Homemade Wet Dog Food Recipe// fresh ingredients
Homemade Wet Dog Food Recipe// fresh ingredients is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Jenna Stettler on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 3 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 35 min
Cost: $45.79 total, $5.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Chicken Livers (frozen, trimmed of excess connective tissue)
- 5 oz Carrots (shredded; frozen if not using fresh)
- 5 oz Spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 5 oz Peas (frozen peas, thawed)
- 1 cup Old‑Fashioned Oats (dry, rolled oats)
- 3 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 packet Senior Ultimate Daily Vitamin Powder (pet‑store supplement for senior dogs)
- 1 Hard‑Boiled Egg (optional, chopped)
- 1 tsp Coconut Oil (optional, for added fat and coat health)
Instructions
Cook Chicken Livers
Place the frozen chicken livers in the crock‑pot, add enough water to cover them, and set to low for 1.5–2 hours until fully cooked and tender.
Time: PT2H
Prepare Vegetables
While the livers cook, shred 5 oz carrots, chop 5 oz spinach, and measure 5 oz frozen peas. Weigh each ingredient on a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Time: PT10M
Mash Cooked Livers
When the livers are done, drain excess liquid, transfer to a mixing bowl, and mash with a fork or potato masher until a smooth, pâté‑like consistency is achieved.
Time: PT5M
Combine All Ingredients
Add the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, peas, 1 cup rolled oats, and the supplement packet to the mashed liver. Pour in 3 cups water (or broth) and stir until evenly combined.
Time: PT5M
Final Cook in Crock‑Pot
Cover the crock‑pot and set to low for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the oats to soften.
Time: PT1H
Cool and Portion
Allow the dog food to cool to room temperature, then divide into BPA‑free containers (about 1 cup per container). Label with date.
Time: PT15M
Store
Store containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High protein, Grain‑light (contains oats), No artificial preservatives, Suitable for senior dogs with dental issues
Allergens: Egg, Oats (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Livers: Ground chicken, Chicken hearts
- Instead of Carrots: Sweet potatoes, Butternut squash
- Instead of Spinach: Kale, Lettuce
- Instead of Peas: Green beans, Edamame
- Instead of Old‑Fashioned Oats: Quinoa flakes, Brown rice
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Senior Ultimate Daily Vitamin Powder: Other senior dog multivitamin powders
- Instead of Hard‑Boiled Egg: Cooked chicken egg whites
- Instead of Coconut Oil: Olive oil, Fish oil
Equipment Needed
- Crock‑Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Large Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Cup
- Masher or Fork
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- BPA‑Free Storage Containers
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the chicken livers until they reach 165°F (74°C) to eliminate pathogens.
- Mashing the livers thoroughly for a smooth texture that senior dogs can swallow easily.
- Maintaining proper water‑to‑solid ratio to achieve a wet but not soupy consistency.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Freeze the cooked liver mixture in ice‑cube trays for single‑serving portions.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for anti‑inflammatory benefits (optional).
- Use a silicone spatula for easy scraping of the crock‑pot walls.
Troubleshooting
Dog food is too watery.
Add an extra ¼ cup of rolled oats and let sit for 10 minutes; the oats will absorb excess liquid.
Food is too thick and hard for senior dogs to chew.
Increase water by ½ cup and blend briefly with an immersion blender.
Liver is undercooked (pink inside).
Return to crock‑pot or simmer on stovetop for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in airtight BPA‑free containers.
Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out >2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Batch‑cook a full 5‑lb liver batch and freeze in portion‑size containers.
- Prepare and freeze shredded carrots and spinach together for quick use.
- Label each container with the preparation date and batch number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade wet dog food in American pet care?
In the United States, homemade pet meals have grown popular as owners seek transparency about ingredients and want to avoid fillers found in many commercial cans. Jenna Stettler’s recipe reflects this DIY trend, especially for senior dogs with special dietary needs.
What traditional regional variations exist for senior dog diets within American cuisine?
American senior dog diets often emphasize easily digestible proteins like chicken liver, added fiber from vegetables, and supplements for joint health. Some regions favor sweet potatoes over carrots, or use pumpkin puree for extra gut support.
How is homemade wet dog food traditionally served to senior dogs in the United States?
It is typically portioned into individual BPA‑free containers or glass jars and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Owners warm the portion slightly before serving to make it more palatable for older dogs with reduced chewing ability.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade wet dog food associated with in American pet culture?
Many owners prepare homemade meals for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or when a senior dog is recovering from surgery, as a way to give extra nutrition and show care.
What makes Jenna Stettler’s homemade wet dog food recipe special in the realm of American pet nutrition?
The recipe uses chicken livers for a highly digestible protein source, incorporates a balanced mix of vegetables and oats, and adds a senior‑specific vitamin supplement, all while keeping costs under $25 for a two‑week supply.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade wet dog food for senior dogs?
Common errors include undercooking the liver (risking bacterial contamination), using too much water which creates a soupy texture, and forgetting to add the senior supplement which provides essential vitamins for older dogs.
Why does this recipe use chicken livers instead of regular chicken meat?
Chicken livers are softer and mash easily, making them ideal for senior dogs with dental issues, and they are nutrient‑dense, providing iron, B‑vitamins, and high‑quality protein.
Can I make this homemade wet dog food ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can batch‑cook and store portions in airtight BPA‑free containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dog food is finished?
The final mixture should be a smooth, moist pâté with small, evenly distributed vegetable pieces. It should not be watery, and the color should be a uniform brown‑red from the liver with specks of green from spinach and peas.
How do I know when the homemade wet dog food is done cooking?
The liver must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). After the final hour in the crock‑pot, the oats should be soft and the mixture should hold together when stirred.
What does the YouTube channel Jenna Stettler specialize in?
Jenna Stettler’s channel focuses on practical home cooking tutorials, budget‑friendly meals, and pet‑friendly recipes, often sharing tips for cooking for families and their furry companions.
How does the YouTube channel Jenna Stettler’s approach to pet nutrition differ from other pet‑food channels?
Jenna emphasizes transparency of ingredients, cost‑effectiveness, and simplicity, using everyday grocery items rather than specialty pet‑food products, whereas many other channels rely on commercial pet‑food brands or complex formulations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
