Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe using Chicken & Brown Rice Kibble

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever been concerned about what is really in your pup’s dry food? There are a lot of commercial foods that are full of filler and some not-so-pleasant ingredients that can cause your dog to develop allergies and have health problems.

Here’s the thing. You can take the reins and provide your dog with healthy and tasty meals made from fresh ingredients right from your own kitchen.

I’ll guide you through it with an easy homemade dry dog food ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌recipe.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dry dog food recipe featuring chicken and brown rice is simple to make and packed with wholesome goodness.
• It offers a balanced meal, providing high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients for your dog’s overall health.
• Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who thrive on a natural, preservative-free diet.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 4-5 hours (dehydrating)
• Serving size: Makes about 8-10 cups of dry kibble.

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: Approx. $8-$10 (high-quality protein source).
• 2 cups uncooked brown rice: Approx. $1.50-$2 (complex carbohydrate, fiber).
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium, no onion/garlic): Approx. $2-$3 (adds flavor and moisture).
• 1 cup chopped carrots: Approx. $0.50-$0.75 (Vitamin A, fiber).
• 1 cup chopped green beans: Approx. $0.75-$1 (Vitamins C, K, fiber).
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned, unsweetened): Approx. $0.75-$1 (fiber, digestion aid).
• 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil: Approx. $0.50 (healthy fats, skin/coat health).
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Approx. $0.50 (fresh breath, vitamins).
• 1 canine multi-vitamin/mineral supplement (optional, but recommended for completeness): Approx. $0.20 per serving.

Total Estimated Cost: $14.70 – $19.70

Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can use turkey or lean ground beef.
• Brown Rice: Quinoa or oats can be good alternatives, but adjust cooking times.
• Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, peas, or spinach are also dog-safe options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cook the brown rice: Follow package directions to cook the 2 cups of brown rice in the 4 cups of chicken broth. This adds flavor. Once cooked, let it cool completely.
• Prepare the chicken: While the rice cooks, boil or steam the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Make sure there’s no pink. Once cool enough to handle, finely chop or shred the chicken.
• Steam the vegetables: Lightly steam the carrots and green beans until they are tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy. Let them cool.
• Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, chopped chicken, steamed vegetables, pureed pumpkin, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly.
• Add supplement (if using): If you’re using a canine multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, crush it and mix it into the food now. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Form the kibble: The mixture will be soft. You can either spread it thinly onto parchment-lined baking sheets or use a cookie scoop to form small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick.
• Dehydrate: Place the baking sheets in a dehydrator set to 140°F (60°C) or in an oven set to its lowest temperature (usually around 170°F or 77°C) with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
• Dry until crisp: Dehydrate for 4-5 hours, or until the kibble pieces are completely dry and firm, almost crunchy. The goal is to remove all moisture to prevent spoilage. Flip them occasionally for even drying.
• Cool and store: Let the homemade kibble cool completely before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Puppies and highly active dogs: May need 3-4% of their body weight daily.
• Adult dogs (moderate activity): Aim for 2-3% of their body weight daily.
• Senior dogs or less active dogs: Consider 1.5-2% of their body weight daily.
• Examples:
  • A 20 lb active dog might need about 0.6 lbs (10 oz) of this dry food daily.
  • A 50 lb moderately active dog might need about 1.25 lbs (20 oz) daily.
  • A 80 lb less active dog might need about 1.2 lbs (19 oz) daily.
• It’s best to divide the daily amount into two meals.
• Always introduce new foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid stomach upset.
• Remember, these are general guidelines. Every dog is different based on breed, metabolism, and health conditions.
• Always talk to your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have existing health issues or are a puppy, pregnant, or nursing. They can give you personalized advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken: It’s a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is super important for muscle development and repair. It also has essential amino acids your dog needs to thrive.
• Brown Rice: This gives your dog sustained energy thanks to complex carbohydrates. Plus, it’s a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping things regular.
• Carrots & Green Beans: These add important vitamins like A and K, and extra fiber. They support vision and overall immune health.
• Pureed Pumpkin: This is a digestive powerhouse, known for its fiber content which can help with both diarrhea and constipation. It’s gentle on sensitive tummies.
• Olive/Coconut Oil: These provide healthy fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6, depending on the oil chosen), which are great for a shiny coat and healthy skin. They also help with nutrient absorption.
• Parsley: Beyond fresh breath, parsley offers vitamins K, A, and C, acting as a mild antioxidant.
• Canine Supplement (Recommended): A good supplement ensures your dog gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals (like Calcium, Phosphorus, B-complex vitamins) that might be reduced during cooking or difficult to get in exact amounts from whole foods alone. This helps meet AAFCO guidelines for a complete diet.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Once completely dry and cooled, store the homemade kibble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve it plain as a complete meal.
  • Mix it with a little warm water or low-sodium broth to soften it for older dogs or those who prefer a softer texture.
  • You can also mix a portion of this homemade kibble with their regular commercial kibble to gradually transition them or to simply boost the nutritional value of their current diet.
  • Use it as healthy training treats!

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

How do I know if the kibble is fully dehydrated?

It should be firm, crunchy, and show no signs of moisture. If it’s still soft or bendable, it needs more drying time to prevent mold.

Can I make a big batch for a month?

Yes, but you’ll need to freeze most of it. Only keep a week’s worth in the fridge at a time. This keeps it fresh and safe.

My dog has allergies to chicken. What can I use instead?

You can easily substitute cooked turkey, lean ground beef, or even fish like cod or salmon (make sure all bones are removed) for the chicken. Just keep the protein content similar.

Do I really need the canine supplement?

While this recipe is nutritionally rich, it’s hard to precisely balance all essential vitamins and minerals without a professional formulation. A quality canine multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is highly recommended to ensure your dog gets a truly complete and balanced diet, especially if this will be their primary food source. It fills in any potential gaps.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dry dog food with chicken and brown rice is a great way to give your dog a healthy, natural meal you can trust.

It’s simpler than you think and so rewarding knowing exactly what’s fueling your best friend.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!