Treating Dog Diarrhea: Chicken And Rice Recipe

Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive issues in dogs, and while it’s often mild and short-lived, it can sometimes signal something more serious. Veterinarians frequently recommend feeding dogs with diarrhea a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a few days to help clear it up. However, some sources suggest that this recommendation could be doing more harm than good, as chicken and rice lack essential nutrients and may lead to nutritional imbalances, especially in puppies, seniors, or dogs with pre-existing conditions. Chicken and rice should not be fed for more than five consecutive days unless directed by a vet.

Chicken and rice proportions: 1 1/2 - 2 cups of rice to 1 cup of chicken

Chicken and rice is a simple meal often recommended by veterinarians to help dogs recover from diarrhea or vomiting. It is a bland diet that is easy on a dog's stomach and can help ease their upset stomach. The dish is also a great source of carbohydrates and protein, making it a balanced and nutritious meal for dogs.

To prepare chicken and rice for your dog, start by removing any skin, bones, and fat from a raw chicken breast or thigh. Boil the chicken in a pot on the stove for 12 to 20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked. For the rice, use a ratio of 1 part rice to 2 parts water. This means that for every cup of rice, you will need to add 2 cups of water. Boil the rice and water mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, you can combine them in the recommended ratio of 1 cup of chicken to 1 1/2 - 2 cups of rice. This will give you a nutritious and tasty meal for your dog that can help with their diarrhea. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.

It is important to note that chicken and rice should not be fed to dogs for more than 5 consecutive days unless directed by a veterinarian. It is a short-term solution and does not provide a complete and balanced diet for the long term. Once your dog's diarrhea has cleared up, you can start transitioning them back to their regular diet gradually.

Boiled chicken breast is best

When preparing chicken and rice for dogs with diarrhea, it's important to use the right type of chicken and cook it properly. Boiled chicken breast is the best option for several reasons. Firstly, it is a good source of protein, which is essential for your dog's diet. It is also easy to prepare and ensures that all bones are removed, reducing the risk of choking or internal injuries.

To prepare boiled chicken breast, start by butterflying large breasts to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken breasts in a stock pot filled with water and boil for 11 to 20 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the meat should be white throughout with no pink remaining. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using a stand electric mixer or a cutting board. It is important to remove all the skin and fat from the chicken before serving it to your dog.

Chicken breast is a leaner option compared to other cuts of chicken, such as chicken wings or thighs. While boiling can help reduce the fat content, it does not remove all of it. Therefore, choosing a leaner cut like chicken breast is beneficial for dogs with upset stomachs. Additionally, chicken breast is easier to prepare and ensures that all bones are removed, which is important for your dog's safety.

When feeding your dog chicken and rice for diarrhea, it is typically recommended to feed them this bland diet for 3 to 5 days. After each meal, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water to stay hydrated. If your dog's diarrhea persists or worsens, it is important to consult your veterinarian for further advice and treatment.

Add vegetables for nutritional value

While chicken and rice are good sources of protein and carbohydrates, the meal is not nutritionally complete and lacks essential vitamins and minerals. To make it more nutritionally balanced, you can add vegetables to the chicken and rice.

Vegetables such as pumpkin puree or plain pumpkin can help with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre, which can help with digestion. It is also a good option for dogs that are not eating due to a loss of appetite.

You can also add vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes, which are all rich in vitamins and minerals. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for a dog's vision, growth, and immune function. Green beans are rich in vitamins K and C, as well as fibre, which can help with digestion. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fibre, as well as other essential nutrients.

It is important to note that while adding vegetables can increase the nutritional value of the meal, it is still not a complete diet and should only be fed for a short period of time, usually until the dog's diarrhea clears up. Consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.

Transition back to regular food slowly

Transitioning your dog back to regular food after treating their diarrhoea with chicken and rice is a delicate process. It is important to remember that a dog's stomach is very sensitive and does not adjust well to sudden changes in diet.

Firstly, it is recommended to replace a quarter or a third of the chicken and white rice with your dog's typical food. Then, each day, increase the amount of regular dog food and decrease the amount of chicken and rice until your dog is fully back on a normal diet. It is important to do this transition slowly and to monitor your dog's stool. If you notice a loosening of the stools, slow down the transition even more.

It is also important to remember that chicken and rice should not be fed for more than three to five consecutive days unless directed by your vet. Prolonged feeding can lead to nutritional imbalances, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with pre-existing conditions. Chicken and rice are deficient in essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, which can lead to serious health issues if consumed long-term.

Additionally, it is worth considering other food options to help treat your dog's diarrhoea. For example, canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin, not pie filling) has almost six times the fibre content of rice and is high in soluble fibre, which can help to soothe irritated tissues and slow stomach emptying. Pumpkin is also rich in potassium, which is often lost during diarrhoea. Dehydrated carrots can also be a useful additional source of easily digestible nutrients and intestinal soothers. Turkey is another good alternative to chicken, as it is lower in fat and can be lightly cooked, minimising the creation of AGEs and ALEs.

Rice is a good source of vitamin D, fibre, and iron

Chicken and rice is a well-known remedy for dogs with diarrhoea. The meal is easy on a dog's stomach and provides calories, hydration, and a small amount of protein. It can also help firm up loose stools and ease mild nausea.

Brown rice, on the other hand, is a whole grain that retains the bran and germ layers, making it more nutrient-dense than white rice. It delivers more fibre, magnesium, potassium, iron, and certain B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and B9). Brown rice also contains an antioxidant called phytic acid, which breaks down during cooking, allowing the body to absorb essential minerals.

When preparing chicken and rice for a dog with diarrhoea, it is important to use white rice, as it is easier to digest due to its lower fibre content. This is beneficial for a dog's sensitive stomach during a bout of diarrhoea. The glucose from the starch in white rice is quickly absorbed, increasing water and electrolyte absorption, which can help reduce diarrhoea duration and the amount of IV fluids needed.

It is important to note that chicken and rice should only be fed to dogs with diarrhoea for a short period, typically three to five days, or until the dog's stools return to normal. Prolonged feeding can lead to nutritional imbalances, and it is not a substitute for veterinary care if the dog is showing other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or blood in their stool.

Frequently asked questions