Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Bright & Herbal

A gently cooked, vet-aware homemade dog food with turkey, sweet potato, and a pop of parsley and basil. Fresh, simple, and freezer friendly for busy weeks. Best used as a topper or short-term rotation unless a veterinary nutritionist balances it for long-term daily feeding.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A real photograph of a glass bowl filled with homemade dog food made with ground turkey, sweet potato, peas, and chopped parsley on a bright kitchen counter
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If your dog could text you, they would probably ask for two things: dinner earlier and something that smells like you actually tried. This Bright & Herbal bowl is my answer to that second request. It is a simple, gently cooked mix of lean protein, cozy carbs, and a little green freshness that makes the whole bowl smell clean and appetizing.

We keep ingredients accessible and the instructions low drama. The herbs here are not a “wellness flex.” They are used in small, dog-safe amounts for aroma and a little brightness. You still get the reliable foundation: protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a measured amount of healthy fat. If you are new to homemade dog food, this is a friendly place to start. And yes, nutrition matters.

Important note: Homemade dog food can be a great option, but dogs have specific nutrient needs. This recipe is designed as a wholesome home-cooked meal that works well as a topper or short-term rotation, but it is not a complete-and-balanced diet as written. If your pup is a puppy, pregnant, senior, has kidney disease, pancreatitis, allergies, or other medical needs, check with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before switching.

A real photograph of a medium-sized dog sitting patiently in a kitchen while a bowl of homemade dog food cools on the counter

Why It Works

  • Bright but gentle flavor: A little parsley and basil make the bowl smell fresh without relying on salt, onion, or garlic.
  • Easy-to-digest staples (for many dogs): Turkey and sweet potato are simple, common ingredients many dogs tolerate well. Introduce gradually, especially if your dog is sensitive to peas or higher fiber.
  • Soft, mixable texture: Tender turkey, mashable sweet potato, and well-cooked veggies come together in a bowl that is easy to stir and scoop.
  • Batchable: One cook session sets you up for several meals, with freezer portions that thaw fast.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Cool fast, store smart. Spread the cooked food on a sheet pan or in a wide bowl so it cools quickly, then refrigerate.

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Portion into freezer containers or silicone molds, then freeze up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.
  • Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge, or place a sealed container in cool water to speed it up.
  • Serving: Serve at room temperature or gently warm it. If you warm it, do a quick finger test so it is not hot.

Food safety note: Toss any portion that has been sitting out for over 2 hours (or 1 hour in very warm weather).

Common Questions

Are parsley and basil safe for dogs?

In small culinary amounts, fresh curly parsley or Italian flat-leaf parsley and basil are generally considered dog-safe for most healthy adult dogs. Keep it modest because too much plant material can cause tummy upset. Avoid parsley essential oils and avoid any herb blends that include onion or garlic. If your dog is pregnant, has kidney issues, or you are unsure, check with your vet.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use less because dried herbs are more concentrated. Swap 1 tablespoon fresh for about 1 teaspoon dried. For this recipe, that means using a pinch to a small sprinkle, then watching how your dog tolerates it.

Can I replace turkey with another protein?

Totally. Lean ground chicken works well. If your dog needs a different option, lean beef can work too, but it is often richer. If your dog has had pancreatitis or needs low-fat meals, choose extra-lean meat, skip the olive oil, and ask your vet for guidance.

How much should I feed?

Feeding needs vary by size, age, activity, and whether your dog is also eating kibble. A common starting point for adult dogs is about 2 to 3% of body weight per day, split into meals, but that is a rough heuristic, not a rule. The most useful tools are your dog’s body condition score, stool quality, and your vet’s guidance. If you are using this as a topper, many people start around 10 to 25% of the daily calories and adjust slowly.

If you are switching from kibble, transition slowly over 5 to 7 days. If loose stool, vomiting, itching, or gassiness shows up and does not settle quickly, pause and check in with your vet.

Is this recipe complete and balanced?

As written, no. It is designed as a wholesome home-cooked meal that works well as a topper or short-term rotation. Dogs need the right calcium to phosphorus balance plus specific vitamins and minerals, and that is hard to hit consistently without a formulated plan. If you want to feed homemade as the main diet long-term, ask your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for a complete-and-balanced recipe (usually including a precise calcium source and a vitamin and mineral plan).

Can I add supplements?

Do not add calcium, fish oil, or multivitamins unless you have a plan from your vet or a veterinary nutritionist. Dogs need the right calcium to phosphorus balance, and it is easy to overdo supplements. If you are feeding homemade long-term, professional formulation is the gold standard.

What should I never add to homemade dog food?

Skip onion, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, xylitol, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and heavily salted seasonings. Also avoid cooked bones.

My dog gets gassy with peas. What can I do?

Some dogs are sensitive to peas and other legumes. If your dog gets gassy or has soft stool, reduce the peas, swap in a different dog-safe vegetable they tolerate (like green beans), and introduce changes gradually.

The first time I made a “bright” dog bowl on purpose, it was because I realized I was cooking my own dinner with herbs and fresh stuff and serving my dog something that looked like it came from a beige factory. Not judging, just noticing. So I started playing with tiny amounts of dog-safe herbs and a little freshness from ingredients like parsley. The result was this bowl: cozy enough to feel like comfort food, but with a clean, herby smell that makes you think, yeah, I would eat that too. My favorite part is how easy it is to batch and freeze, because the only thing more relentless than a dinner rush is a hungry dog who knows you own a kitchen.