Making homemade dog food is one of the best ways to show your pup just how much you care. With this easy slow cooker chicken and quinoa recipe, you can whip up a wholesome meal that’ll have your dog licking the bowl clean. It’s loaded with nourishing ingredients and perfect for cozy fall or winter days when butternut squash is in season. Plus, it’s super simple to make – just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about making a special meal just for your dog and watching them gobble it up with tail-wagging joy. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for both you and your furry best friend!
Wholesome Ingredients – Every ingredient is dog-safe and packed with goodness. No weird fillers or unpronounceable preservatives here, just real, nourishing food.
Easy to Make – You don’t need to be a kitchen pro. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
One Pot – Minimal cleanup is a total win. Everything cooks together in one pot for convenience and flavor.
Simple to Customize – Have a picky eater or need to work around dietary sensitivities? No problem! This recipe is easy to adapt with different proteins or veggies.
Great for Fall and Winter – Butternut squash is in season and adds a hearty, seasonal touch your dog will love.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Dish
This simple list of ingredients comes together for a nutritious and satisfying homemade dog food:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – A lean source of protein that supports muscle health.
- Quinoa – A nutritious grain that’s rich in protein and fiber, and easy on digestion.
- Butternut Squash – Adds vitamins, antioxidants, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Kale – Full of vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
- Water – Used to cook everything gently and help the quinoa absorb all the flavors.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Making swaps is easy with this recipe! Here are some simple alternatives:
- Chicken: You can use turkey or lamb instead. Both are great protein choices for dogs.
- Quinoa: Swap it with white or brown rice, barley, or sorghum. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
- Butternut Squash: Try acorn squash, fresh pumpkin, or carrots as a substitute.
- Kale: If kale isn’t a hit, spinach, broccoli, green beans, or zucchini are all good alternatives.
How to Make Chicken and Quinoa Dog Food in a Slow Cooker
This recipe is easy-peasy. Here’s how to make it:
- Add quinoa and water to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the quinoa mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add butternut squash, stir, and continue cooking on low for 1 more hour.
- Stir in the kale, then let everything cool completely before serving to your pup.
How to Store the Food and How Long It Will Last
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or plastic freezer bags. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge.
You can warm it slightly in the microwave before serving, but be careful and make sure it’s not too hot for your dog.
Is this recipe suitable for puppies?
While the ingredients are generally safe for puppies, they have specific nutritional needs during their growth stages. Always check with your veterinarian before serving this food to your puppy.
Can people eat this food?
Yes! All the ingredients are human-grade and perfectly safe to eat. You might want to add a little salt or seasoning to your portion, but it’s definitely dinner-worthy for humans too!
Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. Before starting your dog on homemade food, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets their specific dietary needs.
Transitioning to homemade food will likely necessitate additional nutrient supplements. Always speak with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate foods and supplements for your dog’s breed, weight, age, and health requirements.
More Dog Food Recipes
How about making some more homemade meals to spoil your dog with? Oh, yeah! Try these recipes:
- Beef and Wild Rice Dog Food
- Chicken Casserole
- Instant Pot Chicken and Barley Dog Food
- Lamb Stew
- Pork Dog Food
- Salmon and Sweet Potato Dog Food
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Food
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Dog Food
Find lots of easy recipes for homemade dog food right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup chopped or shredded kale
Instructions
- Pour the water and quinoa into a slow cooker and stir.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the quinoa. Put the lid on the slow cooker, set to low, and cook for 3 hours.
- At the end of the 3 hours, remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Add butternut squash and stir. Replace the lid and cook an additional hour on low. Remove the lid and stir in the kale.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
How much homemade dog food you give your dog can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s size, activity level, and breed. A general guide is 1 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight but then goes down as the weight increases. Most dogs need 2-3% of their body weight in food daily. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the amount based on your dog’s individual needs.
Always start with small amounts when adding new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure your dog has no allergic or adverse reactions.
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