It’s Pumpkin season, and pumpkins are not only good for us but also for our dogs! Making your homemade dog food is super easy and nutritious. This Instant Pot Chicken Dog Food with Pumpkin is one of our Danes favorite recipes. It’s one that we make frequently in the fall and winter months when fresh pumpkin is in season.
Pumpkin can be used in so ways in your dog’s diet. It’s a great way to get added nutrients into your pup. We incorporate pumpkin not only in our homemade dog food, but also in our homemade dog treats, such as in our Pumpkin Dog Treats, Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats and Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin – 1 cup of pure pureed pumpkin. You can use canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin. Check out this recipe on How to Roast a Pumpkin to make your own homemade pumpkin puree. Note: make sure you are using pure 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling as this has added sugars and seasonings that could be toxic for dogs.
- Brown Rice – 2 cups of brown rice, which is high in fiber and aids in digestion.
- Sweet Potato – 1 large sweet potato chopped into large chunks. Sweet Potatoes are high in vitamins and minerals that help support your dog’s overall health.
- Green Beans – 1 cup of fresh or frozen green beans chop into 1 inch pieces.
- Spinach – 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach. If using fresh spinach, increased to about 2 cups of chopped spinach.
- Chicken thighs – about 2-3 lbs. boneless chicken thighs.
- Water – 4 cups water
Equipment
Instant Pot – I use this brand and size (6 quart) when making my dog food.
How to Make Dog Food with Pumpkin
Yields: approx. 16 cups
- Add Ingredients: Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot. Start with the rice, then add water, vegetables, and chicken thighs on top.
- Cook: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 18 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally once the cooking cycle is complete.
- Stir and Shred Chicken: Open the lid and stir the mixture. Use a fork or spoon to break up the chicken, which should shred easily.
- Cool: Allow the food to cool completely before serving to your furry friend!
This pumpkin dog food recipe is so easy when made in the instant pot, however you can easily make this on the stovetop. Simply add all of the ingredients to one large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30-35 minutes, adding additional water if needed.
This recipe makes approx. 16 cups of dog food, which is perfect for our house as we have extra large sized dogs! However, if you have a smaller dog, you can simply cut this recipe in half. Or freeze half for later.
When considering what amount to give your dog per feeding, I recommend consulting with your veterinarian as serving size depends greatly on age, weight, and activity level.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the dog food in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Benefits of Adding Pumpkin to Dog Food
Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals, and is particularly high in Vitamin A which helps support the immune system, eye health, and facilitates healthy skin. Pumpkin is also high in fiber, which is aids in digestion. Having Great Danes, which the breed is very susceptible to bloat, we like to ensure we are giving ours ingredients that helps support healthy digestion. Here is a great article from the American Kennel Club about adding pumpkin into your dog’s diet.
While pumpkin is excellent for most dog’s, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian before making major changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have specific dietary needs or medical conditions.
By making your own dog food, you can control what you feed your beloved pet. Most commercial brand dog food contains additives and preservatives. When making homemade dog food, you can make sure your pet is getting the fresh nutrients it needs by combining vegetables that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, rice that is high in fiber, and meat that provides needed protein for a balanced meal.
Other Homemade Dog Food Recipes To Try
Homemade Dog Food with Stew Beef
Instant Pot Dog Food with Chicken
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Instant Pot Chicken Dog Food with Pumpkin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin, puree
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 sweet potato, chopped into large chunks
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces Fresh or frozen
- 1 cup spinach, chopped frozen
- 2-3 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot. Start with the rice, then add water, vegetables, and chicken thighs on top.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 18 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally once the cooking cycle is complete.
- Open the lid and stir the mixture. Use a fork or spoon to break up the chicken, which should shred easily.
- Cool completely before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store the dog food in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
