When I made this natural chicken meal for Dori the first time, she parked herself by the kitchen counter and wouldn’t leave—tail wagging, eyes bright. After testing and a quick review with our vet, this simple, grain-free recipe became a regular in our rotation. It’s wholesome, easy, and perfect for busy pet parents who want real food their dogs actually enjoy.
Ingredients (5 or fewer)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup peas
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
Step 1 — Prep and chop
Wash hands and surfaces. Trim fat from chicken breasts and cut into ~1cm cubes so they cook evenly. Dice carrots small and halve frozen peas if large. Measure 1 cup low-sodium broth and have a timer ready.
Step 2 — Sear optional & layer
I brown the chicken briefly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor, then transfer to the crockpot. Add carrots, peas and broth; spread ingredients evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 3 — Slow cook with check
Set the crockpot on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4. Stir once about halfway through. Confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender but not mushy; adjust time slightly for your model.
Step 4 — Finish, mix and cool
Stir in pumpkin puree during the last 10 minutes for added fiber and smooth texture. Turn off heat and let the pot cool 20–30 minutes. Shred any large chicken pieces so textures are even for Dori.
Step 5 — Portion, supplement & store
Portion into airtight containers after cooling. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Add vet-recommended supplements (fish oil, calcium) only after the food has cooled, following dosage guidance.
Nutrition & Vet Note
This recipe delivers lean protein from chicken, fiber from pumpkin and carrots, and gentle carbs from peas. Our team had the formula reviewed by a veterinarian for general adult-dog feeding; it’s considered vet approved for many healthy adult dogs. Always check with your own vet for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions.
FAQ
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked?
A: Yes—if using raw, cook fully until internal temp is 165°F and juices run clear. I usually use pre-cooked shredded chicken for speed and control.
Q: How do I transition my dog to this food?
A: Mix 25% homemade with 75% current food, increasing homemade by ~25% every 2–3 days while monitoring stool and energy for 5–7 days.
Q: Can I substitute peas with rice or quinoa?
A: Yes. Use cooked quinoa for grain-free or cooked brown rice if your dog tolerates grains.
Suitable For / Not Suitable For
Suitable for: adult dogs, senior dogs needing gentle, grain-free meals, and picky eaters who prefer fresh food.
Not suitable for: dogs with chicken or pea allergies, puppies under your vet’s guidance, or dogs on veterinary therapeutic diets (e.g., renal, hepatic) without professional approval.
Real Experience (Dori Tested)
I’ve fed this recipe to Dori over several weeks and tracked small changes: more consistent stool, brighter energy on walks, and a noticeably happier dinner routine. Our team tried it across a few breeds and sizes; many dogs responded well, but results vary, which is why we emphasize vet consultation for special health needs.
Perfect Ending (Please Read, Share & Feedback Welcome)
Cooking for Dori has been one of the most satisfying things I do each week—seeing her relish a bowl of real food reminds me why I started PawPrinted. After our team tested this recipe and discussed it with our veterinarian, we felt confident sharing it because we observed better digestion and steadier energy in dogs who tried it. If you make this meal, please tell me how your dog reacted—notes about portion size, digestion, or flavor preferences are incredibly useful. Snap a photo, leave a comment, or tag us on Pinterest so we can feature your pup and learn from your experience. Your feedback helps other pet parents and helps us refine recipes. Thank you for choosing to cook with love—every homemade bowl counts toward healthier, happier dogs.
