9 Comforting Chicken Pot Pie for Dogs Recipes (Crustless Options)

Let’s start with a classic! This recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed tail-wagger. By ditching the crust, we make it lighter and easier for dogs to digest, focusing on the savory filling that they’ll adore. It’s the perfect introduction to the world of homemade doggy dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 lb), cooked and shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice flour or potato starch (as a thickener)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for fresh breath!)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring a cup of water to a boil and add the chopped carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
2. In a separate saucepan, warm the chicken broth over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk the rice flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
3. Slowly pour the slurry into the warm broth, whisking constantly until the broth begins to thicken into a light gravy.
4. Add the cooked chicken, carrots, peas, and optional parsley to the gravy. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. Spoon the mixture into your dog’s bowl once it has cooled to a safe temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for any pet parent wanting to dip their toes into homemade dog treats. It’s simple, quick, and uses ingredients you likely already have. Perfect for a special birthday dinner or just a cozy weekend treat.

For our grain-free pups, this recipe is a dream come true. Instead of a traditional crust, we use a vibrant, vitamin-packed mashed sweet potato topping. It adds a touch of natural sweetness and a creamy texture that dogs find irresistible, not to mention a healthy dose of beta-carotene!

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed sweet potato in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth, mixing in the optional coconut oil for extra healthy fats. Set aside.
2. While the potato cooks, steam or boil the carrots and green beans until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, carrots, and green beans with the chicken broth to create the filling.
4. Portion the filling into one or two oven-safe ramekins.
5. Spread the mashed sweet potato evenly over the top of the filling, just like you would with a shepherd’s pie.
6. You can serve it as is, or for a slightly ‘baked’ feel, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
7. Let it cool completely before serving to your eager pup!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for the health-conscious pet owner and dogs with grain sensitivities. The sweet potato topping makes it feel extra special and provides a fantastic nutritional boost. It’s a weekend project that pays off in happy licks.

Don’t have a lot of time? No problem! This single-serving microwave recipe is the ultimate fast food for your furry friend. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a warm, savory treat that’s perfect for a rainy day or when you just want to spoil them on a whim.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup pre-cooked, diced chicken
• 1 tablespoon finely diced carrots
• 1 tablespoon frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon oat flour (or any dog-safe flour)

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the diced carrots with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften them.
2. Drain any excess water from the mug.
3. Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas, chicken broth, and oat flour to the mug. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Microwave on high for another 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and slightly thickened.
5. Stir well and let it cool down significantly before serving. Microwaved food can have hot spots, so be extra careful!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is for the busy pet parent who still wants to provide a special, homemade treat. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but big on love. Keep some pre-cooked chicken in your fridge, and you’re always five minutes away from a happy dog.

Sometimes, you just want that classic pot pie experience, crust and all! This recipe uses a simple, dog-safe oat flour crust to create adorable mini pies. Oats are a great source of fiber and nutrients for dogs, making this a wholesome and satisfying version of the classic dish.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thigh, cooked and finely diced
• 1/2 cup finely diced mixed veggies (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice flour

For the Crust:

• 1 cup oat flour (make your own by blending rolled oats)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. First, make the filling. Follow the steps from the ‘Classic Crustless’ recipe to create the thickened chicken and veggie filling. Let it cool slightly.
3. To make the crust, combine the oat flour and egg in a bowl. Add the water slowly, mixing until a dough forms. It might be a bit sticky.
4. Press a small amount of the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup.
5. Spoon the cooled filling into each dough-lined cup.
6. You can leave them open-faced or use the remaining dough to create small top crusts.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is firm and lightly golden.
8. Cool completely in the muffin tin before removing and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is for the pet parent who loves to bake! It’s a bit more involved, but the result is a batch of adorable, perfectly portioned mini pot pies that are great for special occasions. They also freeze beautifully for later.

Our senior companions deserve extra comfort and care. This recipe is designed with them in mind, featuring finely minced ingredients for easy chewing and added turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a gentle, warm meal for a gentle old soul.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1.5 cups water or low-sodium bone broth
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened applesauce (to bind)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the shredded carrots, peas, water or bone broth, and turmeric to the pan.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the carrots to become very soft and the liquid to reduce slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the applesauce. This will help bind the mixture together into a soft, mash-like consistency.
5. Let it cool to a lukewarm temperature before serving. The texture should be very soft and easy for dogs with dental issues to eat.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

If you have a senior dog, this recipe is a must-try. It’s tailored to their specific needs, providing a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to eat and potentially beneficial for their aging joints. It’s a bowl full of love and comfort.

Want to sneak some extra vitamins and fiber into your dog’s diet? This recipe is bursting with a rainbow of dog-safe vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to add nutritional variety while still delivering that savory chicken pot pie flavor your pup craves.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon potato starch or arrowroot powder to thicken

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the carrots, green beans, and zucchini for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Add the peas for the last 2 minutes. Drain.
2. In a saucepan, warm the broth. Create a slurry with the potato starch and a little cold water, then whisk it into the warm broth until it thickens.
3. Add the cooked chicken and all the cooked vegetables to the thickened broth.
4. Stir to combine and simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors marry.
5. Serve warm (but not hot!) in your dog’s favorite bowl.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect choice for dogs who aren’t fussy about their greens and for owners who want to boost their pup’s veggie intake. It’s a vibrant, healthy, and delicious meal that proves ‘eating your vegetables’ can be a treat.

