Dog Food Recipe: Chicken & Rice With Carrots, Peas & Pumpkin
So, you’ve decided to step up your dog’s mealtime game. Nice move! Cooking homemade meals for your dog isn’t just about showing them some extra love; it’s also about knowing exactly what’s going into their food.
Today, we’re talking about a chicken and rice recipe—a classic, yes, but we’re going to level it up with some extra ingredients that’ll make your dog’s tail wag for days.
Scroll down to see the list of ingredients and instructions.
Why Chicken and Rice?
First things first—why is chicken and rice such a popular combo for dogs? It’s simple: Chicken is lean, full of protein, and easy to digest. This makes it perfect for dogs, especially if they’ve got a sensitive stomach or need a little extra protein in their diet.
Rice is gentle on the stomach and provides your dog with the energy they need to stay active and playful.
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Join The Club Today! 🐾But, let’s be real—plain chicken and rice can get a bit boring. So, we’re going to add some extra goodies to make this meal even better. The goal? A balanced, nutritious meal that’s easy on the stomach but still packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make a supercharged chicken and rice meal for your dog:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen, no seasoning)
- 1 cup of white rice (plain, no added salt or butter)
- 3 cups of water (for cooking the rice)
- 1/2 cup of carrots (chopped into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup of peas (fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re plain)
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree (not the spiced kind—just plain pumpkin)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for a little extra healthy fat)
I highly recommend these chicken fillets below – 100% organic, fresh and without antibiotics.
Why Add These Ingredients?
Adding these ingredients doesn’t just make the meal more interesting; it also boosts the nutritional value.
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber. They’re great for your dog’s vision and digestion.
- Peas are a good source of vitamins A, K, and B, plus they have some fiber and protein.
- Pumpkin puree is excellent for digestion and can help with both diarrhea and constipation.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats that are good for your dog’s skin and coat.
How to Cook It
Let’s walk through the cooking process step-by-step. It’s easy, I promise!
- Cook the Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken breasts in a pot of water. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked (about 12-15 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the water and let it cool down.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken is cooling, it’s time to cook the rice. Combine 1 cup of rice with 3 cups of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
- Prepare the Veggies: While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Chop the carrots into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen peas, make sure they’re thawed. Add the carrots and peas to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking, so they soften up.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into small pieces that are easy for your dog to eat. You can use two forks to do this quickly.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice with veggies, and 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree. Mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. If you’re adding olive oil, drizzle it in now and give it a good stir.
- Cool Before Serving: Make sure the food has cooled to a safe temperature before serving it to your dog. You don’t want it to be too hot for them to eat.
Portion Size: How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
The amount you should feed your dog depends on their size, age, and activity level. Here’s a general guideline:
- Small dogs (10-20 lbs): About 1/2 to 3/4 cup per meal.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): About 1 to 1 1/2 cups per meal.
- Large dogs (50-100 lbs): About 2 to 3 cups per meal.
Remember, these are just guidelines. You know your dog best, so adjust the portion size based on their needs. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet.
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken and rice recipe isn’t just about filling your dog’s bowl; it’s about giving them a balanced, nutritious meal that’s easy on their stomach. The chicken provides essential protein, the rice offers gentle carbohydrates, and the added veggies and pumpkin boost the vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. Plus, the olive oil gives a little extra shine to their coat.
This meal is perfect for dogs recovering from an upset stomach, or just as a healthy, homemade alternative to their regular dog food. It’s also great for dogs with food sensitivities, as it contains only a few simple ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it has more fiber and might be a little harder for some dogs to digest. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, stick with white rice.
How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you make a large batch, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw and reheat them before serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Just make sure the vegetables you’re adding are safe for dogs. Good options include green beans, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. Avoid onions, garlic, and anything spicy.
Is this meal okay for puppies?
Yes, this recipe is safe for puppies, but make sure to chop the ingredients into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to eat. Also, check with your vet to ensure this diet meets your puppy’s nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for your dog can be a rewarding experience, and with this chicken and rice recipe, you’re not just serving up a tasty meal—you’re providing a balanced, nutritious option that’s easy on their stomach. The added veggies and pumpkin make it even better, giving your dog a boost in vitamins and fiber.
So, next time you want to treat your dog to something special, skip the store-bought stuff and whip up this simple, healthy meal. Your dog will thank you with extra wagging tails, and you’ll feel good knowing exactly what’s in their bowl.
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 😉
