Let’s be real—your dog deserves more than dry, dusty pellets labeled “beef-flavored mystery bites.”
If you’ve been eyeing that slow cooker in your kitchen thinking, “Could I make real food for my dog?” — yes, friend. Yes, you can.
And not just any food—nutritious, delicious, tail-wagging goodness made from chicken, pumpkin, and real veggies your pup’s body (and taste buds) will love. No fillers, no junk, just real food made with love.
🥩 Why Chicken and Pumpkin Are the Power Duo Your Dog Didn’t Know They Needed
- Chicken: A lean, digestible protein rich in amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy. Most dogs act like it’s filet mignon.
- Pumpkin: Loaded with soluble fiber that supports digestion, helps with both diarrhea and constipation, and adds a natural sweetness dogs love.
Together, they’re basically the dog-version of chicken and waffles—but healthy.
Plus, your kitchen will smell like cozy fall vibes, not “processed meat air freshener.” 🌿
🍲 Ingredients You’ll Need (Minimalist, But Mighty)
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs) | Lean protein |
| 1 cup plain canned pumpkin | Fiber, digestive health |
| 1 cup chopped carrots | Vitamin A, crunchy texture |
| ½ cup green beans (fresh/frozen, no salt) | Low-cal fiber |
| ½ cup peas (optional) | Protein, B vitamins |
| 1 cup cooked brown rice | Complex carbs, energy |
| 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water) | Flavor, hydration |
| 1 tsp olive oil or flaxseed oil (optional) | Healthy fats for skin & coat |
Important Note:
Avoid onions, garlic, or any spice blend—those are toxic to dogs. If in doubt, leave it out or check with your vet.
🛠 Equipment
- Slow cooker / Crockpot
- Measuring cups (eyeballing = chaos)
- Wooden spoon
- Airtight containers for storage
👩🍳 How to Make It (Dog-Chef Mode Activated)
1. Dump Everything In
Yes, really. Add all ingredients except the rice and oil (you’ll add those later). No fancy techniques or layers. Your dog isn’t judging.
2. Set It and Forget It
- Low heat: 6–8 hours
- High heat: 3.5–4 hours
- Stir halfway through if you remember. If not, still fine.
3. Shred That Chicken
Once the chicken’s fall-apart tender, shred it using forks or a spoon—either directly in the pot or on a cutting board like a civilized human.
Add the cooked rice and optional oil. Stir to combine evenly.
4. Cool Before Serving
Let the mixture cool to room temp before serving. Dogs don’t appreciate tongue burns.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: 4–5 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Portion it in small freezer bags or silicone molds for easy defrosting. No one wants to fight a frozen meat brick at 7 a.m.
🧠 Want to Make It a Complete Dog Diet? Read This ⬇
This crockpot recipe is amazing for short-term feeding, rotation diets, or as a topper, but for long-term feeding, your pup needs a little more to cover all bases:
✅ Add a canine multivitamin powder designed for homemade diets (e.g., Balance IT®, Rogue Pet Science)
✅ Include a calcium source (crushed eggshell powder or dog-safe bone meal)
✅ Consider omega-3s (fish oil) for joint health and brain support
✅ Rotate proteins (turkey, beef, salmon) for varied nutrition
🍽 How Much Should You Feed?
This depends on your dog’s:
- Weight
- Activity level
- Age
- Metabolism
Here’s a rough guide per meal:
| Dog Size | Portion |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | ½ – 1 cup |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | 1 – 2 cups |
| Large (50+ lbs) | 2 – 3 cups or more |
Pro Tip:
If your dog gains or loses weight unexpectedly, reduce/increase portions by ~10% or consult your vet.
🔁 Ingredient Swaps? Totally Doable.
Dogs aren’t picky gourmets, but they do have sensitive systems. Here’s what you can and can’t swap:
Safe Swaps:
- Sweet potatoes instead of carrots
- Quinoa instead of brown rice
- Ground turkey instead of chicken
- Zucchini instead of green beans
Avoid:
❌ Onion or garlic
❌ Seasoned broth (stick to no-salt or homemade)
❌ Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol—deadly)
❌ Canned pumpkin pie filling (contains sugar and spices)
🧩 Bonus: Feed Their Brain, Too!
Great food fuels the body. But mental stimulation? That’s how you raise a confident, focused dog who listens the first time you call them.
🧠 Try brain games & puzzles after mealtime for:
- Reduced boredom chewing
- Increased obedience
- A stronger dog-human bond
📘 Pro Tip: Check out professionally designed canine enrichment programs like “21 Brain Games for Dogs” to level up your dog’s behavior and happiness. 🐾
✅ Final Thoughts: Real Food = Real Love
This isn’t just about skipping kibble.
It’s about nourishing your dog in a way that supports their body, brain, and happiness.
✅ You controlled the ingredients
✅ You skipped fillers and preservatives
✅ You made a homemade meal fit for your best friend
And yeah, maybe you did binge a whole Netflix season while it slow-cooked—but your dog doesn’t need to know that.
So go ahead, dish it up. You just became their favorite person again.
📌 Want More?
Let me know if you’d like:
- A grain-free version
- A complete weekly meal plan
- Vet-approved supplement recommendations
- Printable feeding charts
I’m here to help you raise your dog like the royalty they believe they are. 🐾👑