5 Star Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food

If you share your home with a big, beautiful dog—maybe a sweet lab or a goofy Great Dane—you know they deserve food that’s just as clean and intentional as what you put on your own plate. I’m all about supporting a powerful body with real nourishment, and that philosophy absolutely extends to our furry family members!

That’s why I put together this recipe for Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs). It’s incredibly simple, packed with whole ingredients, and skips all the mystery fillers we tend to find in commercial kibble. Forget stressful guesswork; this is the easiest way to feel 100% confident about what powers your large dog through their day. You can find fantastic inspiration for other large breed meals over at homemade dog food recipes for large dogs, but this one is my go-to starter recipe.

Why This Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) Works

When you’re feeding a big dog, you need calories that count, but you also need ingredients that support those big joints and active muscles. That’s why this specific mix of chicken, sweet potato, and peas is so effective. It’s not about restriction, like some of the fad diets I used to chase for myself; it’s truly about giving your dog the best foundational support to thrive.

We’re focusing on whole foods here, making sure we hit all the nutritional marks without needing a massive supply cabinet. This simple batch of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) is designed to be easily digestible while delivering steady energy that lasts until dinner time. You can check out other fantastic poultry options like this chicken sweet potato lentil soup for dogs, but this recipe brings the perfect balance of carbs and protein.

Lean Protein for Large Dog Muscle Maintenance

Chicken breast is our star here because it’s lean protein, plain and simple. Large dogs use a ton of energy maintaining their bigger frames and supporting their joints. Using boneless, skinless cuts ensures they get that muscle-building power without any unnecessary fat, which keeps things easy on their digestive system.

Sweet Potato & Peas for Sustained Energy

Sweet potatoes are amazing complex carbs—way better than a quick sugar spike! They release energy slowly, which is crucial for keeping a big dog happy on a long walk or during play time. Plus, the peas sneak in necessary fiber and vitamins to keep everything moving smoothly inside.

Gathering Ingredients for Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Okay, gathering supplies is half the battle, right? For this batch of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), we are keeping it super short—only five main things to measure out, plus water! I always stress quality here, because feeding your giant friend means nothing less works.

When you grab your chicken breasts, make absolutely sure they are skinless and boneless. You don’t want any added fat or bones cluttering up the pot. For the sweet potato, you need about one full cup once it’s chopped up into small, manageable chunks—this helps it cook evenly alongside the rice.

Ingredient Specifications and Prep

I like to buy my chicken from a local butcher if I can; they usually have better cuts, and you can ask them for breasts that aren’t overly processed. Remember, the apple needs to be peeled, and you must get the core and all the pips out—we don’t want any seeds in there!

This short ingredient list means you don’t have to run all over town. If you need a reference for simplifying pantry items, check out this 5 ingredient chicken rice dog food recipe for more ideas!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Okay, now for the fun part—making the actual meal! Honestly, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets. We’re treating this like a gentle stew so all those flavors blend perfectly and everything cooks down tenderly. Don’t worry about fancy techniques here; we just need a pot, some water, and patience while it simmers.

This recipe shines because it’s all happening in one place. You’re going to serve your dog the absolute best fuel without spending all afternoon over the stove. This simplicity is what I strive for in my own clean-living routines—efficiency without sacrificing quality! If you want more simple, hands-off methods, definitely check out this easy one-pot chicken veggie dog dinner idea!

Cooking the Base Ingredients

First things first, grab that medium saucepan. Toss in your chicken breasts, the cubed sweet potato, the brown rice, and that half-teaspoon of turmeric—that spice is great for adding a little anti-inflammatory love! Now, you must cover everything with water. I mean cover it well, maybe an inch or two above the ingredients.

Get that pot onto high heat and bring it all up to a nice, rolling boil. As soon as it starts bubbling furiously, slap that lid on tight, turn the heat down to low, and let it just whisper away for 20 to 25 minutes. That simmering time is key for softening the sweet potato!

Finishing and Serving Your Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

When the timer goes off, carefully take the pot off the heat. You want to drain away any extra liquid unless your mixture looks really dry, but most of the time, you’ll have some broth left over. Let the whole thing sit there for about 10 minutes to cool down—this is super important!

Once it’s cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred that cooked chicken right there in the pot. Mix everything up well so the turmeric coats the rice and sweet potato. Before you serve this lovely batch of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), just make sure it’s room temperature. Top each portion with a few slices of that fresh apple, and maybe a little parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Even with a recipe this simple, things can sometimes go a little sideways, right? That’s where knowing the little tricks comes in handy. My philosophy—whether I’m making food for myself or for my big dog—is that you shouldn’t have to restrict joy for the sake of a good result. We want this Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) to be a win every single time!

I always tell people that homemade dog food gives you so much more control than store-bought stuff. If you see a great deal on chicken thighs instead of breasts, you can pivot! It’s all about supporting their body with what’s accessible and good. For more ideas on using chicken and rice foundations, you can browse some great options here: chicken and rice dog food.

Adjusting Consistency for Your Dog

Look, every sweet potato is slightly different in its water content, so sometimes your batch of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) might look a little soupy when you first drain it. If it’s too liquidy, don’t panic! Just put the lid back on and simmer on low for another five minutes; that lets some of the excess water evaporate off.

