Easy DIY Dog Food You Can Make in Your Instant Pot

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There are many reasons that making homemade food for your dog is a bright idea—from the undeniable health benefits to the amount of money it can save you. There’s just the pesky problem of the time commitment. Well, we’ve got your solution. Bust out your crockpot or that Instant Pot you got for the holidays because these healthy dog food recipes couldn’t be easier. Unless, you know, you got your dog to make them.

Keep in mind that if switching from commercial to homemade dog food, it’s important to make sure your dog gets all their needed nutrients. Consult with your vet before going entirely homemade. These recipes are healthy, safe, and nutritious for dogs, but they are not intended as a complete diet for your dog. For more information, you can’t beat the advice of Dr. Gary Richter, member of Rover’s Dog People Panel of experts and holistic veterinarian. His book The Ultimate Pet Health Guide contains 50 recipes for homemade dog food, in fact!

Homemade Dog Food in the Instant Pot

Rover’s Chicken and Veggies Instant Pot Dog Food

We whipped this up in our test kitchen and our office dogs were big fans. The mix of ingredients provides plenty of healthy protein, fiber, and vitamins, though it does not provide a complete nutrient profile for your dog. This recipe is intended as a delicious, wholesome supplement to your dog’s regular diet, rather than a complete meal replacement.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast 2 breast
• Carrots 2 stalks
• Green beans 1 cup
• Sweet potatoes 1 med
• Brown Rice 1 cup
• Blueberry 1 cup
• Peas 1/2 cup
• Parsley for garnish
• Water 2 cups

Method

• Add 1 cup of brown rice
• Add 2 chicken breast on top of rice
• Add the rest of the ingredients: chopped carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, along with peas and berries
• Add the water
• Manual high pressure 25 min
• Natural release 10 min
• Manual high pressure for 25 min. Natural release for 10. (If using frozen ingredients, add a few more min)
• Garnish with parsley (optional)

Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food

This delightful chicken and sweet potato dish from The Tasting Buds is exactly what the doctor (or veterinarian) ordered. Even picky eaters adore the flavor, and you’ll love how simple the ingredients are – frozen chicken breasts, veggies, and rice. Throw everything together in your Instant Pot and voilà. A youthful, happy pup is in your future.

Chicken & Brown Rice Stew

Cheap and healthy, this recipe from Tales from the Back Road even includes finely ground eggshells for a kick of calcium. This dish boasts brown rice (good source of fiber), plus spinach, carrot, peas, and chicken thighs for added protein. Double or triple the recipe and store what’s left in the freezer for a quick dog dinner fix!

Homemade Dog Food in a Crockpot or Slow Cooker

Haven’t yet jumped aboard the Instant Pot train? Not to worry – we’ve got you covered with a few simple recipes that are easily thrown together in that trusty crockpot.

Pork & Broccoli Casserole

Via Pearls and Sports Bras

Life in Pearls and Sports Bras brings us a yummy recipe that’s grain-free and great for dogs who sometimes deal with digestive issues. The pork, broccoli, beans, spinach, and yams are dog staples, plus you can throw in a scoop of yogurt or cottage cheese for additional protein and calcium.

Beef & Butternut Squash Stew

Your four-legged friend will like this delicious treat from 12 Tomatoes. Perfect for dogs with sensitivities because it’s free of corn, wheat, and soy, it’s also packed with good stuff like ground beef, squash, and peas. Practically impossible to mess up, this recipe just requires you to combine everything in the pot and let it simmer all day. The smells will get your dog super pumped for dinner time.

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