A lean, novel-protein stew built for the slow cooker, with a root vegetable base that holds up well over a long cook time. For general slow cooker guidance, see Slow Cooker and Crockpot Dog Food Recipes.
Ingredients (Makes Roughly 8 to 10 Days of Food for a 20kg Dog)
1.8kg venison stew meat, cubed
450g carrots, chopped
450g parsnips, chopped
4 teaspoons ground eggshell (or 4,000mg calcium carbonate supplement)
2 tablespoons fish oil
2 to 3 servings of a complete vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for homemade dog food, such as Balance IT, dosed per that product’s label for your dog’s weight and total batch size
Method
Add the venison, carrots, and parsnips to the slow cooker with enough water to just cover the ingredients.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the venison is fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
Since venison is very lean, check partway through and add a little extra water if the mixture looks like it’s drying out.
Let the mixture cool, then stir in the ground eggshell or calcium supplement, fish oil, and vitamin and mineral supplement, distributing evenly throughout.
Divide into daily portions once fully cooled.
How Much to Feed
Portion needs depend on your dog’s weight, not just this recipe’s batch size. See the full weight-based feeding table in Homemade Dog Food: The Complete Guide for daily and per-meal amounts by weight.
Start with the table’s figure for your dog’s weight, then adjust based on body condition, checked every couple of weeks.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days’ worth in an airtight container, and freeze the rest in daily portions for longer storage.
Variations
Rabbit can substitute for venison in equal weight, following the same method.
Turnip or swede can replace parsnip if you prefer a different root vegetable flavor.
FAQ
Why does venison need extra water compared to fattier meats?
Venison is very lean, so it releases less of its own fat and liquid during cooking compared to something like lamb or pork.
Can I use ground venison instead of stew meat?
Yes, though it will break down more and give a less chunky, more uniform texture than cubed stew meat.
Is venison a good option for dogs with allergies?
It’s a common novel protein choice, but only after a proper elimination trial confirms it’s safe for your dog specifically. See Dog Food and Skin Allergies: What to Know for that process.
The Bottom Line
This venison and root vegetable stew gives you a large, lean batch with minimal hands-on effort. For more slow cooker recipes, head back to Slow Cooker and Crockpot Dog Food Recipes.
