Does your dog’s upset stomach turn mealtime into a dramatic performance worthy of an Oscar? Every pet parent knows the look — those sad puppy eyes that could melt steel, paired with a belly that’s staging its own rebellion.
This gentle lamb and rice stew transforms from a tummy-soothing remedy into a freezer-friendly meal prep solution that saves both time and sanity. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a meal that’s kind to sensitive stomachs and tough on hunger.
This recipe tackles the twin challenges of feeding finicky eaters and managing mealtime chaos. You’ll learn how to batch cook comfort food that doubles as both a healing meal and a convenient dinner solution.
Table of Contents
Homemade Dog Food Disclaimer
This stew is not a complete and balanced diet. Dogs need more than just lamb and rice to stay healthy.
Pet owners should consult their veterinarian before making homemade food their dog’s main meal. Vets understand what nutrients dogs need to thrive.
Missing vitamins and minerals can make dogs sick. Commercial dog foods already include the necessary nutrients in the right proportions.
This recipe works great as:
- A special treat
- 1 of their 2 daily meals (with the other meal being fully balanced)
- A temporary meal for sick dogs needing bland food
- Emergency food when the store is closed
Dogs with serious health problems require special diets. A vet should create meal plans for these pups.
Puppies and senior dogs have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. One size does not fit all when it comes to dog nutrition.
The author is not a veterinarian or dog nutritionist — just a dog lover who enjoys making food that makes pups happy.
Always introduce new foods slowly. Even gentle recipes can upset sensitive tummies if given too quickly.
This disclaimer might sound serious, but it’s here to keep dogs safe and healthy. Nobody wants a sick puppy on their hands.
Quick Recipe
This simple stew uses just six ingredients and takes about 4 hours in a slow cooker. The recipe makes enough for multiple meals that freeze perfectly for busy dog parents.
Ingredients (Makes 4–6 pounds)
- 2 pounds ground lamb (or lamb stew meat, cut small)
- 2 cups white rice (uncooked)
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water/lamb broth for dogs sensitive to poultry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — no fancy ingredients or extra store trips. Most dog owners already have rice in their pantry.
Ground lamb cooks faster than stew meat. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that even picky eaters approve of, and green beans provide crunch and vitamins.
Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 4 hours (low setting)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine and cook on low for 4 hours, or until everything is tender.
- Allow to cool — the stew thickens as it cools. Add water if it becomes too thick.
- Portion into containers and freeze extras for up to 3 months.
Benefits of This Recipe
This gentle stew offers savings for pet owners while delivering digestible comfort for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It costs less than premium commercial foods and provides nourishing, easy-to-digest ingredients.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Cup)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cost per cup | $1.25 |
| Calories | 185 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
A single slow cooker batch yields 8–10 cups, meaning dinner for a week costs around $12.
A 50‑pound dog typically needs about 2 cups daily, while smaller breeds may need just half a cup per meal.
Health Highlights
- Lamb: A gentle, easily digestible protein that rarely triggers food allergies.
- White rice: Soothes upset tummies and helps firm loose stools.
- Slow cooking: Breaks down tough fibers, creating a soft texture that’s ideal for senior dogs or those with dental issues.
- No additives: Free from preservatives, colors, or mystery ingredients — pet parents know exactly what goes into each bowl.
Feeding Guide (Two Meals a Day)
| Dog Size | Example Breeds | Daily Amount | Per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5–25 lbs) | Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkie | ½ – 1½ cups | ¼ – ¾ cup |
| Medium (26–60 lbs) | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie | 1½ – 3 cups | ¾ – 1½ cups |
| Large (61–100 lbs) | Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador | 3 – 4½ cups | 1½ – 2¼ cups |
| Giant (100+ lbs) | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard | 4½ – 6 cups | 2¼ – 3 cups |
Always check with a vet first — every dog is different, just like their goofy personalities.
Variations
This lamb and rice stew adapts easily for dogs with special needs. Simple ingredient swaps and portion adjustments can help with weight goals, age, allergies, and more.
Weight Management
- Replace half the rice with cauliflower rice or chopped green beans to reduce calories.
