Chicken Pieces and Pumpkin Homemade Dog Food – Simple, Comforting, and Balanced

If your dog lights up at the smell of chicken, this recipe will be an instant hit. It’s hearty, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Pumpkin adds gentle fiber and a creamy texture without heavy seasoning.

Best of all, you can batch-cook it in under an hour and portion it out for the week. Whether you’re supplementing commercial food or switching to a homemade plan under your vet’s guidance, this meal is a wholesome place to start.

What Makes This Special

This recipe keeps things straightforward while still offering balanced nutrition. Chicken provides lean protein, pumpkin supports digestive health, and rice helps keep meals gentle on sensitive tummies.

You can also add a few dog-safe veggies for extra vitamins and texture. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and easy to scale up for larger dogs or multiple pets.

Another perk: the ingredients are mild, so they suit picky eaters and pups recovering from minor stomach upsets (with vet approval). The texture is soft enough for seniors yet satisfying for active dogs.

In short, it’s real food, kept simple, and built around what dogs love most—meat.

What You’ll Need

• Chicken pieces: 1.5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small chunks
• Pumpkin: 1.5 cups plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or 2 cups peeled, cubed fresh pumpkin
• Rice: 1 cup white rice (or 3/4 cup brown rice if your dog tolerates it)
• Carrots: 1 cup diced (fresh or frozen)
• Green beans: 1 cup chopped (fresh or frozen)
• Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
• Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 3–4 cups, as needed
• Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• Vet-approved canine multivitamin/mineral supplement (follow your vet’s dosing)
• Optional calcium source: ground eggshell (about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of food) if not using a complete supplement

How to Make It

1. Prep the rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions using water or low-sodium broth. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the chicken. Warm oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

   Add chicken pieces and cook until no pink remains and juices run clear, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid browning too hard; you want tender bites.

3. Soften the veggies. Add carrots and green beans to the pot with the chicken. Pour in 2–3 cups of water or broth.

   Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add pumpkin. Stir in the pumpkin puree (or add fresh pumpkin cubes earlier with the veggies so they soften). Mix until evenly combined and creamy.
5. Combine with rice. Fold in the cooked rice. Adjust liquid to reach a moist, scoopable texture.

   It should be soft and slightly stew-like, not dry.

6. Cool completely. Remove from heat and let the mixture come to room temperature. This helps it set and makes portioning easier.
7. Add supplements. Once cool, stir in your vet-approved multivitamin and calcium source if needed. Do not cook supplements; heat can reduce potency.
8. Portion and serve. Offer a small test portion first to ensure it agrees with your dog.

   Store the rest using the instructions below.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep portions sized for a day or a single meal to reduce repeated reheating.
• Freezer: Freeze in meal-size containers or silicone trays for up to 2–3 months. Label with date and portion size.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge.

  For faster thawing, use the microwave on low power in short bursts, stirring between cycles.

• Reheating: Warm gently until just lukewarm. Avoid serving hot. Stir well to avoid hot spots.

Health Benefits

• Lean protein from chicken: Supports muscle maintenance and repair, especially for active dogs.
• Pumpkin for digestion: Provides soluble fiber that can help firm stools and soothe mild tummy troubles.
• Gentle carbohydrates: Rice offers energy without being too heavy, helpful for sensitive stomachs.
• Vitamins and minerals from veggies: Carrots add beta-carotene; green beans offer fiber and plant nutrients.
• Healthy fats: A bit of oil helps with skin, coat, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Customization: With a supplement, you can round out micronutrients for more complete nutrition.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Skipping supplements: Homemade recipes often lack certain minerals (like calcium, zinc, iodine).

  A vet-approved supplement helps cover gaps.

• Using seasoned ingredients: Avoid salt, garlic, onion, and spice blends. Dogs don’t need them, and some are toxic.
• Wrong pumpkin: Never use pumpkin pie filling. It contains sugar and spices.

  Choose pure pumpkin only.

• Bone-in chicken: Do not use cooked bones; they can splinter. Stick to boneless pieces.
• Overfeeding: This recipe is tasty; dogs may beg for more. Measure portions to keep weight healthy.
• Too rapid a switch: Transition gradually over 3–5 days to avoid digestive upset.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey and pumpkin: Swap chicken for lean ground turkey or turkey breast for a similar profile.
• Oat or quinoa base: Replace rice with cooked oats or quinoa if your dog does well with them.
• Extra veggies: Add peas, zucchini, or spinach (chopped).

  Keep total veggies to about 20–30% of the recipe.

• Allergy-friendly: If chicken is a trigger, try lamb or pork loin. Always confirm with your vet when managing allergies.
• Higher-calorie version: Stir in a teaspoon of salmon oil per cup of food for omega-3s and extra calories (vet-approved).

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

Portions vary by size, age, and activity. As a starting point, offer about 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day in food, split into two meals.

Adjust based on body condition and your vet’s advice.

Is this a complete and balanced diet?

Not by itself. It’s a solid base, but dogs need specific vitamins and minerals in the right ratios. Use a vet-approved canine supplement and consider a professional nutrition consult if this will be your dog’s main food long-term.

Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes—just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin with no sugar or spices. If you use fresh pumpkin, cook it until soft and mash or cube it small.

Can I cook everything in one pot?

Absolutely.

Brown the chicken lightly, add veggies and liquid, simmer until tender, then fold in pre-cooked rice. One pot keeps cleanup easy and flavors cohesive.

What if my dog has diarrhea or a sensitive stomach?

This recipe is gentle, but every dog is different. Start with smaller portions, use plain white rice, and avoid extra fats.

If symptoms persist more than a day or two, contact your vet.

Can I add eggs?

Yes. A scrambled or hard-boiled egg can add protein and nutrients. If you need extra calcium and aren’t using a complete supplement, finely ground eggshell can help—check dosing with your vet.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

For longer storage, freeze single portions and thaw as needed.

Do I need to remove chicken fat?

Trim visible fat for most dogs. A small amount of fat is fine, but too much can upset the stomach, especially in dogs prone to pancreatitis.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, if your dog tolerates it. Brown rice has more fiber, which some sensitive dogs don’t handle well.

If stools become loose, switch back to white rice.

How do I transition from kibble?

Mix 25% homemade with 75% kibble for 1–2 days, then 50/50 for 1–2 days, then 75/25 for another day or two before going fully homemade. Watch stool quality and energy levels.

Wrapping Up

Chicken Pieces and Pumpkin Homemade Dog Food is simple, comforting, and easy to tailor to your dog’s needs. With a basic supplement and smart portions, it can be part of a healthy routine.

Keep the ingredients clean, watch your dog’s response, and tweak texture and add-ins to suit their taste. Most of all, enjoy the satisfaction of serving a meal your dog will run to the bowl for every time.

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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