Let me guess.
You’re staring at your pup, they’re staring at you, and you’re both wondering the same thing—what’s for dinner?
Now, don’t worry. I’m not going to tell you to buy some expensive dog food that ships in a box with dry ice and costs more than your weekly groceries.
Nope. Today, I’m sharing something simple, cozy, and a little bit fun: a homemade Fall Stew recipe for dogs that’s ridiculously easy and surprisingly nutritious.
If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I want to feed my dog better but also not go totally overboard,” then this is for you. You don’t need chef-level skills. You don’t need fancy equipment. And you don’t need to spend two hours in the kitchen either.
You just need a few good ingredients, a pot, and a little love.
So grab your dog (optional, but they’ll probably supervise), and let’s get cooking.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this tail-wag-worthy stew. I’ve broken it down into basics, proteins, veggies, and supplements so you can keep things organized (and not lose your mind halfway through chopping carrots).
Core Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (aim for 90% lean or more)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups water
Veggies
- ¾ cup carrots, chopped
- ½ cup broccoli, chopped
- ¼ cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
Extras That Pack a Punch
- 1½ cans sardines in water, no salt added (about 6 oz total)
- ½ tablespoon hemp seeds
Supplement Options
Choose one of the following. Not both.
Option 1: Easy Route
- ½ cup Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix (This takes care of all the little things your dog needs to stay healthy.)
Option 2: Whole Food Supplement Route
- 2.5 oz beef liver, chopped
- 0.3 oz eggshell powder
- 0.2 oz wheat germ oil
- 0.04 oz kelp powder
- 0.1 oz salt
- 0.2 oz nutritional yeast
- 0.7 oz ground pumpkin seeds
- 0.2 oz ground ginger
And don’t worry if you don’t have a food scale for the ounce-based items. A lot of these ingredients are available pre-measured in pet-safe supplement kits online.
Tools You’ll Need
This is a one-pot situation, which we love. No blender. No mixer. Just simple stuff:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Cutting board + sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Food scale (if using the whole food supplement route)
- Airtight containers for leftovers
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Keep it simple the first time. If you’re new to homemade dog food, just follow the recipe as written. Don’t overthink it. Your dog won’t give you a Yelp review.
- Chop your veggies small. Small pieces cook faster and are easier for your dog to digest. Bonus: they blend into the stew better and don’t get picked out by your little food critic.
- No spices, salt, or sauces. Seriously. No garlic, onions, pepper, or those fancy spice blends. Dogs don’t need it, and some ingredients we love are toxic to them.
- Use sardines packed in water, not oil. Sardines are amazing for omega-3s, but the oil-packed ones are way too rich for most pups. Go for plain, no-salt-added, in-water sardines.
- Cool it before serving. Literally. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving it to your dog. They don’t need a steaming bowl of soup. They just want food.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible. If your dog has preferences—or allergies—feel free to swap a few things out:
- Protein options: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just make sure it’s lean.
- Veggie subs: Sweet potatoes, zucchini, or green beans all work well. Just skip onions and garlic—never dog-safe.
- No sardines? Try canned salmon (in water, no added salt). You can also use cooked, flaked mackerel.
- Grain lovers: If your dog does well with grains, you can add in cooked quinoa, brown rice, or rolled oats.
Just keep everything plain. No oils, butter, or seasonings.
Optional Make-Ahead Tips
Want to get ahead of the game?
- Batch cook and freeze: This stew freezes beautifully. I like to portion it into silicone molds (or even ice cube trays) and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Store in fridge: Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Just scoop and serve.
Quick note: Always label your containers if you’re making other meals. No one wants to confuse dog stew with beef chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to bring this cozy dog stew to life from start to finish:
- Brown the beef In your large pot, combine the ground beef, eggs, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the meat is fully browned and the eggs are cooked in.
- Toss in the veggies Add the chopped carrots, broccoli, spinach, and red bell pepper. Stir well, lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add the good stuff Stir in the sardines and hemp seeds. Break up the sardines as you go—they’ll practically melt into the mix.
- Supplement time
- If you’re using the Dog Child Nutrient Mix: Stir it in now.
- If you’re going the whole food route: Add the beef liver during the browning step. The remaining powders and oils get stirred in now while the stew is warm (not hot).
- Cool and serve Let it cool completely. Scoop into bowls or containers, and serve your dog a warm, nourishing meal they’ll absolutely devour.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Serving tip: Warm slightly or bring to room temp before serving. Never serve straight from the fridge—it’s not appetizing to them, either.
Nutrition Details & Pairing Suggestions
- High-protein from the beef, eggs, and sardines
- Omega-3s from the sardines and hemp seeds (great for joints, coat, and skin)
- Fiber and vitamins from all the veggies
- Digestive support from pumpkin seeds and ginger (if using the whole food mix)
Optional add-ons (if you’re feeling fancy):
- A spoonful of plain pumpkin puree for fiber
- A sprinkle of turmeric for inflammation support
And just so you know: This stew is not meant to replace a veterinarian-formulated diet for dogs with health issues or special needs. Always check in with your vet before changing up their food routine.
FAQ
Can I serve this to a puppy? Not this version. Puppies need a different balance of nutrients. This one’s better for adult dogs unless your vet says otherwise.
How much should I feed my dog? It depends on size, age, and activity level. A general rule? About ½ cup for every 20–25 pounds of body weight, twice a day. But again, always consult your vet for specifics.
Can I add rice or grains? Yes! Cooked brown rice or quinoa can help stretch the stew and add texture. Just keep it plain and well-cooked.
What if my dog doesn’t like sardines? You can try canned salmon, tuna (in water), or even cooked chicken liver. The goal is to provide healthy fats and a flavor boost.
Wrap Up
Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated. This fall stew is easy, hearty, and full of ingredients that’ll keep your pup healthy and happy.
Whether you’re cooking to avoid mystery kibble ingredients or just want to spoil your four-legged friend, this recipe’s a solid place to start. Try it once, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes part of your weekly routine.
And if you end up making it, I’d love to hear how it goes. Did your pup love it? Did you try any fun substitutions? Leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—or ask a question if you’ve got one. I’m happy to help!
Here’s to happy tails and full bowls.
