Healthy Homemade Fish Stew For Dogs
So here’s the deal. If you’re the kind of person who’s spent more time staring at your dog’s food bowl than your own, wondering, “Is that really the best I can do for them?”—welcome. You’re in the right place.
And if you’ve ever caught yourself whispering, “I’m sorry,” while scooping mystery-flavored kibble into the bowl for the third night in a row, same.
Because sometimes, even when we’re doing our best, it’s just hard to know what’s actually good for our pups, and what’s just good marketing.
So I made something. Something simple, healthy, and packed with real ingredients that you can pronounce and your dog can devour. A fish stew, made for the canine food critic who side-eyes dry kibble like it just offended their ancestors.
Let’s get into it.
Why Fish?
Fish is kind of a quiet powerhouse. It’s lean. It’s rich in omega-3s. It supports joint health, skin, coat, and brain function. And most importantly, it’s gentle on digestion. That means this recipe is great for dogs with sensitive tummies, allergies, or that one time they stole a sock and you’re trying to win them back to the world of real food.
You don’t have to be a gourmet chef. You don’t need a dozen obscure spices or a culinary diploma. Just a few ingredients, a pan, and about 30 minutes of your time.
Because they’re worth it. Every single time.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the full ingredient list. These are basic, whole foods you probably already have, or can pick up on your next grocery run. Bonus points: they’re safe, vet-approved, and easy to prep.
| Ingredient | Amount (Metric) | Benefit for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (deboned) | 1.75 lbs (620g) | Lean protein, low allergen, omega-3 rich |
| Diced Potatoes | 3 cups (360g) | Carbs, potassium, easy on digestion |
| Green Beans | 1.5 cups (188g) | Fiber, low calorie, good for digestion |
| Green Peas | 1.5 cups (240g) | Protein, vitamins A, C, and K |
| Water | 2 cups (480ml) | Keeps everything moist and stew-like |
| Omega-3 Oil (flax/salmon) | 0.5 cup (64g) | Boosts coat shine, brain health |
| Nutrient Supplement Mix | 1/3 cup (43g) | Fills any nutritional gaps safely |
If you’re using a commercial nutrient mix, just double-check that it’s dog-safe. You can also get vet-formulated blends specifically for homemade diets.
How to Make It?
This isn’t one of those recipes where you’ll be standing over the stove for an hour questioning your life choices. It’s simple, chill, and kinda fun. Here’s how to throw it together:
- Heat your oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Place the cod in the pan. Cook each side for about 3–5 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flaky. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In a food processor, pulse the potatoes, green beans, and peas until they’re chopped into small, dog-safe bites. If you don’t have a food processor, just chop them really well by hand.
- Toss the chopped veggies into the pan with 2 cups of water. Let them simmer for about 7–10 minutes until soft.
- Flake the cooked fish back into the pan. Stir in the nutrient mix and remaining oil. Mix thoroughly so everything is well distributed.
- Let it cool to room temperature. You do not want to serve it hot.
- Serve in your dog’s bowl, store the rest in the fridge, and prepare to be stared at lovingly for the next three hours.
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Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Been There
- Double check for bones. Even “boneless” fish can sneak a few in. Run your fingers through while flaking.
- Use wild-caught cod if possible. It tends to have a better nutrient profile and lower toxin levels than farmed.
- Don’t skip the nutrient mix. Homemade food can lack key vitamins if you’re not careful. This ensures balance.
- Cool it down completely. Dogs can’t blow on food. Hot stew = sad tongue.
- Batch prep and freeze. This recipe freezes beautifully. Use silicone trays or freezer-safe containers for easy portions.
Quick Note on Portions
A general rule of thumb is around 1 cup of stew per 20 lbs of body weight. But obviously, every dog is different. Activity level, age, and breed all matter. Start small and adjust.
And if you’re transitioning your dog from kibble or another food? Mix this stew in gradually over a few days to avoid stomach upsets.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a full-blown kitchen arsenal for this. Just the basics:
- Large skillet or soup pot
- Food processor or knife and cutting board
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Storage containers
That’s it. No sous chef necessary.
Substitutions & Variations
You know how sometimes you get to the store and they’re out of green beans and you just can’t anymore? I got you.
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod | Salmon, tilapia, pollock | Avoid anything with bones or added salt |
| Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, rice | Just cook them soft |
| Green Beans | Carrots, zucchini | Dice or blend to avoid choking |
| Green Peas | Lentils, chopped spinach | Cooked and cooled before adding |
| Nutrient Mix | Vet-recommended blend | Do not skip unless you’ve consulted a vet |
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This stew is meal-prep friendly, which is great if you’re trying to keep your life even slightly together.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers or silicone muffin trays. Keeps well for 2–3 months.
- Reheat gently: Microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water, but make sure it cools down before serving.
Nutrition Breakdown (per 1-cup serving)
| Nutrient | Approx Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~138 kcal |
| Protein | ~18g |
| Fat | ~1g (plus omega boost) |
| Carbs | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Vitamins | A, C, K, D |
| Minerals | Iron, calcium, potassium |
This is a low-fat, high-protein meal that supports healthy weight, coat shine, and digestive function.
Leftovers? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve got extra stew, don’t let it go to waste. You can:
- Add a spoonful on top of kibble to make it extra enticing
- Freeze for later
- Mix into dry food for added moisture
- Use as a treat or reward during training
Just make sure anything saved is stored properly and labeled with a date.
FAQ
Can I use canned fish?
Yes, but make sure it’s in water with no salt or added flavors.
Can this be served to puppies?
Yep, just adjust portion size and double-check nutritional balance with your vet.
Is this grain-free?
Yes. But you can add rice or barley if your dog tolerates grains well.
Can I eat this?
Honestly… yes. It’s all human-grade food. But maybe season your own portion a bit.
How often can I serve this?
2–3 times a week is a great place to start. You can also rotate it in with other homemade meals.
Meal Pairing Ideas
Want to round it out with something else?
| Pair With | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dog-safe frozen yogurt pops | Great after a warm stew meal |
| Dental sticks | Keeps teeth clean post-meal |
| Crunchy carrot slices | Perfect texture contrast, low cal |
| Small portion of kibble | Helps with crunch and satisfaction |
Wrap Up
That’s it. One homemade fish stew your dog will actually look forward to—and you’ll feel good serving. It’s fast, healthy, freezer-friendly, and 100% approved by my own very spoiled taste tester.
Now I want to hear from you. Did your dog love it? Did you swap an ingredient? Got questions about how to tweak it for allergies or preferences?
Drop it in the comments. Your experience helps someone else, and your dog deserves a little spotlight too.
You got this. And your dog? They’re gonna love you for it.
