I love sharing the dog food recipes that I create, but I often get comments from readers and viewers who say that they don’t have the time to make homemade meals for their dogs.
I know that there is nothing more convenient than buying dog food at the store and pouring it in a dish for your pup.
While homemade dog food can be time consuming, using a slow cooker makes it much more convenient.
Slow cookers are a lifesaver when it comes to preparing delicious meals in a hurry – for the human and canine members of your family.
With a little bit of water and some of the best healthy ingredients, your slow cooker will prepare food for your dog when you’re away at work.
I like preparing meals for dogs in advance and freezing them. That way I can make enough food for a month in just a few days.
If you’d prefer to feed your dog a fresh meal every day, you can make a different dog food recipe every few days.
The amount of food you’ll need will vary (of course) depending on the number of dogs you have, their size, age and activity level.
Some owners choose to supplement a commercial diet with homemade dog food.
This gives the dog a more enticing meal and can address any specific dietary needs he may have.
Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe For Dogs: (With Rice and Veggies)
As with any homemade dog food recipe, you can substitute a different protein source if your dog can’t eat chicken. You could also substitute some other vegetables that are healthy for dogs if you happen to have them on hand.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken, Rice and Veggie Meal
Preparing dog food in a slow cooker is simple and fast. You can add the ingredients in the morning, leave for work, and your pup will have a delicious, fresh meal by the time you come home. This chicken, rice and veggie recipe is sure to please even the most picky palate.
- Prep Time: 15 mintes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 56 minute
- Yield: 10–12 cups of food 1x
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Dog Food
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 pound green beans
- 1 medium sweet potato (cubed)
- 3 carrots (cubbed)
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 bag frozen spinach
Layer the ingredients in the crockpot as listed above, except for the spinach. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the chicken, add the spinach, and allow the food to cool completely.
If you work outside the home, this recipe is a great alternative to meals that you have to fix daily. You can put the ingredients in the slow cooker before you leave for work, and by the time you get home Fido’s food will be ready. Plus, you can make the food in bulk so you only have to cook once a week or so.
You can serve this food to your dog as soon as it has cooled. I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight. This recommendation is for 2 servings per day. So, a 25-pound dog would eat about 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.
This is just a guideline. Some dogs, like working dogs and very active breeds, will need more calories than this. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many.
It’s best to consult your veterinarian about the appropriate serving size for you dog. They will also help you evaluate meal to make sure it will meet your pet’s unique nutritional needs. If necessary, they will assist you in choosing the best supplements and/or multivitamins to add.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 208
- Sodium: 147 mg
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.1 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 28.1 g
- Cholesterol: 114 mg
How to store: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also prepare this food in bulk and store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can dogs eat slow cooked chicken?
Yes, they can! In fact its a great idea for your dog’s protein. I will say this. Do it without any seasoning or salting.
Although dogs need salt, a little to us is a lot to them.
What other foods can you use in homemade dog food?
Chicken can be swapped out for any of the following meat: beef, turkey, lamb (if your grocery store has it), and even salmon (I haven’t tried in a slow cooker).
The sweet potato can be swapped out for butternut squash or pumpkin.
You can also add chicken liver as well for extra vitamins!
The brown rice can also be swapped for white rice if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Quinoa works too!
And lastly, a staple in common homemade dog food recipes: eggshells!
Eggshells are great source of calcium. You can just serve it on top or crush them into tiny pieces and sprinkle them on top.
READ NEXT: 13 Great Books for Homemade Dog Food Beginners
