We all have that comfort food that we yearn to come home to on certain days like after a long trip, a tiring day, when the flu hits us or even at the end of just a bad day! For my dog, Mango, that ride-or-die food is Chicken – any form, any way, any time! Chicken is her in-sickness-and-in-health companion. She could be snoozing some really strong Zs and a quick whiff of cooked chicken could tingle the deepest of her senses. This homemade chicken dog food recipe isn’t just vet approved, but also gets two enthusiastic paws up from Mango!
Chicken is the ultimate go-to food for dogs—unless they have an allergy—as it’s such a powerhouse of lean protein, essential amino acids, and vital nutrients. It’s incredible how something so simple and unassuming can fuel strength, boost energy, and nourish the body in all the best ways. It’s easy on the digestive track, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It provides glucosamine, which promotes joint health, especially in active or senior dogs.
Besides being a wellness hero, chicken is one of the most accessible and budget-friendly protein sources, available at almost any grocery store. Whether it’s served boiled, baked, shredded, or mixed into homemade meals, chicken is a tail-wagging favorite that delivers both taste and nourishment in every bite.
Check out another one of our vet-approved Turkey Dog Recipe!
This recipe, that comes straight from my kitchen and a little help from balance.it, is packed with wholesome veggies and the most nutrient-dense parts of a chicken – the breast and liver. The best part- It’s fully compliant with AAFCO Guidelines.
This recipe yields: Approx 2,237g cooked
Total Calories in 2237grams : 3320 kcal
Calories per 100 grams: 148.4 kcal/ 100 gms
(this information is important to calculate your dog’s daily feeding quantity)
Chicken and Veggies Dog Food Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Insta Pot A Large stock pot would also do
Ingredients
- 393 gms Chicken breast meat – whole or chunks - raw
- 188 gms Chicken - liver, all classes, raw
- ¾ tsp Coconut Oil
- 0.06 Tsp Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid
- 1654 gms Sweet potato – cubes - raw
- 87 gms Cranberry sauce- canned, unsweetened
- 250 gms Blueberries raw
- 128 gms Broccoli – chopped with stalks - raw
- 117 gms grated Carrots raw
- 227 gms chopped Celery raw
- 154 gms Spinach raw
- 226 gms sliced Squash summer, zucchini, includes skin, raw
Instructions
- Prep your meat and veggies by cutting them in chunks of desired size
- In an Instant Pot, add the chicken and sweet potatoes together
- Use the sauté function to brown your meat and sweet potatoes on all sides before adding minimal oil or no oil at all
- Once half your desired texture is reached, add the remaining veggies except spinach and cook them minimally
- Add your desired amount of water (3/4 – 1 cup) and let it all cook together
- Once the meat and veggies have softened further, add the spinach and cranberry sauce and let it cook for a couple of more minutes
- Optional – Use a masher to mash the cooked veggies and meat a little. Mashed sweet potatoes bring out an extra flavor
- Once cooked, add the coconut oil and mix it all together
- Add the blueberries and Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid fresh when serving
Notes
- I typically like to cook and mash the sweet potatoes separately and add them in at a later stage. However, since this is a One-pot recipe, I have suggested adding it all in together.
- My dog can live without drinking water for days at end! So, I choose to add a lot of water in her meals while cooking. This way, her meals are moisture rich.
- Chop the chicken into tiny chunks if your dog is a gobbler (just like mine).
- Add the spinach towards the end as it retains most of its nutrients if it is not over cooked.
- Coconut oil is best added at the end of cooking rather than at the beginning because it preserves nutrients and prevents oxidation
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Allow food to completely cool before storing
- Portions are freezable for up to 3 months
- Personally, I like to divide the quantities in boxes that can contain food for up to 2 days. I keep one box in the fridge and the remaining boxes in the freezer
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator
- Warm refrigerated portions slightly in the microwave before serving
Tried, Tested & Loved: My Kitchen Favorites for Dog Food Prep
For the homemade chicken dog food recipes, my secret weapon is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances—because who doesn’t want an appliance that can cook AND fry? When I’m shopping for kitchen gadgets, I’m all about getting the most bang for my buck. And guess what? The Insta Pot does both—it’s an Insta Pot and an air fryer in one!
Seriously, my search for the perfect kitchen companion ended with this baby. If you’re on the fence, just trust me on this one… and thank me later when you’re whipping up meals for your pup like a pro. It’s basically the superhero of cooking.
Is this recipe for dogs nutrient-rich?
If you’re looking for a recipe that is nutrient-rich, this recipe is filthy rich! Let’s break down the mighty morsels in the ingredients and talk about the vitality champions that they are!
| Ingredients | Benefits |
| Chicken breast and liver | Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat and rich in B vitamins and minerals like niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B6, Vitamin A, folate and iron |
| Sweet potato | Rich in Fibre, Vitamins (A, C and B6) and antioxidants. Low in fat. Great for blood sugar regulation, reducing inflammation and supports gut health |
| Carrots | Rich in Vitamins (A, C, K) and a great source of fibre. Low in calories |
| Zucchini | Packed with Vitamins (A,C,K) . High in fibre and antioxidants. Provides hydration. Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat. |
| Celery | Contains essential minerals (potassium, folate, and manganese), Vitamins (A,C,K) and antioxidants. Supports joint health |
| Spinach | High in vitamins, fibre, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports heart health and bone health |
| Broccoli | Rich in vitamins and minerals, High in fibre, antioxidant properties and cancer fighting compounds. Boosts heart health, joint health and bone health |
| Cranberry and Blueberry | Deemed superfoods for dogs! Promotes urinary tract health, oral health and joint health. Contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and cancer fighting compounds, supports cognitive functioning and low in calories |
| Coconut oil | Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat, healthy digestion, immune system and brain health. Helps with weight management, oral health and joint health |
| Omega 3 Oil | Supports Eye Health, Helps with Allergies, Reduces Inflammation, Supports Immune Function, Improves Brain and Cognitive Function, Boosts Heart Health, Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat |
Let’s look at the nutrient breakdown of this recipe –
Protein – 20.1%
Fat – 29.4%
Carbs – 50.5%
Moisture – 76%
How many Calories does your dog need?
Let’s dive into the million-dollar question – How much of this delicious recipe should you feed your dog? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below is a handy chart to help you figure out exactly how many calories your dog needs from fresh food. This way, you can make sure your furry friend is getting the right amount to stay healthy, happy, and full of energy!
(Source: The Forever Life Dog Book)
Portioning Calculation and Guidelines
Now that you know how many calories your dog needs, here’s a quick calculation that is pertinent to this recipe –
Thus, for this recipe, if your active adult dog weighs 60 lbs, they need (1312 / 148.4) x 100 = 884.1 grams of food per day
Consult your Vet if…
While these recipes are nutritionally balanced, consult your veterinarian:
- If you haven’t already before transitioning your dog to fresh food
- If your dog has specific health conditions
- To know what kind of supplements your dog needs to complement the meal
- If you notice digestive changes that seem to persist
- If you notice change in your dog’s behavior
At the end of the day, the biggest reward for all the time and effort you put into making your dog’s meals is watching them savor (read gobble) every bite. There’s nothing quite like knowing they’re not just indulging in something delicious, but also benefiting from the care and love you’ve poured into hand crafting their meals. So, here’s to healthy, happy pups and the labor of love that goes into every meal.