Conversely, if you end up with a mix that’s way too stiff—maybe your chicken was on the leaner side—just stir in a little bit of warm water or low-sodium chicken broth when you are shredding the meat. A little moisture makes it easier for them to eat and helps prevent them from gulping their food too fast.

Adding Parsley: A Fresh Touch for Your Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

So, the recipe calls for parsley as optional, but trust me, it’s my secret weapon! If your dog has a little “dog breath” going on, chopping up a fresh sprig of parsley and mixing it in helps freshen things up naturally. It’s such a tiny addition, but it makes the final result of your Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) feel customized and extra special.

Storage and Serving Guidelines for Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

Once you’ve mixed up this wonderful batch of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), you need to know how to store it safely. This is fresh food, so it doesn’t have the preservatives that commercial cans do, meaning we have to be a bit more mindful!

The best way to handle leftovers is by portioning them out right away. Remember that the recipe yields about four small servings or two really hearty ones, perfect for a big breed! Store individual meals in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they are usually good for about three to four days. If you made a huge batch, definitely think about freezing some right away. Check out some great ideas for making freezer-friendly batches with your slow cooker here: freezer friendly homemade dog food recipes crockpot.

When it comes time to serve, always let the food come back to room temperature first. Never serve your dog food that’s hot! Just pull the portion out of the fridge about 30 minutes before feeding time. If you’re serving a frozen meal of Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), allow a full 24 hours for slow thawing in the fridge, or you can microwave it gently on low power until warmed through—just stir well to eliminate hot spots!

Equipment Needed for This Recipe

You know, when I first started eating consciously and trying to simplify my life, I got stressed out thinking I’d need fancy specialized gear. But for this Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) recipe, guess what? You probably already have everything sitting in your cupboards! Seriously, simplicity is key here, which means less cleanup for me!

We aren’t doing any complicated blending or roasting, so don’t stress about dust jackets or mandolins. You just need the basics to gently cook down these whole ingredients until they are perfectly tender for your big guy or gal.

• A medium saucepan is your main workspace for this entire thing.
• A sturdy two-pronged fork is all you need for shredding that cooked chicken right in the pot.

That’s it! No blender, no immersion cooker needed. Just a pot and a fork. See? Clean living and clean eating, even for the pups, doesn’t have to be a complicated chore!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Food

I always get questions when people start thinking about making fresh food for their dogs! It’s a big step away from the bag, but once you see how much your pup loves this Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), you’ll be hooked. You can find some fantastic guidance on safer transitions and best practices over at vet-approved homemade dog food recipes, but here are my quick takes on the common worries!

Can I substitute the brown rice in this recipe?

Oh yes, you absolutely can swap out the grain! Brown rice is great because it’s easy to digest, but if you’re trying to change things up, quinoa or barley are wonderful, nutrient-dense alternatives that cook up similarly. Just make sure you keep the volume the same as the brown rice called for. Whole grains give our big dogs that slow-burning fuel they need!

Is this Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) suitable for puppies?

That’s a great question, and the answer is generally no, not straight out of the pot for a tiny puppy. This recipe is really balanced for the maintenance needs of an adult, large dog. Puppies have very specific, high-calorie demands for rapid growth! If you have a growing giant, you might want to consult your vet first to make sure you’re hitting those necessary calcium and fat ratios before introducing a full batch of this Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs).

Understanding the Estimated Nutrition in Your Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs)

When I focus on clean eating for my own body, I pay close attention to what I’m putting in, and that care extends right to my dog’s bowl. For this simple recipe, we’re estimating about 252 calories per small serving.

Now, I always have to give the standard disclaimer: because we’re dealing with fresh produce, the exact nutritional values of your Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs) can shift slightly depending on how big your chicken breasts are or the size of your sweet potato chunks.

But the point isn’t exact calorie counting; it’s about feeding whole, recognizable food. You can see some great resources on general canine diet tracking over at diet dog food if you want to dig deeper into macro tracking for your large breed!

Share Your Experience Making This Meal

So, I’ve shared how I make this super easy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Peas Homemade Dog Food (Large Dogs), and now I want to hear from you! Did your big guy or gal devour every last bite?

Please take a second to rate this recipe out of 5 stars right below this text. And if you snapped a picture of your happy pup enjoying their fresh meal, toss it over to the blog or leave a comment! I absolutely love seeing your results, especially when it comes to feeding our large dogs the best clean food possible. Come chat more about simple, healthy habits over at my blog!

About the Recipe Creator

By EMILIA, Founder of MeltItClean.com

Hi, I’m EMILIA, the founder of MeltItClean.com – your digital space for natural weight loss, real wellness habits, and clean-living inspiration that actually fits your life. I’ve learned that taking care of yourself, whether human or dog, is about intentional, nourishing habits, which is why I share simple recipes like this one for clean eating.

For years, I struggled with the ups and downs of dieting. I tried everything — juice cleanses, low-carb crazes, fitness challenges — but I always ended up back where I started: tired, bloated, and frustrated. I didn’t just want to “lose weight” — I wanted energy, mental clarity, glowing skin, and confidence without sacrificing my joy or sanity.

After years of experimenting, learning, and unlearning, I discovered a simple truth: your body is already powerful — it just needs support, not restriction. That’s when I created Melt It Clean — a site dedicated to real transformation through clean, intentional, and nourishing daily habits that anyone can follow.

My goal was simple: build a place where people could feel informed, supported, and empowered without being overwhelmed by wellness fads.