In this article, we will share a homemade beef and russet potato dog food recipe that can be easily prepared in your Crockpot.
Your canine companion deserves the best, and this wholesome meal is packed with essential ingredients to keep them happy and healthy. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delectable dish for your beloved pet.
Ingredients List
Makes approximately 11.5 lbs of food*
- 5 lbs Ground Beef
- 85% lean/15% fat
- 2.5 oz Beef Liver
- Diced or ground
- 3 lbs 9 oz Russet Potatoes
- With skin
- 1 lb 14 oz Sweet Potatoes
- With skin
- 5 oz Carrots
- Finely chopped
- 5 oz Green Beans
- Finely chopped
- 2.5 oz Green Peas
- Finely chopped
- 2.5 oz Green or Red Apples
- Cored, seeded, finely chopped
- 3.75 oz Sunflower Oil
- 1 tbsp JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil
- 3 tbsp JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend
Note: As with any dog food recipe, it is essential that it is complete and balanced. This recipe will not meet essential nutritional needs without the DIY Nutrient Blend, which is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations. The blend is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA. As such, pet parents must follow this recipe exactly as written.
Preparation Instructions
1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
2. Finely chop or dice all vegetables.
3. Use fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, but if 1 or 2 items must be frozen, make sure there are no added ingredients such as salt or sugar.
4. Be sure to use edible potatoes, without any signs of aging or shades of green.
5. Make sure that all apples are cored and all seeds are removed. Apple cores/seeds can be toxic to dogs.
Crockpot Cooking Instructions
- Add beef, beef liver, carrots, russet & sweet potatoes to the slow cooker along with 1 ½ cups of water. Slow-cook on high heat for approximately 2 hours, occasionally stirring to break up ground beef.
- Check to see if ingredients are cooking thoroughly (becoming soft to the touch). Then add green beans, peas, and apples, change setting to low heat and cook for approximately 1.5 hours.
- After it has completely cooled to the touch, place the food in a large mixing bowl and slowly sprinkle in the Beef & Russet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend along with the oils required in the recipe. Mix these in thoroughly.
- Portion into individual serving sizes and store in the refrigerator or freezer. This recipe will remain fresh in your refrigerator for 3-5 days and up to one year in the freezer.
Crockpot Serving Size Instructions
Summary
Now that you have discovered this simple slow cooker beef and potato dog food recipe, you can provide your dog with a homemade meal that is both nutritious and delicious. By using fresh ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can ensure that your pet receives a wholesome and balanced diet.
Remember to portion and store the food properly to maintain its freshness. Treat your beloved pet to this flavorful dish and see their tail wag with joy at mealtime. Your pup will appreciate the love and effort you put into their nourishment, and you can take pride in providing them with a healthy diet.
*All weights indicated are raw or dry weight.
Prefer to make a smaller batch? This printable PDF includes recipes for full and half batches of food.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Dog Food Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 5 lbs Ground Beef 85% lean/15% fat
- 2½ oz Beef Liver diced or ground
- 3 lbs 9 oz Russet Potatoes with skin
- 1 lb 14 oz Sweet Potatoes with skin
- 5 oz Carrots finely chopped
- 5 oz Green Beans finely chopped
- 2½ oz Green Peas
- 2½ oz Green or Red Apples remove core and seeds
- 3¾ oz Sunflower Oil
- 1 tbsp JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil algae
- 3 tbsp Beef & Russet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend
Instructions
Prep
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- Finely chop or dice all vegetables.
- Use fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, but if 1 or 2 items must be frozen, make sure there are no added ingredients such as salt or sugar.
- Be sure to use potatoes without any signs of aging or shades of green.
- Make sure that all apples are cored and all seeds are removed. Apple cores/seeds can be toxic to dogs.
Cook
- Add beef, beef liver, carrots, russet & sweet potatoes to the slow cooker along with 1½ cups of water. Slow-cook on high heat for approximately 2 hours, occasionally stirring to break up ground beef.
- Check to see if ingredients are cooking thoroughly (becoming soft to the touch). Then add green beans, peas, and apples, change setting to low heat and cook for approximately 1½ hours.
Combine with Nutrient Blend
- After it has completely cooled to the touch, place the food in a large mixing bowl and slowly sprinkle in the Beef & Russet Potato DIY Nutrient Blend along with the oils required in the recipe. Mix these in thoroughly.
- Portion into individual serving sizes and store in the refrigerator or freezer. This recipe will remain fresh in your refrigerator for 3-5 days and up to one year in the freezer.
Notes
Frequently asked questions
Is Ground Beef Good for Dogs?
Yes, lean ground beef is good for dogs when cooked thoroughly and fed in moderation. It provides high-quality animal protein and essential amino acids, but it should be balanced with other ingredients to meet complete nutritional needs.
Ground beef alone doesn’t supply all the vitamins and minerals dogs require, such as calcium and trace minerals. Leaner blends are generally recommended to avoid excess fat intake, and beef should always be fully cooked to reduce bacterial contamination risk. Dogs with pancreatitis or weight-management needs should have fat content reviewed by a veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Russet Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat russet potatoes if they are fully cooked and served plain, with no butter, salt or seasoning. Raw potatoes should never be fed to dogs, as they contain solanine, a compound that can be harmful.
Cooking potatoes significantly reduces solanine levels, making them a safe carbohydrate source in balanced dog food recipes. Potatoes are calorie-dense, so portion control matters, especially for dogs managing weight or blood sugar levels. Dogs with diabetes or metabolic conditions should have starch-heavy ingredients like potatoes reviewed by a veterinarian.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Crockpot Dog Food Recipe?
No, ingredient substitutions are not recommended in formulated dog food recipes without professional guidance. Recipes are designed to meet specific nutrient targets, and even small swaps can unbalance protein, fat, calcium-to-phosphorus ratios or micronutrient levels.
If a substitution is needed — due to an allergy, sensitivity or a veterinarian-directed diet change — contact your veterinarian so the recipe can be adjusted while remaining complete and balanced. Freelance substitutions can compromise the nutritional adequacy the recipe was formulated to deliver.
