Making your own dog food in a slow cooker is a great way to ensure your pet is getting high-quality, nutritious meals. This homemade recipe combines minced beef, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, apple (without seeds), and brown rice, offering a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and fiber. The best part is, it costs about the same as canned dog food but gives you the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s food. Plus, making a big batch in the slow cooker ensures you have enough to last the week!
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it provides a balanced meal using healthy ingredients that dogs thrive on. The beef provides protein, while the sweet potatoes and brown rice offer easily digestible carbohydrates. Carrots and peas give essential vitamins and fiber, and the apple (without seeds) adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Cooking it all together in the slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld into a flavorful, nutritious meal, and freezing it ensures your dog has fresh food throughout the week.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe:
1 lb minced beef – The protein source for your dog, providing essential amino acids.
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they’re great for digestion.
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh) – A good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped – High in vitamins and low in calories, perfect for your dog’s diet.
1 apple (without seeds or core), chopped – Adds fiber and natural sweetness to the mix.
1 cup brown rice (uncooked) – Provides a healthy source of carbs and fiber for sustained energy.
4 cups water – To help cook the ingredients and create a soft consistency.
How To Make This Recipe:
Prepare Ingredients:
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, carrots, and apple. Measure out the peas and brown rice.
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Add the minced beef to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, peas, and brown rice on top of the beef.
Add Water:
Pour the 4 cups of water over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The water helps to cook the rice and soften the vegetables.
Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender, and the rice is fully cooked.
Mix and Shred:
Once the cooking time is up, use a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly. If desired, you can shred the beef for a finer texture. The food should be soft and easy for your dog to eat.
Cool and Store:
Allow the food to cool completely before serving it to your dog. Store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze portions to ensure it stays fresh longer.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the homemade dog food as a complete meal for your pet, or mix it with dry kibble to add variety and flavor to their diet.
If your dog prefers their food warmer, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stove.
Helpful Tips:
Portion Control: Adjust the portion size based on your dog’s size, activity level, and dietary needs. It’s always best to consult with a vet about how much homemade food to feed your dog.
Storage: Freeze the food in individual portions to make it easy to defrost and serve each day.
Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to add other dog-safe ingredients like green beans, spinach, or pumpkin. Just make sure any new additions are safe for dogs and avoid any toxic foods like grapes or onions.
Timing:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
Total Time: 6-8 hours and 15 minutes (with prep time)
Serve:
Serve the food once it’s completely cooled, either on its own or mixed with your dog’s regular kibble. Your dog will appreciate the healthy, homemade meal that’s just as good as the canned stuff but made with love!