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Simple Homemade Beef Stew Recipe For Dogs

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Updated:  January 2nd, 2023

The meat and veggies combo in this beef stew is always a hit with dogs and using wholesome, healthy ingredients to make their meal improves the flavor by far.


Your dog needs a break from dry kibble now and then. No matter how much your pooch loves the crunchy yummies, they’re bound to get fed up with it. Hey, you’d get tired of eating the same meal day in, day out. That’s why adding a tasty topper to your dog’s usual grub or switching one whole meal from the menu can be a good idea. A change of pace can be just what your pooch needs, and cooking something nice for your pet will certainly be something for you to enjoy. This beef stew for dogs is easy to make, costs next to nothing, and won’t have you slaving away in the kitchen. To boot, you can double (or triple) the recipe and make portions ahead for the freezer. Next time when you feel like treating your pooch to a hearty homemade meal, just pop it out and defrost- bon pawpetit!


Of course, while homemade food is a tasty, healthy treat but you shouldn’t overdo it. Pet obesity is a serious issue that some even call an epidemic- gaining excess weight can lead your pet straight to a myriad of health issues. This beef stew should be doled out from time to time, especially if used as a topper for kibble. Too much indulging in yummy foods can only be counterproductive in the long run, so stick to recommended portion sizes. In case you are looking to make a switch to cooking for your dog instead of feeding them kibble, this yummy recipe can be a great way to “test the waters” and see how your pet likes the switch. Needless to say, you should consult a vet first if you plan on doing a homemade-only diet, to avoid any risk of nutritional deficiencies.


This recipe is a fave with our furry taste testers, so we don’t doubt your pooch will go bonkers for it, too. The meat and veggies combo in this beef stew is always a hit with dogs and using wholesome, healthy ingredients to make their meal improves the flavor by far.


Simple Homemade Beef Stew For Dogs


Ingredients:


  • 16 oz stewing beef
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 2 celery sticks
  • 2 pints (4 cups) chicken stock
  • 2 tbsps. vegetable oil


Directions:


  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into small pieces. Chop up the two celery sticks. Peel carrots and chop into small pieces. The size of the pieces should be bite-size, but the veggies should soften additionally during the cooking, so don’t worry if your pieces are a bit chunky.
  2. Brown the meat by adding two tbsps. of oil into your large saucepan or pot and all of the beef. Cook the beef on medium-high heat until it is brown on all sides.
  3. Once the beef is brown, add chicken stock and bring to boil. It would be ideal if you have homemade chicken stock to make sure it’s free of unnecessary additives. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and leave to simmer for 45 minutes.
  4. Add the vegetables to the pan. Replace the lid (slightly ajar) and let simmer for another 45 minutes. If you want a thicker stew, remove the lid completely after 30 minutes.
  5. Take the pan off the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Serve to your happy and hungry dog- with or without kibble for garnish.


Cooking for your dog can be a rewarding experience. You get to decide what exactly goes into their dish without having to worry about hidden harmful ingredients lurking in their food. Organic, natural, homegrown- it’s your choice of ingredients, but make sure it’s all fresh. Lastly, while this beef stew contains no problematic ingredients and uses only dog-safe foods for preparation, if your dog is unused to cooked food, he might have a slight stomach reaction. But I guess a few farts is something every pet parent can deal with, right?


What if My Dog is Allergic to Beef?


If you have a dog that is allergic to beef, you can still follow this recipe with one important substitution. In place of ground beef, choose another pet-friendly ground meat. Some popular options include ground chicken, pork, or ground turkey (white or dark meat). For dog parents that are currently focusing on a novel protein, you can also substitute some of the rarer meat options in place of beef, like alligator or bear. Follow the rest of the recipe like normal.


Benefits of Carrots for Dogs


Not only do carrots add a little color and flavor to your homemade dog food, but they are also incredibly healthy. These orange, crunchy vegetables are high in vitamin A, which is where they earned their reputation as a superfood. Vitamin A supports eye health, helping to prevent the development of vision problems like night blindness. This is why so many of us were regularly told to eat our carrots as children.


