Chicken & Rice Bland Diet Recipe for Dogs Recovering From Surgery

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.

Watching your dog bounce back after surgery isn’t easy. You can’t help but worry: are they in pain, are they comfortable, and what on earth should they eat now?

Regular dog food can mess with their stomach when they’re already feeling rough, which just slows everything down. The truth is, they need something simple and gentle to help them heal.

Here’s a simple but effective bland diet recipe to help dogs recovering from surgery.

Recipe Overview

• This Chicken & Rice Bland Diet is perfect for dogs recovering from surgery or experiencing an upset stomach. It’s gentle, easy to digest, and provides essential nutrients for healing.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 6 cups, suitable for a medium dog for 2-3 days.

Ingredients List

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (raw): 1.5 lbs ($6.00) – High-quality protein for muscle repair. You can use ground turkey as a substitute for a leaner option.
• White Rice (uncooked): 2 cups ($1.00) – Easy-to-digest carbohydrate for energy.
• Chicken Broth (low sodium, unsalted): 6 cups ($3.00) – Adds flavor and moisture, helps with hydration. Make sure it has no onion or garlic.
• Filtered Water: 2 cups ($0.00) – For cooking the rice.
• Pumpkin Puree (canned, plain, 100% pumpkin): 1/2 cup ($0.75) – Excellent source of fiber for digestive health. Not pumpkin pie filling.
• Green Beans (steamed or boiled, plain, no salt): 1/2 cup ($0.50) – Adds vitamins and fiber without being too rich.
• Carrots (steamed or boiled, plain, no salt): 1/2 cup ($0.50) – Provides Vitamin A and fiber.
• Optional: Dog-specific Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement: As directed by your vet ($0.50 per serving estimate) – Ensures complete nutrition during recovery, especially for longer-term use.
• Total Estimated Cost: $12.25

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast in a pot. Add enough water or low-sodium chicken broth to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred it into very small, easily digestible pieces. You can use two forks or your clean hands.
3. Cook the Rice: While the chicken cooks, rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of filtered water and 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth in a separate pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Prepare Vegetables: Steam or boil the green beans and carrots until very soft. You can chop them into small pieces afterward, especially for smaller dogs.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked white rice, pumpkin puree, green beans, and carrots.
6. Add Broth for Consistency: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little extra low-sodium chicken broth, a spoonful at a time, until it reaches a moist, palatable consistency.
7. Cool Completely: Let the entire mixture cool down to room temperature before serving it to your dog.
8. Add Supplement (if using): If your veterinarian recommended a multivitamin/mineral supplement, mix it in according to their instructions just before serving each portion.

Feeding Guidelines

• Puppies and Small Dogs (under 10 lbs): Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup, 2-3 times a day.
• Medium Dogs (10-40 lbs): Offer 1 to 2 cups, 2 times a day.
• Large Dogs (40-80 lbs): Provide 2 to 3 cups, 2 times a day.
• Giant Breeds (over 80 lbs): Give 3 to 4 cups, 2 times a day.
• These are general guidelines. Active dogs or dogs who are underweight might need a little more. Less active dogs or those needing to lose weight might need a bit less.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice based on your dog’s specific needs, breed, activity level, and recovery status. They can help you determine the exact portion size and when to transition back to their regular food.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken: This provides lean protein, which is crucial for healing tissues and maintaining muscle mass during recovery. It’s easy for the body to break down.
• White Rice: A simple, digestible carbohydrate source that gives your dog energy without irritating their stomach. It’s low in fiber, which is good for upset stomachs.
• Pumpkin Puree: A natural source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate digestion. It can firm up loose stools and soothe an upset tummy.
• Green Beans and Carrots: These add essential vitamins like Vitamin A and C, along with a small amount of fiber. They provide antioxidants and support overall immune function, without being heavy.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Helps with hydration, which is very important for recovery. It also makes the food more appealing, encouraging your dog to eat.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can portion the food into individual servings and freeze them. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm, not hot. Always check the temperature before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warm to enhance its aroma and palatability. You can mix it with a small amount of your dog’s regular kibble to encourage them to eat, especially when transitioning them back.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I add seasoning to this recipe?

No, you shouldn’t add any seasonings like salt, pepper, or other spices. A bland diet means just that—plain ingredients to avoid upsetting a sensitive stomach.

My dog won’t eat it. What should I do?

Try warming it slightly to release the aroma. You can also mix in a tiny bit of their regular food, or add a splash more low-sodium chicken broth. If they still refuse, contact your vet.

How long should my dog eat this bland diet?

This diet is usually for short-term use, typically for a few days during recovery or an upset stomach. Always follow your vet’s specific instructions for how long to feed it and how to transition back to their regular food.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies?

Yes, but in smaller portions and always under veterinary guidance. Puppies have specific nutritional needs, especially during growth, so this should only be a short-term solution.

Wrapping Up

Making this bland chicken and rice diet is a loving way to support your dog’s recovery. It’s gentle, nourishing, and shows them how much you care. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!