8 Dog Friendly Recipes for Camping You’ll Both Love: Cooking Up Adventure With Your Pup

Camping with our dogs always makes the trip so much better. But figuring out what to feed them under the trees can stump us.

We want meals that keep our pups happy and healthy, without spending ages on prep or packing odd ingredients we’ll only use once. Finding dog friendly recipes for camping helps us bring our furry friends into the camping experience, making sure everyone gets to share in those cozy fireside moments.

We’ve fumbled with bags of kibble and envied the adventurous dogs munching on homemade treats by the campfire. After plenty of trial and error, we’ve learned that a handful of easy recipes can make mealtimes feel special for us and our pups.

Let’s make our next adventure tastier and a bit more memorable for the whole pack.

1) Peanut Butter Oatball Bites – Packed with oats and natural peanut butter, these treats fuel your pup’s adventures.

When we pack up our gear for a camping trip, it always feels like something’s missing until we’ve made a fresh batch of peanut butter oatball bites. They’re simple, a bit messy, and our dogs seem to know when they’re being made; they start hovering by the kitchen, hoping for a sneak taste.

All we need are oats, natural peanut butter, and a splash of water. We mix everything in one bowl, roll small balls, and let them chill in the cooler.

It only takes us about five minutes to put together a whole batch. That’s less time fussing, and more time setting up camp or playing fetch.

We love that these oatball bites give our pups a protein boost for long hikes and lakeside sniffing. They’re like tiny, tail-wagging energy bars.

They’re easy to transport and don’t need to be baked, making cleanup quick. If we snack on ourselves, we’re not judging!

For another quick recipe, check out these peanut butter oatmeal balls , perfect for both humans and furry friends.

2) Chicken and Rice Stew – A warm, cozy dish perfect for chilly camping nights by the fire.

We all know how quickly the evening chill sets in once the sun drops behind the trees. That’s when a pot of chicken and rice stew really shines.

This recipe has comfort written all over it, especially after a long hike or day of outdoor fun. We start by browning bite-sized chicken pieces in a sturdy camp pot.

Next, we toss in some chopped onions and carrots, easy veggies that don’t need a cooler. A sprinkle of salt goes a long way to boost flavor.

Once everything gets some color, we pour in chicken broth and add a handful of uncooked rice. The rice soaks up all the savory goodness as it cooks, creating a thick and hearty meal.

Sometimes, we like to throw in fresh herbs for extra taste. It might be tempting to throw in garlic, but it’s not good for our dogs. So skip the garlic if you’ll be sharing! Waiting while the stew simmers is all part of the fun.

We usually swap stories or play a quick card game. By the time our stew is ready, everyone is reaching for a bowl.

For more inspiration, check out this cozy chicken and rice stew recipe that’s great for campfire cooking.

3) Trail Mix Treats – Mix peanuts and dehydrated fruit for an easy, no-fuss snack on the trail.

We all know our pups can get just as hungry as we do during a day of hiking. So, why not whip up a simple trail mix that both we and our dogs can enjoy?

It takes just minutes to toss together unsalted peanuts and dehydrated fruit – no cooking, no fuss, no dishes to wash. We like to use unsalted peanuts, since too much salt isn’t great for dogs or us.

For the fruit, apples and bananas are always a hit. Dried cranberries or blueberries work well too, but skip raisins as they are toxic for dogs.

If we want to mix it up, add in a handful of unsalted sunflower seeds. Skip the almonds as they are high in fat and can be a choking hazard.

4) Turkey-Rice Casserole – A hearty, simple meal with homemade gravy to keep your dog happy and full.

There’s something about a warm turkey-rice casserole that feels like a hug from the inside out, especially after a long, chilly day outdoors. We love how easy it is to pull together with just a few ingredients.

Our pups always perk up when they catch the smell wafting from the campfire. We usually prep the rice ahead of time at home, stash it in a cooler, then mix it with cooked turkey pieces right at our site.

A quick homemade gravy, nothing fancy, just some broth and a bit of flour, brings everything together in one comforting bowl. If there’s leftover turkey from last night’s sandwiches, this is the perfect way to use it up.

For added crunch, we sometimes toss in a handful of peas or carrots. It’s cozy, filling, and safe for the dogs as long as we skip onions, seasoning, and the salty stuff.

For more ideas about turkey casseroles and making them camp-friendly, check out this turkey and rice casserole with gravy.

5) Cheesy Scrambled Eggs – Whip up some eggs with cheese and evaporated milk for a quick energy boost.

Nothing starts our camp morning quite like the sizzle of eggs in a skillet. Cheesy scrambled eggs are a fast favorite, and adding evaporated milk makes them extra creamy and rich.

It’s easy to toss cheese into the mix, and we’ve noticed our pups sit a little closer to the fire when they smell breakfast. We crack the eggs into a bowl, pour in a splash of evaporated milk, and sprinkle some shredded cheese right in.

