Ground Chicken & Green Beans Dog Food – Simple, Fresh, and Budget-Friendly

If you want a homemade dog meal that’s simple, wholesome, and easy on the wallet, this Ground Chicken & Green Beans Dog Food checks every box. It uses everyday ingredients, cooks fast, and offers a balanced mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. You control the quality and seasoning (hint: none for dogs), which is great for sensitive stomachs.

It’s also easy to batch-cook and freeze, so you can prep once and feed for days. As always, check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet, especially if your pup has health issues.

Print Recipe

Ground Chicken & Green Beans Dog Food - Simple, Fresh, and Budget-Friendly

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cooked white rice or plain rolled oats (cooked)
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced or shredded (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (as needed for simmering)
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling; optional for digestion)
• Dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement as recommended by your vet
• Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; 1/2 cup plain peas

Instructions

• Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground chicken.Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes.
• Drain if needed: If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it. Return the chicken to the pot.
• Add vegetables: Stir in green beans and carrots. Add 1–2 cups broth or water.Simmer on medium-low for 8–10 minutes until the veggies are tender.
• Add carbs: Stir in the cooked rice or cooked oats. If the mixture seems dry, splash in more broth until it’s moist but not soupy.
• Finish with pumpkin (optional): Stir in pumpkin puree and any optional peas or parsley. Cook 2–3 minutes to warm through.
• Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the food cool to room temperature before serving.This protects your dog’s mouth and helps accurate portioning.
• Add supplements: Mix in the vet-approved supplement per the label or your vet’s guidance just before serving.
• Serve: Portion according to your dog’s size and calorie needs (see FAQ for guidance). Offer fresh water alongside every meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Lean protein from chicken: Ground chicken is easy to digest and generally well-tolerated by most dogs.
• Fiber-rich green beans: They add bulk without many calories, which can help dogs feel satisfied and support healthy weight management.
• Digestible carbs: White rice or oats provide gentle energy and help bind the meal for dogs with sensitive tummies.
• Healthy fats in the right amount: A touch of olive oil supports skin and coat without overdoing calories.
• Simple, clean ingredients: No salt, onions, garlic, or heavy seasonings—just dog-safe basics.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cooked white rice or plain rolled oats (cooked)
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced or shredded (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (as needed for simmering)
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling; optional for digestion)
• Dog-safe multivitamin/mineral supplement as recommended by your vet
• Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; 1/2 cup plain peas

How to Make It

1. Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground chicken.

   Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes.

2. Drain if needed: If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it. Return the chicken to the pot.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in green beans and carrots. Add 1–2 cups broth or water.

   Simmer on medium-low for 8–10 minutes until the veggies are tender.

4. Add carbs: Stir in the cooked rice or cooked oats. If the mixture seems dry, splash in more broth until it’s moist but not soupy.
5. Finish with pumpkin (optional): Stir in pumpkin puree and any optional peas or parsley. Cook 2–3 minutes to warm through.
6. Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the food cool to room temperature before serving.

   This protects your dog’s mouth and helps accurate portioning.

7. Add supplements: Mix in the vet-approved supplement per the label or your vet’s guidance just before serving.
8. Serve: Portion according to your dog’s size and calorie needs (see FAQ for guidance). Offer fresh water alongside every meal.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into single-meal containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge.

  Reheat gently until just warm—not hot—and stir well.

• Safety tip: Discard leftovers that sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Health Benefits

• Lean protein for muscle maintenance: Chicken provides essential amino acids without too much fat.
• Digestive support: Green beans and optional pumpkin add fiber, which can support regularity.
• Energy without heaviness: Rice or oats offer steady carbs that are gentle on the stomach.
• Skin and coat: A small amount of healthy fat helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins and can support a shiny coat.
• Controlled ingredients: Ideal for dogs with mild sensitivities to fillers or heavy seasonings.

What Not to Do

• Don’t add salt, onions, garlic, or seasoning blends. Many are unsafe for dogs.
• Don’t serve undercooked poultry. Cook chicken fully to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t rely on homemade food without balancing nutrients long-term. Dogs need complete nutrition; ask your vet about a supplement or a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.
• Don’t swap ingredients without checking safety. Some veggies and herbs are unsafe for dogs.
• Don’t change diets abruptly for sensitive dogs. Transition gradually to avoid stomach upset.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the carb: Use cooked quinoa or sweet potato instead of rice. Keep pieces small and well-cooked.
• Use turkey: Ground turkey can replace chicken for variety. Choose lean (93% or higher).
• Add egg: Stir in 1–2 scrambled eggs at the end for extra protein, if your vet approves.
• Bone broth boost: Replace water with unsalted, onion-free bone broth for flavor and hydration.
• Low-fat version: Skip the oil and use nonstick cookware if your dog needs a lower-fat meal.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

For many adult dogs, a starting point is about 2–3% of body weight per day in food, split into two meals.

For example, a 25-pound dog may eat roughly 8–12 ounces of food daily. Adjust based on activity level, age, and body condition, and ask your vet for personalized guidance.

Is this a complete and balanced meal?

Not on its own. Homemade recipes often lack certain micronutrients like calcium, iodine, and some vitamins.

Use a vet-recommended supplement or consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to balance the recipe for your dog’s needs.

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes, if they’re no-salt-added or rinsed thoroughly to reduce sodium. Fresh or frozen is ideal because it’s naturally lower in sodium and retains better texture.

My dog has a sensitive stomach. Will this help?

It may.

The combination of lean protein, gentle carbs, and simple veggies is often well-tolerated. Introduce it gradually over 3–5 days, mixing with your dog’s current food to prevent GI upset.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes. For an Instant Pot, sauté the chicken first, then add ingredients and cook on Manual/High for 4–5 minutes with quick release.

For a slow cooker, brown chicken on the stove first, then cook with veggies and a bit of liquid on Low for 3–4 hours. Stir in cooked rice or oats at the end.

Do I need to add calcium?

Likely yes for long-term feeding. Homemade diets without bones typically require a calcium source to balance phosphorus from meat.

Use a vet-approved supplement and follow dosing instructions.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can, but some dogs tolerate white rice better during GI sensitivities. If using brown rice, cook it thoroughly and introduce gradually.

Is parsley safe for dogs?

Small amounts of curly parsley are generally safe and can freshen breath. Avoid large amounts and skip if your dog has kidney issues.

Never use spring parsley (a different plant) or essential oils.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Chicken & Green Beans Dog Food is simple, nutritious, and easy to customize. With a few pantry staples and careful portioning, you can make a meal your dog will happily eat all week. For long-term feeding, work with your vet to ensure it’s fully balanced for your dog’s age, size, and health.

Keep it unsalted, fully cooked, and stored safely—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

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