Let me tell you about the day I discovered crockpot dog food recipes – it changed everything for me and my golden retriever, Max. After one too many expensive vet visits and dull kibble meals, I decided to try making his food myself. What a difference! His tail wags like crazy now when he smells dinner cooking.
This slow cooker method couldn’t be simpler – just toss in wholesome ingredients like ground turkey, brown rice, and fresh veggies, then let your crockpot do all the work while you go about your day. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients, just real food that keeps your pup happy and healthy. Trust me, once you see how much your dog loves this homemade meal, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Why You’ll Love This Dog Food Recipe
This crockpot dog food recipe is a total game-changer, and here’s why:
- So easy a golden retriever could do it – Just dump everything in the pot and walk away
- Real ingredients you can actually pronounce – No mystery “meat by-products” here!
- Vet-approved goodness – My dog’s doctor actually complimented his shiny coat after switching
- Wallet-friendly – Costs way less than those fancy pre-made fresh dog foods
- Tail-wagging results – My Max does happy spins when he smells it cooking
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for that delicious smell to fill your kitchen while it cooks!
Ingredients for Crockpot Dog Food
Gathering ingredients for this dog food recipe feels like shopping for a simple, wholesome family meal – because that’s exactly what it is! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs ground turkey or chicken – I prefer turkey for its lean protein
- 1 cup brown rice – The whole grain goodness dogs love
- 1 cup chopped carrots – About 2 medium carrots, diced small
- 1 cup chopped green beans – Fresh or frozen both work great
- 1/2 cup peas – My Max goes crazy for these little green gems
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and flavorful
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just a drizzle for healthy fats
That’s it – seven simple ingredients that’ll have your pup begging for more! I always double check my fridge and pantry before starting – nothing worse than realizing you’re out of carrots halfway through prep.
How to Make Dog Food in a Crockpot
Making this dog food is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Here’s how I do it every Sunday while I’m puttering around the house:
First, I grab my trusty crockpot – any size will do, but I use a 6-quart one for big batches. No preheating needed (hooray!). I crumble in the ground turkey first – breaking it up with my fingers as I go so it cooks evenly. Then comes the fun part: pouring in that golden chicken broth and drizzling the olive oil right over the top.
Next, I sprinkle in the brown rice – it’ll soak up all that delicious broth as it cooks. Then comes the veggie parade! I toss in the carrots, green beans, and peas with abandon, giving everything a quick stir just to mix it up a bit.
Now for the magic: set it on low for 6-8 hours if you’re patient (I usually do this overnight), or high for 3-4 hours if Fido’s giving you those “I’m starving” eyes. The smell will drive your pup crazy!
Important safety tip: always let it cool completely before serving – I spread mine out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling. Trust me, your dog will wait (impatiently) for this homemade feast!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Dog Food
After making this recipe countless times for Max, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
- Skip the seasoning – No salt, garlic, or onions which can be harmful to dogs
- Check the meat – Break it up with a fork halfway through cooking to ensure even doneness
- Portion control is key – I use an old measuring cup to serve Max’s perfect portion size
- Veggie size matters – Smaller pieces cook faster and are easier for pups to digest
- Stir occasionally – Helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom
My biggest tip? Watch your dog’s reaction – that happy tail wag tells you everything you need to know!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
One of the best things about this crockpot dog food recipe is how flexible it is! If I’m out of carrots, sweet potatoes work beautifully – just chop them small. Ground beef can replace turkey if that’s what you have, though I find turkey is gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Important safety note: Never add onions, garlic, or spices – they’re toxic for dogs. I learned this the hard way when Max turned up his nose at my “fancy” seasoned version. Stick to dog-safe veggies like zucchini or pumpkin if you want to mix things up!
Storing and Reheating Homemade Dog Food
Here’s how I keep Max’s meals fresh and safe – because nothing’s worse than spoiled dog food! I portion the cooled mixture into airtight containers (old takeout containers work great) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual servings in muffin tins – perfect single-meal portions that thaw overnight in the fridge.
When reheating, I always check the temperature with my finger – lukewarm is perfect. Never microwave straight from frozen (those hot spots can burn tongues!) and toss any leftovers sitting out more than 2 hours. Pro tip: label freezer bags with dates so you never serve old food!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no vet or nutritionist, but I can tell you this homemade crockpot dog food packs some serious nutritional punch! The ground turkey gives your pup lean protein, while the brown rice provides wholesome carbs for energy. Those colorful veggies? That’s where the vitamins and fiber come in – Max’s coat has never looked shinier!
Important note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend chatting with your vet before making any big changes to your dog’s diet – especially if they have special health needs. My vet helped me adjust portion sizes for Max’s age and activity level, and now this recipe is his perfect fuel!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this crockpot dog food recipe from fellow pet parents – here are the ones that come up most often:
“Can I use frozen veggies instead of fresh?” Absolutely! I keep bags of mixed frozen veggies on hand for those weeks when my fridge is looking bare. Just toss them in frozen – no need to thaw first.
“How long does this homemade dog food last?” In the fridge, it keeps beautifully for 3 days. Frozen portions stay good for about 2 months – though Max never lets them last that long!
“My dog is picky – any tips?” Try mixing in a spoonful of their old food at first. The transition might take a few meals, but soon they’ll be begging for this homemade goodness!
“Can I make this recipe in bulk?” You bet! I often double the recipe and freeze half. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your pup likes this recipe! Does your dog do the “happy dance” like Max when they smell it cooking? Tell me about your homemade dog food adventures in the comments – the good, the messy, and the absolutely adorable!
Print
Irresistible Crockpot Dog Food Recipe Your Pup Will Devour
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins - 8 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Simple and nutritious dog food recipe made in a crockpot. Perfect for pet owners who want to provide homemade meals for their dogs.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup peas
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Add ground turkey or chicken to the crockpot.
- Pour in chicken broth and olive oil.
- Stir in brown rice, carrots, green beans, and peas.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for longer storage.
- Consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Pet Food
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: dog food, crockpot dog food, homemade dog food, healthy dog food