But your dog’s eyes aren’t the only thing that will benefit from including carrots in this recipe. Other nutrients provided by carrots include vitamins B, C, D, E and K, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, niacin, magnesium, and fiber. They help to support healthy bone development, improve digestive health, protect the body against free radicals, and prevent the development of disease and infections. Some experts even credit carrots with helping to reduce the risk of cancer.

The best part about carrots? They are low in calories. This means that your dog can enjoy these benefits even if they are on a diet! 


We love easy recipes and we bet you do too! Give this one a try and let us know how it turns out. As well, if you have any recipes for dogs you’d like to share, please send it to us. You can get email it to us using the contact page.

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Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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They are worn around the waist, freeing your hands to reduce strain on your hands, arms, and back. Some running leashes incorporate additional features with the demands of running in mind, such as pockets and pouches to hold your gear and shock-absorbing features to prevent injuries if your dog bolts off in a hurry. Martingale Leash or Slip Leash Designed to provide additional security for nervous/anxious dogs, dogs in training, and known escape artists. They are also a popular choice for dogs with smaller heads like sighthounds whose heads and necks are often similarly sizes, allowing collars to easily slip off their heads despite your best efforts and proper sizing. Both martingale leashes and slip leashes combine a leash and collar in one. They are designed to tighten if your dog tries to pull away while the design incorporates safety features to prevent them from tightening too far causing injuries. For martingales, the tightening loop is only one small part of the collar portion, carefully sized to control how far it can tighten. On the other hand (or paw), slip leads often use stoppers to control the sizing. Retractable Dog Leash Another commonly used leash, despite much controversy, is the retractable leash. This is a leash that coils up a long leash on a spring-loaded spool inside a plastic handle. With the press of a button, the leash can either be released or locked in place. However, many experts caution dog parents about trusting the mechanisms or giving a dog too much freedom with a retractable leash, allowing them to get into unsafe situations. There are several options to suit dogs of all sizes, from smaller leashes that are lightweight and easy to hold for small dogs and toy breeds to larger dog leashes with stronger components designed to handle dogs up to 110 lbs and more.Multiple Dog Leash SystemsDo you have two or more dogs in your home? If so, you likely understand the struggle of juggling multiple leashes when you go for a walk. Multiple dog leash systems are designed to make it easy for dog parents to manage more than one leash at a time. Some double and multiple dog leashes combine multiple dog leashes with the use of a single handle. Others use hands-free systems like cross-body and waist leashes to incorporate a larger number of leashes in a way that a single dog walker or parent can safely manage.

Pairing Shelter Dogs Reduces Stress and Helps Them Get Adopted Faster

Dogs are social creatures who rely on companionship, especially in stressful situations. Having a companion doesn’t only diminish loneliness, it can also have a huge impact on dogs’ future, especially those waiting for a furever home.A new study, led by Erica Feuerbacher, associate professor in the Colledge of Agriculture Life Sciences’ School of Animal Sciences found that living with a roommate lowers stress levels in shelter dogs and helps them get adopted more quickly.According to ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters nationwide each year. This new study may offer a potential solution for overcrowded animal shelters that are overwhelmed by the surge in unwanted pets and longer waits for dogs needing adoption. “Despite being a social species, dogs are often housed alone in shelters to reduce disease transmission and possible injury from inter-dog conflict. But this social isolation can work against dogs’ behavioral health and adaptability,” said Feuerbacher. “We wanted to examine whether pair housing could be a useful intervention for improving shelter dogs’ welfare.”This groundbreaking study was published in the journal PLOS One. It is the first study to look into how U.S.-based shelter dogs cope when housed alone versus when they are living with a canine companion. This isn’t the first study that researched the benefits of co-housing dogs, but previous studies focused on laboratory beagles and veterinary school dogs. These dogs were housed in kennels long-term, usually for more than six months, for research and teaching purposes. On the other hand, shelter dogs spend an average of 35 days waiting to be adopted, and are, in most cases, used to social interactions prior to entering the shelter. For seven days, researchers studied 61 dogs at the Humane Society of Western Montana. Researchers placed half the dogs in co-housing with roommates who were picked through a compatibility test and brief introduction. The other half of the group was housed alone.Throughout the week, scientists observed the dogs and recorded common stress behaviors, including lip licking, pulling back their ears, and whining. They also took daily samples of dogs’ urine to measure cortisol and creatinine, which are biological markers of stress. “Dogs housed in shelters can face chronic levels of stress due to noise, confined kennel spaces, and limited access to social interaction,” said Feuerbacher adding that this can reduce a dog’s well-being, which may affect a dog’s adoptability. Scientists were happy to discover that dogs housed together showed fewer stress behaviors. Not only that, data showed that these pooches were adopted four days sooner than single-housed dogs. These results show that pairing shelter dogs may be a way for shelters and rescues to improve the quality of dogs’ lives, increase their chances of getting adopted, and shorten their stay in the shelter. Feuerbacher hopes that these findings will encourage shelters to pair dogs with suitable roommates to reduce dogs’ stress and showcase them at their best to potential adopters. “Many potential adopters might already have a dog or would like to engage in social activities with their dog,” Feuerbacher said. “Clearly exhibiting that a dog can successfully interact with other dogs might highlight those dogs as good matches - leading to more successful adoptions.” Dogs who get to have company while they are at the shelter aren’t just happier, they also get to behave more naturally and let their true personality shine through. Co-housing dogs is a win-win situation for everyone and an easy way for shelters to get more dogs adopted into loving homes. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

