6 Slow Cooker Recipes with Chicken and Turkey Your Dog Will Absolutely Love
If my dogs could talk, I’m pretty sure they’d tell me they were done with kibble years ago. After more than 20 years of living with dogs, grooming them daily, and preparing their meals, I’ve learned something important: dogs recognize real food. The smell alone of slow-cooked chicken or turkey is enough to bring every pup into the kitchen.
Slow cooker recipes with chicken and turkey are some of my favorites because they’re gentle on digestion, protein-rich, and incredibly easy for busy dog parents. These meals feel homemade because they are—and dogs absolutely respond to that care.
Before changing your dog’s diet, always check with your vet, especially if your dog has health conditions. Every dog is unique, and what works beautifully for one may need adjustments for another.
Key Takeaways From This Article
• Chicken and turkey are lean, highly digestible proteins for dogs
• Slow cooking preserves nutrients and improves palatability
• Homemade meals give better control over ingredients and quality
• These recipes are freezer-friendly and ideal for batch cooking
• Great options for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs
• Always cool food fully before serving
1. Classic Chicken and Veggie Stew
This recipe reminds me why basics work so well. I’ve fed versions of this stew to puppies, seniors, and rescue dogs transitioning off commercial food.
What You’ll Need:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 cups diced sweet potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
How to Cook It:
Place all ingredients into the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Shred the chicken thoroughly, mix well, and allow to cool.
Why It’s Awesome:
Chicken provides lean protein for muscle maintenance, while sweet potatoes and vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and slow-burning energy. According to canine nutrition data, protein should make up roughly 18–25% of an adult dog’s diet, and this meal fits beautifully into that range.
2. Turkey and Apple Feast
I was skeptical the first time I added apple to dog food—until I saw the bowls licked clean.
What You’ll Need:
2 lbs ground turkey
1 apple, cored and chopped (no seeds)
1 cup diced butternut squash
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup water
How to Cook It:
Optionally brown the turkey to reduce excess fat.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5–6 hours.
Why It’s Awesome:
Turkey is low in fat and easy to digest. Apples add natural sweetness and fiber, while squash supports immune health with vitamin A.
3. Chicken, Rice, and Spinach Bowl
After grooming dogs for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how digestion shows up in coat quality. This recipe supports both.
What You’ll Need:
2 lbs chicken thighs
1 cup cooked white rice (added at the end)
2 cups chopped spinach
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
How to Cook It:
Add everything except rice to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours.
Shred chicken, return it to the pot, and stir in rice.
Why It’s Awesome:
Rice is widely recommended by vets for dogs with upset stomachs. Spinach adds iron and antioxidants, which support oxygen flow and cellular health.
4. Turkey, Pumpkin, and Green Bean Casserole
Pumpkin is one of the most reliable digestive aids I’ve ever used in dog meals.
What You’ll Need:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened)
1 cup chopped green beans
1 cup diced zucchini
½ cup water
How to Cook It:
Lightly brown turkey first if desired.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Why It’s Awesome:
Pumpkin helps regulate stool consistency, while green beans add fiber without extra calories. This meal is especially useful for dogs prone to tummy troubles.
5. Chicken and Sweet Potato Mash
This is comfort food for dogs. I’ve watched anxious dogs relax after meals like this.
What You’ll Need:
2 lbs chicken breasts
2 cups diced sweet potatoes
1 cup peas
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup water
How to Cook It:
Add everything to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Shred chicken and mash sweet potatoes before serving.
Why It’s Awesome:
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and provide gentle fiber. Peas add plant-based protein and support digestion when used in moderation.
6. Turkey and Cranberry Dinner
This recipe feels special, and dogs know it.
What You’ll Need:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup diced butternut squash
½ cup unsweetened cranberries
1 cup water
How to Cook It:
Lightly brown turkey.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5–6 hours, stirring once.
Why It’s Awesome:
Cranberries provide antioxidants that support urinary health, while turkey keeps the meal lean and satisfying.
Tips for Cooking Success:
Batch Cooking: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Ingredient Swaps: Zucchini, peas, or spinach can replace carrots.
Cooling Matters: Always cool food fully before serving.
Balance Is Key: Homemade meals should complement a balanced diet, not replace professional guidance.
Studies suggest that over 60% of dog owners now show interest in homemade or fresh food options, but nutritional balance remains essential.
Final Thoughts
After 20 years of grooming dogs, feeding them, and watching how diet impacts behavior, digestion, and coat health, I truly believe homemade food—when done responsibly—can be life-changing for dogs.
These slow cooker recipes with chicken and turkey are simple, nourishing, and filled with ingredients dogs recognize and love. And there’s nothing better than knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl.
