Last week, I watched my neighbor spend $80 on premium dog food at the store…
Then I looked at the ingredient list and saw “chicken by-product meal” as the third ingredient.
That got me thinking about what we’re actually feeding our furry family members.
If you’re like me and want to know exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl, this vet-approved Spring Chicken Stew is about to become your new best friend.
Here’s the thing – making homemade dog food isn’t just about loving your pup (though that’s definitely part of it). Many loving dog parents and veterinarians agree that homemade chicken dog food, when made according to a vet-approved recipe, can offer a healthier alternative to store-bought options. This is because you are using fresh whole ingredients rather than processed pre made food.
Plus, you get complete control over every single ingredient that goes into their dinner.
But here’s what most people don’t tell you about homemade dog food…
It has to be nutritionally balanced, or you could actually harm your dog. That’s why this recipe was developed by canine nutritionists and reviewed by veterinarians to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.
What You’ll Need
Protein:
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean, boneless)
- 2 oz freeze-dried liver (or 1/4 cup fresh chicken liver, cooked)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Essential Nutrients:
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp kelp powder
- 1 tsp salmon oil (or fish oil)
- Essential nutrient mix (vet-formulated vitamin/mineral supplement)
Cooking Base:
- 2-3 cups water (enough to cover ingredients)
Optional Add-ins:
- Daily probiotic powder (as recommended by your vet)
Pro Tips
Here are the game-changing tips I’ve learned from making this recipe dozens of times:
Use a kitchen scale. I cannot stress this enough – measuring by weight instead of cups ensures your dog gets consistent nutrition every single time. MSPCA-Angell offers the following recipe for the average 15-lb adult dog with no medical problems as a possible option to interested pet owners. This recipe is balanced for long-term feeding when fed according to instructions. Homemade diet formulation: We recommend the use of a dietary gram scale to weigh out these foods until you become familiar with the approximate volumes of each.
Don’t skip the liver. I know, I know – it sounds gross. But liver is like nature’s multivitamin for dogs. If you can’t handle fresh liver, freeze-dried works perfectly and has zero smell.
Cook vegetables until they’re soft. Dogs digest cooked vegetables much better than raw ones. You want everything tender enough that you could mash it with a fork.
Add the supplements after cooking. Heat can destroy some vitamins, so always add your nutrient mix, salmon oil, and probiotics after the stew has cooled down.
Mix everything thoroughly. All items should be blended together to prevent your pet from picking out single food items. A nutritionally balanced homemade food could result in an imbalanced intake of nutrients if ingredients are allowed to separate and the animal does not consume the entire food mixture.
Tools Required
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Kitchen scale (highly recommended)
- Measuring spoons
- Large mixing spoon or spatula
- Storage containers (glass or BPA-free plastic)
- Freezer-safe bags or containers for meal prep
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Swaps:
- Ground turkey (same amount)
- Ground beef (choose lean, 85/15 or leaner)
- Cooked fish (salmon, whitefish – remove all bones)
- Note: When changing the proteins to red meat the recipe will still be healthy but won’t be fully balanced.
Vegetable Alternatives: Some safe options include carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens like spinach or kale. Avoid onions and other toxic vegetables.
- Sweet potatoes (diced, cooked until soft)
- Spinach or kale (small amounts, chopped fine)
- Cauliflower (steamed until tender)
- Never use: Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or mushrooms
For Dogs with Allergies:
- Grain-free option: This recipe is naturally grain-free
- Limited ingredient: Use only chicken, one vegetable, and essential supplements
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep warriors…
Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe and portion into individual servings. Homemade dog food can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer-term storage. If refrigerating, store the food in airtight containers and use it within 3 days. For freezing, portion the food into meal-sized servings and store them in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
Freezer Strategy: I like to freeze portions in silicone muffin cups – they pop out easily and thaw quickly. Label each container with the date and serving size.
Thawing: Move frozen portions to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Never microwave or use hot water to thaw – this can create hot spots that burn your dog’s mouth.
How to Make Spring Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prep Everything Cut your broccoli, carrots, and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Your dog’s bite size, not yours – think small enough that they won’t choke.
Step 2: Start Cooking Add the ground chicken, water, and all vegetables to your large pot. Bring to a medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cook and Break Apart As the mixture heats up, use your spatula to break apart the ground chicken. You want small, uniform pieces – not big chunks.
Step 4: Simmer Once everything is bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The vegetables should be fork-tender and the chicken completely cooked through.
