If you had told me a year ago that my Labrador Max — a dog who once spit out a $12 gourmet treat while maintaining eye contact — would go wild over a bright orange bowl of homemade dog food with pumpkin… I would’ve laughed, grabbed a coffee, and told you to stop telling fairy tales.

But here we are.

And Max?

Max has decided he is now the Gordon Ramsay of canine cuisine.

The Day Max Became a Food Critic

It all started on one of those chaotic mornings when you’re juggling too many things — coffee in one hand, dog bowl in the other, and absolutely zero patience for a picky eater. Max sniffed his breakfast, sighed dramatically (yes, really), and walked away like he had “better options.”

That was the moment I said:

“Alright buddy… challenge accepted.”

I wanted something that was gentle on his stomach, packed with nutrients, and exciting enough to convince my furry diva to actually eat. So, naturally, I marched into the kitchen like a dog-food-obsessed scientist on a mission to create the perfect homemade dog food for digestion and picky eaters.

The result?

A silky, comforting, belly-soothing masterpiece:

Pumpkin Chia Soup for Dogs.

And Max?

Let’s just say he now supervises the kitchen like he’s expecting Michelin reviewers to show up.

🍲 Pumpkin Chia Soup for Dogs (Max’s Official 5-Paw Rating)

This homemade dog food with pumpkin is not only gentle on sensitive stomachs — it’s hydrating, nutrient-dense, and ridiculously simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened—not pie filling)
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (lightly steamed)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in 2 tbsp water for 10 minutes)
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional & vet-approved)

Supplements (optional)

• 1/2 tsp canine-safe turmeric paste
• 1 scoop joint supplement powder (if recommended by your vet)

Instructions

1. Combine pumpkin purée and chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Warm and stir until smooth.
2. Add steamed spinach and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in pre-soaked chia seeds and ginger. Simmer 2 more minutes.
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
5. Mix in supplements just before serving.

Storage

• Refrigerate: up to 3 days
• Freeze: up to 1 month in silicone molds or containers

Why This Soup Works So Well

• Pumpkin helps digestion & firms stools
• Chia seeds add omega-3s & fiber
• Spinach brings antioxidants & iron
• Soup format boosts hydration — perfect for picky eaters or older dogs

Max doesn’t just eat this soup.

He inhales it.

Then checks the bowl again in case it magically refilled itself.

Want 110+ More Healthy, Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipes?

If this recipe put a wag in your pup’s tail, wait until you see what’s inside my book:

📘 Pawsitively Perfect: 110+ Gourmet Home-Made Dog Food Recipes for Healthy, Happy Pups

It’s packed with:

✨ Belly-friendly meals

✨ Recipes for picky eaters

✨ Treats, toppers & slow-cooker dishes

✨ Nutritional tips

✨ Easy step-by-step guides

It’s basically a dog-food heaven — minus the attitude from Max. 😉

👉 Grab your copy today and turn mealtime into your dog’s favorite part of the day!

Your Turn!

Before you go… I’m curious:

Does your dog act picky, dramatic, or downright theatrical at mealtime? Tell me their funniest food moment!