Homemade Dog Food Idea With Ground Chicken – Simple, Balanced, and Fresh

If you’re looking for a fresh, simple way to feed your dog, this ground chicken recipe is a great place to start. It’s straightforward, budget-friendly, and easy to customize for most breeds and sizes. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl, and you can batch-cook for the week.

This version leans balanced and gentle on the stomach, which is ideal for many dogs who do well with chicken and rice. Always check with your vet if your dog has special dietary needs, but for everyday dogs, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

Print Recipe

Homemade Dog Food Idea With Ground Chicken - Simple, Balanced, and Fresh

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 1 cup white rice (or rolled oats if you prefer; both are gentle)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup carrots, finely diced or shredded
• 1 cup peas (frozen is fine)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 1 teaspoon fish oil)
• Optional: 1 large egg, scrambled in the pan
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for mild anti-inflammatory support)
• Dog-safe mineral/vitamin topper or canine multivitamin (as recommended by your vet)

Instructions

• Rinse the rice: Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps it cook evenly and stay fluffy.
• Brown the chicken: In a large skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
• Add the broth and rice: Stir in the rice and low-sodium broth.Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook the base: Cover and cook on low until the rice is tender, about 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it dries out.
• Fold in veggies: Add carrots and peas.Cook 5 minutes more until carrots are tender but not mushy. Stir in spinach at the end and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
• Optional add-ins: If using egg, push the mixture to one side of the pan and scramble the egg on the other side, then fold in. Sprinkle turmeric if using and mix well.
• Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.Dogs can burn their mouths, so cooling is important.
• Portion and serve: Portion according to your dog’s size and energy needs. As a starting point, offer about 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals. Adjust with your vet’s guidance.
• Add supplements: Mix in a vet-recommended canine multivitamin or mineral topper to round out micronutrients, especially calcium and omega-3s.

Why This Recipe Works

• Lean protein: Ground chicken is light, easy to digest, and great for dogs that need a lower-fat option.
• Simple carbohydrates: White rice or oats provide energy without upsetting sensitive tummies.
• Dog-safe veggies: Carrots, peas, and spinach add fiber, vitamins, and texture dogs enjoy.
• Healthy fats: A touch of fish oil or olive oil supports skin, coat, and brain health.
• Easy to batch-cook: One pot, minimal cleanup, and it stores well for the week.

What You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean or similar)
• 1 cup white rice (or rolled oats if you prefer; both are gentle)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup carrots, finely diced or shredded
• 1 cup peas (frozen is fine)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 1 teaspoon fish oil)
• Optional: 1 large egg, scrambled in the pan
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for mild anti-inflammatory support)
• Dog-safe mineral/vitamin topper or canine multivitamin (as recommended by your vet)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps it cook evenly and stay fluffy.
2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the broth and rice: Stir in the rice and low-sodium broth.Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the base: Cover and cook on low until the rice is tender, about 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if it dries out.
5. Fold in veggies: Add carrots and peas.Cook 5 minutes more until carrots are tender but not mushy. Stir in spinach at the end and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
6. Optional add-ins: If using egg, push the mixture to one side of the pan and scramble the egg on the other side, then fold in. Sprinkle turmeric if using and mix well.
7. Cool completely: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.Dogs can burn their mouths, so cooling is important.
8. Portion and serve: Portion according to your dog’s size and energy needs. As a starting point, offer about 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, split into two meals. Adjust with your vet’s guidance.
9. Add supplements: Mix in a vet-recommended canine multivitamin or mineral topper to round out micronutrients, especially calcium and omega-3s.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into meal-size containers or silicone trays and freeze for up to 2 months.Label with the date.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm on the stove with a splash of water. Avoid microwave hot spots—stir well and check temperature before serving.

Why This is Good for You

Homemade dog food gives you control. You choose clean ingredients, skip mystery fillers, and reduce sodium and preservatives.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this simple mix of chicken, rice, and vegetables is easy on digestion.

It also helps you tailor meals to your dog’s needs. You can tweak the carbs, adjust protein, and add healthy fats or joint-friendly extras as your vet recommends. Plus, batch cooking saves money compared to many premium fresh foods.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Missing nutrients: Home cooking can fall short on calcium, iodine, and certain vitamins.Use a canine-specific supplement or a balanced premix made for homemade diets.
• Too much fat: Don’t add butter or rich oils. Dogs prone to pancreatitis need lean meals.
• Seasonings: Skip salt, onion, garlic, chives, or heavy spices. These can be harmful to dogs.
• Overcooking veggies: Mushy vegetables lose texture and some nutrients.Lightly cook until just tender.
• Portion creep: Homemade food can be calorie-dense. Monitor weight and adjust portions to keep your dog at a healthy body condition.

Alternatives

• Carb swap: Use sweet potato or pumpkin instead of rice. Steam or roast, then mash and fold into the chicken.
• Protein swap: Try lean ground turkey or 90% lean beef.For fish, use cooked salmon occasionally for omega-3s.
• Veggie rotation: Green beans, zucchini, or butternut squash are great options. Chop small and cook lightly.
• Grain-free version: Skip rice and increase vegetables and a bit more protein, or use cauliflower rice. Confirm with your vet if grain-free is appropriate.
• Bone-free calcium: Add a vet-approved calcium source if you don’t use a complete premix.Do not use cooked bones.

FAQ

How much should I feed my dog?

As a general starting point, feed about 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day in food, split into two meals. For many dogs, that works out to 1/2 to 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Monitor weight and energy, then adjust with your vet’s guidance.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but some dogs digest white rice more easily.

If your dog handles fiber well, brown rice is fine. Cook it longer and add extra liquid as needed.

Is ground chicken safe for dogs?

Yes, as long as it’s fully cooked. Cook until no pink remains and the juices run clear.

Avoid seasonings and high sodium.

Do I need supplements?

Usually, yes. Homemade meals often lack calcium, iodine, vitamin D, and certain trace minerals. A canine multivitamin or a balanced premix designed for homemade diets helps cover those gaps.

Can I add fruit?

In small amounts, yes.

Blueberries, apple (no seeds), and banana are dog-safe additions. Keep fruit portions modest to avoid extra sugar.

What if my dog has allergies?

Start with a short ingredient list and introduce items one at a time. If chicken is a trigger, swap to turkey or a novel protein like rabbit.

Always consult your vet for chronic itching, ear issues, or GI symptoms.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Always store in airtight containers and reheat gently.

Can puppies eat this?

Puppies have higher calcium and calorie needs. This recipe can work with vet-approved adjustments and a complete supplement.

Always check with your vet before feeding homemade to growing dogs.

In Conclusion

This Homemade Dog Food Idea With Ground Chicken is simple, fresh, and easy to tailor to your dog. It leans gentle on the stomach while offering balanced protein, carbs, and veggies. With a proper supplement and sensible portions, it can be a wholesome part of your dog’s routine.

Batch-cook on the weekend, portion it out, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing what’s in the 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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