Are you tired of spending a fortune on commercial dog food? Do you want to ensure your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible?
Look no further than these trusty crockpot recipe you can make at home! Crockpot cooking is a convenient and efficient method for preparing homemade dog meals.
It allows you to combine fresh, wholesome ingredients and let them simmer to perfection while you go about your day. The result? Nutritious, delicious meals that will have your dog’s tail wagging with excitement.
In this article, I’ll show you four mouthwatering crockpot dog food recipes that will have your canine companion begging for more.
My Favorite in This list:
Recipe 1: Best Homemade Crock Pot Dog Food Recipe
This is a combination of nutritious ingredients that is sure to provide you dog with many health benefits.
Ingredients Needed
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1.5 cups | Water |
1 cup | Brown rice |
3 lbs | Protein mix (Fish, Beef Meat, Pork, Chicken, Turkey) |
1 | Apple (chopped) |
2 | Eggs |
1 large | Fresh Sweet potato or butternut squash |
1 cup | Frozen vegetable mix (carrots, peas, green beans) |
1 can | Kidney beans (drained) |
Instructions
- Start by greasing your crockpot to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Add all the ingredients to the crockpot, ensuring an even distribution.
- Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours.
- Once done, stir the mixture to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Allow the food to cool before serving or storing.
Feeding Dosage
As a general guideline, serve approximately 1 cup of this homemade dog food per 10 lbs of your dog’s body weight per day. However, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal portion size for your specific dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.
Storage Tips
- Store the cooled dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, portion the food into meal-sized servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Recipe 2: Easy Crockpot Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2.5 lbs | Ground turkey or chicken |
1 cup | Carrots (chopped) |
1 cup | Peas (frozen or fresh) |
1 cup | Fresh Sweet potato (cubed) |
4 cups | Water |
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for approximately 6 hours.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Once done, let the mixture cool before serving or storing.
Feeding Dosage
Adjust the serving size based on your dog’s size and nutritional needs. As a general rule:
- Small dogs: Approximately 1/2 cup per meal
- Medium dogs: About 1 cup per meal
- Large breeds: Up to 2 cups per meal
Remember to divide the daily portion into two meals for optimal digestion.
Storage Tips
- Portion the cooled dog food into individual servings.
- Place portions in ziplock bags and freeze.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe 3: High Protein Homemade Crock Pot Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 pounds | Beef liver |
1 cup | Brown rice |
2 cups | Broccoli (chopped) |
2 cups | Carrots (chopped) |
3 cups | Water |
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot, ensuring an even distribution.
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 5 to 7 hours.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Once done, let the mixture cool before serving or storing.
Feeding Dosage
Serve according to your dog’s caloric needs. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. They can help you determine the appropriate portion size to maintain a healthy weight.
Storage Tips
Allow the dog food to cool completely before storing.
- Portion the food into meal-sized servings.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Recipe 4: Ground Chicken Crockpot Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
3 lbs | Lean ground chicken |
1 cup | Butternut squash (cubed) |
15 oz can | Kidney beans (drained) |
1 cup | Peas |
1 cup | Green beans |
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot, mixing well to distribute evenly.
- Set the crockpot to high and cook for about four hours.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once done, allow the mixture to cool before serving or storing.
Feeding Dosage
Adjust the serving size based on your dog’s weight and activity level. As a general guideline:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 3/4 to 1 cup per day
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 to 2 cups per day
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 2 to 3 cups per day
Divide the daily portion into two meals for better digestion.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, portion the food and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How often should I change up the ingredients in my crockpot dog food?
Variety is the spice of life, even for our canine companions! Rotating ingredients in your homemade dog food offers several benefits:
- Provides a wider range of nutrients
- Prevents dietary boredom
- Reduces the risk of developing food sensitivities
Here are some recommendations for ingredient rotation:
- Rotate proteins every 1-2 weeks (e.g., chicken, beef, fish, turkey)
- Switch up vegetables every few batches
- Alternate between different healthy carbohydrates (e.g., brown rice, sweet potato, quinoa)
Can I use a crockpot to make dog treats as well?
Absolutely! Your crockpot isn’t just for main meals; it’s also perfect for creating delicious, homemade dog treats. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Bonus Recipe: Dog Treat idea: Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Treats
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 cup | Pumpkin puree |
1/2 cup | Peanut butter (xylitol-free) |
2 cups | Whole wheat flour |
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the balls in the crockpot, ensuring they’re not touching.
- Cook on low for about two hours until firm.
- Allow treats to cool completely before serving or storing.
Feeding Dosage:
Remember, treats should be given in moderation. Limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
How can I ensure my crockpot dog food is nutritionally balanced?
Creating a balanced diet for your dog is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to ensure your homemade crockpot dog food is nutritionally complete:
- Include a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in each recipe.
- Incorporate a mix of vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Consider adding supplements as needed, based on your veterinarian’s recommendations. These may include: Calcium supplement for proper bone health, Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, Multivitamin to fill any nutritional gaps
- Rotate ingredients regularly to provide a wide range of nutrients.
- Consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your homemade diet meets all of your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Are there any specific vegetables that should be avoided in dog food?
While many vegetables are safe and beneficial for dogs, some should be avoided. Steer clear of the following:
- Onions and garlic: These can damage a dog’s red blood cells
- Grapes and raisins: Toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure
- Corn: Difficult for dogs to digest and may cause allergies
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs
- Raw potatoes: Can be harmful when consumed in large quantities
What are some unique ingredients to add to crockpot dog food?
To boost the nutritional value and add variety to your dog’s meals, consider incorporating these unique ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree: Rich in fiber and great for digestive health
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Blueberries: High in antioxidants
- Oats: Excellent source of fiber and energy
- Fish oil: Promotes a healthy coat and skin
Always introduce new ingredients gradually and in small amounts to avoid digestive upset.
The End…
Take time to try out these four delicious recipes, you’ll not only save money but also have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into your furry friend’s food bowl.
With a little creativity and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll soon become your dog’s favorite chef.
I add a Separate batch of very thinly sliced celery, About 3 full bunches. I freeze the celery until cooking and cook it until soft, about 3- 5hrs. It adds fibre. Cooked in slow cooker
I add 1 large can of pumpkin purée and cook it together for about an hour on low
then add a large bottle of Motts apple sauce.and warm it . It becomes the Topper
A TBLS of coconut oil, Some sliced or cubed boneless chicken, pork and double the amount of ground beef and it’s ready to be portioned.
Add in Frozen Blueberries and it’s. done
Per each serving I add a capsule of Krill oi
My 40 pound. Wheaton gets 1/4 cup ish meat mixture and 1/2 cup celery twice a day
Any comments appreciated. Karen
I slice 2 large chicken breasts, half the amount of leaning pork and 2 large tubs of leanish ground beef
I separately package and freeze this
then and2x the amount over the meat stew. It adds fibre and liquids and a bit of thickening. I also add some frozen blueberries and 1-2 caps of krill oil. I serve 1/2 cup of celery mixture to 1/4 cup of meat 2 x a day.
That’s an interesting and thoughtful recipe, Karen!
It’s great that you’re adding variety with celery, pumpkin, and blueberries. However, consider consulting with a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure the overall diet meets your Wheaton’s specific nutritional needs, including essential vitamins, minerals, and appropriate protein-to-fiber ratio.
Krill oil is a fantastic addition for omega-3s, supporting joint health and a shiny coat. Just make sure to stick to recommended dosage levels. Your portioning sounds well thought out for your 40-pound Wheaton. You could rotate proteins occasionally (like adding turkey or fish) to keep things interesting. that’s what i always do for my dog