Do you worry about the quality of ingredients and the nutritional value of commercial pet food? Look no further.
Our delicious, freezer-friendly chicken stew recipe will make your pup’s tail wag excitedly. This homemade meal prep recipe is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients to keep your dog healthy and happy.
By preparing the stew in advance and freezing it, you can save time and ensure that your pet always has a nutritious meal ready.
Ingredients & Preparation
The beauty of this chicken stew recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need key ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts and vegetables like carrots and green beans. These ingredients are easily accessible and affordable, making this recipe a budget-friendly option for pet owners.
To prepare the stew, combine the ingredients in a slow or large pot and simmer until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Once cooled, portion the stew into individual serving sizes and freeze for later use. When you’re ready to feed your pup, thaw a portion in the refrigerator overnight and serve.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of making your dog food is the ability to control the quality and quantity of ingredients.
This chicken stew recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from the grains. These nutrients support your dog’s overall health, from maintaining a shiny coat to promoting good digestion.
Preparing the stew at home also allows you to avoid the artificial preservatives, fillers, and mystery ingredients often found in commercial dog foods. You’ll have peace of mind knowing what your pet is consuming and can tailor the recipe to their specific dietary needs or preferences.
Make-Ahead Chicken Stew for Dogs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup chicken livers
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 apple cored seeds removed, and cut into quarters
- 2 to 3 cups water
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Slow Cooker Instructions: Combine all the ingredients except peas, parsley, and olive oil in a slow cooker. Pour in just enough water to cover the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours. Add the peas and parsley to the slow cooker approximately 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete.
- Stovetop Instructions: Place all the ingredients, excluding the peas, parsley, and olive oil, into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 hour or until the carrots are tender and the chicken is cooked. About 15 minutes before turning off the heat, stir in the peas and parsley.
- Finishing Steps: Let the cooked ingredients cool slightly. Transfer the ingredients and olive oil to a mixing bowl using a slotted spoon. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher, or pulse it in a food processor 3-4 times to achieve a consistency similar to canned dog food. Adjust the texture according to your preference. Allow the mashed mixture to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Don’t Miss These:
Easy Japanese Dinner: Fluffy Omelet & Edamame Rice
Green Eggs, No Ham: Baked Eggs with Spinach, Leeks & Feta
Spice Up Dinner with South Indian Poached Eggs
Easy Chilaquiles for Dinner with Tangy Tomatillo Salsa
A Flavorful Twist on the Classic Spanish Tortilla Recipe
Golden Tomato Shakshuka with Goat Cheese for Easy Dinners
Quick Sesame Chicken Recipe to Simplify Your Dinner Routine
Seafood Dinner Recipe: Perfect Soft-Shell Crabs at Home
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.