Homemade meatloaf for dogs with healthy ingredients like lean ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a sprinkle of beneficial herbs, offers an aromatic fusion that will have your canine companion’s taste buds doing the happy dance.
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Why Make Dog Meatloaf
Dog owners are always looking for healthy food and treats for their furry family members. We love them, so we want them to enjoy their meals and snacks.
Human meatloaf has harmful ingredients such as onions, tomato sauce, and salt. That’s why the best thing is to make food and treats for dogs instead of giving them human foods.
Store-bought meatloaf (canned commercial dog food) has extra ingredients like artificial flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives. Homemade dog food can be made with simple, wholesome ingredients and none of that mystery stuff.
Thankfully, this is one of the easiest and healthiest meatloaves you can share with your dog. It’s made with real meat and vegetables and a nice change of pace.
Why This is the Best Meatloaf Recipe for Dogs
This will be one of your favorite dog meatloaf recipes because it’s basically a good homemade meatloaf made with dog-safe ingredients.
It’s so fun to make homemade meals for your furry friend. This one smells so delicious as it bakes that you might forget that it is your dog’s meal! And if you have a picky pup, you can easily add to or swap out ingredients for different flavors. See the ingredient notes below.
Plus, you can see the whole chunks of sweet potatoes and veggies in the cooked meat. It’s a really healthy way to give your dog their dinner.
Dog Meatloaf Ingredients
The entire ingredient list, quantities of each, and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
This simple dog meatloaf is made with common ingredients you can find at any grocery store. If you want to make organic meatloaf you’ll need to use organic ingredients.
First, I want to share some additional information about the ingredients I used in this easy dog meatloaf recipe:
- Lean Ground Beef is a great protein source and is loaded with vitamin B.
- Eggs are a binder for meatloaf and add extra protein.
- Oats are a great source of vitamins and other healthy nutrients plus fiber.
- Sweet Potatoes are a healthy vegetable loaded with beta-carotene and fiber.
- Peas add protein, fiber, and minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc).
- Parsley adds flavor, vitamins, and minerals, and is a natural breath freshener. Be sure to use curly parsley and do not use Italian flat leaf parsley.
Ingredient Notes, Substitutions, and Additions
It’s easy to customize this meatloaf recipe to meet your dog’s specific nutritional needs or tastes. Here are some great options:
- You can use other lean meats such as ground turkey, ground chicken, ground lamb, or ground venison. Lean meat is best, especially for dogs with certain health issues such as pancreatitis or gastrointestinal problems.
- You can also substitute up to half of the ground beef with beef heart or liver.
- You can substitute any dog-safe fresh vegetables for peas and sweet potatoes. Green beans and broccoli are great choices.
- You can substitute or add any dog-safe herbs for the parsley.
- Add a little cheese, about ¼ cup of low fat cheddar, parmesan, or cottage cheese.
- Add some brown rice, about ½ cup.
- Add some cooked or uncooked pasta, from ¼ to ½ cup.
- Add up to ¼ cup of flaxseed meal or wheat germ for extra fiber.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the equipment needed for making this dog meatloaf recipe. Just in case, here are a few of the important ones:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Mini Loaf Pans
How to Make Meatloaf for Dogs
These are the recipe steps and photos of the process of making the meatloaf. You can bake the loaves in the oven or air fry them. I hope they help you make this healthy meatloaf for dogs recipe!
You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.
Oven Method
- Place the ground beef and eggs in a large bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.
- Combine everything together.
- Divide the ground meat mixture evenly into 3 greased mini loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until the internal temp is 160°F.
- Place the baked loaves on a wire rack. Cool them to room temperature.
Air Fryer Method
- Prepare the raw meatloaf mixture like you would for the oven method.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into 2 or 3 loaves.
- Place the meatloaves in the air fryer basket with space between them, or air fry them individually.
- Air fry for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160°F. Check the internal temp after 20 minutes, using an instant-read or meat thermometer.
Recipe Variation – Meatloaf Cake for Dogs
Transform this meatloaf into a birthday cake simply by adding mashed potatoes on top as the icing. It can be regular mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
Remember to make the mashed potatoes without butter, milk, or seasonings. You can use a little plain Greek yogurt to mix with the potatoes for a smoother consistency.
You can also make meat cupcakes for dogs using a cupcake pan instead of loaf pans. Fill the cups 3/4 full and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160°F.
Serving Size
How much meatloaf should you give your dog? It depends on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs need less than larger dogs. A serving could range from a small slice to a whole loaf.
