Busy days? Meet your new best friend: the crockpot—and no, not just for your dinners.
Crockpot Dog Food Recipes are the ultimate hack for dog parents who want to serve up wholesome, homemade meals without hovering over a stove. Just toss in real ingredients, set it, forget it—and come back to a warm, tail-wagging dinner that smells amazing (seriously, your dog will know the moment it’s done).
We’re talking tender meats, soft veggies, and nourishing grains all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s comfort food, dog-style—and it couldn’t be easier.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s make mealtime the coziest part of your pup’s day.
Crockpot Dog Food Recipes
Chicken and Rice Crockpot Dog Food
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of visible fat — a lean protein source for dogs)
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice (a complex carbohydrate rich in fiber and nutrients)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (peeled and cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy digestion)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped — fresh or frozen, adds fiber and crunch)
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (provides moisture and flavor without excess salt)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Chop the carrots and green beans into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts to keep the meal lean and easier to digest.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour in the brown rice, chopped carrots, and green beans, layering them on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Pour in 3 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth, making sure the rice and vegetables are fully submerged.
This helps ensure even cooking and keeps the dish moist and tender.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to:
- Low for 6–7 hours, or
- High for 3–4 hours.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can affect cook time and moisture retention.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
When finished, the chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred.
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with a fork, and return the shredded meat to the crockpot.
Stir everything together to evenly distribute the chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the food cool completely before serving.
Portion based on your dog’s size, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Beef and Sweet Potato Crockpot Dog Food
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (choose 85% lean or leaner — provides high-quality protein without too much fat)
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced — a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and complex carbs)
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh — loaded with vitamins, plant-based protein, and fiber)
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped — rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants)
- 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth (adds moisture and flavor while avoiding excess salt)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, using a spoon to break it into small crumbles.
Drain off any excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Peel and dice the sweet potato into small, even chunks. Chop the spinach and measure out the peas.
This prep ensures even cooking and a balanced texture in the final dish.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the sweet potatoes, peas, chopped spinach, and browned beef to the crockpot.
Pour in the water or beef broth, making sure the ingredients are just covered.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 5–6 hours, or
- High for 3 hours.
Stir once or twice during cooking if you’re nearby, to promote even distribution.
Step 5: Mash for Consistency
Once cooked, the sweet potatoes should be soft and mashable.
Use a fork or potato masher to gently blend the mixture to your desired texture—chunky or smooth.
Step 6: Cool and Portion
Let the food cool completely before serving to your dog.
Portion leftovers into containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Turkey and Quinoa Crockpot Dog Food
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (a lean protein source that’s gentle on digestion and low in fat)
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (a complete protein and grain-free alternative rich in amino acids and fiber)
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini (adds moisture and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (beta-carotene-rich veggie that adds natural sweetness and fiber)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium broth (to cook and keep the mixture moist and flavorful)
Instructions:
Step 1: Lightly Cook the Turkey (Optional)
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. This step is optional but helpful—it removes some fat and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
Drain off any excess fat before transferring the meat to the crockpot.
Step 2: Rinse the Quinoa
Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds.
This removes quinoa’s natural saponin coating, which can cause bitterness or digestive issues if not rinsed properly.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Combine the cooked turkey, rinsed quinoa, shredded zucchini, and shredded carrots in your crockpot.
Step 4: Pour in Liquid
Add 2 cups of water or low-sodium broth, and stir everything gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 5–6 hours, or
- High for 2–3 hours,
until the quinoa is fluffy and the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Mix and Cool
Once done, stir well, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and let the food cool completely before serving.
Store any leftovers in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
Helpful Crockpot Dog Food Tips:
- Avoid harmful ingredients: Never use onions, garlic, salt, or seasoning blends—they’re toxic to dogs.
- Let food cool before serving to prevent burns.
- Portion control: Adjust serving size based on your dog’s weight, breed, and activity level.
- Batch cook and freeze: Make large quantities and freeze individual portions to save time later.
- Introduce slowly: If switching from kibble, mix in small amounts of the homemade food at first to allow for an easy transition.