5 Popular Designer Dog Breeds

Designer dogs, or hybrid dogs, are a mix of two purebreds. Unlike mutts, you’ll know which breeds make up a designer dog. But, like any mixed breed dog, puppies will inherit the diverse traits of their parents, so there can be variations in temperament, coat, and other features, and this can make it a bit challenging to predict what these dogs will be like. Today, there are many highly sought-after designer dog breeds, whether they’re beloved for their looks, personality, or eagerness to work. Below are five designer dogs that have a lot to offer.

Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter   here.

What Is Dog Splooting?

Dogs do a lot of quirky things—one of the many reasons why everyone loves them so much. But have you heard of the sploot? This is a common behavior, with puppies and adult dogs from all breeds exhibiting it. Keep reading to learn all about dog splooting, including how to recognize when this isn’t considered a normal behavior.

A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?

Cockapoos are known as one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. Thanks to their intelligent nature and friendly demeanor, they are adored across the globe. A distinct mixture of a playful Poodle and a gentle Cocker Spaniel, these dogs are very energetic and fun. And this is exactly why exercise is so important for these pooches – it ensures a Cockapoo remains healthy and mentally stimulated. Without regular exercise, many things can go awry for these doggos. This is why you should know just how much exercise is enough for a Cockapoo, and make sure you provide a balanced daily routine for your little furry friend. How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?Even though these dogs are energetic, they are not considered sporting dogs. This means that, on average, they will be quite content with around 30 to 60 minutes of quality physical activity each day. But even so, the exact amount of time will depend on several factors, such as the dog’s age, size, and energy levels. Some dogs simply love to chill, relax, or snooze, while others prefer to zoom about to no end and that stands true for Cockapoos, too. After all, it is only natural that a young Cockapoo will need more physical activity, and an older one prefers short and less intense exercise sessions. Of course, exercise is not all about running about and jumping through hoops. There is also mental stimulation. While running, walking, and good playing will help burn that extra energy and maintain a slim physique, certain games and special dog puzzle toys will help keep their minds sharp and healthy as well. 

Hilarious Trend Reveals Most Cats Wouldn't Survive the "Quiet Place"

