10 Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes for Busy Parents

Want to try your hand at home-cooked meals for your pet but paucity of time getting in the way? I’ve got a one-word solution for you—the crockpot. Spend some time prepping and putting together the ingredients, toss them in the crockpot aka slow cooker, set a timer (either on the cooker or your phone), and go about your day while your pet’s meal gets cooked.

Whether you’re a working professional who has always too much to do on weekends, someone who works remotely or a SAHM/SAHD who always has their hands full, with these simple slow cooker dog food recipes at your disposal, you can easily prepare your pet’s meals from scratch while juggling all the other balls you’ve got up in the air. 

Even if you’re completely new to this and have no idea how to make dog food in a slow cooker, fret not. This detailed guide with a diverse selection of crockpot dog food recipes has got you covered. But before we get to that, let’s talk about the benefits of using a slow cooker to prepare your dog’s meals.     

Benefits of Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes

Giving your pet nutritionally complete homemade food is a far healthier choice than using packaged dog food, especially kibble. From use of harmful additives and preservatives to lack of monitoring and control over the quality of meats used, there are several growing concerns with package dog foods (unless you opt for premium options, which aren’t affordable for everyone). 

At the same time, not everyone has the time to prepare meals for their pets from scratch when we, as it is, lead such busy lives. As a result, many find themselves between a rock and a hard place when making a choice about their pet’s nutrition. Nutritious slow cooker dog food recipes for busy pet owners fill this gap by offering you the following benefits: 

1. Nutritional control

When you cook dog food at home using a slow cooker, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can ensure that your dog is getting high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals tailored to their specific needs, and completely eliminate artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products that are often a concern with commercial pet food. 

2. Retains more nutrients

Another reason to try these crockpot dog food recipes is that slow cooking at low temperatures helps preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients. It is especially helpful in preserving micronutrients like vitamins and amino acids, which get destroyed in high-heat cooking methods. So, it’s a great way to prepare nutrient-dense meals for your pet. 

3. Easy digestion

The slow cooking process softens ingredients, making them easier for dogs to digest, especially for senior dogs or those with sensitive stomachs. Softened meats, grains, and vegetables help improve nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of digestive issues such as bloating and gas.

4. Cost-effective

Homemade slow cooker dog food proves to be significantly cheaper than premium-quality commercial dog food, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk. You can use affordable cuts of meat, seasonal vegetables, and grains to create balanced meals that meet all of your pet’s nutritional needs without spending a fortune.

5. Convenient and time-saving

Nutritious slow cooker dog food recipes for busy pet owners have the added advantage of not needing constant monitoring. Once you add the ingredients to the slow cooker, the appliance does all the work for you. There’s no need to stand over the stove or constantly check the food. You can prepare meals in large batches, freeze portions, and have homemade dog food ready to serve throughout the week.

6. Customizable for special diets

These DIY dog food crockpot recipes also enable you to prepare meals tailored to your dog’s specific requirements. If your dog has food allergies, sensitivities, or specific dietary needs (such as grain-free, high-protein, or low-fat diets), you can work with recipes that cater to these needs and include beneficial ingredients suited to your dog’s unique health requirements.

7. Enhanced flavor and smell

Slow cooking enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, making the food more appealing to your dog. Picky eaters are often more willing to eat homemade slow-cooked meals than commercial kibble or canned food. Be sure, your dog will be hovering around the kitchen for as long as their meal is being cooked in the crockpot. 

Suggested Reading: 7 Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

8. Reduces risk of contaminants

When you handpick ingredients for your pet’s meals, you not only eliminate harmful additives and preservatives but also any harmful contaminants that can cause digestive distress or have other harmful effects on your pet’s health (the most common being kidney damage). This is a common concern with commercial pet food, and reason why brands issue food recalls. By switching to homemade meals you can ensure your dog eats fresh, high-quality food.

9. Supports joint and bone health

Slow-cooked meals can include nutrient-rich ingredients like bone broth, which is packed with collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin—essential for maintaining healthy joints, especially in senior dogs or breeds prone to arthritis.

10. Boosts immune system

Using fresh, whole ingredients in your dog’s meals—such as leafy greens, carrots, and lean proteins—provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system. A stronger immune system helps fight infections, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being.

11. Better hydration

Slow-cooked food has a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. This helps keep your dog hydrated and is particularly beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water throughout the day.

12. Encourages a healthy coat and skin

Homemade slow-cooked dog food can include ingredients rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and coconut oil. These nutrients contribute to a shinier coat, reduced shedding, and healthier skin, preventing dryness and itchiness.

