Winter dog stew recipes are honestly one of the easiest ways to keep your pup warm, happy, and well-fed when the temperature drops. When I first started making warm stews for my dog, I didn’t expect such a big difference—suddenly he wasn’t shivering near the heater or giving me that “hey… got anything warm?” stare. If your dog loves cozy comfort food as much as mine does, you’re going to love the veterinarian-approved stews in this guide.

Ever wondered why warm meals work so well for dogs in winter? You’re about to see exactly why… and how to make them.

Let’s jump into the good stuff.

Why Winter Stews Are Amazing for Dogs

Before I show you the recipes, let me tell you why I swear by winter stews. They’re warm, hydrating, easy to digest, and surprisingly budget-friendly. Ever tried convincing your dog to eat when they’re cold and moody? A warm spoonful solves that fast.

I once poured a warm chicken-carrot stew over my dog’s usual kibble, and instantly he acted like I served him a Michelin-level dish. Sometimes warmth really is magic.

Benefits of winter stews for dogs:

• Hydration boost from broth-based meals
• Better digestion thanks to soft textures
• Warmth and comfort which many dogs crave
• Easier nutrient absorption from cooked veggies
• Great for picky eaters who avoid cold food

Ever noticed how your dog eats better when the food smells stronger? These stews definitely help with that too.

Alright—ready to make your dog’s winter a whole lot cozier?

If you also want immune-boosting broth recipes, check out my Homemade Beef Bone Broth for Dogs — you’ll use it a lot during winter.

1. Beef & Sweet Potato Comfort Stew (High-Energy Winter Booster)

If your dog has lots of energy or loves long winter walks, this hearty stew hits the spot. I use it often after snowy hikes because it gives a warm calorie boost without being heavy.

After long winter walks, I love pairing this meal with the Ruffwear Front Range Harness—it’s perfect for cold-weather adventures.

What Makes This Stew Great?

This recipe combines lean beef, sweet potatoes, and green beans, which offer slow-release carbs and essential vitamins. Ever wondered why sweet potatoes show up in so many “healthy dog food” labels? Because they’re naturally rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and gut-friendly carbs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• ½ cup green beans
• ½ cup carrots
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp turmeric (optional)

If your dog loves beef, they’ll also enjoy my Homemade Beef Dog Food Roll — it pairs perfectly with this stew.

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a pot.
2. Add diced sweet potato, carrots, and beans.
3. Pour in broth and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
4. Mash lightly to create a stew-like consistency.

Why Dogs Love It

• High-energy formula
• Strong aroma that encourages picky eaters
• Soft texture for senior dogs

I always keep a frozen batch of this one because my dog goes crazy for it. You’ll probably see the same reaction.

2. Chicken & Carrot Cozy Stew (Gentle on the Stomach)

This is my go-to recipe whenever my dog feels a little “meh.” You know that moment when they’re not sick but just not excited? This stew brings them right back.

Perfect For Sensitive Stomachs

Chicken and carrots digest easily, and the mix becomes naturally soothing. You can even serve it when your vet recommends a bland diet.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Boil chicken until cooked. Shred it.
2. Add carrots, peas, pumpkin, and broth.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Let it cool and serve warm.

Why This Winter Dog Stew Recipe Works So Well

• Easy to digest
• Nutritious but light
• Rich in Vitamin A for immune health

Ever wondered why pumpkin helps dogs so much? Because it balances digestion naturally without harsh additives.

3. Turkey & Barley Winter Stew (Satiety Booster)

I love this stew because it fills your dog up without making them sluggish. Barley offers slow-release energy, which is perfect when dogs spend more time indoors in winter.

If your dog eats fast, a slow-feeder like the Outward Hound Fun Feeder works great with warm stews.

Why Turkey?

Turkey delivers lean protein without the heaviness some dogs feel from beef. My senior dog especially handles turkey better.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup barley
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup carrots
• 3 cups low-sodium turkey or vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Cook turkey in a pot until browned.
2. Add barley and broth.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add spinach and carrots; cook 10 more minutes.

