Easy Healthy Dog Food Recipe $.35 lb
Easy Healthy Dog Food Recipe $.35 lb is a easy American recipe that serves 14. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Survival HT on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 50 min
Cost: $10.03 total, $0.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 lb Chicken Leg Quarters (skin removed, bone‑in for flavor; cut into large pieces)
- 4 lb Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 4 lb Potatoes (peeled and cubed; any white or russet potato)
- 2 lb Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 lb Peas (frozen peas, thawed)
- 12 cup Water (enough to fully cover the meat and vegetables)
- 2 cup Brown Rice (optional) (cooked separately, added at the end if desired)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Trim any excess skin from the chicken leg quarters, cut into large bite‑size pieces. Peel and dice carrots, cube potatoes, trim green beans, and thaw frozen peas.
Time: PT10M
Sear the Chicken
Heat the stockpot over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for about 5‑7 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Water
Pour in enough water to fully cover the chicken and vegetables (about 12 cups). Stir briefly.
Time: PT2M
Add Vegetables
Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, green beans, and peas to the pot. Give everything a quick stir.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Until Meat Falls Apart
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover with the lid and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: Low simmer
Optional: Add Cooked Rice
If using, stir in the pre‑cooked brown rice and let heat through for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Cool and Portion
Remove the pot from heat. Let the stew cool to room temperature (about 20‑30 minutes). Portion into individual containers (≈1 lb per medium dog per day) or freezer bags.
Time: PT30M
Store
Store portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For long‑term storage, follow the channel’s canning tutorial.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Grain‑free (if rice omitted), High‑protein, Low‑fat
Allergens: Chicken, Peas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Leg Quarters: Chicken thighs, Turkey leg quarters, Pork chops
- Instead of Carrots: Sweet potatoes, Butternut squash
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Turnips
- Instead of Green Beans: Broccoli florets, Zucchini
- Instead of Peas: Green peas (fresh), Edamame
- Instead of Brown Rice (optional): Quinoa, Oatmeal
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot (6‑8 qt)
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Ladle or Slotted Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Storage Containers or Freezer Bags
- Thermometer (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the chicken to develop flavor.
- Simmering until the meat falls apart – this ensures tenderness and digestibility.
- Cooling the stew before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use bone‑in chicken for extra calcium and collagen; discard bones before serving.
- Add a splash of low‑sodium chicken broth for extra flavor if desired.
- Rotate vegetables weekly (e.g., add pumpkin, zucchini, or spinach) to provide varied nutrients.
Troubleshooting
Meat is still tough after simmering.
Continue simmering in 15‑minute increments, adding a little more water if needed, until the meat pulls apart easily.
Stew is too watery.
Uncover the pot for the last 20‑30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or mash some of the potatoes to thicken.
Dog refuses to eat the stew.
Warm the portion slightly (room temperature) and mix with a small amount of their favorite kibble or a spoonful of plain yogurt to improve palatability.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Up to 3 months; freeze in portion‑size bags.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze in single‑serve bags for quick daily portions.
- Batch‑can using a pressure canner for shelf‑stable storage (see Survival HT’s canning video).
- Portion into freezer‑safe containers and label with date and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade chicken stew for dogs in American pet care?
In the United States, homemade dog food has grown in popularity as owners seek healthier, human‑grade alternatives to commercial kibble. Stews like this echo traditional home‑cooked meals, offering balanced nutrition and a way to use affordable, whole‑food ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of dog stews in American cuisine?
American dog stews vary by region based on locally available produce: New England cooks often add apples and sweet potatoes, the South may include collard greens, while the Pacific Northwest favors salmon and kale. The core concept—protein, veg, and water—remains the same.
How is homemade chicken stew for dogs traditionally served in the United States?
Typically the stew is cooled, portioned into daily servings, and served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Some owners mix a spoonful of plain yogurt or a dash of olive oil for added probiotics and flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade chicken stew for dogs associated with in American pet culture?
Pet owners often prepare homemade stews for birthdays, holidays, or as a special “treat” during adoption events. It’s also common to make a bulk batch before winter so dogs have a warm, nutritious meal during colder months.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a balanced homemade chicken stew for dogs?
The essential ingredients are a high‑quality protein (chicken leg quarters), digestible vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans, peas), and water. Optional grains like brown rice can be added for extra carbs, but they are not required for a grain‑free diet.
What other American dishes pair well with homemade chicken stew for dogs?
A simple side of plain cooked pumpkin puree or a small amount of low‑fat cottage cheese complements the stew. For humans, the same stew can be served over rice as a comforting meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade chicken stew for dogs?
Common errors include under‑cooking the chicken (risking foodborne illness), leaving bones in the final dish, and adding seasonings like onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Also, avoid over‑salting the broth.
Why does this recipe use a low simmer instead of a pressure cooker for the chicken stew?
A low simmer gently breaks down connective tissue without over‑cooking the vegetables, preserving nutrients and producing a broth that dogs find palatable. Pressure cooking can make the texture too soft and may cause loss of flavor.
Can I make this homemade chicken stew for dogs ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the stew to room temperature, then portion into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For long‑term storage, follow the channel’s canning method to make it shelf‑stable.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken stew for dogs is done?
The broth should be clear to light amber, the chicken should be tender enough to fall apart with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy. No visible bone fragments should remain.
What does the YouTube channel Survival HT specialize in?
Survival HT focuses on low‑cost, self‑sufficient cooking and survival‑style meals, often demonstrating how to make affordable, nutritious dishes for both humans and pets using everyday ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Survival HT's approach to homemade dog food differ from other pet‑food channels?
Survival HT emphasizes extreme budget‑friendliness and human‑grade ingredients, showing bulk‑cook methods, freezer storage, and canning techniques, whereas many pet‑food channels focus on premium or specialty ingredients without cost breakdowns.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
