Homemade Slow Cooker Dog Food with Turkey and Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Making homemade dog food in a slow cooker is an easy way to prepare a nutritious meal for your furry friend. This simple recipe combines wholesome ingredients that provide balanced nutrition and flavor your dog will love.

A round slow cooker filled with four thick raw light pink chicken breasts placed evenly at the bottom, one side showing a large pile of uncooked long grain rice with a pale beige color and rough texture, and the center is covered with a mixture of frozen green peas, bright green leafy spinach, and small orange carrot cubes scattered on top. The cooker rests on a table with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. ground turkey (85% lean, 15% fat)
  • 1 1/4 cups frozen sweet potatoes (10 oz. bag)
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed frozen peas and carrots (12 oz. bag)
  • 1 cup frozen spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked (or white rice)
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the ground turkey, frozen peas and carrots, frozen sweet potatoes, frozen spinach, brown rice, and water to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Break up the ground turkey and mix well with the other ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. (Cooking on high for about 3 1/2 hours works well.)
  4. Step 4: Let the food cool completely before serving to your dog.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute white rice for brown rice if preferred to soften the texture.
  • Add other dog-safe vegetables like green beans or pumpkin for more variety.
  • Ensure all ingredients are plain, with no added salt, spices, or seasoning.
  • Always check with your vet before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.

Storage

Store the homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving, and warm slightly if desired, but never serve hot.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a dish in a brown bowl showing a mixed layer of cooked ground meat, white rice, small green peas, orange carrot cubes, and chopped green herbs. The ingredients are evenly spread and mixed, creating a textured look with soft white, green, and orange colors blending with the light brown meat. The pieces have a moist and juicy appearance, with the grains of rice and bits of vegetables visible throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, beef, or lamb, but be sure to choose lean cuts and adjust cooking time as needed to ensure thorough cooking.

Is it necessary to cook the rice beforehand?

No, cooking the rice directly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients works well and saves time, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Print
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Homemade Slow Cooker Dog Food with Turkey and Vegetables Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings (based on average dog serving size of 1/2 to 1 cup per meal) 1x

Description

A wholesome and easy homemade dog food recipe made in a slow cooker, combining ground turkey, frozen vegetables, brown rice, and water to create a nutritious meal your dog will love. This slow-cooked blend ensures tender meat and well-cooked rice with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 3 lbs. ground turkey (85% lean, 15% fat)

Vegetables

  • 1 1/4 cups frozen sweet potatoes (approximately 10oz. bag)
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed frozen peas and carrots (approximately 12oz. bag)
  • 1 cup frozen spinach

Grains

  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked (can substitute with white rice)

Liquids

  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add the ground turkey, frozen peas and carrots, frozen sweet potatoes, frozen spinach, brown rice, and water into your slow cooker.
  2. Mix Thoroughly: Break up the ground turkey with a spoon or spatula and mix well with the other ingredients to evenly distribute the meat and vegetables.
  3. Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the meat is fully cooked and the rice and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking. Note: The recipe author cooked on high for 3 1/2 hours.
  4. Cool the Food: Once cooking is complete, remove the slow cooker insert and let the food cool completely before serving to your dog.
  5. Store Properly: Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for daily use or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Ensure the food is cooled completely before feeding your dog to avoid burns.
  • Use lean ground turkey for a good balance of protein and fat.
  • This recipe can be customized with different vegetables safe for dogs.
  • Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing homemade food to your pet’s diet to ensure it meets their specific nutritional needs.
  • Frozen vegetables are used for convenience but fresh vegetables can be used as well, adjusting cooking time if necessary.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dog Food
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Pet Nutrition

Keywords: homemade dog food, slow cooker dog food, ground turkey dog food, healthy dog meals, easy dog food recipe

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