- Cut the lamb portion by 25% and add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
- Add 1 tablespoon of plain pumpkin purée per serving for fiber and fullness.
- Measure portions carefully — dogs are masters at pretending they’re starving.
Puppies
- Chop ingredients finely to prevent choking.
- Add an extra tablespoon of cooked rice per serving for energy.
- Mix in a beaten egg during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra protein.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals (3–4 per day).
- Puppies under 6 months should eat this alongside high-quality puppy food.
Senior Dogs
- Blend or mash for easier chewing.
- Use bone broth instead of water for flavor and joint support.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Serve warm — it enhances aroma and appetite.
Common Allergies
| Allergen | Replacement |
|---|---|
| Lamb | Turkey, duck, or venison |
| Rice | Sweet potato or quinoa |
| Carrots | Green beans or zucchini |
Keep a food diary when testing new ingredients. Introduce changes slowly to monitor reactions.
Picky Eaters
- Add a spoonful of low-sodium broth for aroma.
- Warm the stew slightly to release flavor.
- Mix in a tiny amount of plain cooked bacon or freeze-dried liver for enticement.
- Try different textures — some dogs prefer softer stews.
- Don’t give up after one refusal; dogs often need multiple tries.
Sensitive Digestion
- Add a tablespoon of pumpkin purée per serving for fiber.
- Include a pinch of ginger powder to help settle the stomach.
- Serve smaller, more frequent meals.
- Trim excess lamb fat before cooking to prevent digestive upset.
Joint Support
- Replace water with real bone broth for natural glucosamine.
- Add a small amount of fish oil after cooking (rich in omega-3s).
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale for antioxidants.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and black pepper for potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Keep portions appropriate — extra weight stresses joints.
Skin & Coat Health
- Add 1 teaspoon of fish oil after cooking for shine and skin comfort.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for rice to boost beta-carotene.
- Mix in a beaten egg during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add finely chopped parsley for fresh breath and vitamins.
- Add a small amount of coconut oil after cooling but before serving to nourish skin and coat.
Seasonal Switches
Dogs get bored with the same food — variety keeps them excited for mealtime.
| Season | Addition | Why Dogs Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Green beans | Crunchy surprise |
| Summer | Frozen cubes of stew | Cool relief |
| Fall | Sweet potatoes | Natural sweetness |
| Winter | Extra broth | Warming comfort |
The lamb and rice base stays constant year-round — it’s the gentle foundation that makes safe experimentation possible.
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Time Limit | Best Container |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Sealed bowl |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freezer bags or airtight containers |
- Portion the stew before freezing to avoid giant frozen blocks.
- Ice cube trays are perfect for small dogs — just pop out a few cubes per meal.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat gently in the microwave, stirring to avoid hot spots.
- Never leave stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Label containers with dates to track freshness.
- Separation after storage is normal — stir before serving.
Batch Cooking Tips
Making one big pot of stew feels like winning the dog-parent lottery. Double or triple the recipe while the slow cooker’s running and freeze portions for later.
| Container Type | Best For | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ice cube trays | Small dogs (1–2 cubes per meal) | 3 months |
| Freezer bags | Medium/large dogs | 3 months |
| Glass containers | Fridge portions | 5 days |
Cool completely before freezing — otherwise, it’ll form an unbreakable ice block.
Label everything clearly to avoid “mystery meal” surprises later.
Reheat gently and stir well before serving.
Transitioning Steps
Dogs can be picky eaters, and their stomachs may rebel against sudden changes. Transition slowly:
| Day | New Stew | Regular Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 25% | 75% |
| 3–4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5–6 | 75% | 25% |
| 7+ | 100% | 0% |
Watch for any tummy troubles during the switch. If loose stools occur, return to the previous ratio for a few days before increasing again.
Some dogs dive right in; others take a week to accept new food. Patience pays off.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog food can be a rewarding way to comfort your pup — especially when their stomach needs a break. This gentle lamb and rice stew offers a simple, wholesome option for sensitive dogs, picky eaters, or as a short-term meal alternative.
Always consult your vet before making dietary changes, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a meal made with love and care.
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.
