Homemade Dog Food in Slow Cooker: A Nutritious Recipe for Your Furry Friend

As homesteaders, we value fresh, wholesome food not just for ourselves but also for our pets. Making homemade dog food in a slow cooker is an easy and nutritious way to provide your pup with high-quality meals. Please read through the whole recipe before starting. This nutritious recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy.

There are a lot of different dog food recipes out there. We ran this recipe by our vet, and he said it was perfectly fine. You should also know that our dogs get salmon oil in their food once a day, as well as either a multivitamin or joint supplement.

How to Roast Eggshells for Dogs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Collect and Clean the Eggshells:
   • Rinse eggshells thoroughly under warm water to remove any residual egg white or yolk.
   • You don’t need to peel off the inner membrane — it contains beneficial nutrients.
2. Let Them Dry:
   • Spread the cleaned shells on a paper towel or dish rack and let them air-dry for a few hours, or pat them dry with a towel if you’re in a hurry.
3. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Roast the Eggshells:
   • Spread the dried eggshells in a single layer on a baking sheet.
   • Roast for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly brittle but not browned or burnt.
   • You’ll know they’re done when they feel dry and snap easily between your fingers.
5. Cool Completely:
   • Let the shells cool down before grinding.
6. Grind into Powder:
   • Use a clean coffee grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle to grind the roasted shells into a fine powder.
   • Store the powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Dosage Tip:

For dogs, the typical calcium dosage is about 1/2 teaspoon of ground eggshell powder per pound of food, but it’s best to consult your vet for your dog’s exact needs.

Ingredients for Making Homemade Dog Food:

• 5 lbs ground turkey
• 6 cups quinoa
• 1 1/2 lbs organic carrots, chopped
• 1 whole sweet potato, diced
• 15 ounces pure pumpkin puree
• 12 large organic eggs
• Eggshells from the eggs (roasted and ground)
• 1 cup ground flax seeds
• 23 oz carton of organic bone broth (no salt)
• 3-4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3-4 cups chopped kale
• 1 small package of blueberries

Please note this makes a big batch, and I recommend using two 10-quart slow cookers but you can get by if you don’t have ones that big.

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables. Roast and grind the eggshells into a fine powder for added calcium in your homemade dog food.

Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the ground turkey to the slow cooker first, followed by quinoa. Add 1/2 the carton of bone broth.

Use a 2nd slow cooker: In the 2nd slow cooker, add carrots, sweet potato, and pumpkin puree. Then add the last of the bone broth. Then, directly crack the eggs into the mixture. I realized the first time I made this that one slow cooker was not going to be enough. (hence the photos not matching lol)

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. (I recommended the slow cooking times). Be sure and stir 1/2 way through.

Stir in Final Ingredients: In the last 30 minutes, add the ground eggshells, flax seeds, coconut oil, kale, and blueberries. two your 2nd crockpot.

Cool and Store: Let the homemade dog food cool before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Wholesome Ingredients with Real Benefits in Homemade Dog Food

• Turkey- Turkey is a lean source of animal protein that’s easily digestible and low in fat, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy weight. It supports muscle development, cell repair, and immune system function. Turkey is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and zinc, which contribute to energy production, metabolic function, and overall vitality.
• Quinoa– Often used as a substitute for rice or other grains, quinoa is a gluten-free seed that acts like a grain and is safe for most dogs. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, and provides a steady source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Rich in magnesium, iron, and fiber, quinoa supports muscle function, digestion, and blood health.
• Pumpkin and Sweet Potato- These fiber-rich vegetables are excellent for promoting digestive health and preventing constipation or diarrhea. They also offer a natural source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for vision, immune health, and skin integrity. Additionally, they contain vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, which aid in tissue repair and metabolic health.
• Eggs and Ground Eggshells- Whole eggs are a complete protein source packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and B12, and riboflavin, all supporting healthy skin, coat, and immune function. Ground eggshells provide a natural and bioavailable form of calcium, crucial for bone density, muscle contractions, and nerve function, especially important in growing puppies and aging dogs.

What Each Ingredient Does for Your Dog

• Bone Broth- Slow-cooked bone broth is rich in collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and gelatin, which all support joint health, cartilage repair, and mobility. It also offers a flavorful way to encourage hydration and improve appetite, particularly in picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness.
• Flax Seeds and Coconut Oil- Both ingredients contribute to skin and coat health. Flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, improve skin conditions, and enhance brain function. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which support digestive health, immune defense, and may help regulate thyroid function and weight.
• Kale and Blueberries- Kale is a green superfood rich in vitamins K, A, and C, and antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage. It also contains calcium, iron, and magnesium, all vital for blood clotting, bone strength, and energy production. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients that fight free radicals, support brain health, and boost the immune system. Their natural sweetness also makes them a dog-friendly treat.

Homemade Dog Food Serving Suggestions:

The amount of homemade dog food you should feed your dog depends largely on their weight, age, activity level, and overall health. As a “general guideline”, dogs typically require about 2% to 3% of their body weight in food per day, divided into two meals. For example, a 10-pound dog may need around 3/4 to 1 cup of food daily, a 25-pound dog about 1 1/2 to 2 cups, a 50-pound dog around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups, and a 75-pound dog might need 3 1/2 to 5 cups per day. Always start with these guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s activity level and body condition. It’s also a good idea to consult your vet when switching to homemade dog food to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients.

Chloe gets a 1/2 cup twice a day and Tilly (7-10lbs) and Papi gets 1/4 cup twice a day. (Papi is currently on a diet per our vet)

Freeze-Drying Your Homemade Dog Food

Freeze-drying homemade dog food is a great way to preserve it while maintaining most of the nutrients. When we first started, we pre-portioned each serving before freeze-drying, but eventually realized that it was just as effective to store the food in an airtight container and simply measure out the portions at feeding time after reconstituting. We run our freeze dryer on the default settings and always add an extra 24 hours to the cycle, though realistically, it probably only needs about 12 extra hours. The added time gives us flexibility to remove the batch when it’s convenient for us without compromising the quality of the food.

By preparing homemade dog meals, you control the ingredients, ensuring your furry friend gets the best nutrition possible. This slow cooker recipe not only saves time but also guarantees a wholesome, preservative-free meal. Give it a try and enjoy knowing you’re feeding your dog a nutritious, home-cooked meal!