DIY Dog Meal – Ground Chicken & Veggies Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple homemade dog meal that’s budget-friendly and easy to prep, this ground chicken and veggies recipe is a great place to start. It’s straightforward, customizable, and uses ingredients you can find in any grocery store. Many dogs love the taste, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into their bowl.

While this isn’t a complete, vet-formulated diet, it can be a solid base when used thoughtfully. Always check with your vet if your dog has specific health needs.

Print Recipe

DIY Dog Meal - Ground Chicken & Veggies Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 1 cup white rice or quinoa, cooked (about 3 cups cooked)
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped green beans or zucchini
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (as needed for moisture)
• Optional: 1 large egg, scrambled in the pan
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground turmeric for a gentle anti-inflammatory boost
• Essential add-on: A complete canine multivitamin/mineral supplement and calcium source appropriate for homemade diets (follow product dosing).This helps make the meal more balanced.

Instructions

• Simple ingredients: Ground chicken, vegetables, and a carb. That’s it.
• Quick to cook: One pot or skillet, minimal mess, easy cleanup.
• Dog-approved flavors: Mild, gentle on most stomachs, and easy to digest.
• Customizable: Swap veggies or carbs to fit your dog’s preferences and sensitivities.
• Great for batch cooking: Make once, portion, and freeze for stress-free feeding.

What Makes This Special

• Simple ingredients: Ground chicken, vegetables, and a carb. That’s it.
• Quick to cook: One pot or skillet, minimal mess, easy cleanup.
• Dog-approved flavors: Mild, gentle on most stomachs, and easy to digest.
• Customizable: Swap veggies or carbs to fit your dog’s preferences and sensitivities.
• Great for batch cooking: Make once, portion, and freeze for stress-free feeding.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 1 cup white rice or quinoa, cooked (about 3 cups cooked)
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped green beans or zucchini
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (as needed for moisture)
• Optional: 1 large egg, scrambled in the pan
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground turmeric for a gentle anti-inflammatory boost
• Essential add-on: A complete canine multivitamin/mineral supplement and calcium source appropriate for homemade diets (follow product dosing).This helps make the meal more balanced.

How to Make It

1. Cook the carb: Prepare rice or quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
2. Sauté the chicken: Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive or salmon oil, then the ground chicken.Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink.
3. Add veggies: Stir in carrots, green beans or zucchini, and peas. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture looks dry.
4. Optional egg and turmeric: Push the mixture to the side, scramble the egg in the empty space, then mix everything together.Sprinkle in turmeric if using and stir well.
5. Combine with carb: Fold in the cooked rice or quinoa. The final texture should be moist but not soupy.
6. Cool completely: Spread the mixture on a tray or in shallow containers to cool faster. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresher.
7. Add supplements at serving: Mix the canine multivitamin/mineral and calcium into each portion per label directions.Do not cook supplements.

Keeping It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into single servings and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Label with the date.
• Thaw safely: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm gently until just lukewarm—never hot.
• Avoid leaving out: Don’t keep the food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Lean protein: Ground chicken is easy to digest and supports muscle maintenance.
• Digestible carbs: Rice or quinoa provides energy without being too heavy.
• Fiber and micronutrients: Veggies add vitamins, minerals, and gentle fiber.
• Hydration help: The moisture content can support urinary health and digestion.
• Owner control: You decide the ingredients and avoid fillers and excess sodium.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Not balanced long-term: Without a complete supplement and calcium, homemade meals can miss key nutrients like calcium, iodine, zinc, vitamin D, and E.
• Too much fat: Very fatty meat or added oils can upset stomachs or cause pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.
• Seasonings: Skip onion, garlic, salt, and spicy ingredients.They’re not dog-friendly.
• Portion mistakes: Overfeeding leads to weight gain. Use measured portions and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and activity.
• Texture risks: Large, hard veggie chunks can be tough for small dogs. Chop finely or lightly mash.

Alternatives

• Protein swaps: Ground turkey, lean beef, or cooked shredded chicken breast.
• Carb swaps: Sweet potatoes or oats if rice doesn’t agree with your dog.
• Veggie swaps: Pumpkin, spinach, or broccoli (finely chopped and cooked).
• Add-ins: A spoonful of plain pumpkin puree for fiber, or sardines in water (drained) once or twice a week for omega-3s.
• Bone-free calcium:</-strong> If not using a complete supplement that includes calcium, add a vet-approved calcium powder per directions.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

As a general starting point, many adult dogs eat about 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day in food.

For example, a 25-pound dog might eat 8–12 ounces of this recipe daily, split into two meals. Adjust based on your dog’s activity, age, and body condition, and confirm with your vet.

Is this a complete and balanced diet?

Not by itself. You need to add a complete canine multivitamin/mineral supplement and calcium designed for homemade diets to approach balance. For long-term feeding, consider a vet-formulated recipe or consult a veterinary nutritionist.

Can I feed this to puppies?

Puppies have higher nutrient needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus.

Use a recipe specifically formulated for growth or get guidance from your vet or a veterinary nutritionist before feeding homemade meals to puppies.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, if your dog tolerates it. Brown rice has more fiber, which can be helpful for some dogs but may cause gas or loose stools in others. Start with a small portion to test tolerance.

What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

Keep the recipe simple: chicken, white rice, and a small amount of well-cooked carrots.

Avoid oils at first and skip optional spices. Introduce new ingredients slowly over several days.

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

Yes. Sauté the chicken first, then add chopped veggies and a little water or broth.

Cook on low (slow cooker) for 3–4 hours or use the sauté plus a short pressure-cook cycle (about 3–4 minutes) in an Instant Pot. Stir in cooked rice after to control texture.

How do I know if the portion size is right?

Monitor your dog’s weight and body condition over 2–3 weeks. Ribs should be easy to feel without pressing hard, and there should be a visible waist from above.

Adjust portions by 10–15% as needed.

Can I add fruits?

Yes, in small amounts. Blueberries, apples (no seeds), and strawberries are safe options. Introduce slowly and keep fruit under 10% of the meal to avoid excess sugar.

What oil is best?

Salmon oil provides omega-3s that support skin, coat, and joint health.

If using olive oil, keep it minimal. Follow dosing on any omega-3 supplement to avoid digestive upset.

Should I season the food?

No salt, onion, garlic, or spices. Dogs don’t need added seasoning, and some common human seasonings are unsafe for them.

In Conclusion

This ground chicken and veggies dog meal is simple, flexible, and wallet-friendly.

With the right supplements and portion control, it can be part of a healthy feeding routine. Use it as a base, tweak it to your dog’s needs, and always keep your vet in the loop—especially for long-term homemade feeding. Happy cooking, and even happier tail wags.

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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