Step 5: Cool Down Remove from heat and let the stew cool to room temperature. This is crucial – never add supplements to hot food.
Step 6: Add the Good Stuff Once cooled, stir in the freeze-dried liver, chia seeds, kelp powder, and salmon oil. Mix thoroughly.
Step 7: Final Nutrition Boost Add your essential nutrient mix according to package directions. If you’re using a probiotic, add that too.
Step 8: Final Mix Give everything one last thorough stir. You want the supplements evenly distributed throughout.
Nutritional Breakdown & Diet Adaptations
Per Cup Serving (approximately):
- Calories: 236
- Protein: ~22g
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
This recipe meets nutritional adequacy standards established by the AAFCO must be met or exceeded for a pet food to be marketed as “complete and balanced” for a certain life stage.
For Different Life Stages:
- Adult dogs: This recipe as written
- Puppies: Consult your vet first – We generally don’t recommend homemade diets for a dog less than one-year-old. If young dogs don’t receive the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus, significant bone abnormalities may result
- Senior dogs: Perfect as-is, may need portion adjustments
Diet Modifications:
- Weight management: Reduce portions, add more low-calorie vegetables like green beans
- High activity dogs: Increase overall portions and consider adding a bit of healthy fat
Meal Pairing Suggestions:
- Mix with small amounts of high-quality kibble during transition
- Serve with fresh water always available
- Can be used as a topper for existing dog food
Cooking Efficiency Tips:
- Prep vegetables on Sunday for the week
- Cook double batches monthly and freeze portions
- Keep a dedicated “dog food” cutting board to avoid cross-contamination
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight glass containers for up to 3 days. I use mason jars – they stack nicely and you can see exactly what’s inside.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Silicone ice cube trays work great for small dogs.
Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave (just to take the chill off) or let it come to room temperature naturally. Never serve it hot.
Signs It’s Gone Bad:
- Sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Mold (obviously)
- When in doubt, throw it out
Pro Storage Tip: Write the date and your dog’s weight on each container. This helps you track freshness and ensures proper portions.
FAQ
Q: How much should I feed my dog? A: This recipe is designed to be a single-serving for a 20 lb dog. Scale up to prepare this recipe for homemade dog food with chicken ahead and store it in the freezer for easy meal times. For other sizes, consult your vet – every dog’s needs are different based on age, activity level, and health.
Q: Can I make this without the supplements? A: No, absolutely not. This recipe was developed by our nutritionist to be nutritionally complete and was reviewed by our team of vets. The supplements provide essential vitamins and minerals that the base ingredients don’t contain.
Q: How do I transition my dog from kibble to homemade food? A: Transitioning your dog to a new diet should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the homemade chicken dog food with their current food, gradually increasing the homemade food portion and decreasing the store-bought food each day.
Q: Is this recipe safe for all dogs? A: While this recipe is vet-approved for healthy adult dogs, you should always tell your vet that your dog eats a homemade diet because they will need to see your dog more frequently to continue to evaluate the diet and to monitor for nutrition-related health problems.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like it? A: Most dogs love this recipe, but if yours is picky, try warming it slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium bone broth. Never add salt, sugar, or seasonings.
Q: Can I use this recipe for cats? A: No – cats have completely different nutritional requirements than dogs. This recipe is formulated specifically for canines.
Q: How do I know if the recipe is working for my dog? A: For best results, keep a record of your dog’s weight and body condition over time. Weigh your dog at least once per week and contact your vet if you notice unintended weight loss or gain. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea that may occur if your dog is sensitive to one or more ingredients.
Wrap Up
Here’s what I love most about this Spring Chicken Stew…
It takes the guesswork out of homemade dog food. No wondering if you’re missing crucial nutrients or accidentally harming your pup with an unbalanced diet.
You get all the benefits of fresh, whole ingredients with the peace of mind that comes from a vet-approved, nutritionally complete recipe.
Plus, there’s something pretty amazing about watching your dog’s excitement when they smell this cooking. My neighbor’s dog now comes running when I start prepping vegetables – he knows what’s coming.
You’ll probably spend less than that $80 premium dog food while giving your pup something infinitely better.
Ready to give your dog the fresh food they deserve? Start with a small batch this weekend and see how they react.
Then come back here and leave a comment – I want to hear about your dog’s reaction! Did they do the happy dance? Lick the bowl clean? Any questions about ingredients or portions?
Your pup’s health journey starts with one delicious, nutritious meal at a time.
