Simple Chicken And Rice Recipe For Your Dog

Boiled chicken and rice is a popular meal for dogs, often recommended by veterinarians to help with digestive issues like diarrhoea or vomiting. It's easy to make and provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, which can help increase your dog's appetite. When preparing this meal, it's important to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and either white or brown rice, depending on your dog's stomach health. White rice is easier to digest, while brown rice has more fibre and nutrients. The chicken should be boiled in water for around 20 minutes, or until cooked through, and the rice should be boiled in water or chicken broth for about 10 minutes, or until tender. It's important to note that chicken and rice alone are not nutritionally complete for dogs, so it should not be the only thing you feed your dog. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on your dog's specific needs.

Preparing the chicken

Once you have your chicken, cut the meat into small cubes. For smaller dogs, make the cubes about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across. For medium to large breeds, they can be 1 inch (2.5 cm). Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Chicken is fully cooked when it is white all the way through.

After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. You can then shred or dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. You can save the chicken broth for later use, such as cooking the rice.

Cooking the rice

When preparing chicken and rice for a dog, it is important to use white rice, as it is easier to digest than brown rice. Long-grain white rice is recommended, as it is better for calming an upset stomach.

Rinse the rice multiple times in a bowl, a pan, or a rice cooker insert until the water is clear. This step helps to remove excess starches and fibre from the rice.

Next, measure out your rice and add it to a bowl. Cover the rice with cool water and use your hands to mix and swirl the rice for 10-20 seconds. Carefully pour out the water and repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Now, you can cook the rice. Transfer the rice to a pot and add 2 parts water to 1 part rice. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook the rice for 10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. It is important to let the rice cool before serving it to your dog, as this will help to prevent your dog from burning its mouth.

Combining the ingredients

To start, you'll want to get the chicken ready. It's best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they are easier to prepare and are less likely to cause harm to your dog's stomach or intestines. If you do use chicken with bones, make sure to remove and discard them before serving. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 0.5 inches for smaller dogs and 1 inch for medium to large breeds.

Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is white all the way through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. You can test if it's cooked by cutting a piece in half. Drain the water and set the chicken aside to cool.

Now, you'll prepare the rice. Rinse 1 cup of rice 3 times under cool water, swirling it with your hands for 10 to 20 seconds each time until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and fibre, which is important if your dog has an upset stomach.

Next, transfer the rice to a pot and add 2 cups of water or chicken broth. If using chicken broth, make sure to skim off any fat first. Bring the water or broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook the rice for 10 to 25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. For brown rice, cooking time may be up to 45 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes. You can now combine the chicken and rice, mixing them together. It's important to ensure that both the chicken and rice are at room temperature before serving to your dog.

You can also add a bit of water to the bowl to aid in hydration and make the meal more appealing to your dog. It's recommended to offer your dog a small meal of chicken and rice every 2 hours until they feel better.

Serving suggestions

Chicken and rice is a bland, easy-to-digest meal often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomachs, vomiting, or diarrhoea. It is also suggested during short-term recovery from surgery or illness. This meal provides calories, hydration, and a small amount of protein, helping to firm up loose stools and ease mild nausea.

• It is important to remove all bones, skin, and fat from the chicken before cooking, as these can be harmful to dogs.
• Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. For smaller dogs, the pieces should be about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across. For medium to large breeds, they can be 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size.
• Chicken and rice should not be the only thing you feed your dog. It is not nutritionally complete and lacks essential vitamins and minerals. You can mix it with their regular kibble, scaling back the kibble a little to account for the extra calories.
• When a dog is sick, it is sometimes recommended to withhold all food for 24 hours to give their digestive system a chance to reset. Always consult your veterinarian for advice.
• White rice is generally recommended over brown rice for dogs with upset stomachs, as it is easier to digest. However, brown rice is a lower-glycemic food and can make your dog feel fuller for longer. Consult your veterinarian to determine which type of rice is best for your dog's health.
• You can add some water to the bowl to aid with hydration and make the meal more appealing.
• Chicken and rice should be fed in small amounts multiple times a day, depending on your dog's size. It is not suitable for long-term storage and will go bad quickly.
• If your dog is not responding well to chicken and rice, there are alternative options such as ground turkey with plain mashed potatoes, boiled lean ground beef with white rice, or plain pumpkin. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a different recovery food.

Alternative recipes

Chicken and Rice with Vegetables

This recipe includes vegetables such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, spinach, or kale. These vegetables can be finely chopped or mashed and stirred into the chicken and rice mixture. For example, Lucky and Rippy's Favorite Dog Food Recipe calls for chicken, rice, and frozen vegetables to be placed in a large saucepan and brought to a boil. The heat is then reduced, and the mixture is simmered for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. It's important to ensure that the vegetable mix does not contain garlic or onions, as these are not safe for dogs to consume.

Chicken and Rice with Olive Oil

A little extra-virgin olive oil can be added to the chicken and rice dish. It is beneficial for keeping your dog's coat shiny and can be substituted with coconut oil.

Chicken and Rice with Calcium

Chicken and rice for dogs can be enhanced with additional calcium sources such as crushed egg shells or leafy greens like spinach or kale. This is especially important if you plan to make this a regular part of your dog's diet, as it may not have all the nutrients your dog needs.

Chicken and Rice with Turmeric or Parsley

A pinch of turmeric or parsley can be added to the chicken and rice mixture for extra flavor and potential health benefits.

Chicken and Rice with Other Meats

The chicken in the recipe can be substituted or complemented with other lean proteins such as ground turkey, ground beef, or salmon. For example, Lucky and Rippy's Favorite Dog Food Recipe suggests using a mix of ground turkey and ground beef.

Remember, while chicken and rice is a great option for dogs with upset stomachs or as a treat, it may not provide all the necessary nutrients for a complete diet. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding any concerns or questions about your dog's health and diet.

Frequently asked questions