If we have leftovers from last night’s burritos, sometimes we’ll toss in a little bit of that too. We like to whisk it all together until it’s a happy yellow swirl.

Cooking them low and slow is the real trick. That way, the eggs turn out fluffy, not rubbery.

Our dogs love it when we serve up a little plain batch, without extra seasonings. It’s simple and quick, which is perfect when we’re eager to hit the trails.

If you want a step-by-step guide, try these cheesy scrambled eggs for inspiration.

6) Peanut Butter Dog Treats – Crunchy and crave-worthy, these homemade nibbles are ideal for camping.

We all know our pups keep an eye on us every time we grab a snack, especially on camping trips. That’s why we love making a fresh batch of peanut butter dog treats before heading out.

The best part? We can pack a bunch, and they stay crunchy for days.

For these treats, we like to stick with natural peanut butter, always checking that it’s free from xylitol, which isn’t safe for dogs. Mixing up the dough at home only takes a few minutes, and shaping the treats can be a fun group activity.

Kids (or the young at heart) can help by using bone-shaped cookie cutters. After baking, we let them cool, then store them in a reusable zip bag for the journey.

Our pup always perks up when she hears the crinkle of the treat bag. If you need a simple recipe, check out some easy steps on how to make peanut butter dog treats for your next adventure.

When we’re around the campfire, everyone – furry friends included – gets a little something special.

7) Chicken Soup Cookies – Savory baked treats using dry kibble and chicken soup to delight your furry friend.

Let’s talk about one of our go-to treats when camping with dogs: Chicken Soup Cookies. These are easy to make, even if our camp kitchen setup is pretty basic.

We just need high-quality dry kibble and a can of chicken soup, both things we usually have packed anyway. Mixing dry kibble with chicken soup gives these cookies a warm, comforting smell that always gets tails wagging.

Our pups hang extra close as soon as the aroma floats over the campsite. It’s a fun way to make their meals feel special out in the wild.

We stir everything up, shape the dough, then bake the cookies either at home beforehand or in an oven-safe pan over the campfire. If we’re short on time, shaping little balls with our hands works perfectly.

The cookies come out crisp and easy to break apart for training or quick snacking. Plus, clean-up is simple.

Want to see a full recipe and step-by-step? Check out an easy guide for making Chicken Soup Cookies.

Our dogs are always a little extra eager for these treats, and honestly, we can’t blame them.

8) Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs – A fun twist on a classic campfire meal both you and your dog can enjoy.

We all love a classic hot dog around the fire, but wrapping it in bacon makes it even better. There’s something about the sizzle and smoky smell that gets both us and our pups excited for dinner.

We love how easy it is to customize these with different toppings, ketchup for us, maybe a plain piece for Fido. Making bacon-wrapped hot dogs is about as simple as camping food gets.

We just grab our hot dogs and wrap a strip of bacon around each, then secure it with a toothpick. On the grill or over the fire, they cook up in minutes.

For more step-by-step tips, this recipe gives great advice for getting that bacon perfectly crispy. The best part is watching our dogs’ noses twitch as the smell drifts through camp.

Of course, we set aside plain pieces for our furry friends, no bun, onions, or sauce, just simple goodness they can enjoy safely. These are a hit every time and make us feel like campsite chefs.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Canine Companion

When we prep homemade meals for our dogs, we want them to be as tasty and safe as our own camp feasts. Picking the right ingredients gives our pups energy for hikes and keeps their tummies happy around the campfire.

Freshness and Safety Guidelines

Camping fridges are small, and our dogs are pros at sniffing out anything that’s gone off. For our pups, it’s all about fresh, high-quality proteins like lean chicken or turkey, along with simple carbs such as cooked rice or sweet potatoes.

We avoid anything processed or overly seasoned, too much salt or spices can upset their stomachs. Storage matters!

If we can, we pack a cooler with ice packs to keep meat and veggies cold, and we always check for any odd smell or change in color before using them. We cut meat into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and safely.

We skip ingredients that are toxic to dogs. No onions, garlic, grapes, or chocolate ever.

Even if it means one less marshmallow for us, our peace of mind is worth it.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

Many of us have dogs who start itching or get picky with certain foods. If our pup is new to camping or has a sensitive belly, we stick with simple, tried-and-true recipes.

Swapping out chicken for ground turkey or fish often works well, and oats can be a gentle substitute for wheat if our dogs can’t do gluten. When we find out our pup reacts to an ingredient, we keep a list in our camping notebook.

No one wants to play “guess the allergy” miles away from a vet! Here are a few easy swaps we’ve used:

• Chicken ➔ Turkey or Salmon
• Wheat ➔ Oats or Brown Rice
• Dairy ➔ Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
• Beef ➔ Lean Pork or Venison

We always test new proteins or grains at home a few days before the trip. That way, we pack with confidence, knowing our campers, two- and four-legged, will feel their best by the campfire.

