SLC2A9) that prevents them from processing purines normally, causing urate crystals and bladder stones. They need a specifically low-purine diet — this recipe is not suitable even in modified form.
Read the Dalmatian Diet Guide →This bowl was designed around one idea: every ingredient earns its place. There is no filler here. Each of the 20 ingredients contributes something distinct — a nutrient, an anti-inflammatory compound, a fibre source, or a mineral your dog's body genuinely needs. The result is one of the most complete whole-food meals you can make at home.
Meat, organs, eggs and sardines deliver all essential amino acids
Bone broth, hearts and anti-inflammatory ginger protect joint health
Sardines plus cold-added fish oil for EPA and DHA every meal
Pumpkin, oats, bone broth and fibre-rich veg support the microbiome
Use the tabs below to see exact gram amounts for your dog's size. Feed once or twice daily — if feeding twice, split the amounts shown in half.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥩 Proteins | ||
| Meat (chicken, beef, turkey or lamb) | 60 g | Cook through; no seasoning |
| Sardines (canned in water, drained) | 18 g | ~¼ of a small can |
| Chicken or beef liver | 12 g | Max 5% of total meal — do not exceed |
| Chicken or beef hearts | 12 g | Great taurine source |
| Whole egg | ½ egg (~25 g) | Scrambled or soft boiled |
| 🌾 Grains (choose one or alternate) | ||
| Quinoa (cooked) OR rolled oats (cooked) | 18 g | Cooked weight; rinse quinoa well |
| 🥕 Vegetables | ||
| Sweet potato (cooked, mashed or cubed) | 18 g | No skin needed |
| Pumpkin (steamed or pureed) | 12 g | Plain, not pie filling |
| Carrots (grated or finely chopped) | 10 g | Can serve raw for dental benefit |
| Broccoli (lightly steamed) | 8 g | Keep to max 10% of bowl |
| Beans (cooked, any variety) | 8 g | Use sparingly; fully cooked |
| Zucchini or melon (your choice) | 8 g | Zucchini: any time; Melon: remove seeds |
| Shiitake mushroom (cooked) | 6 g | Always cook — never serve raw |
| ✨ Superfoods & Supplements | ||
| Eggshell powder | ¼ tsp | Calcium to balance phosphorus |
| Kelp powder | pinch | Iodine source; tiny amount only |
| Turmeric | ⅛ tsp | Always pair with black pepper |
| Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger powder | pinch | Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory |
| Black pepper | tiny pinch | Activates turmeric — essential |
| Coconut oil | ½ tsp | Add to cooking or stir in |
| 🍵 Liquids | ||
| Bone broth (unsalted, no onion/garlic) | 30 ml | Pour over finished bowl |
| Sardine or salmon oil COLD | ¼ tsp | Drizzle AFTER cooking — never heat |
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥩 Proteins | ||
| Meat (chicken, beef, turkey or lamb) | 130 g | Cook through; no seasoning |
| Sardines (canned in water, drained) | 35 g | About half a small can |
| Chicken or beef liver | 25 g | Max 5% of total meal — do not exceed |
| Chicken or beef hearts | 25 g | Great taurine source |
| Whole egg | 1 egg (~50 g) | Scrambled or soft boiled |
| 🌾 Grains (choose one or alternate) | ||
| Quinoa (cooked) OR rolled oats (cooked) | 35 g | Cooked weight; rinse quinoa well |
| 🥕 Vegetables | ||
| Sweet potato (cooked, mashed or cubed) | 35 g | No skin needed |
| Pumpkin (steamed or pureed) | 25 g | Plain, not pie filling |
| Carrots (grated or finely chopped) | 20 g | Can serve raw for dental benefit |
| Broccoli (lightly steamed) | 15 g | Keep to max 10% of bowl |
| Beans (cooked, any variety) | 15 g | Use sparingly; fully cooked |
| Zucchini or melon (your choice) | 15 g | Zucchini: any time; Melon: remove seeds |
| Shiitake mushroom (cooked) | 12 g | Always cook — never serve raw |
| ✨ Superfoods & Supplements | ||
| Eggshell powder | ½ tsp | Calcium to balance phosphorus |
| Kelp powder | ⅛ tsp | Iodine source; tiny amount only |
| Turmeric | ¼ tsp | Always pair with black pepper |
| Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger powder | ¼ tsp | Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory |
| Black pepper | tiny pinch | Activates turmeric — essential |
| Coconut oil | 1 tsp | Add to cooking or stir in |
| 🍵 Liquids | ||
| Bone broth (unsalted, no onion/garlic) | 60 ml | Pour over finished bowl |
| Sardine or salmon oil COLD | ½ tsp | Drizzle AFTER cooking — never heat |
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥩 Proteins | ||
| Meat (chicken, beef, turkey or lamb) | 220 g | Cook through; no seasoning |
| Sardines (canned in water, drained) | 55 g | About 1 small can |
| Chicken or beef liver | 40 g | Max 5% of total meal — do not exceed |
| Chicken or beef hearts | 40 g | Great taurine source |
| Whole egg | 1½ eggs (~75 g) | Scrambled or soft boiled |
