Dog Food With Lamb and Rice for Sensitive Stomachs – Gentle, Simple, and Tasty

This recipe is designed for dogs who struggle with tummy troubles and need something easy on digestion. Lamb is a softer protein option for many dogs, and rice helps calm the stomach without a lot of fuss. The flavor is mild, the texture is soft, and the ingredients are simple.

You’ll also have control over what goes into your dog’s bowl, which is a big win if you’re trying to avoid triggers. Always check with your vet if your dog has ongoing digestive issues or special dietary needs.

What Makes This Special

This recipe focuses on gentle ingredients that are easy to digest and unlikely to cause irritation. It keeps seasoning out, uses lean lamb, and builds in moisture to help support hydration.

The result is a balanced, soft meal that’s simple and soothing.

• Single main protein: Lamb can be easier to tolerate for dogs sensitive to chicken or beef.
• Simple carbs: White rice provides quick energy and is easy on the stomach.
• Digestive support: Pumpkin and a small amount of oil can help keep stools regular and comfortable.
• Moist and soft: Extra water or broth helps create a gentle, easy-to-eat texture.
• No common irritants: No dairy, onions, garlic, heavy spices, or fried fats.

Shopping List

• 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (lean, 90% if possible)
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium, onion-free chicken broth
• 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup green beans, finely chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or salmon oil
• Optional: 1 large egg
• Optional: 1/2 tsp ground ginger (plain, no added sugar) for aroma only
• Veterinarian-approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement
• Optional: Probiotic powder made for dogs (vet-approved)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine rice with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.

   Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

2. Brown the lamb gently: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground lamb. Break it up into small pieces. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

   Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning too hard.

3. Soften the veggies: Add the carrots and green beans to the skillet with the lamb. Stir for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Add a splash of water if the pan gets dry.
4. Add pumpkin and moisture: Stir in the canned pumpkin and 1/2 cup water or broth.

   Mix until creamy and evenly combined.

5. Combine with rice: Fold the cooked rice into the lamb mixture. The texture should be soft and moist. If it seems dry, add a bit more warm water or broth.
6. Finish with healthy fats: Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil or salmon oil.

   If using an egg, scramble it separately in a small pan and mix it in once cooked.

7. Cool completely: Let the food cool to room temperature before serving. Hot food can upset a sensitive stomach.
8. Add supplements at serving: Mix in the canine multivitamin and probiotic according to label directions after the food cools. Heat can reduce their effectiveness.
9. Serve slowly: Start by replacing 25–50% of your dog’s regular food with this recipe for the first day, then increase as tolerated.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into meal-sized containers or silicone molds and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw safely: Thaw in the fridge overnight.

  Add warm water to bring to room temperature before serving—avoid microwaving supplements.

• Discard if unsure: If it smells off or looks slimy, throw it out.

Why This is Good for You

This recipe keeps things minimal and gentle. Lamb provides high-quality protein without common triggers. Rice and pumpkin help firm stools and calm the GI tract.

The added oil supports skin and coat while boosting palatability.

• Digestive ease: Limited ingredients make it easier to spot sensitivities.
• Moisture-forward: The soft texture and added liquid can help prevent dehydration.
• Customizable: You control add-ins, portion size, and texture to suit your dog.
• Balanced with supplements: A canine multivitamin helps cover micronutrients that homemade diets can miss.

What Not to Do

• Do not add onions, garlic, salt, or seasoning blends. These can be dangerous or irritating for dogs.
• Don’t serve it hot. Warm or room temperature is gentler on the stomach.
• Don’t skip the supplement. Homemade meals can fall short without a vet-approved vitamin/mineral boost.
• Don’t switch foods too fast. Transition gradually over 3–5 days to avoid diarrhea.
• Don’t use fatty lamb trimmings. Excess fat can trigger digestive upset or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.

Variations You Can Try

• Swap the carb: Use well-cooked white potato or quinoa instead of rice if your vet approves.
• Different gentle veggie: Try peeled, cooked zucchini or a little peeled sweet potato.
• Bone broth boost: Add a splash of low-sodium, onion-free bone broth for flavor and moisture.
• For extra fiber: Add 1–2 tsp plain psyllium husk per pound of food, if your vet recommends it.
• For extra omegas: Replace olive oil with salmon oil per the product’s dosing guide.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

Portion sizes depend on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. As a general starting point, many dogs do well with 2–3% of their body weight per day in cooked food, divided into two meals. Adjust based on body condition and your vet’s advice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but white rice is often easier on sensitive stomachs.

Brown rice has more fiber, which can be harder to digest during flare-ups. If you switch, cook it very well and introduce slowly.

Is lamb safe for dogs with allergies?

Some dogs tolerate lamb better than chicken or beef, but every dog is different. If your dog has known protein allergies, talk to your vet before making changes.

Watch for itching, ear issues, or GI upset when introducing any new protein.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the lamb first, then add it to a slow cooker with rice, veggies, pumpkin, and enough water or broth to cover. Cook on low for 3–4 hours until rice and veggies are very soft.

Stir in oil after cooking and let it cool before serving.

Do I need the multivitamin?

For long-term feeding, yes—homemade diets can miss key nutrients like calcium, certain vitamins, and trace minerals. Use a vet-recommended canine supplement and follow the label. For short-term tummy rest (a few days), it’s less critical but still helpful.

What if my dog still has diarrhea or vomiting?

Stop and call your vet, especially if symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, there’s blood, or your dog seems lethargic.

Sensitive stomachs can signal bigger issues that need medical care.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Absolutely. Freeze in single-meal containers or silicone molds. Label with the date, and use within two months for best quality.

Is pumpkin always necessary?

No, but many dogs do well with it.

If your dog gets too firm or too loose, adjust the pumpkin by a tablespoon or two and see how they handle it.

In Conclusion

This Dog Food With Lamb and Rice for Sensitive Stomachs is simple, gentle, and easy to customize. Keep the ingredients clean, the texture soft, and the transitions slow. Add your vet-approved supplement, store it safely, and watch how your dog responds.

With a little care, you can offer a soothing meal that helps settle the stomach and keeps mealtime stress-free.

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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