Wholesome, homemade, and tail-waggingly good—your slow cooker’s about to become your dog’s new best friend.

Why Make Homemade Crockpot Dog Food?

In a world where store-bought dog food often contains unpronounceable ingredients, questionable fillers, and preservatives, more pet parents are turning to slow cookers for a healthier solution. Crockpot dog food is:

• Budget-friendly
• Customizable for allergies or picky eaters
• Packed with whole ingredients
• Convenient (set it and forget it!)

But making homemade food isn’t just about tossing ingredients in a pot. To keep your dog healthy, each recipe should be balanced, vet-approved, and tailored to your dog’s breed, age, size, and health needs.

Understanding Canine Nutrition Basics

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s briefly cover what dogs need to thrive:

🥩 Protein

Dogs are omnivores, but protein is the backbone of their diet. Use lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Organ meats (like liver) can be added in small amounts for nutrients like iron and vitamin A.

🥕 Veggies

Vegetables add fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Dog-safe veggies include:

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini
• Sweet potatoes

🍚 Carbs

Carbohydrates provide energy. Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are excellent slow-cooker options.

🐟 Fats & Omega-3s

Healthy fats support skin, coat, and brain health. Use a spoonful of coconut oil or add flaxseed, chia, or fish oil.

⚖️ Supplementation

Even great homemade meals might lack essential nutrients like calcium or certain amino acids. Consider:

• Dog-safe multivitamins
• Ground eggshells for calcium
• Fish oil capsules for omega-3s

Always consult your vet or a pet nutritionist before switching to homemade meals long-term.

Tips for Crockpot Dog Food Success

• Use boneless, skinless meats. Bones can splinter and fat may upset digestion.
• Avoid toxic foods: No onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, or xylitol.
• Cool before serving. Let the food rest, then portion and refrigerate/freeze extras.
• Start slow. Gradually introduce new food over 5–7 days to avoid digestive issues.

🐶 10 Easy Crockpot Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love

1. Chicken & Sweet Potato Comfort Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sweet potato (cubed)
• 1/2 cup carrots (sliced)
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 apple (peeled, cored, chopped)
• 1 cup brown rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
3. Shred chicken, stir, and cool.

🦴 Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Beefy Rice Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown beef separately and drain fat.
2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.

🥕 Nutritional Boost: Add a dash of parsley for fresh breath.

3. Turkey & Pumpkin Feast

Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (pure, no sugar/spices)
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1 tsp fish oil

Instructions:

1. Cook turkey in a pan, drain, then add all ingredients to crockpot.
2. Stir occasionally. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.

🎃 Bonus: Pumpkin supports healthy digestion and firm stools.

4. Chicken, Quinoa & Veggie Stew

High-protein, grain-alternative recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup quinoa (rinsed)
• 1/2 cup zucchini
• 1/4 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 cup kale or spinach
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.
2. Cook on low 6–8 hours.
3. Shred chicken and stir well.

🌿 Why It Works: Quinoa is gluten-free and rich in fiber and minerals.

5. Lamb & Brown Rice Medley

A rich, hearty alternative to chicken or beef.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 tbsp flaxseed

Instructions:

1. Brown lamb first and drain.
2. Add everything to slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.

🥩 Note: Lamb is great for dogs with poultry allergies.

6. Salmon & Sweet Pea Chow

Full of omega-3s for skin and coat health.

Ingredients:

• 1 can wild salmon (in water, no salt)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1 tbsp fish oil
• 1 tsp parsley

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.

🐟 Important: Remove any small bones from canned salmon.

7. Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Starter

Great for growing pups.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1 tbsp ground eggshell (calcium)

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken, then combine all in crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.

🐾 Puppy Tip: Feed smaller portions more frequently.

8. Senior Dog Turkey Stew

Soft and easy to chew.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup butternut squash
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Cook turkey, then mix everything in.
2. Simmer in slow cooker 5–6 hours.

💡 Senior Boost: Butternut squash is rich in fiber and easy on aging tummies.

9. Veggie-Packed Chicken Mix

Loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 tsp fish oil

Instructions:

1. Add all to crockpot and cook on low 6–8 hours.
2. Shred and cool before serving.

🥦 Bonus: Great for dogs needing a high-fiber diet.

10. DIY Doggie Detox Recipe

Gentle for dogs recovering from stomach upset.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin
• 1/2 cup boiled chicken
• 1/4 cup white rice
• 1 tsp slippery elm powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook on low for 3 hours.
2. Let it cool completely before serving.

🌱 Note: Always consult your vet if your dog has ongoing digestive issues.

Portion Guide by Weight

Split daily total into two meals.

Storing Homemade Dog Food

• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days in airtight containers.
• Freezer: Store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Label and Date: Always write what it is and when you made it.

Final Tips: Making Crockpot Dog Food a Routine

• Keep a weekly prep schedule—batch-cook and freeze portions.
• Rotate proteins and veggies to avoid deficiencies.
• Always introduce changes gradually—especially for sensitive tummies.
• Watch for signs of allergies: scratching, loose stools, licking paws.