For further guidance on ingredient choices, we’ve found helpful advice in articles about choosing balanced ingredients for homemade dog food.

Camp Cooking Tips for Happy Pups and People

When we camp with our dogs, smart planning turns food time into a highlight instead of a hassle. With just a few clever prep tricks and simple cooking methods, we can all eat well, without spending half the night scrubbing pots.

Easy Prep and Cleanup Hacks

To keep things stress-free, we like to chop our veggies and meats at home before the trip. Packing pre-measured bags means fewer spills and zero need for cutting boards in the wild.

We use zip-top bags for storing meals, which double as trash bags once they’re empty. It helps to plan “one-pot” meals.

Feeding both our hungry pups and ourselves a simple mix like chicken, rice, and green beans means fewer dishes and happier bellies. If we want treats, we bring healthy snacks like sweet potato chunks for our dogs.

For us, granola bars or trail mix do the trick. A collapsible sink and biodegradable soap are lifesavers when it’s time to clean.

For plates, we pack reusable silicone ones; they rinse off quickly, even with cold creek water. When cleanup’s quick, we spend more time relaxing instead of scrubbing.

Cooking Methods for the Wild

We usually rely on a sturdy camp stove or a portable grill. They heat up fast and don’t need a perfectly built campfire (which is great when we’re too tired to babysit flames).

For extra flavor, foil packets are our best friends; they keep meals juicy, cook evenly, and are easy to toss onto a grate or in coals. Cast iron pans come with us if the car space allows.

They’re perfect for making everything from dog-friendly stews to seared steak. Skewers and roasting sticks make hot dogs and veggie kabobs even more fun, plus cleanup is a breeze.

When open fires are allowed, nothing beats roasting over real embers. We’ve found that even picky pups get excited about fresh, simply cooked chicken or beef.

For us, there’s something special about eating together outdoors, mismatched bites, smoky hands, and all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Camping with dogs means thinking about what’s fun for us and safe for our pups. From chicken stews by the fire to packing smart, it’s all about sharing good food and great moments.

What are some simple canine-friendly dishes I can whip up by the campfire?

We’ve loved making cheesy scrambled eggs on early mornings when our pups are raring to go. Throw some eggs, a splash of evaporated milk, and a little cheese into a non-stick pan, and breakfast is ready in minutes.

Chicken and rice stew is another favorite. It’s perfect for chilly nights, cooks quickly, and our dogs always seem to finish every bite.

Simplicity is key: one pot, wholesome ingredients, and minimal mess.

How can I ensure the treats I bring for my pup are suitable and healthy for camping?

When prepping for our trips, we rely on treats we’ve made ourselves, like peanut butter oatball bites. We stick to simple recipes with just oats and natural peanut butter, skipping extra sugar or salt.

Packing homemade treats lets us control what goes into each snack, making sure there are no artificial flavors or hidden fillers.

Could you suggest some dog-friendly chicken recipes for a weekend in the woods?

Chicken and rice stew is a classic. We cook chicken breast with plain rice and a few carrots, easy to make right over the fire.

If we’re feeling fancy, we’ll add chicken to a turkey-rice casserole and mix in a splash of homemade gravy. There’s something satisfying about sharing a warm, safe meal with our pups after a long hike in the woods.

Any tips on what essentials to pack for a dog’s first overnight camping adventure?

Water is always at the top of our list. We bring a collapsible bowl, extra leashes, poop bags, and a cozy blanket that smells like home.

Don’t forget a sturdy tie-out line. It keeps our dogs secure while we cook or set up camp.

We also bring a basic first aid kit, just in case those curious noses get into trouble.

What homemade dog meals are both nutritious and easy to prepare outdoors?

We like to keep things simple, so our go-to meals use just a few ingredients. Turkey-rice casserole and chicken and rice stew both hit the mark for convenience and nutrition.

Trail mix treats are a big hit, too. We toss in unsalted peanuts and a handful of dehydrated fruit, which gives our dogs something crunchy for the trail.

The best part? All of these meals use food we already have in our camping kit.

Nothing fancy here, just stuff that works.

Are there any no-no side dishes for my furry friend while enjoying nature together?

We steer clear of anything with onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins. Even a bit of seasoning can upset our dog’s stomach. Be careful with nuts too, unsalted peanuts are ok but skip almonds and macadamia nuts.

It’s just safer to skip sharing salty chips or seasoned meats. Instead, we keep it basic, plain meats, simple carbs, and dog-safe fruits or vegetables.

If we’re not sure, we check a trusted resource before letting our dogs try something new. Here are some easy and nourishing dog-friendly recipes that we like to use.