The Ultimate Guide to Chicken and Rice Dog Food: Easy Recipe & Benefits

Anyone who’s ever shared their life with a dog knows about the magic of boiled chicken and rice. It’s the go-to remedy recommended by vets for pups experiencing digestive issues like an upset stomach or diarrhea, and a gentle meal for dogs recovering from surgery. Just like us, dogs sometimes eat things they shouldn’t (think tasty, yet questionable, finds on walks!). And just like us reaching for comfort food, Chicken And Rice Dog Food is often the perfect solution to get them back on their paws.

An Excellent Appetite Booster

Recently, chicken and rice dog food proved its worth in a big way for our AndyBobby. After undergoing surgery to remove a malignant mass, and a subsequent course of chemotherapy, his once enthusiastic appetite began to fade. Worried, I looked for ways to entice him back to his meals. Knowing his love for carbs, I tried mixing a couple of tablespoons of this simple chicken and rice recipe with his regular kibble. It worked like a charm! Of course, the aroma piqued the interest of our other three dogs as well. Being a soft touch, I decided everyone deserved a little chicken and rice boost on their kibble. Meal times became incredibly exciting!

On December 18th, we received the wonderful news that AndyBobby was cancer-free – the best Christmas gift imaginable!

Even now, it’s February and chicken and rice dog food remains a staple in our kitchen. I appreciate that it adds a boost of wholesome goodness to their daily diet. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and the enthusiastic tail wags and happy woofs at meal times are truly rewarding.

How to Cook Chicken and Rice Dog Food: A Simple One-Pot Recipe

Making chicken and rice dog food at home is incredibly straightforward! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup.

In the past, I used to cook the chicken separately and steam the rice in another pot before combining them. However, I realized there was an easier way. This one-pot method is not only simpler but also enhances the flavor as the rice absorbs the delicious juices from the chicken as it cooks. Easier and tastier? Yes, please! 🙋🏻‍♀️ 🐶

Here’s what it looks like fresh out of the pot, ready for cooling and serving to your furry friend.

Admittedly, these photos aren’t going to win any culinary photography awards. It’s essentially a mix of white-ish rice, chicken, and slightly overcooked green beans. Perhaps a Michelin-star chef could present it with artistic flair, but my dogs are more interested in taste than presentation. And frankly, so am I. If it helps keep my pups healthy and happy, that’s all that truly matters.

If your dog enjoys this recipe, they might also love our Chicken, Barley & Veggies for Dogs recipe. Why not give that a try too?

Storage Instructions

To safely refrigerate your freshly cooked chicken and rice dog food, create a well in the center of the mixture while it’s still in the pot. Allow it to cool uncovered on the counter for approximately 20 minutes, then cover and transfer it to the refrigerator.

Chicken and rice dog food will keep well in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Scoop portions of the mixture into small balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag, remembering to label and date it. When you’re ready to use it, simply place a few frozen balls on a plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds before adding to your dog’s kibble.

Frozen chicken and rice dog food can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

Top Tip for Perfect Rice

Always check the cooking instructions on your rice packaging.

Whole grain brown rice generally takes around 45-50 minutes to cook and requires more water than white rice. This is because brown rice retains its bran layer, which also gives it its characteristic brown color and chewier texture.

White rice, having had the bran removed, cooks much faster in just 16-20 minutes and needs less water.

Being aware of these differences is crucial to prevent scorching your rice. I recently encountered a bag of rice labeled “brown rice” that, despite its color, cooked in a similar time and water ratio to white rice and lacked the typical chewiness of true brown rice. Always double check!

We typically use brown rice as a daily meal enhancer for our dogs due to its nutritional benefits. However, veterinarians often recommend white rice, especially when dogs have digestive issues, as it is less fibrous and gentler on sensitive stomachs.

Ultimately, your dog will likely enjoy both types of rice. Our aim is to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly for you and your beloved pup. 🥰

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brown rice or white rice better for dogs? The best choice between brown and white rice depends on WHY you’re including rice in your dog’s diet.

Brown rice, with its bran layer intact, is richer in fiber. It’s also a lower-glycemic option compared to white rice, meaning the sugars are released into the bloodstream more slowly.

Similar to humans, the higher fiber content in brown rice can help dogs feel fuller for longer. However, fiber can be harder to digest and is generally not recommended for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.

White rice, conversely, is highly digestible. It’s the type of rice veterinarians usually recommend for dogs with upset stomachs. It’s easy to eat, gentle on the digestive system, and provides a quick source of energy.

Nutritionally, brown rice is generally a better choice for daily feeding of healthy dogs. White rice is excellent for occasional use when your dog needs a bland diet to soothe their stomach.

Always consult your veterinarian for advice on which type of rice is best for your dog, considering their specific health needs. PetMD offers a helpful article on this topic here.

Can I feed my dog chicken and rice dog food every day? The answer is both yes and no.

YES. Chicken, rice, and dog-safe vegetables are generally healthy for dogs. This recipe is designed to be gentle on the stomach, encourage appetite, and add variety to your dog’s regular meals.

NO. Chicken and rice dog food alone, even with added vegetables, is not nutritionally complete enough to be the sole diet for your dog long-term. Dogs require a balance of vitamins and minerals that are not sufficiently present in chicken and rice alone.

How much chicken and rice dog food should I give my dog? For our dogs, we typically mix a couple of tablespoons of chicken and rice with their regular kibble, along with a little warm water, at each meal. We reduce their kibble portion slightly to account for the extra calories from the chicken and rice.

When caring for a sick dog, our vet advises feeding smaller, more frequent meals consisting only of chicken and rice for a day or two. This allows their stomach to rest and recover. Always consult with your veterinarian if your dog is unwell and prioritize their advice above all else.

Related Recipes

Your pup might also enjoy these other dog-friendly recipes:

Chicken & Rice for Dogs Recipe

5 from 6 votes

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Servings: 56
Calories: 28kcal

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups whole grain brown rice (See notes for white rice)
5 oz boneless chicken breast (fresh or frozen) – Never give cooked chicken bones to dogs!
1 cup green beans (optional, fresh or frozen) – See notes for other dog-safe veggies.

Instructions

Bring water to a boil in a pot over medium-high heat.
Stir in rice. Place chicken breast and vegetables on top of the rice.
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the water and steam holes appear on the surface. Note: Cooking time varies depending on the type of rice. Check your rice package instructions. Some “brown rice” varieties may cook faster like white rice.
Using kitchen shears, cut the cooked chicken and vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Stir to combine everything.
Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a container and create a hole or well in the center to aid cooling. Refrigerate uncovered for four hours, then cover. (This cooling process is important for food safety). Store refrigerated for up to seven days.
To serve, add a couple of tablespoons of chicken and rice dog food to each cup of your dog’s regular kibble at meal times. We like to add a little warm water to moisten it slightly. Stir and watch your dog enjoy! A-rooo!

Recipe Notes

Ensure any vegetables you add are safe for dogs. Good options include broccoli, squash, carrots, green beans, and peas. Avoid garlic, onions, grapes, and raisins as they are toxic to dogs. If using white rice, use 1 ¼ cups of water per cup of rice and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through. Dogs can get salmonella too! This recipe makes enough to supplement breakfast and dinner for four large dogs (50-70 pounds each) for about a week. Adjust quantities to suit your dog(s) needs, aiming to make an amount that will last about a week refrigerated.