Last month, I’m standing in the pet food aisle, reading the back of my dog’s kibble bag, when it hits me…
The first ingredient? Chicken by-product meal.
The second? Corn gluten meal.
I wouldn’t feed this stuff to my worst enemy, let alone my best friend who greets me at the door every single day with pure joy.
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. And guess what? Making fresh, healthy dog food at home is way easier than you think. Plus, it costs about half of what those fancy subscription services charge.
Today I’m sharing my go-to slow cooker chicken and quinoa recipe that has my dogs literally dancing around the kitchen when they smell it cooking. We’re talking tail-wagging, drooling, “please-can-I-have-some-now” levels of excitement.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this vet-approved recipe that’ll have your dog thinking you’re the greatest human who ever lived:
Protein:
- 4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 individual frozen breasts work perfectly)
Grains & Nutrients:
- ¾ cup dry quinoa (pre-rinsed saves you time)
- ⅓ cup rolled oats or wheat germ
Vegetables:
- 2 cups sweet potato chunks (cooked and frozen is totally fine)
- 2 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Essential Vitamins:
- ⅓ cup canine vitamin mixture (you can buy this pre-made)
Water:
- Enough to cover all ingredients in your slow cooker
Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Made Every Mistake
These tips will save you from the headaches I went through when I first started making dog food:
1. Freeze portions immediately after cooking I learned this the hard way after making a huge batch and watching half of it go bad in the fridge. Now I portion everything into meal-sized containers and freeze them right away. Your future self will thank you.
2. Shred that chicken like your life depends on it Dogs can choke on big chunks, and smaller pieces digest better. I use two forks and really go to town on it. Think pulled pork consistency.
3. Let it cool completely before serving I once gave my dog food that was still warm and she burned her tongue. Felt terrible about it. Now I always test the temperature with my finger first.
4. Start with smaller batches until you know your dog loves it Don’t go making 10 pounds of food if your picky eater might turn their nose up at it. Make a smaller test batch first.
5. Keep the cooking liquid That broth is liquid gold – packed with nutrients and flavor. Don’t drain it away like I did the first time. If there’s too much liquid, just simmer it down on the stove.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large slow cooker (6-quart minimum)
- Two forks for shredding
- Large mixing spoon
- Food containers for storage
- Kitchen scale (helpful but not essential)
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have quinoa? Brown rice works great, just increase cooking time by 15 minutes.
No sweet potato? Regular potatoes, carrots, or pumpkin are excellent swaps.
Chicken not your thing? Turkey, lean beef, or fish work wonderfully – just adjust cooking times.
Fresh vegetables too expensive? Frozen veggies are perfectly fine and often more nutritious than fresh that’s been sitting around.
Can’t find canine vitamin mix? You can make your own with calcium carbonate, vitamin E, and fish oil – but honestly, buying pre-made is easier and more balanced.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. I make it every Sunday and portion it into individual servings. Each portion feeds my 50-pound dog for one meal, so adjust based on your dog’s size.
You can prep all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. The quinoa can be rinsed and ready to go too.
How to Make It (Step by Step)
Step 1: Add the chicken breasts and quinoa to your slow cooker. Don’t worry about thawing the chicken first – frozen works perfectly.
Step 2: Add the oats or wheat germ, then layer in all your vegetables.
Step 3: Pour in enough water to cover everything by about an inch. It might look like a lot of liquid, but trust the process.
Step 4: Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 4-5 hours, or low for 7-8 hours. The chicken should be falling-apart tender.
Step 5: Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks while it’s still warm. The meat should practically fall apart.
Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the vitamin mixture.
Step 7: If there’s excess liquid, transfer everything to a large pot and simmer on the stove for 10-15 minutes to reduce.
Step 8: Let it cool completely before serving or storing.
Additional Details
Nutritional Breakdown per Cup:
- Protein: 28-32 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 8-12 grams
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Calories: 220-280
Diet Swaps:
- Grain-free: Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice or extra sweet potato
- Low-fat: Use chicken breast only and increase vegetables
- High-protein: Add an extra pound of chicken
Meal Pairing: This recipe provides complete nutrition, but you can add a small amount of plain yogurt or a drizzle of fish oil for extra probiotics and omega-3s.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Use pre-cut frozen vegetables to save 15 minutes of prep
- Cook quinoa in batches and freeze portions
- Invest in a good food processor to quickly chop vegetables
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. I use glass containers because they don’t absorb odors.
Freezer: Portions freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I like using freezer bags because they stack nicely and thaw faster.
Thawing: Move frozen portions to the fridge 24 hours before serving. You can also thaw in the microwave on defrost setting.
Serving tip: Let refrigerated food come to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the microwave. Dogs prefer food that’s not ice-cold.
FAQ
Q: How much should I feed my dog? A: Start with about 1 cup per 25 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and body condition. When in doubt, ask your vet.
Q: Can I feed this to puppies? A: Yes, but puppies need more calories and nutrients per pound than adult dogs. Check with your vet about appropriate portions and consider adding extra calcium.
Q: Is this recipe nutritionally complete? A: When made with the vitamin mixture, yes. The recipe is designed to meet AAFCO standards for adult dog nutrition.
Q: How do I transition my dog to this food? A: Slowly over 7-10 days. Start by mixing 25% fresh food with 75% current food, then gradually increase the fresh food portion each day.
Q: Can I use this for dogs with allergies? A: This recipe avoids common allergens like beef and wheat, but every dog is different. Check with your vet if your dog has known food sensitivities.
Q: What if my dog won’t eat it? A: Try warming it up slightly or mixing in a small amount of their favorite treats. Some dogs need time to adjust to fresh food after eating kibble.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Use a large pot on the stove. Bring everything to a boil, then simmer covered for 45-60 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Q: How do I know if the homemade diet is working? A: Look for shinier coat, better energy levels, healthier bowel movements, and overall improved vitality. These changes usually show up within 2-4 weeks.
Wrap Up
Here’s the thing about making your own dog food – once you start, you’ll never want to go back to kibble.
Watching your dog’s energy improve, their coat get shinier, and seeing them actually excited about mealtime? That’s worth all the Sunday meal prep in the world.
This recipe has been a game-changer for my dogs, and I’m confident it’ll be the same for yours. The best part? You know exactly what’s going into their bowl, and you’re giving them the fresh, whole foods they deserve.
So grab your slow cooker this weekend and give it a try. Your dog will probably wonder why you waited so long to make such delicious food.
I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below and let me know how your pup reacted to their first homemade meal. Did they do the happy dance around the kitchen like mine did? Any questions about the recipe? I’m here to help make sure your furry friend gets the best nutrition possible.