| 🌾 Grains (choose one or alternate) | ||
| Quinoa (cooked) OR rolled oats (cooked) | 55 g | Cooked weight; rinse quinoa well |
| 🥕 Vegetables | ||
| Sweet potato (cooked, mashed or cubed) | 55 g | No skin needed |
| Pumpkin (steamed or pureed) | 40 g | Plain, not pie filling |
| Carrots (grated or finely chopped) | 30 g | Can serve raw for dental benefit |
| Broccoli (lightly steamed) | 24 g | Keep to max 10% of bowl |
| Beans (cooked, any variety) | 24 g | Use sparingly; fully cooked |
| Zucchini or melon (your choice) | 24 g | Zucchini: any time; Melon: remove seeds |
| Shiitake mushroom (cooked) | 18 g | Always cook — never serve raw |
| ✨ Superfoods & Supplements | ||
| Eggshell powder | ¾ tsp | Calcium to balance phosphorus |
| Kelp powder | ⅛ tsp | Iodine source; tiny amount only |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp | Always pair with black pepper |
| Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger powder | ¼ tsp | Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory |
| Black pepper | tiny pinch | Activates turmeric — essential |
| Coconut oil | 1½ tsp | Add to cooking or stir in |
| 🍵 Liquids | ||
| Bone broth (unsalted, no onion/garlic) | 90 ml | Pour over finished bowl |
| Sardine or salmon oil COLD | 1 tsp | Drizzle AFTER cooking — never heat |
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥩 Proteins | ||
| Meat (chicken, beef, turkey or lamb) | 300 g | Cook through; no seasoning |
| Sardines (canned in water, drained) | 75 g | About 1–1½ cans |
| Chicken or beef liver | 55 g | Max 5% of total meal — do not exceed |
| Chicken or beef hearts | 55 g | Great taurine source |
| Whole egg | 2 eggs (~100 g) | Scrambled or soft boiled |
| 🌾 Grains (choose one or alternate) | ||
| Quinoa (cooked) OR rolled oats (cooked) | 75 g | Cooked weight; rinse quinoa well |
| 🥕 Vegetables | ||
| Sweet potato (cooked, mashed or cubed) | 75 g | No skin needed |
| Pumpkin (steamed or pureed) | 55 g | Plain, not pie filling |
| Carrots (grated or finely chopped) | 42 g | Can serve raw for dental benefit |
| Broccoli (lightly steamed) | 35 g | Keep to max 10% of bowl |
| Beans (cooked, any variety) | 35 g | Use sparingly; fully cooked |
| Zucchini or melon (your choice) | 35 g | Zucchini: any time; Melon: remove seeds |
| Shiitake mushroom (cooked) | 25 g | Always cook — never serve raw |
| ✨ Superfoods & Supplements | ||
| Eggshell powder | 1 tsp | Calcium to balance phosphorus |
| Kelp powder | ¼ tsp | Iodine source; tiny amount only |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp | Always pair with black pepper |
| Fresh ginger (grated) or ginger powder | ½ tsp | Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory |
| Black pepper | tiny pinch | Activates turmeric — essential |
| Coconut oil | 2 tsp | Add to cooking or stir in |
| 🍵 Liquids | ||
| Bone broth (unsalted, no onion/garlic) | 130 ml | Pour over finished bowl |
| Sardine or salmon oil COLD | 1½ tsp | Drizzle AFTER cooking — never heat |
The protein base of every bowl. Provides all essential amino acids for muscle maintenance, immune function and coat health. Rotate proteins to avoid sensitivities and ensure a broader mineral range.
One of the densest whole-food sources of EPA and DHA omega-3s available. Reduces inflammation, supports brain function, joint mobility and gives coats that glass-like shine. Whole sardines also provide calcium from their soft bones.
Nature's multivitamin. Gram for gram, liver contains more nutrients than almost any other food — including iron, copper, CoQ10 and a full B-vitamin complex. Powerful immune booster. Serve in small amounts: too much vitamin A over time causes toxicity.
⚠️ Cap at 5% of total meal weight
Heart muscle is the single richest dietary source of taurine — an amino acid essential for healthy heart function. Taurine deficiency has been directly linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Hearts also provide Co-Enzyme Q10 for cellular energy.
Eggs have the highest biological value protein of any whole food, meaning the body uses the amino acids extremely efficiently. They also supply choline for brain health, selenium for thyroid support, and biotin for healthy skin and coat.
Homemade meals are naturally high in phosphorus from meat and organs. Eggshell powder provides bioavailable calcium carbonate to restore the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (around 1.2:1). Dried and ground eggshells are the easiest homemade calcium source.
One of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids. Adds gluten-free carbohydrates, sustained energy, and a range of B vitamins. Always rinse before cooking to remove saponins, which can irritate sensitive stomachs.