Suggested Reading: 3-Ingredient Dog Treats You Can Make in Minutes

10 Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes for Busy Days

With all these benefits to be raked in, any pet parent would want to try their hand at preparing homemade dog food in slow cooker. Allow me to help you get started with these easy DIY dog food crockpot recipes. What’s more, this diverse mix of recipes has been put together keeping in mind the different nutritional needs as well as limitations of our canine companions. Whether you’ve a dog who’s allergic to gluten or lactose intolerant, dealing with weight issues or joint problems, there is something for everyone here. Here are my top picks of easy dog food recipes for busy days:  

1. Classic slow cooker chicken & veggie dog food

Ideal for: General health & nutrition

One of the best crockpot recipes for homemade dog food that offers well-rounded nutrition to healthy adult dogs. It’s rich protein and fiber content addresses your pet’s macro nutrient requirements perfectly. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup brown rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• ½ cup peas
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for healthy fats)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
3. Shred the chicken and mix well.
4. Let cool before serving
5. You can store in the fridge for 4-5 days or prepare a large batch, divide in smaller portions and freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch it in action:

2. Grain-free turkey & sweet potato stew

Ideal for: Dogs with gluten allergies

If you are looking for gluten-free and grain-free slow cooker dog food recipes, look no further. This recipe does not use any grain sources, and instead relies on high-fiber alternatives like sweet potato to meet your pet’s carb needs and is also rich in protein. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium turkey broth
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until fully cooked.
3. Mash sweet potatoes slightly and stir well.
4. Let cool before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra Omega-3s, add 1 tsp of ground flaxseed or fish oil before serving.

3. Dairy-free beef & pumpkin meal

Ideal for: Dogs with lactose intolerance

This dairy-free option is great for dogs with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs. The combination of ground beef and pumpkin makes it one of the best crockpot recipes for homemade dog food that perfectly balances nutrition with taste. Your dog will lick their bowl clean every time you serve them this meal and you won’t have to worry about any unwarranted digestive distress. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (no added sugar)
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. 
3. Stir and allow to cool before serving.

Check out this altered recipe too:

4. Low-phosphorus chicken & rice meal

Ideal for: Dogs with kidney issues

If your dog struggles with chronic health problems like kidney issues, taking care of their nutritional needs becomes that much more challenging. On the one hand, you want to ensure that your pet is getting their daily dose of well-rounded nutrition, and on the other, you need to work within dietary limitations. Of course, in such cases, you cannot make the decision to try your hand at DIY dog food crockpot recipes lightly. However, this low-phosphorus, low-protein but high in quality nutrients recipe addresses all those concerns and makes for a safe, wholesome meal option. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1½ cups white rice (lower in phosphorus than brown rice)
• 1 cup peeled & diced sweet potatoes
• ½ cup carrots, chopped
• ½ cup green beans, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and mix well.
4. Let cool before serving.

Pro Tip: Always check with your vet before changing a kidney-disease diet, as phosphorus levels need to be carefully monitored.

Suggested Reading: Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Risks, Benefits, And Things to Consider

5. Weight management chicken & cauliflower stew

Ideal for: Overweight dogs

Planning meals for dogs with weight issues is always about treading that fine line between satiety and portion control, while making sure that the nutritional profile of the food you serve is well-rounded. Didn’t think you could hit all these marks at once by preparing homemade dog food in slow cooker? Well, this chicken and cauliflower stew will change your mind. This low fat, high fiber, and high protein meal will keep your dog full longer and also meet all their nutritional requirements. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• ½ cup quinoa (for added protein & fiber)
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and mix well.
4. Let cool before serving.

Suggested Reading: 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Dog

6. Joint-supporting salmon & veggie stew

Ideal for: Dogs with joint issues & arthritis

As our pets age, joint issues and conditions like arthritis become a common concern. These problems are also prevalent in dogs with weight issues. With these health conditions come some very specific nutritional requirements. However, specific doesn’t necessarily mean complicated. With simple DIY dog food recipes using a crockpot, you can prepare a meal that is abundant in joint-supporting Omega-3s as well as rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Here is one such recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless salmon (or canned salmon in water, drained)
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium fish broth
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil (for Omega-3s)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (except flaxseed oil and turmeric) to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
3. Once cooked, stir in flaxseed oil and turmeric.
4. Let cool before serving.

Alternatively, you can try on a regular pot like in the following video too:

7. Liver & brown rice power meal

Ideal for: High-energy & active dogs

Got a high-energy pupper who loves long walks and running around the yard? Have a working dog who toils at the farm all day long? Shower your canine companion with some extra love with by preparing this homemade dog food in slow cooker packed with iron, protein, and essential vitamins 

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken liver (or beef liver)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours
3. Stir well and let cool before serving.

Pro Tip: Liver is packed with vitamins but should be fed in moderation (about 5% of the total diet) to prevent vitamin A toxicity.

8. Duck & quinoa anti-allergy meal

Ideal for: Dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs

The first dog I raised struggled with a sensitive stomach and frequent digestive distress. He was also a picky eater. This meant kibble, fish, liver, beef were out of the question, and there was no telling how his stomach would respond to chicken either. My quest for easy dog food recipes for busy days began with the dietary challenges he posed for me, and this became a go-to recipe that I could make with ease and he not only relished but also digested well. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs duck meat (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup quinoa (or millet)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium duck broth
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Shred duck meat and mix well. Let cool before serving.

