I still remember when Ethan’s stomach flared up after a store-bought kibble — red ears, soft stools, restless nights. That’s when our vet suggested trying a limited ingredient recipe. One protein, one carb, no extras. Simple, predictable, and far gentler for his tummy. Today I’m sharing our go-to homemade version that has kept him wagging and thriving.

Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Turkey breast | 1 cup, cooked & shredded | Lean, gentle protein source |
Sweet potato | 1 cup, mashed | Digestible carb, fiber for stool health |
Carrot | 1/2 cup, steamed & diced | Vitamins A & C, supports immune health |
Olive oil | 1 tsp | Healthy fats for coat shine |
Parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped | Freshness + natural breath support |

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the turkey breast until tender, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Tip: Always cook protein thoroughly to avoid bacterial risk.
Step 2: Steam or boil the sweet potato and carrot until soft, then mash or dice. This keeps the fiber gentle for sensitive digestion.
Step 3: Mix turkey, sweet potato, and carrot in a clean bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle parsley for balance.
Step 4: Serve warm (not hot). Portion by weight — see below for guidance.
Why Limited Ingredients Matter
A limited ingredient diet means fewer variables and less chance of triggering allergies. Typically it’s just one protein and one carb, like turkey and sweet potato. This makes it easier to identify what works for your dog. If your pup struggles with diarrhea, our Dog Food for Diarrhea guide can help. For broader allergy-safe picks, check our Dog Food for Allergies hub.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx.)
Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
---|---|---|
45% | 20% | 35% |
These numbers are approximate and will vary by cooking method. Always consult your vet if planning long-term homemade diets.
Serving Sizes
Feed about 2–3% of body weight per day, split into two meals. Puppies and active dogs may need more. Seniors may need less. Always adjust based on energy and stool quality. For safe transitions, see our Food Transition Guide.

Storage Tips
Refrigerate portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2–3 weeks. Tip: Divide into daily portions before freezing for easy meal prep.
My Dog’s Reaction
Ethan was skeptical at first sniff, but once he tasted the warm turkey-sweet potato mix, he polished the bowl clean. No scratching, no loose stools, and the next morning he bounced to the kitchen waiting for more. It was a relief to finally see calm digestion paired with tail-wag joy.

FAQ
What makes a dog food “limited ingredient”?
It usually means one protein and one carb, with very few extras. That simplicity helps reduce allergy triggers and keeps digestion predictable.
Which protein and carbs are safest to start with?
Turkey or salmon with sweet potato or rice are common gentle starters. Introduce one change at a time and track results for 7–10 days.
How long until I see improvement?
Most dogs improve within 1–2 weeks if meals are consistent. If not, consult your vet to rule out deeper issues.
Can I mix homemade with kibble?
Yes, just measure carefully and go slow. Start with 25% homemade + 75% kibble, then increase gradually. For gentle store-bought options, check our dry food picks.

Which Dogs Can Eat This?
✅ Great for dogs with mild food allergies, itchy skin, or sensitive stomachs.
❌ Avoid if your dog has multiple protein allergies, advanced kidney disease, or requires a prescription diet.
If you don’t want to cook daily, check our dry food picks — those were Ethan’s daily backups.
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Wrapping It Up
Homemade limited ingredient dog food is one of the calmest ways to manage food sensitivities. It keeps things simple, helps you spot triggers, and makes mealtime predictable again. Thanks for reading — and if your pup tries this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Share your story in the comments or save this on Pinterest to revisit anytime.
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- Steaming pot or saucepan
- – Mixing bowl
- Airtight containers for storage
- 1 cup turkey breast cooked & shredded
- 1 cup sweet potato mashed
- 1/2 cup carrot steamed & diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped
- Cook turkey thoroughly and shred into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Steam or boil sweet potato and carrot until soft; mash or dice.
- Mix turkey, sweet potato, and carrot in a clean bowl.
- Add olive oil and parsley, then stir gently.
- Serve warm (not hot). Portion based on your dog’s weight.
• Feed about 2–3% of body weight daily.
• Always consult your vet before long-term diet changes.