Turkey and Salmon Slow Cooker Dog Food
Treat your furry friend to a nutritious, tail-wagging meal with this turkey and salmon dog food slow cooker recipe. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, wholesome salmon, and a rainbow of dog-friendly veggies like carrots, kale, zucchini, and butternut squash-plus plenty of protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
A little turmeric, ginger, and flaxseed give it a healthy boost, supporting joints, digestion, and coat health. A splash of coconut oil keeps coats shiny and pups happy. We serve this with a topping of ground eggshells for calcium.
Easy to prep and slow-cooked to perfection, this turkey-and-salmon dog food will have your pup drooling at mealtime every day!
You can read more about the benefits of using a slow cooker for dog food in our article here – Slow Cooker Dog Food Benefits
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
This slow-cooked turkey and salmon dog food is more than just healthy—it’s downright delicious! Tender turkey, flaky salmon, and soft, naturally sweet veggies create a mix of flavors and textures dogs can’t resist. The natural aroma of turmeric, ginger, and coconut oil will have your pup’s nose twitching with excitement, while every bite delivers nutrients for energy, a shiny coat, and happy digestion.
You will love it as it’s so easy to make. Add all ingredients into the slow cooker, set it to cook for a few hours and voila! Dinner is served! The only downside is that I have 4 dogs hanging around the kitchen whilst this is cooking, drawn in by the smells.
Ingredients
Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Key Benefit 🐾 |
|---|
| 🥩 Lean Ground Turkey | Lean protein for strong muscles & energy |
| 🐟 Salmon Fillets | Omega-3s for shiny coat, healthy skin & brain support |
| 🍗 Chicken Livers | Vitamins A & B, iron for vitality |
| 🥕 Carrots | Beta-carotene for eye health & immunity |
| 🥬 Kale | Antioxidants, vitamins & minerals for overall wellness |
| 🥒 Zucchini | Fiber for digestion & hydration |
| 🌾 Ground Flaxseed | Omega-3s & fiber for coat, skin & digestion |
| 🎃 Butternut Squash | Vitamins A & C, supports digestion & adds natural sweetness |
| 🌿 Turmeric + Black Pepper | Joint support & enhanced absorption |
| ✨ Fresh Ginger (grated) | Aids digestion & adds mild flavor |
| 💧 Water / Dog-Friendly Broth | Keeps food moist, flavorful & hydrating |
| 🥥 Coconut Oil | Healthy fats for energy & shiny coat |
How to Make Turkey and Salmon Slow Cooker Dog Food
If you love a simple dog food recipe, this is for you!
Add the turkey, salmon and vegetables to the slow cooker.
Add the turmeric, flaxseed and ginger. Stir well and set to cook.
Shred the salmon once cooked.
Cool and serve.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead – Chop veggies and measure spices before cooking. It makes assembling the slow cooker meal faster and smoother.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Meat – Fresh ground lean turkey and salmon ensure better flavor and maximum nutrients for your dog.
- Adjust Broth/Water for Desired Texture – More liquid for a stew-like consistency, less for a thicker, scoopable dog food.
- Cool Before Serving – Let the food cool to room temperature before serving to avoid burns or digestive upset.
- Introduce New Ingredients Slowly – If your dog hasn’t had turmeric, ginger, or certain veggies before, introduce gradually to avoid stomach upset.
- Mix in a Little Extra Oil or Yogurt (Optional) – For picky eaters, a teaspoon of coconut oil or plain unsweetened yogurt can boost flavor.
Substitute Suggestions
If you don’t have everything we have used to hand or you dog doesn’t like one of the ingredients, here are a few substitute suggestions.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|
| Ground Turkey | Ground Chicken, Lean Beef | Keep protein lean to avoid extra fat |
| Salmon Fillets | Sardines, Mackerel, White Fish | Ensure fish is cooked and bones removed |
| Chicken Livers | Beef Liver, Lamb Liver | Organ meats are nutrient-dense; adjust quantity slightly |
| Carrots | Sweet Potato, Pumpkin | Naturally sweet, gentle on digestion |
| Kale | Spinach, Swiss Chard | Dark leafy greens for antioxidants; feed in moderation |
| Zucchini | Cucumber, Green Beans | Low-calorie veggies for fiber and hydration |
| Ground Flaxseed | Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds | Provides omega-3s; grind seeds for better absorption |
| Butternut Squash | Pumpkin, Sweet Potato | Supports digestion and adds natural sweetness |
| Turmeric | Omit if sensitive | Optional anti-inflammatory; combine with a pinch of black pepper for absorption |
| Fresh Ginger | Omit or Small Amount of Cinnamon | Helps digestion; introduce slowly |
| Coconut Oil | Olive Oil, Fish Oil | Provides healthy fats; adjust quantity based on fat content |
| Water / Dog-Friendly Broth | Low-Sodium Chicken Broth, Beef Broth | Keep low sodium to protect kidney health |
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Make sure the food has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezer: Portion the food into freezer-safe containers or silicone molds and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy rotation.
Thawing: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or gently in a warm water bath. Avoid microwaving, which can create hot spots.
Serving Tip: Serve slightly warmed or at room temperature. Always check that the food isn’t too hot before giving it to your dog.
Reheating: If desired, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
How Much to Feed Your Dog
This recipe makes approximately 6–8 servings, depending on your dog’s size and daily caloric needs.
Feeding Guidelines
| Dog Size | Daily Portion (per meal) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (5–10 lbs / 2–4.5 kg) | ½ – 1 cup | Split into 1–2 meals per day |
| Medium (11–25 lbs / 5–11 kg) | 1 – 1½ cups | Split into 1–2 meals per day |
| Large (26–50 lbs / 12–23 kg) | 1½ – 2½ cups | Split into 1–2 meals per day |
| Extra Large (50+ lbs / 23+ kg) | 2½ – 4 cups | Split into 1–2 meals per day |
Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level, age, and metabolism. Always consult your vet before making major changes to your dog’s diet.
Looking for more lighter meal ideas for your pup? Check out our collection of homemade low fat dog food recipes packed with lean proteins and wholesome ingredients.
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Try these other recipes all taste tested and approved by our dogs.
Turkey and Salmon Slow Cooker Dog Food
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 10 oz salmon fillets
- 2 oz chicken livers
- 3 oz butternut squash diced
- 2 oz carrots diced
- 2 oz kale chopped
- 3 oz zucchini diced
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric with a pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 cups dog friendly broth (no onions or seasoning) or water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker with the coconut oil.
- Place the ground turkey, salmon fillets and chicken livers at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the vegetables, turmeric, ginger and pour in the broth/water. Stir well.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible, until veggies are soft and meats are fully cooked.
- Allow the dog food to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Refrigerate up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- Fridge: Airtight container, up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Portion & freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw: Overnight in fridge or warm water bath
- Serve: Slightly warmed or at room temperature
- Reheat: Gently on stove with a splash of broth
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.