Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Chihuahuas With Chicken & Rice for Small Appetites

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.

Is​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ your Chihuahua refusing to eat the food you give them? I understand how it can be annoying when you desire to provide the best to your furry friend but they barely have an appetite and also their stomach is very sensitive.

You are probably thinking that they are not getting enough of the good stuff. This homemade dog food recipe for Chihuahuas is gonna solve that.

Recipe Overview

This gentle chicken and rice recipe is perfect for small dogs, especially Chihuahuas. It’s easy on their tummies and packed with the good things they need.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Serving size: Varies based on dog size

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about $3.50)
• 1 cup white rice (about $0.50)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (about $0.75)
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned, not pie filling) (about $1.00)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (about $0.25)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for freshness) (about $0.10)
• Dog-specific multivitamin supplement (if recommended by your vet) (cost varies)

Substitutions: You can use boneless, skinless turkey thighs instead of chicken.

Total estimated cost (excluding supplement): $6.10

Cooking Instructions

• Place the chicken thighs in a pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
• While the chicken cools, add the white rice and chicken broth to the same pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
• Shred or finely chop the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your Chihuahua.
• In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped chicken, pureed pumpkin, olive oil, and parsley (if using).
• Mix everything well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
• If the mixture seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved chicken cooking liquid.

Feeding Guidelines

• For a Chihuahua weighing 5 lbs: Start with about 1/4 cup per meal, twice a day.
• For a Chihuahua weighing 10 lbs: Start with about 1/2 cup per meal, twice a day.
• Puppies need more calories for growth, so you might need to feed them more often or a slightly larger portion.
• Senior dogs may have slower metabolisms, so adjust portions downwards if they are gaining weight.
• Highly active dogs will need more food than couch potatoes.
• Always monitor your dog’s weight and body condition, and adjust as needed.
• It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about the best feeding plan for your specific dog. They can help you figure out the perfect amount.

Nutritional Benefits

• Chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle health and energy.
• White rice is a digestible carbohydrate, easy on sensitive stomachs and provides energy.
• Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and can help with both constipation and diarrhea. It also contains vitamins and minerals.
• Olive oil adds healthy fats, supporting skin and coat health and providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Parsley can help freshen your dog’s breath.

Storage and Serving

• Store the homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze portions in ice cube trays or small containers for longer storage. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen food will last for 2-3 months.
• To serve, you can offer it slightly warmed (test the temperature first!), at room temperature, or even mixed with a small amount of their usual kibble if they are transitioning.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

My Chihuahua is a super picky eater. Will they eat this?

This recipe uses simple, appealing ingredients. The chicken and rice are generally well-liked by dogs. The pumpkin adds a bit of moisture and flavor that can entice picky eaters. Start with a small amount and mix it with a tiny bit of their old food to encourage them to try it.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can! Cooked and pureed sweet potatoes, carrots, or green beans are generally safe and nutritious additions. Make sure they are cooked until soft and pureed well. Avoid ingredients like onions, garlic, and grapes, which are toxic to dogs.

How do I transition my dog to this new food?

It’s best to transition slowly to avoid digestive upset. For the first few days, mix about 25% homemade food with 75% of their current food. Gradually increase the homemade food and decrease the old food over 7-10 days until they are eating 100% of the new recipe.

Wrapping Up

Give your little one the goodness they deserve with this simple, nourishing chicken and rice recipe. It’s a tasty way to show your love. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe for later and follow for more pet tips!