Does a dog owner’s heart break a little each time their furry friend turns their nose up at dinner? This chicken and sweet potato power bowl recipe solves the picky eater problem while providing complete nutrition that dogs actually crave.

Every dog parent knows the struggle of finding meals that hit the sweet spot between healthy and delicious. This power bowl recipe takes the guesswork out of homemade dog food with simple ingredients that even the fussiest eaters will devour.
Readers will discover how to batch prep this nutritious meal, customize it for different dog sizes and dietary needs, and store it properly for maximum convenience. The guide covers everything from portion sizes to seasonal ingredient swaps that keep mealtime exciting.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe
This simple recipe uses just six wholesome ingredients and takes about 45 minutes to make a week’s worth of tail-wagging meals. The cooking process involves basic boiling and baking that even kitchen rookies can master.
Ingredients
Protein Power:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Veggie Squad:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced small
The Magic Touch:
- 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
Most dogs go crazy for this combo. Sweet potatoes taste like candy to them. Green beans add that satisfying crunch picky eaters love.
The pumpkin helps with digestion and makes everything stick together nicely. Fresh ingredients work best, but frozen veggies are fine too.
Steps
Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Wash and pierce sweet potatoes with a fork
- Chop vegetables into small, dog-friendly pieces
Cook Everything (35 minutes): 4. Bake sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes until soft 5. Boil chicken in water for 20 minutes until fully cooked 6. Steam green beans and carrots for 5-7 minutes until tender
Assembly Time: 7. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks 8. Mash sweet potatoes (leave some chunks for texture) 9. Mix everything with pumpkin puree 10. Let cool completely before serving
Store portions in the fridge for up to 5 days. Dogs will think they hit the jackpot every mealtime.
Benefits Of This Recipe

This power bowl delivers serious savings compared to premium dog food while packing more nutrition per cup. Dogs get essential nutrients that support their energy, coat, and digestion.
Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup
Metric | Homemade Power Bowl | Premium Kibble | Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Cost per cup | $0.85 | $2.20 | $1.35 |
Calories | 295 | 380 | Lower calorie |
Protein (grams) | 22g | 18g | 4g more |
Monthly cost (30 lbs dog) | $25.50 | $66.00 | $40.50 |
Pet parents save over $480 yearly feeding a medium dog. The bowl costs about 39% of what premium kibble runs.
Dogs get fewer empty calories too. Many commercial foods pack in corn and fillers that add calories without much nutrition.
Health Advantages
Sweet potatoes deliver beta-carotene that keeps dogs’ eyes sharp and coats shiny. The fiber helps their digestive system work like a well-oiled machine.
Chicken provides lean protein that builds strong muscles. It’s easier on sensitive stomachs than beef or lamb.
Carrots add vitamin A and give teeth a good workout. Peas pack folate and vitamin K that support healthy blood.
This combo beats processed kibble that sits in warehouses for months. Fresh ingredients mean more vitamins survive the journey to the food bowl.
Dogs with allergies often do better with simple, recognizable ingredients. No mysterious “meat meal” or chemical preservatives that make some pups itch.
Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)
Every dog has different food needs based on their size. Small dogs eat less than big dogs. This might seem obvious, but some owners still get confused.
Here’s how much chicken and sweet potato power bowl to give your furry friend twice a day:
Dog Size | Weight Range | Amount Per Meal | Daily Total |
---|---|---|---|
Toy Breeds | 2-10 lbs | 1/4 to 1/2 cup | 1/2 to 1 cup |
Small Dogs | 11-25 lbs | 1/2 to 3/4 cup | 1 to 1.5 cups |
Medium Dogs | 26-50 lbs | 3/4 to 1.5 cups | 1.5 to 3 cups |
Large Dogs | 51-90 lbs | 1.5 to 2.5 cups | 3 to 5 cups |
Giant Breeds | 90+ lbs | 2.5 to 4 cups | 5 to 8 cups |
Active dogs need about 25% more food. Lazy couch potato dogs might need less. Senior dogs often eat smaller portions too.
Puppies are food monsters. They need twice as much as adult dogs of the same size. Their bellies are tiny but their appetites are huge.
Watch your dog’s waist. You should see it when looking down at them. If they look like a furry sausage, cut back on portions.
Start with these amounts and adjust based on your dog’s needs. Some dogs clean their bowls and beg for more. Others pick at their food like fancy restaurant critics.
Variations
This power bowl recipe adapts easily for dogs with different needs, ages, and health conditions. Simple ingredient swaps and portion adjustments transform the basic recipe into targeted nutrition for weight management, life stages, allergies, and specific health goals.