It’s always a good idea to start with small pieces when giving your dog any new foods or treats. Watch for any adverse reactions.
Maintaining a dog’s healthy weight is very important. Keep that in mind when feeding your dog either food or treats.
How to Store Dog Meatloaf
Store meatloaf in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days.
You can freeze it for longer storage and later use. Wrap the meatloaf with plastic wrap and then either a layer of aluminum foil or place the plastic-wrapped loaf in a plastic freezer bag.
Frozen meatloaf will last up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Can humans eat homemade meatloaf for dogs?
Yes, absolutely! They are yummy. Just note that folks would want them seasoned a bit with salt and pepper.
More Meaty Dog Recipes
Want to make more good stuff for your dog? Check these out:
- Bacon Dog Treats
- Chicken Pot Pie for Dogs
- Liver Dog Treats
- Meatballs for Dogs
- Chicken Pizza for Dogs
- Salmon Dog Treats
Find lots of easy dog treats recipes here on Spoiled Hounds!
Meatloaf for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- ½ cup Green Peas
- ½ cup Diced Sweet Potato
- ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Curly Parsley (do not use flat leaf parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three mini loaf pans.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the egg and ground beef.
- Add oats, vegetables, and parsley to beef mixture and combine well.
- Divide meat mixture evenly between the three pans.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160°F.
- Place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
- Slice and serve.
I’m wondering, how many days do you think it will last in the fridge?
It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Curious about preparing ahead of time and freezing. How long would it last in the freezer?
Thank you 😊
It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
I’m new to your site and really excited to make a good things for my dog.
I want to make thiss for our furred family members for their Christmas dinner. Would it be safe to put it together the day before, refrigerate it and cook it the following day?
Yes, it is safe to prepare them a day in advance and bake them the next day.
Do you use fresh vegetables n this recipe and do you cook them before adding to the mixture ?
I use fresh vegetables and I do not cook them before adding them to the mixture.
My dog weight 67 pounds I fed her twice a day is 1 cup per meal correct?
Can I make her meat loaf in1 cup portions? Freeze the portions that are not being eaten in 4 days ?
Can I add beans, cottage cheese to her meat loaf?
I don’t know if 1 cup per meal is the right amount for your dog because there are many variables. You would need to discuss that with your vet.
You can make the meatloaf in 1 cups portions. A jumbo muffin pan would be good to use for those portions.
You can swap out the peas with beans that are safe for dogs to eat.
I have not tried adding cottage so I don’t know how it would affect the meatloaf texture.
I see the nutritional value but for what amount? 98kcal to 1 slice…
1 slice but how big is a slice… slices vary by each person and each loaf pan…
I would like to know a weight like X grams or X cups to X-kcals so I can properly portion this out for my pampered pooched she’s growing tired of the slow cooker recipes I’ve been making and I want to change it up
Thank you in advance
One serving would be .56 cup, just a smidge over a half cup.
Thank you! I can’t wait to try it out. One other question do I prepare the oats with hot water before adding them to the meatloaf? (drain off access water)
No, you do not prepare the oats with water. Just add them uncooked.
Can I add corn?
Yes, corn is safe for dogs to eat.
Why not flat leaf parsley but curly parsley? Just curious as I would love to try these on my dog . I make her a vat of homemade dog food each week so this is a nice change.
Flat leaf parsley has toxins in it that are harmful to dogs, mainly when dogs consume large amounts of it. So it’s just best to use curly parsley.
My Chihuahua was such a picky eater…she only liked people food. I was trying to get my husband to stop feeding her people food…and this did the trick. I add a dash of ground ginger and ground tumeric in it as I use those seasonings on the dehydrated chicken breast snacks I make her. She loves her meatloaf! I switch out the veggies and meat for variety.
Chicken or beef, spinach, beans, sweet potatoes and squash. Sometimes I add a bit of pumpkin puree or brown rice instead of oats. Now to just get the portion size dialed in. (The vet said she needs to lose a pound)
How wonderful! I’m so glad your dog is enjoying the meatloaf.
I make this once a week, doubling or tripling the recipe, freezing half. Fortunately, my dog loves it. Unfortunately, it’s all he will eat now! I will substitute ground turkey every other time, and I make in a 9×13 pan. Thanks for sharing.
How much does your dog weight and how much do you feed him at each meal?
Hello! I’m so happy to fall upon your Recipe. Unfortunately, our Aussie experienced a severe allergic reaction to chicken and chicken byproducts. What could we substitute for egg in this recipe?
You can combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes then use the mixture instead of the egg.