If your pup is watching their waistline, they don’t have to miss out on the fun! This recipe uses lean chicken breast, low-starch vegetables, and a lighter broth to create a satisfying meal that’s lower in calories. It’s all the comfort without the guilt.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled and shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1.5 cups water (instead of broth, to control sodium and fat)
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (for a little healthy fat and fiber)

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken breast until cooked through. Remove the chicken and save the water it cooked in—this is your flavorful, fat-free ‘broth’. Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle.
2. In a saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of the reserved chicken cooking water to a simmer.
3. Add the green beans and zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, parsley, and ground flaxseed.
5. Let the mixture simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
6. Allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving. The mixture will be more brothy than thick, which helps with hydration.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a wonderful option for dogs that need to lose a few pounds or are prone to weight gain. It allows you to give them a special, comforting meal without compromising their dietary goals. It’s a healthy indulgence they can enjoy.

Introducing new foods to a puppy is an exciting milestone! This recipe is formulated to be extra gentle on their developing digestive systems. With simple, high-quality ingredients and a finely minced texture, it’s the perfect first ‘gourmet’ meal for your little one.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and very finely minced
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
• 2 tablespoons peas, mashed slightly
• 1/2 cup warm water or very low-sodium chicken broth
• A tiny dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt (for probiotics)

Instructions:

1. Ensure the cooked chicken is minced into very small, manageable pieces for a puppy.
2. Grate the carrot on a fine grater to ensure it’s soft and easy to digest.
3. In a small bowl, combine the minced chicken, grated carrot, and mashed peas.
4. Pour the warm water or broth over the mixture and stir. The goal is a soft, almost soupy consistency.
5. Once the mixture has cooled to lukewarm, stir in the small dollop of yogurt.
6. Serve a small portion to your puppy to see how they like it!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for celebrating a puppy milestone or for use as a high-value training treat. This recipe is a safe, gentle, and delicious way to introduce your new family member to the joys of homemade food. Always remember to introduce new foods slowly.

Love the idea of homemade treats but don’t have time to cook every week? This recipe is your solution. It’s designed to be made in a large batch and frozen in individual portions, so a special treat is always ready to go.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground chicken or turkey
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups green peas
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup brown rice flour or oat flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.
2. Add the carrots and green beans to the pot and cook for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with 1 cup of the cold chicken broth until no lumps remain.
4. Pour the remaining 5 cups of broth into the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
5. Slowly pour in the flour slurry, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. Stir in the peas and parsley and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
8. Portion into freezer-safe containers, silicone molds, or ice cube trays for smaller dogs. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw a portion in the refrigerator or microwave.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is a game-changer for busy pet parents who are committed to providing homemade goodies. Spend one afternoon cooking, and you’ll be set for months. It’s the ultimate expression of meal-prep love for your dog.

Making food for your dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to know which ingredients are safe and which to avoid. A dog’s ‘pot pie’ is very different from a human’s! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best components for your pup’s delicious meal.

Safe Proteins

Lean proteins are the star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the leanest option, perfect for dogs on a diet. Chicken thigh or ground chicken can add a little more flavor and fat, which is fine for active dogs. Turkey and lean ground beef are also great substitutes. Always cook meat thoroughly and never add salt or seasonings.

Vibrant Veggies (The Good List)

Vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Stick to this dog-safe list:

• Carrots: Rich in Vitamin A, great for vision.
• Peas: Good source of vitamins and fiber.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and full of iron.
• Sweet Potatoes: Excellent source of beta-carotene, but use in moderation due to natural sugars.
• Zucchini & Celery: Low-calorie options that add bulk and nutrients.

The DANGER Zone (Avoid These!)

This is the most important part. Some common pot pie ingredients are toxic to dogs. NEVER include:

• Onions, Garlic, Chives: These are all part of the Allium family and are toxic to dogs, causing damage to their red blood cells.
• Mushrooms: While store-bought white mushrooms are generally safe in small amounts, it’s best to avoid all mushrooms to be safe, as some wild varieties are highly toxic.
• Excessive Salt & Fat: A dog’s system isn’t designed for high levels of sodium. Avoid salted broths, butter, and heavy cream.

Healthy Thickeners & Fats

To get that gravy-like consistency, you need a thickener. A small amount of rice flour, oat flour, potato starch, or arrowroot powder mixed with cold water works perfectly. For a little extra richness and healthy fats, a tiny spoonful of coconut oil or flaxseed oil can be a great addition.

Venturing into homemade dog food can bring up a few questions. We’ve compiled some common queries to help you on your culinary journey.

1. How should I store homemade dog pot pie, and how long does it last?

Once cooled, you can store the pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes wonderfully! Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. The ‘Big Batch’ recipe is perfect for this.

2. Can I substitute other meats for chicken?

Absolutely! Lean ground turkey is an excellent, low-fat substitute. You can also use lean ground beef, but be sure to drain the fat thoroughly after cooking. Even shredded beef from a roast (with no seasoning) can work. Just ensure the meat is cooked plain and is a good quality source.

3. Is it okay to feed this to my dog every day?

These recipes are intended as a special treat or a ‘topper’ for their regular food, not as a complete and balanced daily diet. A dog’s daily nutritional needs are complex, requiring a specific balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. If you want to switch to a fully homemade diet, it’s absolutely essential to consult with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to formulate a complete and balanced meal plan.

4. My dog is a very picky eater. Any tips for introducing this new food?

For picky pups, start small. Offer a tiny spoonful on its own first. If they’re hesitant, try mixing just a tablespoon into their regular kibble to add a new, enticing scent and flavor. The warmth of the pot pie can often be very appealing and encourage them to give it a try. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a couple of tries!