Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food
Dog crockpot recipes make it easy to cook plain, wholesome meals for your pet in one pot. This chicken and rice dog food uses simple, dog-safe ingredients and a long, gentle simmer that turns everything soft and easy to digest.
10
servings15
minutes6
hoursChicken thighs, brown rice, carrots and green beans cook in water until soft. Nothing is seasoned, so the stew is safe and gentle for most dogs.
Ingredients
2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
1 1/2 cups long-grain brown rice, rinsed
4 cups water, plus more as needed
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
1 cup diced sweet potato, peeled
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup canned plain pumpkin puree, not pie filling
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add the chicken thighs to a 6-quart slow cooker and top with the rice, carrots, green beans and sweet potato.
- Pour in the water so everything is covered by about an inch.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.
- Check that the chicken reaches 165°F and the rice and vegetables are very soft.
- Remove the chicken and shred it finely with two forks. Discard any bones or gristle.
- Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the peas, pumpkin, olive oil and parsley.
- Cover and cook 15 minutes on HIGH, then mash lightly so the pieces are small enough for your dog.
- Let the food cool completely before serving.
- Portion into containers and refrigerate or freeze.
Notes
- Never add onion, garlic, salt, grapes, raisins or seasoning to dog food. Ask your vet about portions and whether homemade meals suit your dog. Fridge life is 4 days, freezer 3 months.
Why a slow cooker suits homemade dog food
A slow cooker is a handy way to prepare plain meals for a dog. The long, gentle cook softens meat, rice and vegetables until they are easy to chew and digest, and there is no stove to watch. It is also a good option for a dog recovering from an upset stomach, when your vet suggests a bland diet.
Cooking in bulk saves time. One batch fills ten portions, and you can freeze them in small containers, so you only have to cook every couple of weeks. Everything cooks in water, with no added fat or seasoning to upset a dog's stomach. Always talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet, especially if your dog has allergies, pancreatitis or kidney problems, since each condition needs different ingredients.
Ingredient notes for a dog-safe stew
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are a lean, tasty protein dogs enjoy. Trim off excess fat and remove every bone, since cooked bones are dangerous.
Brown rice: It is a gentle source of carbohydrates and fiber. Rinse it first and cook it until very soft.
Carrots, green beans and sweet potato: These add vitamins and fiber and are generally safe for dogs. Dice them small so they cook through and are easy to eat.
Plain pumpkin puree: A little helps digestion. Read the label and choose pure pumpkin, never pie filling with sugar and spice.
Parsley: A small amount adds fresh flavor and is considered safe for most dogs in small quantities. Olive oil: A small spoonful adds healthy fats and helps the coat. Peas: A small handful adds a little extra fiber and protein and is generally safe in moderation. Water: It becomes a light broth that adds moisture and flavor, so do not drain it away.
Tips for safe homemade dog food
Skip the seasoning: Onion, garlic, salt, pepper and spice mixes can harm dogs. The stew should taste plain to you, and that is correct.
Cool completely: Hot food can burn your dog's mouth. Let it cool to room temperature and mix well, so there are no hot spots.
Do not treat it as a complete diet: The most common mistake is feeding homemade stew every day without guidance. Dogs need balanced vitamins and minerals, so ask your vet about portions and any supplements before making it a regular meal. Mash to size: Small dogs need tiny pieces, while large dogs can handle chunks. Match the texture to your dog to avoid choking.
Swaps and variations
Use lean ground turkey or beef cooked until crumbly in place of the chicken. Swap brown rice for white rice when a bland diet is needed, with less cooking time. Pumpkin, zucchini and spinach can replace the green beans and carrots. Fish like cooked salmon works as an occasional protein.
Do not use onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol or macadamia nuts. All are toxic to dogs and have no place in this recipe. Add a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt on top as a treat if your dog tolerates dairy, and always introduce new foods slowly.
How to serve it
Serve a measured portion at room temperature, either on its own or mixed with your dog's usual food. Your vet can tell you how much to give based on weight and age. Start with a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it. Use the stew as a topper by mixing a few spoonfuls into dry kibble, which is a good way to tempt a picky eater.
Storing, freezing and reheating
Refrigerate cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze single servings for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Warm gently in the microwave and stir well, then test the temperature before serving. Never serve it hot.
Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours
- Servings: 10 servings
- Ingredients: 10, led by boneless skinless chicken thighs, long-grain brown rice, water, carrots
Tips for Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food
Never add onion, garlic, salt, grapes, raisins or seasoning to dog food. Ask your vet about portions and whether homemade meals suit your dog. Fridge life is 4 days, freezer 3 months.
Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food FAQ
How long does Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food take?
Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food takes 6 hours of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food serve?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What do I need to make Dog Crockpot Recipes: Chicken and Rice Dog Food?
10 ingredients, led by boneless skinless chicken thighs, long-grain brown rice, water, carrots. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