Benefits

• Fiber-rich barley keeps dogs full
• Low-fat protein
• Great winter dinner option

Have you ever tried giving your dog turkey after a long cold walk? The boost in their mood is instant.

4. Salmon & Veggie Immune-Boosting Stew (Skin & Coat Hero)

If your dog gets dry skin every winter, this stew will feel like magic. Salmon delivers natural omega-3 fatty acids, and dogs benefit from it more than you might expect.

Why I Love This One

My dog deals with occasional winter dryness around the paws and ears, and warm salmon stew keeps his skin noticeably softer and less flaky.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh salmon fillet (bones removed)
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup carrots
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Cook salmon gently until it flakes apart.
2. Add veggies and broth.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Serve warm and cozy.

Key Benefits

• Supports skin and coat health
• High in omega-3s
• Great for dogs with mild allergies

Ever asked yourself why dog coat supplements always brag about omega-3? This stew delivers the same benefits naturally.

5. Lamb & Pumpkin Warming Stew (Perfect for Cold Nights)

This stew feels like a winter blanket but in food form. Lamb offers rich flavor, so picky eaters perk up instantly. If your dog loses interest in food during cold spells, this recipe brings back the excitement.

Why Pumpkin Helps

Pumpkin stabilizes digestion, adds thickness to stews, and contributes essential vitamins.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ½ cup chopped green beans
• ½ cup carrots
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

1. Brown lamb in a pot.
2. Add pumpkin, veggies, and broth.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cool slightly before serving.

Why This Stew Hits Different

• Rich warming flavor
• Great for low-appetite days
• Perfect cold-weather dinner

I love serving this one in the K&H Thermo-Dog Heated Bowl when it’s freezing—it keeps meals warm longer outdoors.

One time I made this stew after a very windy walk, and my dog practically danced around the kitchen waiting for it to cool. I honestly felt the same way about my own soup that day.

How to Safely Serve Winter Stews to Your Dog

H3: Serving Tips

To keep things safe and healthy, always follow these tips:

• Avoid salt and seasoning. Dogs don’t need them.
• Serve warm, not hot. Test with a spoon.
• Introduce new foods slowly. Let your dog’s tummy adjust.
• Freeze portions for convenience.
• Mix with kibble for extra crunch or calories.

If your dog loves warm toppings, the Honest Kitchen Pour-Overs blend amazingly with these stews.

Foods to Never Add

• Onions
• Garlic
• Excessive fats
• Artificial broth cubes
• High-sodium ingredients

When in doubt, ask yourself: “Would this be healthy for a toddler?” If the answer is no, skip it.

If you want even more healthy homemade ideas, check my DIY Meal Prep Guide — it shows how to prepare 1 week of food fast

Portion Guide (Simple & Vet-Friendly)

Every dog is different, but here’s a basic vet-approved guideline:

Small Dogs (10–20 lbs)

½–1 cup stew per meal

Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs)

1–1.5 cups per meal

Large Dogs (50–90 lbs)

2–3 cups per meal

Giant Breeds (90+ lbs)

3–4 cups per meal

I always adjust based on body condition. If your dog starts looking extra round, reduce slightly. If they seem hungry or lose weight, add a little more.

Expert Tip — Add Supplements Correctly

Want to supercharge your dog’s winter stew?

Consider adding:

• Fish oil (skin & coat)
• Joint supplements like glucosamine
• Probiotics for digestion
• Calcium powder (only if needed)

But here’s the key: never add supplements while cooking. Heat destroys their benefits. Add them after the stew cools.

For probiotics, I like using the Native Pet Probiotic Powder because it mixes smoothly into warm foods.

Conclusion: Warm Stews = Warm Hearts

Winter hits our dogs just like it hits us. They feel the cold, the stiffness, and the lack of sun. Serving them vet-approved homemade stews isn’t just about feeding them—it’s about giving comfort, warmth, and a little seasonal joy.

Which stew will you try first? The rich lamb one for cold nights? The salmon one for a shiny coat? Or the classic chicken for sensitive tummies?

Whichever you choose, your dog will feel the love in every warm spoonful. And if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy watching their cozy, satisfied little face even more than making the stew.