Beta-glucan in oats feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports immune function. Oats are one of the gentlest grains for dogs with sensitive stomachs and provide slow-release energy without spiking blood sugar. Serve cooked and plain.
Rich in beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A), sweet potato supports eye health, immune function and skin repair. It provides slow-release complex carbohydrates for sustained energy without the blood sugar spike of white potato.
Pumpkin is one of the most versatile digestive aids for dogs. The soluble fibre absorbs excess water to firm loose stools, while the insoluble fibre adds bulk to help with constipation. It also provides beta-carotene and potassium.
A great source of beta-carotene, vitamin K1 and antioxidants. When served raw, carrots provide a satisfying crunch that naturally cleans teeth. When cooked, the nutrients become more bioavailable. A win either way.
Sulforaphane is one of the most studied anti-cancer plant compounds. Broccoli also provides vitamin K for blood clotting and folate for cell repair. Serve lightly steamed — raw broccoli is harder to digest and contains more goitrogenic compounds.
⚠️ Keep to max 10% of bowl — can cause GI irritation in larger amounts
Beans add plant-based protein, fibre and iron. Must be fully cooked — raw or undercooked beans contain lectins that cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep beans to a small portion of the overall meal given ongoing DCM (heart disease) research in dogs fed high-legume diets.
Zucchini is almost entirely water, making it ideal for hydration and very low in calories — excellent for dogs who need weight management. Melon (cantaloupe or honeydew) offers natural sweetness, vitamin A and antioxidants. Remove all seeds from melon before serving.
Shiitake contains beta-glucans that modulate (not just stimulate) the immune system, lentinan with anti-tumour properties, eritadenine for heart health, and B vitamins including B6 and folate. Always serve cooked — raw shiitake can cause a rare skin rash in sensitive dogs.
The primary dietary source of iodine for homemade diets. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which governs metabolism, energy and weight. Kelp also provides iron, zinc and magnesium. Use a very small pinch — too much iodine disrupts the same thyroid it is meant to support.
Curcumin in turmeric is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds studied in veterinary research. It supports joint pain, liver detox and cancer prevention. The catch: curcumin is barely absorbed without piperine from black pepper. Always add both together — the combination increases absorption by up to 2,000%.
Ginger's gingerols and shogaols reduce nausea, ease bloating and gas, and provide potent anti-inflammatory action on joints. Particularly useful for large and giant breeds prone to bloat. Use fresh grated ginger for the most active compounds, or a pinch of ground ginger as an alternative.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are rapidly metabolised for energy and have antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid specifically targets harmful bacteria, yeasts and viruses. Coconut oil also adds a glossy coat and supports skin health. Keep to the recommended amounts — it is high in saturated fat and can trigger digestive upset in large quantities.
Long-simmered bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, and glycine for gut lining repair and liver detox. The glycine also supports deep sleep in dogs with anxiety. Always make homemade or verify the label — store-bought broths almost always contain onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Fish oil is the insurance policy for omega-3s. Even if you cook sardines in the bowl, heat oxidises some of the DHA and EPA. A cold drizzle of fish oil after cooking ensures your dog gets a full therapeutic dose of omega-3s at every meal. Refrigerate after opening and use within 4–6 weeks.
Lightly cook your chosen meat, liver and hearts in a pan with a little water or coconut oil — no seasoning, no oil spray, no salt. You want everything cooked through but not dry. Scramble or soft-boil the egg separately. Leave sardines as they are (canned in water, drained) — they are already cooked.
💡 Tip: dice liver and hearts into small pieces before cooking so they cook evenly with the meat.Steam or boil sweet potato and pumpkin until soft. Lightly steam broccoli, shiitake mushroom and beans. Grate or finely chop carrots (can be served raw). Cook quinoa or oats according to package directions — rinse quinoa first. Zucchini and melon can be served raw or lightly steamed.
While the food is still warm (not hot), stir in turmeric, black pepper, ginger, kelp powder, coconut oil and eggshell powder. Stirring them in while warm helps them mix evenly through the food.
⚠️ Do not add fish oil yet — heat destroys omega-3s.Mix all cooked proteins, vegetables, grains and supplements together in a large bowl. Aim for an even distribution so every serving has a bit of everything. Portion into individual serving containers if batch cooking.
Pour the bone broth over the assembled bowl just before serving. Then — once the food has cooled to room temperature — drizzle the fish oil on top. This is the most important step: never heat fish oil. Omega-3s oxidise rapidly above 40°C and lose their benefit entirely.
💡 If batch cooking, add fish oil only to individual portions at serving time — not to the whole batch.Batch cook 3–5 days of meals at once and refrigerate in airtight containers. This bowl stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Add fish oil fresh at each serving, never to the stored batch.
Some dogs refuse a bowl — but go crazy for a crunchy treat. Spread this recipe thin, bake it crispy, and watch even the fussiest dog clean the plate. We explain exactly how.
Read the Baking Guide →