Chicken and Rice for Dogs: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dogs
If your dog has an upset stomach, or you just want to treat them to a wholesome homemade meal, chicken and rice is the gold standard. It’s gentle, nutritious, easy to digest, and chances are you already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
This recipe is simple enough to pull together on any weeknight, and dogs absolutely love it. Whether you’re nursing a pup through a rough tummy day or just looking to mix up their diet with something homemade, this chicken and rice recipe for dogs has you covered.
Why Vets Recommend Chicken and Rice for Dogs
Veterinarians have recommended the chicken and rice combination for decades — especially for dogs recovering from digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. Here’s why it works so well:
- Easy to digest. Plain white rice is low in fiber and gentle on the gut, making it ideal when your dog’s stomach needs a break.
- Lean protein. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great source of protein without excess fat, which can aggravate digestive problems.
- Binding properties. Rice helps firm up loose stools, which is why this meal is a classic go-to for dogs with diarrhea.
- Minimal ingredients. Fewer ingredients means fewer things that could irritate a sensitive stomach.
- Highly palatable. Even the pickiest dogs tend to gobble this one up — it smells great and tastes even better to them.
Ingredients
This recipe makes enough for a medium-sized dog for 2–3 days. Scale up or down based on your dog’s size (see the serving guide below).
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups white rice (not instant or flavored)
- 4 cups water (for cooking the rice)
That’s it. No salt, no butter, no seasoning — dogs don’t need any of that, and some seasonings (like garlic and onion) are actually toxic to them.
How to Make Chicken and Rice for Dogs (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the chicken Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked with no pink remaining. You can also bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes if you prefer.
Step 2: Shred the chicken Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool completely. Once cool, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces. Never serve it hot — always let it cool to room temperature first to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
Step 3: Cook the rice In a separate pot, combine 2 cups of white rice with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Let it cool completely before mixing.
Step 4: Combine and serve Mix the shredded chicken and cooked rice together. A good ratio is about 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice. Serve at room temperature and watch your pup dig in.
Serving Size Guide
| Dog Size | Weight | Serving Size Per Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 lbs | ½ cup |
| Medium | 20–50 lbs | 1 cup |
| Large | 50+ lbs | 1½ – 2 cups |
Feed 2–3 small meals per day rather than one large portion, especially if your dog has an upset stomach. If you’re using this as a temporary bland diet, gradually transition back to their regular food over 3–5 days by mixing the two together.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze in ice cube trays or small zip-lock bags for easy thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Add a small splash of water and microwave briefly, then let it cool back to room temperature before serving. Never serve it straight from the microwave — always check the temperature first.
When to Use This Recipe
This recipe is versatile enough for a few different situations:
- Upset stomach or diarrhea. This is the classic use case. Stick to a bland chicken and rice diet for 2–3 days until your dog’s stomach settles, then slowly reintroduce their regular food.
- After surgery or illness. Chicken and rice is easy on the system and helps dogs rebuild strength without overwhelming their digestion.
- Picky eaters. If your dog has been turning up their nose at kibble, mixing in a little chicken and rice can make mealtime exciting again.
- A wholesome treat. Sometimes you just want to make your dog something special. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? White rice is actually the better choice here, especially for dogs with digestive issues. Brown rice has more fiber, which can make diarrhea worse. Stick to plain white rice for the best results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, but trim off any visible fat before cooking. Thighs are slightly higher in fat than breasts, which is fine for a healthy dog but may not be ideal for a pup with an upset stomach or pancreatitis.
How long should I feed my dog chicken and rice? If you’re using it as a bland diet for an upset stomach, 2–3 days is usually enough. After that, gradually mix in their regular food over 3–5 days. If symptoms don’t improve after a couple of days, check in with your vet.
Can puppies eat chicken and rice? Yes! Chicken and rice is safe for puppies and is often recommended by vets for young dogs with digestive issues. Just make sure the pieces are small enough for your puppy to eat safely.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? For a healthy dog, you can add small amounts of dog-safe veggies like plain carrots, peas, or sweet potato. However, if you’re making this specifically for an upset stomach, keep it as plain as possible — just chicken and rice.
⚠️ Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has existing health conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions. This recipe is intended as a temporary bland diet or an occasional homemade meal, not a complete long-term nutritional plan.
