Affordable Homemade Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe

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.

Your dog’s health is a big deal, right? You want to give them the best, but store-bought foods can have so much weird stuff in them.

All those fillers and mystery ingredients can really mess with sensitive stomachs and overall wellness.

What if you could make something healthy, simple, and delicious right in your own kitchen? This recipe is your answer.

Recipe Overview

This easy homemade chicken and rice dog food recipe is designed for a happy, healthy pup. It’s perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters.

• Purpose: A balanced, digestible meal for adult dogs.
• Benefits: Supports digestion, boosts energy, promotes a shiny coat.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 8-10 servings (for a medium-sized dog)

Ingredients List

Making this homemade food is cheaper than you think, and you know exactly what’s going in it. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs – About $9.00 ($3.00/lb)
  

  (Substitution: Ground turkey or lean ground beef work great too.)

• 2 cups brown rice – About $1.00
• 6 cups water (for cooking rice) – Minimal cost
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil – About $0.15
• 2 cups chopped carrots – About $1.00
• 1 cup chopped green beans – About $0.75
• 1 cup chopped sweet potato – About $0.80
  

  (Substitution: Pumpkin puree or butternut squash for extra fiber.)

• ½ cup chopped spinach – About $0.50
• 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pie filling) – About $0.25
• 1 multi-vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs (crushed or liquid, optional but recommended) – Varies, estimate $0.50 per serving, or $4.00 for the whole batch if it’s a powder.

Estimated Total Cost: Around $17.45 – $20.95 for the entire batch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this food is really simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a great meal for your dog.

• Step 1: Cook the Rice. Rinse the brown rice thoroughly. In a large pot, combine the rice and 6 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 35-40 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken. While the rice cooks, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Heat the olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through.
• Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables. Steam or lightly boil the carrots, green beans, and sweet potato until they are tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also roast them if you prefer.
• Step 4: Combine Everything. In a very large bowl or the pot you used for the rice, combine the cooked brown rice, cooked chicken, and cooked vegetables. Add the chopped spinach and pumpkin puree.
• Step 5: Mix and Mash. Mix everything well. You can use a potato masher or a large spoon to break down the chicken and vegetables into smaller, more manageable pieces for your dog, especially if they are a small breed or older.
• Step 6: Add Supplements (Optional). If using a vitamin/mineral supplement, stir it in thoroughly now. This helps ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients.
• Step 7: Cool and Store. Let the food cool completely before storing it. This is important for safety and freshness. Divide it into individual portions for easy feeding later.

Feeding Guidelines

How much food your dog needs depends on a few things. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 0.5 – 1 cup per day. For example, a Chihuahua might need half a cup, while a Boston Terrier could need a full cup.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1.5 – 3 cups per day. A French Bulldog might eat 1.5 cups, but a Border Collie could need 2.5-3 cups.
• Large dogs (50-90 lbs): 3 – 5 cups per day. A Labrador Retriever might eat 4 cups, while a German Shepherd could need 5 cups.
• Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): 5+ cups per day. These big dogs need a lot of fuel.
• Activity Level: Active dogs will need more food than less active ones. If your dog is a couch potato, give them a little less. If they run marathons with you, they’ll need more.
• Puppies and Senior Dogs: Puppies need more calories for growth, so they might need more frequent, smaller meals. Senior dogs might need fewer calories, but often benefit from softer, easily digestible food.
• Always check with your vet: This is a general guide. Your vet can give you the best advice for your specific dog, considering their age, breed, weight, and health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe brings something good to the table for your dog.

• Chicken: This is a lean protein source. Protein is super important for muscle growth and repair, and for overall energy.
• Brown Rice: A great complex carbohydrate. It gives your dog steady energy and is easy on the digestive system, making it good for sensitive tummies.
• Carrots: Packed with Vitamin A, which is good for vision and immune health. They also add a bit of natural sweetness.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber, plus vitamins like K and C. They help with digestion and can make your dog feel full without extra weight.
• Sweet Potato: Another fiber powerhouse. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and potassium, which are all great for skin, coat, and overall vitality.
• Spinach: A green leafy vegetable that’s full of iron and antioxidants. These help support a healthy immune system and can keep cells strong.
• Pumpkin Puree: Known for helping with digestive issues, both constipation and diarrhea. It’s also full of fiber and vitamins.

Storage and Serving Tips

Knowing how to store this food means you can make a big batch and save time later.

• Refrigeration: This homemade food stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. If warming, use a microwave or stovetop until just lukewarm. Make sure it’s not too hot before serving.
• Serving Ideas: You can serve this as a standalone meal. Some owners like to mix it with a little bit of their dog’s regular kibble, especially when transitioning to homemade food. This helps their tummy adjust and ensures they get all their usual nutrients.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I feed this recipe to my puppy?

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. This recipe is generally formulated for adult dogs. It’s best to talk to your vet first before feeding it to a puppy, as they might need more specific nutrients for growth.

They can help you adjust the recipe or recommend a puppy-specific supplement.

Is this recipe complete and balanced?

This recipe provides a good foundation of healthy ingredients. To ensure it’s fully complete and balanced for long-term feeding, especially as a sole diet, adding a vet-approved multi-vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for dogs is highly recommended. It covers any potential nutrient gaps.

My dog has allergies. What substitutions can I make?

If your dog is allergic to chicken, you can swap it for lean ground turkey or even venison. For grain allergies, you could try cooked oatmeal or quinoa instead of brown rice. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to see how your dog reacts.

How can I make sure my dog will like it?

Start by giving them a small amount mixed with their regular food. Gradually increase the homemade portion over several days. This helps them get used to the new taste and texture. Most dogs love it, but some need time to adjust.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog’s food at home is a loving step towards better health and happiness. This simple recipe means you control what goes into their bowl, giving you peace of mind and your dog a delicious, nutritious meal.

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