By Mahar Pets | Updated: July 2025
If you’re looking for a way to make mealtime healthier, tastier, and more personal for your pup — this recipe is for you. Homemade dog food isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful step toward improving your dog’s overall health, energy, and digestion.
Today’s feature? A vet-approved chicken and rice recipe that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs and loaded with nutrients — upgraded with carrots, peas, and pumpkin to support everything from digestion to immune health.
Whether you’re dealing with a picky eater, recovering from tummy issues, or just want to ditch fillers and preservatives, this recipe has your pup covered. 🐾
🐕🦺 Why Choose Homemade Dog Food?
Feeding your dog homemade meals allows you to:
- Control the quality and source of ingredients
- Avoid common allergens, fillers, and chemicals found in commercial food
- Adjust recipes based on your dog’s unique age, size, health needs, and activity level
- Strengthen your bond during preparation and feeding
And most importantly… it shows your dog how much you care. ❤️
🔬 What Makes Chicken & Rice So Good for Dogs?
🐔 Chicken (Lean Protein)
- Easy to digest, low in fat, and rich in essential amino acids
- Supports strong muscles and overall body repair
🍚 White Rice (Easily Digestible Carbohydrate)
- Provides clean energy without upsetting sensitive stomachs
- Helps bulk up stools for dogs with mild diarrhea
Together, they create a bland yet balanced base perfect for most dogs—especially those recovering from digestive issues or transitioning diets.
But we’re taking it a step further with powerhouse veggies and superfoods!
🥕 Ingredients Breakdown (And Why They Matter)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this nourishing meal:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Lean, high-quality protein |
| 1 cup white rice (uncooked) | Digestive support, energy |
| 3 cups water | For cooking rice |
| ½ cup carrots (chopped) | Fiber, beta-carotene, eye health |
| ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen) | B vitamins, plant protein |
| ¼ cup plain pumpkin puree | Promotes healthy digestion |
| 1 tbsp olive oil (optional) | Omega fats for skin & coat health |
✅ Important Note: Always use plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix!) and unseasoned chicken. Avoid salt, onions, garlic, or any human seasoning.
🍽 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these clear steps for a smooth and safe cooking experience:
1. Boil the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in a pot of water.
- Boil over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Let cool, then shred with a fork into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Rice
- Combine 1 cup of white rice with 3 cups of water in a separate pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Cook until water is fully absorbed (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Add the Veggies
- While rice is cooking, prepare your vegetables.
- Add carrots and peas during the last 5 minutes of rice cooking to soften them while retaining nutrients.
4. Mix It All Together
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, rice with veggies, and pumpkin puree.
- If using olive oil, drizzle it in and mix thoroughly.
5. Cool Before Serving
- Let everything cool to room temperature before serving to your pup. Test it with a clean finger — it should feel slightly warm or neutral.
🐶 Portion Guidelines: How Much to Feed?
Feeding depends on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Here’s a starting point:
| Dog Size | Suggested Serving Per Meal |
|---|---|
| Small (10–20 lbs) | ½ to ¾ cup |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | 1 to 1½ cups |
| Large (50–100 lbs) | 2 to 3 cups |
🐾 Pro Tip: Divide into two meals per day. Always consult your vet if your dog has weight issues, allergies, or health conditions.
🧊 Storage & Prep Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze in portioned freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months
- Always thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slightly before serving (never serve frozen or piping hot food)
📌 Add labels with the date and portion size for easy meal planning.
🌟 Nutritional Benefits at a Glance
✅ High-quality protein: for lean muscle and tissue repair
✅ Gentle grains: for sensitive digestion
✅ Antioxidants & fiber: from peas, carrots, and pumpkin
✅ Healthy fats: for joint and coat health (if olive oil added)
This meal is great for:
- Dogs with food sensitivities
- Recovery diets (post-vomiting or diarrhea)
- Dogs prone to gas or bloating
- Picky eaters (especially with a bit of warm broth added!)
🧠 Expert Tips & Advanced Variations
✔️ Want to boost the nutrition further?
Try adding:
- ½ teaspoon ground flaxseed (omega-3s and fiber)
- A pinch of turmeric (natural anti-inflammatory)
- A splash of bone broth (immune and joint health)
✔️ Rotate proteins:
Use turkey, ground beef (lean), or fish instead of chicken once a week for variety.
✔️ Supplements:
Ask your vet about adding:
- Calcium powder (especially for long-term homemade diets)
- Multivitamins (if not rotating commercial and home-cooked meals)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but introduce slowly. Brown rice has more fiber, which may cause gas in some dogs.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Try green beans, zucchini, or spinach (lightly steamed). Avoid onions, garlic, and avocados.
Q: Can this be used for puppies?
A: Yes—but consult your vet to make sure it meets your puppy’s developmental needs. Chop ingredients finely for easier chewing.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like it?
A: Mix in a spoon of low-sodium broth, or transition gradually by mixing with their current food.
💬 Final Thoughts
Making your dog’s food at home is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health and happiness. This chicken, rice, and veggie recipe is vet-friendly, budget-friendly, and tail-wagging approved.
Say goodbye to mystery ingredients and hello to clean, whole-food meals that nourish from the inside out. Your dog will love the taste—and you’ll love the peace of mind.