How much of a serving and how often for my yorkie. (Weight is 8 lbs)
As a general rule, the amount of homemade dog food to feed a dog is 1 cup for every 10 pounds once per day. So it would be about 3/4 cup for an 8 pound dog. I suggest crumbling the meatloaf into a cup measure to see how much of the loaf equals that amount. And, as always, consult with your vet for advice on feeding your dog any homemade food.
I made this today for my small picked dog.
Easy to make with a lot of healthy ingredients!
I will continue to keep it on hand for her.
I was making her food before I tried this,this is much healthy than mine.
I’m so glad your dog enjoys the meatloaf!
New to the site.
I see serving is usually 1 cup to 10 lbs. My goldendoodle is around 45 lbs, so 4 to 5 cups per meal?
I thought fur babies needed a certain amount of vitamins
Actually, the amount of food per day starts at 1 cup for every 10 pounds but then goes down as the weight increases. For a 45 pound dog it would be about 3 cups per day (not per meal). This meatloaf is nutritious and safe but is not intended to be a complete meal replacement. It lacks certain essential vitamins and nutrients that dogs require for a balanced diet and will necessitate additional nutrient supplements. Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.
Does anyone know if I can feed this to my cats?
I am making it for my mutual rescue, (mostly Bernice mountain dog?), and my shitzu right now and my cats have snubbed the dry food I got them, so…
* mutt rescue I meant. 🙂
Nope.
Cats have very complex
Nutritional requirements.
A real pain in the furbies
to get right…
Hmmm…
I really like your dog site! 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoy my dog site! I hope you can find a homemade meatloaf that’s good for cats.
I’m making this today for my tiny picky four pound Biewer! She doesn’t like peas. Dan carrots?, potatoes etc be added? Supplements? Thank you
Yes, you can substitute the peas with green beans, carrots, broccoli, or zucchini. As far as supplements, you would need to discuss that with your vet.
I’m going to make this for my 11 lb , 8 year old dog. Can I use baby food like carrots, sweet potatoes etc instead of fresh? Would the consistency still work?
Thx
Sandy
The baby food may be too much liquid and the meatloaf wouldn’t stay together.
Just found this about 3 months ago. My ShizTzu was apparently spoiled by his first & only owner before us. I think she fed him table scraps. For o er 2 years we have tried every dog food imaginable, both dry & wet and both cheap & pricy. Dry food is ignored. Sometimes he will eat a new dog food one day and reject it the next. I sometimes put shredded cheese or bacon bits on top to encourage him. He liked this food immediately, but then tired of it. I then added shredded cheese to the rest of the ingredients and he eats it every time. He is 9 or 10 pounds which is a good weight. He was underweight when we got him. I have just figured out to make this in an oiled cupcake pan. I get 9 servings if it is flattened just to the top of the pan. He will only eat once a day so I cut up this portion and heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds because yes, he’s spoiled. I undercook it a little so the microwave finishes cooking it. This is all he eats other than some treats here & there. I’m wondering If I should add taurine to the recipe?
I’m so glad this recipe is working for your dog. I completely understand how frustrating it can be to figure out meals for a picky eater. As for adding taurine, I recommend discussing that with your vet so they help guide you on whether taurine or any other supplements would be a good addition to this homemade meal.
Our Gracie May loves your recipe. I make a double batch and use a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a large cookie scoop I drop them and have a portion for her daily meal of course with her other food. I freeze individually and just take one out and defrost in the fridge the night before. Fun to make and she hangs out with me cause she knows when Momma is making meatloaf!
I’m so glad Gracie May loves the meatloaf! And what a great way to portion it out and bake it in individual servings.
I’m curious if I can make this with very lean hamburger & press onto a cookie sheet, cooking longer at a lower temperature until it his dry and hard so that I may use it as a treat ( going potty, etc) for my almost 11 month old mini goldendoodle.
I’ve seen some ground beef jerky recipes where the meat is rolled or pressed to 1/4 inch thick on a baking sheet, scored into strips, and baked at 170°F for about 4 hours. You could try that and see if it works.
I’m really wanting to try this recipe for my dog who has become a very picky eater. He is a big muscular pitbull that weighs about 100 pounds. How much do I feed him? I feed him twice a day
Most dogs need around 2-3% of their body weight in food daily. For a 100 pound dog it would be about 2 pounds of homemade food which is about 4 cups. But that can vary depending on your dog’s activity level. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the amount based on your dog’s individual needs.
You mentioned brown rice can be used. Cooked or uncooked?
You need to use cooked rice.