Slow cookers are a lifesaver when it comes to preparing delicious meals in a hurry – for the human and canine members of your family. With a little bit of water and some of the best healthy ingredients, your slow cooker will prepare food for your dog when you’re away at work.

I like preparing meals for my dogs in advance and freezing them. That way I can make enough food for a month in just a few days. If you’d prefer to feed your dog a fresh meal every day, you can make a different dog food recipe every few days.

Layer the ingredients in the crockpot as listed above. Pour 4 cups of water over the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours, stirring periodically. Allow the food to cool completely before serving it to your pup.

If you work outside the home, this recipe is a great alternative to meals that you have to fix daily. You can put the ingredients in the slow cooker before you leave for work, and by the time you get home Fido’s food will be ready. Plus, you can make the food in bulk so you only have to cook once a week or so.

You can serve this food to your dog as soon as it has cooled. I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight. This recommendation is for 2 servings per day. So, a 25-pound dog would eat about 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.

This is just a guideline. Some dogs, like working dogs and very active breeds, will need more calories than this. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many.

It’s best to consult your veterinarian about the appropriate serving size for you dog. They will also help you evaluate meal to make sure it will meet your pet’s unique nutritional needs. If necessary, they will assist you in choosing the best supplements and/or multivitamins to add.