A wholesome, easy, slow-cooked meal your dog will love.
Life gets busy. Really busy. I get it. But that doesn’t mean your pup can’t enjoy a nutritious, home-cooked meal—especially when your crockpot does all the work.
Today, we’ll make a hearty, balanced, and flavorful Crockpot Dog Food Recipe using ground beef.
With lean beef, wholesome veggies, and fiber-rich brown rice, it’s the kind of meal that feels good to serve and even better to watch your dog enjoy. Snickers knows exactly what’s cooking as soon as the crockpot starts bubbling.
And the best part? It’s easy—almost effortless. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced nutrition
- Easy prep and minimal cleanup
- Makes large batches
Crockpot Dog Food Recipe with Ground Beef
| Ingredient | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|
| 2 lbs lean ground beef | High-quality protein for muscle health |
| 1½ cups brown rice, rinsed | Fiber-rich carbs for energy and digestion |
| 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, no-sodium, rinsed | Protein and fiber for heart and digestive health |
| 1½ cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed | Vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants |
| 1½ cups green beans, chopped | Vitamins, minerals, and low-calorie fiber |
| 1½ cups mixed vegetables, frozen (no onions!) | Extra nutrients and flavor variety |
| 4 cups water or low-sodium bone broth | Hydration and added nutrients |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Rinse your brown rice thoroughly under cool water to remove extra starch. Drain and rinse the kidney beans to remove excess sodium. Peel and cube your butternut squash, or use frozen pre-cut cubes to save even more time.
Make sure your green beans and mixed vegetables are measured and ready to go. Remember, avoid any mixes containing onions or garlic.
2. Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place the beef at the bottom of your crockpot. Layer in your rinsed rice, kidney beans, butternut squash cubes, green beans, and mixed vegetables. Pour in 4 cups of water or low-sodium bone broth. Gently stir to combine and distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours.
The mixture is done when the rice and squash are tender, and the ingredients have melded beautifully together, creating a comforting, stew-like texture.
4. Cool and Serve
Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before serving to your pup. Portion out servings according to your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Storage & Shelf Life
After cooling completely, transfer the cooked dog food into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, clearly labeled and dated. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, or reheat gently until lukewarm.
Feeding Guidelines
This homemade crockpot dog food is nutritious and wholesome, but it’s important to feed it in proper amounts to keep your dog healthy and balanced. The ideal serving size depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health.
As a general rule, most dogs require roughly ½ cup to 1 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight per day. For instance, a 20-pound dog typically needs around 1 to 2 cups daily, while a larger dog weighing around 50 pounds might require between 2½ to 4 cups. Highly active dogs may need slightly more, while senior or less active dogs usually need a bit less.
If you’re unsure how much your dog specifically needs, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Always introduce new foods gradually, and monitor your dog’s weight and condition closely, adjusting portions as necessary.
Customization Tips
- Swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken occasionally to change up flavors.
- Substitute brown rice with quinoa, barley, or sweet potato if your dog prefers grain-free or alternate grains.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like curly parsley or basil for added flavor and nutrients.
- Consider adding a small amount of fish oil or coconut oil for additional skin and coat benefits.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Quality protein essential for maintaining strong muscles and sustained energy levels.
- Brown Rice: A slow-digesting carbohydrate that provides steady energy and dietary fiber.
- Kidney Beans: Excellent plant-based protein source, rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Butternut Squash: Provides beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber—great for digestion and immune support.
- Green Beans: Low-calorie source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support overall health.
- Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Adds vitamins, antioxidants, and variety—ensuring balanced nutrition.
- Bone Broth: Hydrating and packed with joint-supporting nutrients like collagen and minerals (optional but highly beneficial).
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes! White rice cooks faster, but brown rice is easier on some dogs’ stomachs and it also offers more nutritional value and fiber.
Is butternut squash necessary? Can I substitute it?
Squash is great, but you can substitute with pumpkin, sweet potato, or another dog-friendly veggie.
Can I cook this recipe faster on the stove?
Yes, but crockpot cooking enhances flavor and nutrition. On a stove, bring to a boil, then simmer gently until rice and veggies are tender (about 45–60 minutes).
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this Crockpot Dog Food Recipe featuring ground beef, wholesome vegetables, and hearty rice, your dog enjoys a nutritious, flavorful meal with minimal effort from you.
Snickers loves when the crockpot goes on. Honestly, yours will too. Give it a try—easy, nutritious meals, happier dogs, and simpler days. Win-win.