Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Your dog deserves better than sad kibble pellets every day.

If you’ve been thinking, “Hey, maybe my dog would like some real food for once,” you’re onto something, my friend.

That’s why you should try this chicken & pumpkin recipe! It’s easy. It’s healthy. And it might even earn you the title of Best Human Ever (at least until you forget to throw the tennis ball).

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Why Chicken and Pumpkin?

Chicken is a lean, easily digestible protein packed with amino acids. Plus, most dogs act like it’s literal gold.
Pumpkin is high in fiber and great for digestion. (Goodbye, weird poop days.)

Together?
It’s like the dog food equivalent of chicken and waffles — a combo that just works.

Plus, this recipe smells way better than whatever weird “beefy kibble surprise” is in your pantry right now. Just saying.

What You’ll Need

(And nope, it’s not a million complicated ingredients.)

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not the sugary pie filling!)
1 cup carrots, chopped small
1/2 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen, no salt added)
1/2 cup peas (optional, but dogs love ’em)
1 cup cooked brown rice (pro tip: use leftover rice to make your life easier)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water if you’re feeling ultra minimalist)

Equipment:

Crockpot / Slow cooker
Spoon
Measuring cups (unless you love chaotic eyeballing)

How to Make It (Aka How to Feel Like a Gourmet Dog Chef)

1. Dump It All In

Seriously.
Just throw the chicken, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, peas, and broth into the crockpot.
No fancy layering. No seasoning needed. (Your dog isn’t Gordon Ramsay, FYI.)

2. Set It and Forget It

Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for about 4 hours.
Stir once halfway through if you remember.
(If you don’t? It’s fine. It’s dog food, not soufflé.)

3. Shred That Chicken

Once it’s cooked and tender, shred the chicken into small, manageable pieces.
You can either do this inside the pot or take it out and shred it separately like a normal, civilized person.

Pro tip: Let it cool before serving so you don’t burn your dog’s tongue and instantly become the villain in their life story.

4. Store It Like a Pro

Fridge: Good for about 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Good for up to 3 months.
Portion it out so you’re not hacking at a frozen dog food iceberg later.

Quick FAQ: Crockpot Chicken and Pumpkin Dog Food Edition

Can I swap ingredients?

Totally!
This recipe is flexible.
Sweet potatoes instead of carrots? Fine.
Turkey instead of chicken? Also fine.

Just avoid:

Onion (toxic for dogs)
Garlic (also toxic)
Anything with added sugars, spices, or mystery ingredients

When in doubt, Google it first. (Or, you know, ask a vet.)

How much should I feed my dog?

Depends on their size, weight, and how extra they are.
General ballpark:

Small dogs (under 20 lbs): about 1/2 to 1 cup per meal
Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): about 1 to 2 cups per meal
Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2+ cups per meal

Disclaimer:
I’m not your vet. Always check with them if you’re switching diets long-term.

Is this a complete diet?

Short-term? Sure.
Long-term? You’ll eventually want to add supplements (like calcium) to make sure your dog’s getting every nutrient they need.

You know, so they don’t turn into a malnourished little goblin.

There are also great vitamin powders designed specifically for home-cooked dog meals if you’re feeling fancy.

Will my dog actually eat this?

99.9% chance yes.
The other 0.1%?
You either have a unicorn dog or one who’s secretly judging your cooking skills. 🐕

Final Thoughts: Crockpot Your Way to Dog Parent Glory

Making homemade crockpot chicken and pumpkin dog food isn’t just extra—it’s extra awesome.

It’s easy.
It’s healthy.
It makes you look like you really have your life together (even if you 100% don’t).

And honestly?
Watching your dog devour a meal you made with actual love is kind of the best feeling ever.

So go ahead, throw that stuff in a crockpot, and let your dog think you’re a culinary genius.
They don’t need to know you binge-watched Netflix for 6 hours while it cooked. 😉🐾

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

Chicken and Pumpkin Crockpot Dog Food Recipe (Crockpot Style!)

Why Chicken and Pumpkin?