Weight Loss
Reduce sweet potato portions by half to cut calories while keeping dogs satisfied. Replace the missing volume with extra green beans or carrots for fiber.
Add more lean protein like extra chicken breast. This keeps dogs full longer without extra calories.
Portion adjustments:
- Regular recipe: 1 cup sweet potato
- Weight loss: ½ cup sweet potato + ½ cup green vegetables
Steam vegetables instead of adding any oils. Every calorie counts when trying to slim down a chunky pup.
Feed smaller portions more frequently. Three small meals work better than two large ones for weight control.
Puppies
Growing puppies need more protein and calories per pound than adult dogs. Double the chicken portion and add a beaten egg for extra nutrition.
Mash sweet potatoes completely smooth. Puppy teeth can’t handle chunks yet.
Puppy modifications:
- Extra chicken breast
- One beaten egg
- Smooth textures only
- Smaller, frequent meals
Add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor. Puppies sometimes need encouragement to try new foods.
Cook everything extra soft. Their digestive systems are still developing and need gentle foods.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs often struggle with digestion and joint pain. Mash all ingredients to help with chewing and swallowing.
Add bone broth instead of water when cooking. The extra collagen supports aging joints naturally.
Cut sodium levels by avoiding any added salt. Senior dogs process sodium differently than young ones.
Senior-friendly prep:
- Mash all ingredients smooth
- Use bone broth for cooking liquid
- Extra cooking time for tenderness
- Room temperature serving
Cook sweet potatoes until they fall apart easily. Nobody wants to watch grandpa dog struggle with tough chunks.
Consider smaller portions served more often. Senior stomachs sometimes prefer frequent light meals.
Common Allergies
Chicken allergies are surprisingly common in dogs. Swap chicken for turkey, duck, or lean beef using the same cooking method.
Protein alternatives:
Instead of Chicken | Use This | Cooking Notes |
---|---|---|
Ground turkey | Same cooking time | Leaner than chicken |
Duck breast | Cook 2 minutes longer | Rich flavor |
Lean ground beef | Drain fat well | Choose 90% lean |
Sweet potato allergies need different carbs. Try pumpkin, butternut squash, or regular potatoes instead.
Always introduce new proteins slowly. Start with small amounts mixed into familiar foods.
Skip any ingredients that caused problems before. Trust your dog’s history over any recipe.
Picky Eaters
Some dogs turn their noses up at healthy food like tiny furry food critics. Add natural flavor boosters that make the bowl irresistible.
Mix in a spoonful of plain yogurt or cottage cheese. The creamy texture and tangy taste often wins over picky pups.
Picky eater tricks:
- Warm the food slightly
- Add bone broth
- Mix in favorite treats
- Try different textures
Sprinkle freeze-dried liver or salmon on top. These strong flavors mask any vegetables they might reject.
Cook sweet potatoes with a bit of coconut oil. The smell alone often gets tails wagging.
Digestion
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need gentle ingredients and simple preparation. Remove the skin from sweet potatoes completely.
Cook everything longer than normal. Well-cooked foods digest easier than firm textures.
Add plain pumpkin puree for natural fiber. Start with one tablespoon per cup of food.
Gentle digestion tips:
- Longer cooking times
- No added fats or oils
- Room temperature serving
- Smaller portions
Avoid any seasonings or spices. Bland food settles upset stomachs better than flavorful meals.
Feed at room temperature. Cold food can shock sensitive digestive systems.
Joints
Dogs with arthritis or joint pain benefit from anti-inflammatory ingredients. Add turmeric powder in tiny amounts.
Joint-supporting additions:
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric per batch
- Fish oil (follow bottle directions)
- Bone broth for cooking
- Extra cooking time for tenderness
Include omega-3 rich ingredients like a small amount of canned salmon. Remove bones completely first.
Cook sweet potatoes until they mash easily with a fork. Chewing hard food hurts arthritic jaws.
Bone broth provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin. Make your own or buy low-sodium versions.
Skin & Coat
Dull coats and itchy skin often improve with better nutrition. Add a small amount of coconut oil during cooking.
Fish like salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids for shiny coats. Mix in flaked cooked salmon occasionally.
Skin and coat boosters:
- Coconut oil (½ teaspoon per cup)
- Cooked salmon flakes
- Extra sweet potato (beta-carotene)
- Avoid common allergens
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin from the inside out. Don’t skip this ingredient for coat problems.
Remove any ingredients that caused scratching before. Food allergies often show up as skin issues first.