9. Venison & sweet potato hearty stew

Ideal for: Dogs with skin issues or itchy coats

One of the most exotic crockpot dog food recipes I’ve worked with yet simple to make. This is a great choice for dogs with skin issues as this novel protein source is rich in Omega-3s, which are essential for skin health and making your dog’s fur shiny. Venison is also a good alternative protein for dogs with poultry allergies. 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs venison (or lean beef)
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium venison broth
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil (for skin and coat health)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (except flaxseed oil) to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours 
3. Stir in flaxseed oil after cooking.
4. Let cool before serving.

10. Fish & oatmeal digestive boost meal

Ideal for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues

While my sensitive-tummy pet didn’t take well to fish, other furry babies I have had over the years have loved and benefited from it. Fish is known to be an easily digestible protein option for dogs with digestive issues and you get the added benefit of Omega-3s as well. Besides, this is among the slow cooker dog food recipes that is packed with fiber from soothing sources like oatmeal and pumpkin, which help with promoting better gut health.  

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs white fish (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• 1 cup oatmeal (plain, no sugar)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 4 cups water or low-sodium fish broth
• 1 tbsp fish oil (for digestion and coat health)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients, except fish oil, to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours (fish cooks faster than meat).
3. Stir in fish oil after cooking.
4. Let cool before serving.

Suggested Reading: Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Everything You Need to Know

Tips for Preparing and Storing Slow Cooker Dog Food

You now have a diverse mix of DIY dog food crockpot recipes in your kitty. But before I let you go, I want to touch upon some key tips to make sure they are prepared and stored in a way that facilitates your pet extracting optimal nutritional benefit from their food.     

Preparation tips

As you may have realized by now, figuring out how to make dog food in a slow cooker isn’t rocket science. While the process is simple, preparation is key. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while preparing these slow cooker dog food recipes: 

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, and healthy grains. Avoid processed ingredients, artificial additives, and high-fat meats
• Aim for balanced nutrition: Ensure your dog gets the right mix of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins. Add supplements like calcium (from eggshells or bone meal) if needed
• Cut ingredients into small pieces: Chop vegetables and meats into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier digestion
• Use dog-safe ingredients: Avoid toxic foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and excessive salt or spices
• Layer ingredients properly: Place tougher ingredients like meats at the bottom and softer ones like leafy greens at the top for even cooking
• Cook on low heat: Slow cooking on low (6-8 hours) preserves nutrients better than high heat (4 hours)
• Add water or broth: Use low-sodium, dog-safe broth or water to ensure the food has enough moisture and doesn’t become dry 
• Let food cool before serving: Dogs have sensitive tongues and hot food can burn your dog’s tongue and mouth. Allow it to cool to room temperature before feeding
• Introduce gradually: If switching from kibble to homemade food, mix small portions with their regular diet and gradually increase over a week

Suggested Reading: 12 Dog Food Ingredients Bad for Your Pet’s Health and Longevity

Storage tips

These time-saving homemade dog food recipes for slow cookers are best used for preparing large batches for food at once, making the process all the more efficient. Correct storage is crucial for making sure the food doesn’t get spoiled by the time you feed it to your dog. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Portion before storing: Divide the food into meal-sized portions to make serving easier
• Use airtight containers: Store in BPA-free airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination
• Refrigerate for short-term use: You can keep portions in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Label containers with the date of preparation
• Freeze for long-term storage: Freeze portions in silicone molds, freezer-safe bags, or containers for up to 3 months. Again, labeling the date is important to make sure the food doesn’t go bad or lose its nutritional value
• Thaw safely: Thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator overnight instead of at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth
• Reheat properly: If serving warm, heat food slightly in a microwave or stovetop but avoid making it too hot. Stir well to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs 

1. How do I ensure the homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced?

To ensure homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced, include the right proportions of protein (chicken, beef, fish), healthy fats (olive oil, fish oil), fiber (vegetables, pumpkin), and carbohydrates (rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes). Essential vitamins and minerals like calcium (from eggshell powder or bone meal) and Omega-3s (from flaxseed or fish) should also be added. When starting out, you can consider consulting a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure your recipe meets your dog’s specific needs. You can also rotate ingredients to provide a variety of nutrients and avoid deficiencies over time.

2. How much homemade dog food should I feed my dog?

The amount of homemade dog food to feed depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and health condition. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of your dog’s body weight daily. For example, a 50-pound dog may need 1 to 1.5 pounds of food per day, split into two meals. Puppies, active dogs, or underweight dogs may require more, while seniors and less active dogs may need less. Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions as needed, consulting a vet if necessary.

Takeaway 

These crockpot dog food recipes are a fantastic way to transform your pet’s relationship with their food while easing out your worries about the quality and nutritional profile of their meals. Of course, any decision about your pet’s health and nutrition should not be taken lightly. Always consult a professional when making the shift for the first time, and start small. Prepare a small batch and replace 10% of your dog’s current diet with it. See how they respond, and take it from there. This becomes even more crucial if your dog has underlying health conditions.