Homemade, Healthy, and Hassle-Free Meals for Happy Pups
By David | January 13, 2025
If your dog could write their own dinner menu, “dry kibble” wouldn’t make the cut. And honestly? We get it.
That’s where these healthy slow cooker recipes come in — packed with lean proteins like chicken and turkey, loaded with dog-safe veggies, and slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater, a senior pup, or just want to skip the preservatives in commercial dog food, these meals bring homemade goodness right to the bowl.
Let’s dive into 6 easy, vet-friendly slow cooker recipes your dog will absolutely love.
📥 Bonus: Want 50+ printable, vet-approved dog food recipes?
Download the free recipe bundle here 🐾
📌 Table of Contents
- 1. Chicken & Veggie Slow Stew
- 2. Turkey & Apple Delight
- 3. Chicken, Rice & Spinach Bowl
- 4. Turkey, Pumpkin & Green Bean Casserole
- 5. Chicken & Sweet Potato Comfort Mash
- 6. Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Bowl
- Tips for Cooking Success
- Storage & Serving Guidelines
🐔 1. Chicken & Veggie Slow Stew
Balanced, simple, and perfect for everyday feeding.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Shred the chicken, mix well, and let it cool before serving.
Why Dogs Love It:
Chicken is lean and easy to digest. Paired with fiber-rich sweet potatoes and immune-boosting veggies, it’s a complete meal dogs thrive on.
💡 Vet Tip: Green beans are a great low-calorie filler to help with weight management in dogs.
🦃 2. Turkey & Apple Delight
Sweet, savory, and packed with antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 apple, cored and chopped (no seeds)
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Optional: Brown the turkey in a skillet to reduce fat.
- Add everything to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours.
Why Dogs Love It:
Apples add a natural sweetness, while butternut squash is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene — good for eye health.
🍎 Did You Know? Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Always remove the core.
🌿 3. Chicken, Rice & Spinach Bowl
Gentle on tummies, rich in nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 cup cooked white rice (added at the end)
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except rice to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, return to the pot.
- Stir in cooked rice 10 minutes before serving.
Why Dogs Love It:
Rice soothes sensitive stomachs, while spinach supports bone health and the immune system.
🧠 Nutritional Note: Avoid large quantities of spinach for dogs with kidney issues due to its oxalate content.
🎃 4. Turkey, Pumpkin & Green Bean Casserole
A digestion-friendly, fiber-packed combo.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Optional: Lightly brown the turkey.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Why Dogs Love It:
Pumpkin helps regulate digestion and green beans offer fiber without added calories.
🎯 Expert Tip: Pumpkin is a go-to natural remedy for both constipation and diarrhea in dogs.
🍠 5. Chicken & Sweet Potato Comfort Mash
Soft, hearty, and perfect for picky eaters.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Shred chicken and mash sweet potatoes for a soft texture.
Why Dogs Love It:
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, peas add plant-based protein, and it all mashes together into pure comfort food.
🐶 Senior Dog Friendly: Easy to chew and gentle on older teeth.
🍂 6. Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Bowl
Celebrate with a dog-safe festive meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- ½ cup unsweetened cranberries (fresh or dried — no sugar)
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Lightly brown turkey if preferred.
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours, stir once halfway through.
Why Dogs Love It:
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and support urinary health. Butternut squash adds softness and flavor.
❌ Avoid: Dried cranberries with added sugar or raisins — both are toxic to dogs.
🧊 Tips for Cooking Success
🥄 Portion Sizes:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): ½ cup per meal
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): ¾–1½ cups
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2 cups+
Adjust based on activity level, age, and vet advice.
🧊 Storage Tips:
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze in portioned batches for up to 2 months
- Always cool before freezing or serving
🔁 Ingredient Swaps:
- Out of carrots? Use zucchini.
- No rice? Try quinoa.
- No turkey? Use lean beef or chicken.
🚨 Important Reminder
These recipes are intended for supplemental feeding unless your veterinarian approves them for full-time meals. Dogs require balanced diets including the right ratios of protein, fat, and micronutrients.
Want to feed homemade full-time? Ask your vet about adding calcium, omega-3s, and multivitamin support.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Feeding your dog doesn’t have to mean pouring kibble from a bag. With a little prep, your slow cooker can become a tool for healthier, happier meals your dog will actually enjoy eating — tail wags guaranteed.
Which one are you trying first?
Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram with your pup’s favorite recipe! 🐶✨