Seasonal Switches
Dogs get bored with the same food just like humans do. Smart pet parents switch up ingredients based on what’s fresh and available.
Spring brings new options. Fresh peas and carrots work great in place of sweet potatoes. Green beans add crunch that makes dogs think they’re getting treats.
Summer calls for lighter meals. Zucchini and cucumber keep dogs cool on hot days. These watery veggies help prevent overheating during walks.
Fall means pumpkin season. Dogs go crazy for pumpkin just like humans obsess over pumpkin spice everything. Butternut squash works too if the store runs out of canned pumpkin.
Winter needs heartier ingredients. Regular potatoes give more energy for cold weather walks. Parsnips add sweetness without extra sugar.
Season | Best Veggie Swaps | Why Dogs Love Them |
---|---|---|
Spring | Peas, carrots, green beans | Fresh crunch factor |
Summer | Zucchini, cucumber | Cool and refreshing |
Fall | Pumpkin, butternut squash | Natural sweetness |
Winter | Potatoes, parsnips | Extra warming energy |
Protein can change too. Turkey works great in fall and winter. Fish like salmon gives dogs shiny coats during dry winter months.
Some dogs become picky when seasons change. Their noses work better than human noses, so they notice ingredient switches right away. Most dogs adapt within a few meals.
Storage Advice
Dog owners need to store this power bowl properly to keep it fresh. Nobody wants to serve spoiled food to their furry friends.
Refrigerator storage works best for short-term use. The bowl stays good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Pet parents should use airtight containers to lock in freshness.
Freezer storage helps busy dog owners prep meals ahead. These power bowls freeze well for up to 3 months. Smart pet parents portion the food into single servings before freezing.
Storage Method | Time Limit | Container Type |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Airtight containers |
Freezer | 3 months | Freezer-safe containers |
Room temperature | 2 hours max | Not recommended |
Dog owners should let frozen portions thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the food at safe temperatures. Picky eaters prefer their meals at room temperature rather than cold.
Never leave the power bowl out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grows fast in the danger zone. Dogs might get sick from spoiled food.
Pet parents can portion meals into ice cube trays for tiny dogs. Larger dogs need bigger containers. Glass containers work great because they don’t hold odors.
Always label containers with the date. Even the most organized pet parent forgets when they made the food. Fresh meals make dogs happier and healthier.
Batch Cooking Tips
Cooking for multiple pups? Make enough for the whole pack at once. This saves time and keeps all the dogs happy.
Cook chicken and sweet potatoes separately for the best results. This way, each ingredient gets the right cooking time.
Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking. Toss everything in and let it do the work while they binge-watch dog videos.
Batch Size | Chicken | Sweet Potatoes | Storage Days |
---|---|---|---|
Small (1-2 dogs) | 2 lbs | 3 medium | 3-4 days |
Medium (3-4 dogs) | 4 lbs | 6 medium | 3-4 days |
Large (5+ dogs) | 6 lbs | 9 medium | 3-4 days |
Freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy serving sizes. Pop them out like doggy meal ice cubes.
Label everything with dates. Nobody wants to play the guessing game with mystery meat from last month.
Pre-cut vegetables before cooking. This makes the whole process faster and less chaotic.
Store cooked portions in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze extras for up to three months.
Cool food completely before storing. Hot food creates condensation that makes everything soggy and gross.
Portion meals into individual containers right after cooking. This prevents overfeeding and makes mealtime simple.
Use glass containers when possible. They heat up better than plastic and don’t hold weird smells.
Transitioning Steps
Switching a dog’s food overnight is like changing the TV channel during their favorite show. They won’t be happy about it.
Start by mixing 25% new power bowl with 75% old food for the first 2-3 days. This gives their stomach time to figure out what’s happening.
Days | Old Food | New Power Bowl |
---|---|---|
1-3 | 75% | 25% |
4-6 | 50% | 50% |
7-9 | 25% | 75% |
10+ | 0% | 100% |
Next, move to a 50-50 split for days 4-6. The dog might give some suspicious looks at their bowl during this phase.
By days 7-9, flip it to 75% power bowl and 25% old food. Most dogs start getting excited about meal time again here.
Watch for any tummy troubles during the switch. Loose stools or upset stomachs mean they need to slow down the process.
Picky eaters might need extra time at each step. Some dogs act like food critics and need to inspect every change.
After day 10, they should be ready for 100% power bowl meals. The transition is complete when they stop giving the stink eye to their dinner.
Keep the old food handy for a few extra days. Just in case their stomach decides to throw a tantrum.
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.