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” the third entry in the popular post-apocalyptic series, took box offices by storm this summer. The film shows the people of New York City as they fight to survive an alien invasion in which blind extraterrestrial beings with a powerful sense of hearing hunt them down by listening for their movements. While the film blew away expectations at the box office, one character truly stole the show – Frodo, the leading kitty. Throughout the movie, Frodo (played by feline actors Nico and Schnitzel) is challenged to stay quiet as he and his human companions (Sam and Eric) try to escape the city and flee to safety. This has raised a question online among cat parents—in the event of a similar alien invasion, would your cat be able to survive? This curiosity has inspired a new trend on TikTok and other social media platforms. In the videos, cat parents pick up their cats and pretend to run for safety. The concept is simple: While either holding your phone camera or strategically setting it up to capture the attempt, pick up your cat and make a run for it. The good news is that no cats were harmed in the making of these videos. There are obviously no real aliens hunting people down as they flee their homes. The bad news? Very few cats would survive if this movie were to become a reality! If you are in need of a good laugh, the videos won’t disappoint. While some cats stayed silent, ensuring they and their beloved owners would flee safely, others were unimpressed that they were even picked up to begin with. Cats of TikTok can be seen vocally expressing their disapproval while others fought to be released, believing they would survive better on their own without the extra “baggage” of a human to hold them back (or at least that’s how the comments describe their response). One TikTok user, @birchcanread, created a video testing each of her six cats. The video, which now has over 7 million views, demonstrated why most cat parents would be doomed in this scenario.

Why Is My Puppy Whining?

While bringing a puppy home can be such a joyful and exciting event, it doesn’t mean it’s without challenges –especially for first-time dog owners. One of the (many) burning questions new puppy parents have is why their pet is whining and if it’s a sign of distress. Simply put, just like human babies, puppies need to communicate with the brand-new world around them. They do this by whining, which is their number one tool for expressing fear, hunger, frustration, or anything in between. The nuances can be difficult to spot when you’re not experienced with puppies, but once you know what to look for, it will be easy to differ when your puppy is whining because they are looking for a second breakfast or if it’s a more serious cause.Why Is My Puppy Whining? 5 Most Common Reasons for Puppy WhiningOne of the most common reasons why a puppy would whine is attention seeking. When faced with a new environment and away from their parents, puppies will usually feel scared and lonely, particularly if you are away. So, when they whine, they ask for comfort and company. Remember that these are social creatures, especially at such an early age, and if they feel neglected, they will whine until someone reacts. That is why it is crucial not to underestimate this need and to provide your puppy with lots of attention, playtime, and dog toys that would keep them engaged and feeling secure. Of course, it is not always about attention. Puppies will often whine to communicate that they are hungry or thirsty. Unlike adult dogs, puppies need multiple meals throughout the day, so make sure that you keep a regular feeding schedule that suits your puppy's developmental needs. In case your puppy is whining when it's close to meal time, it might just be their way of reminding you that it’s time to eat. Sometimes, the reason for a puppy to whine might be super simple, like fear and anxiety. After all, new environments, unfamiliar people, and loud noises are enough to scare anyone, let alone a fragile little puppy. One of the particular sources of anxiety for them is separation. They will quickly build a connection with you, and as soon as you leave, they might feel abandoned. To relieve this anxiety and minimize their whining, you should provide them with a source of comfort, like a favorite plush toy, a blankie, or even a piece of your clothing. 

Can Dogs Have ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is commonly discussed in relation to humans, children in particular. And just as its name suggests, this mental disorder is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, in recent years pet owners and veterinarians have begun to wonder if similar behavioral issues can also affect dogs. Can dogs have ADHD? Here’s what the facts say.Can Dogs Have ADHD?In humans, ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms typically include difficulty focusing, excessive energy, and impulsive actions. It is often treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. And, understanding these traits in humans can help us look for analogous behaviors in dogs as well.Just like humans, dogs can also exhibit a range of behaviors that might seem similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Common behaviors that concern pet owners include excessive barking, restlessness, an inability to settle down, destructive behavior, and an apparent lack of focus or attention. However, it is essential to recognize that dogs naturally have higher energy levels compared to humans, for example, especially certain dog breeds. For instance, Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy and require significant physical and mental stimulation. This is why it is crucial to distinguish between normal breed-specific behavior and potential behavioral disorders. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have mixed opinions on whether dogs can genuinely have ADHD. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist who wrote the revolutionary book “ Pets On the Couch”, has suggested that dogs can exhibit behaviors akin to ADHD in humans. He points out that some dogs may show persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that go beyond typical high-energy behavior. 

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