Picture this: you walk in the door after a long day, and instead of stressing about what to feed your dog, you’re greeted by the smell of a slow cooker bubbling away with beef and sweet potato. That’s not just dinner for you — it’s tail‑wagging comfort food for your dog.
The best part? This recipe is freezer‑friendly, so you can batch it once and coast for weeks. If you’ve ever thought, “I want a better way to cook in bulk and store,” this is it. The stew is hearty enough for picky eaters, yet simple enough that you don’t need a pantry full of weird additives.
Want to make your kitchen smell amazing and your dog’s bowl disappear in 30 seconds flat? Let’s get cooking.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
This recipe is formulated as a supplemental meal or tasty topper for dogs. It is not a complete and balanced diet on its own. Dogs require specific vitamins and minerals in precise amounts, and those usually come from commercial dog food or carefully formulated homemade diets.
Always check with your veterinarian before making major changes to your dog’s diet.
Ingredients (Dog‑Friendly)
- 2 lbs lean beef stew meat, cut into small chunks
Beef provides protein and iron to support muscle strength and energy. - 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
A great source of fiber and beta‑carotene, which supports healthy eyes and skin. - 3 carrots, sliced
Adds crunch, natural sweetness, and extra vitamins. - 3 celery stalks, chopped
Provides fiber and hydration without adding many calories.
No onions, garlic, salt, or heavy seasonings — these can be harmful to dogs.
Instructions
- Prep: Place beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker.
No need to brown the meat first — the slow cooking will make it tender. - Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
The beef and vegetables release their own natural juices, creating a hearty, stew‑like consistency without needing added broth. - Cool & serve: Let stew cool completely before serving. Portion into your dog’s bowl as a meal topper or part of their dinner.
Portion Guidelines (as a topper or supplemental meal)
Feeding amounts vary depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Use these as general guidelines, and always adjust based on your dog’s body condition.
- Small dogs (5–25 lbs): ¼–½ cup per meal
Great for tiny pups who need just a little extra flavor and nutrition on top of their kibble. - Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): ½–1 cup per meal
Perfect for active family dogs who benefit from a hearty boost alongside their regular diet. - Large dogs (50–75 lbs): 1–1½ cups per meal
Enough to satisfy bigger appetites without going overboard. - Extra‑large dogs (75+ lbs): 1½–2 cups per meal
These gentle giants need serious fuel, but portion control is still important to avoid excess weight gain.
👉 Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions up or down. An active, playful dog may need more, while a couch potato might need less.
Batch Cooking & Storage
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it works for bulk prep. Cooking once can give you weeks of ready‑to‑go meals.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days in airtight containers. This is perfect for short‑term use if you want to feed fresh.
- Freezer: Lasts up to 3 months in freezer‑safe bags or containers. Freezing in flat bags saves space and makes thawing quicker.
- Pro tip: Freeze in single‑meal portions. This way, you only thaw what you need, and nothing goes to waste.
Reheating:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until just lukewarm. Never serve hot, as dogs’ mouths are sensitive to heat.
Variations
Every dog has unique needs. With a few tweaks, you can adapt this stew to fit your pup’s lifestyle:
- Weight management:
Replace half the sweet potatoes with green beans or zucchini. These veggies are lower in calories but still filling, helping overweight dogs feel satisfied without extra pounds. - Sensitive stomachs:
Use lean beef and skim off any visible fat before serving. Add 2 tbsp plain canned pumpkin per cup of stew — pumpkin is a natural digestive aid that can help with both diarrhea and constipation. - Senior dogs:
Cook an extra hour so everything becomes very soft. Mash or puree before serving to make chewing and digestion easier. Seniors may also benefit from a drizzle of fish oil (added after cooking) for joint and coat health. - Allergies:
If your dog can’t tolerate beef, swap in turkey, lamb, or venison. If sweet potatoes are an issue, try pumpkin or butternut squash instead. Always introduce new proteins slowly to watch for reactions.
FAQ
Q: Can I feed this stew as my dog’s only food?
A: No. This recipe is not a complete and balanced diet on its own. It works best as a topper or supplement to regular dog food. For full homemade diets, consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.
Q: Do I need to add broth or water?
A: Nope! The beef and vegetables naturally release enough moisture during cooking to create a stew‑like consistency. Skipping broth keeps the recipe cheaper and simpler.
Q: How do I know how much to feed?
A: Start with the portion guidelines above, then adjust based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Your vet can help you fine‑tune the right amount.
Q: Can I add grains like rice or quinoa?
A: Yes, but keep it simple and plain. Cook grains separately and mix in small amounts. This can stretch the recipe further and add extra fiber.
Q: My dog is a picky eater — any tips?
A: Try warming the stew slightly before serving. Dogs often find warm food more aromatic and appealing. Mixing in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of freeze‑dried liver powder can also entice picky pups.
The Bottom Line
This beef & sweet potato slow cooker stew makes it easy to keep your dog’s meals wholesome, tasty, and stress‑free. With just a few ingredients and a little planning, you can batch cook, freeze, and serve homemade comfort food that your dog will love.
Cook once, store smart, and enjoy the peace of mind that your pup always has something healthy waiting in the fridge or freezer.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
