Healthy Chicken & Veggie Dog Food
A nutritious homemade dog food made with chicken, vegetables, and rice; easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for keeping your pup healthy and happy.
This homemade dog food has become a staple in our home because it’s simple to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and my pups—Mickey and Minnie—absolutely love it.
I originally started making it back in 2020 when our senior girl Roxie (our sweet Shih Poo) was diagnosed with bladder stones. Surgery was recommended, but with vet offices closed and curbside drop-offs being the norm, it was a stressful season. We tried the canned dog food that was supposed to ‘support urinary care,’ but after a few weeks she refused to eat it.
In my desperation to keep her fed and feeling good, I started researching homemade options. I emailed our vet, he sent me a list of canine-safe foods, and I decided to give it a try.
Roxie passed in November 2024, but I truly believe that switching to homemade food gave us four extra years with her. I’ll never forget the on-call vet saying, ‘If you choose not to operate, take her home and make her comfortable.’ We did exactly that and she surprised everyone.
It took some trial and error to find the recipe she loved, but once we landed on it, that was it. And here we are, five years later. I’m still making this same recipe for Mickey and Minnie.
When I learned how many fillers and preservatives are tucked inside store-bought dog foods, it just confirmed my choice. This recipe uses real chicken, veggies, and hearty grains to keep them energized, satisfied, and healthy. It’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and makes a generous batch so you can prep once and have meals ready for days (or weeks, if you freeze it like we do).
I needed a recipe that was simple, cost-effective, and easy to whip up with ingredients I always have around. And let me tell you… this one’s a keeper!
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Healthy Chicken & Veggie Dog Food
Equipment
- Crockpot InstantPot
Ingredients
- 5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 piece chicken liver
- 1 piece beef heart
- 6 eggs and shells
- 1 can peas drained
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can spinach drained
- 1 can pumpkin
- 1 sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 1 carrot cubed
- 1 small zucchini washed and cubed
- 1 small apple cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 can tuna or sardines
- 2 cups brown rice cooked
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or fish oil, flaxseed oil or coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons dried curly parsley
- 1 packet bone broth powder Contains no garlic, onion or excessive sodium
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 2 tablespoons dried orgeano
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
Instructions
- Cook chicken in crockpot or Instant Pot on low until cooked completely. 4-6 hours depending whether fresh/frozen and the size of the pieces.
- In a second crockpot or Instant Pot place the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred fully cooked chicken with 2 forks or with KitchenAid mixer.
- Chop and blend the “veggie blend pot” with an immersion blender until it looks like loaf-style dog food. Make sure all the egg shells are minced completely.
- Combine shredded chicken, veggie pot and cooked rice in a BIG bowl.
- Spoon into freezer storage containers. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Cathy’s Notes & Tips
Here are a few of my tips for making Healthy Chicken & Veggie Dog Food.
Fresh Dog Food Feeding Suggestion
These amounts for homemade dog food are approximate. (Weight, age and energy level) I always recommend consulting with your vet anytime you start something new.
From My Kitchen Table
I hope this recipe brings a little comfort and joy to your day because food should nourish both body and soul.
If you make it, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @cathyshealthylife so I can cheer you on from my kitchen table.