Homemade Dog Cookies With Chicken & Rice Flour

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.

Tired of flipping over every bag of dog treats just to see a bunch of weird fillers and preservatives? You’re not alone.

A lot of store-bought snacks are packed with junk your dog doesn’t need, stuff that can upset their stomach or trigger allergies.

I know you want to spoil your pup, but you want to do it right.

Let’s talk about how to bake up some easy, homemade chicken and rice flour cookies your dog will actually love.

Recipe Overview

This recipe creates soft, chewy homemade dog cookies that are great for sensitive stomachs and dogs with wheat allergies. The cookies are high in lean protein, easy to digest, and packed with essential B vitamins.

• Purpose: Highly palatable, hypoallergenic snack or training treat.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes.
• Cook Time: 25 minutes.
• Serving Size: Approximately 30-35 medium cookies.

Ingredients List

These ingredients are simple, safe, and available at any grocery store. We’ve used lean chicken breast for high-quality protein.

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (no skin/bones) – Estimated Cost: $2.50
• 1 1/2 cups white rice flour – Estimated Cost: $1.80
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato puree (plain) – Estimated Cost: $0.75
• 1 large egg – Estimated Cost: $0.30
• 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt – Estimated Cost: $0.40
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil) – Estimated Cost: $0.25
• 1/4 cup water (or low-sodium chicken broth) – Estimated Cost: $0.00
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for breath, optional) – Estimated Cost: $0.10

Total Estimated Cost: $6.10

Substitutions: You can easily swap the chicken breast for ground turkey, or use gluten-free oat flour instead of rice flour if your dog handles oats well. But remember to adjust the liquid slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these chicken and rice flour cookies is straightforward. The key is to make sure the dough is firm enough to roll out without being too dry.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sweet potato puree, egg, Greek yogurt, and olive oil. Mix these wet ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
• Slowly add the rice flour and parsley to the wet mixture. Start by adding 1 cup of flour, mixing it in completely.
• Add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour and the water or broth, a little bit at a time. The dough should come together into a ball that is soft but not sticky. If it seems too dry, add a tiny bit more water; if too sticky, add a sprinkle of rice flour.
• Lightly dust a clean surface with rice flour. Roll the dough out to about a 1/4-inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a small cup to cut out shapes. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should look slightly golden, and the cookies should feel firm to the touch.
• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing them.

Feeding Guidelines

These cookies are intended as a supplement or treat, not a complete meal replacement. Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

• Small Dogs (under 15 lbs): 1 to 2 cookies per day.
• Medium Dogs (15–40 lbs): 2 to 4 cookies per day.
• Large Dogs (over 40 lbs): 4 to 6 cookies per day.
• High-Activity Dogs: If your dog is very active, you can slightly increase the number of treats, but keep an eye on their weight.
• Puppies: These are suitable for puppies over 4 months old. Break them into smaller pieces for easy chewing and use them primarily for training rewards.
• Always talk to your vet if you are changing your dog’s diet, especially for senior dogs or those with chronic health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient in this cookie recipe plays an important role in your dog’s health.

• Chicken Breast: Provides high-quality, lean protein, which is vital for muscle maintenance and overall energy. It’s also rich in B vitamins like Niacin and B6.
• Rice Flour: A safe, easily digestible, gluten-free carbohydrate source. This makes the cookies suitable for dogs with common grain sensitivities or allergies.
• Sweet Potato: Offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is packed with fiber for healthy gut motility. It’s also a great source of Vitamin A.
• Greek Yogurt: A source of healthy fats, protein, and probiotics, which support a balanced digestive system.
• Egg: Provides complete protein and essential fatty acids, contributing to a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage ensures the cookies stay fresh and safe for your dog to enjoy.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Serving: You can serve the cookies cold straight from the fridge or let them warm up to room temperature. They are soft enough to be broken into smaller pieces for training sessions.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of rice flour?

Yes, you can. However, whole wheat flour contains gluten, so only use it if your dog does not have a confirmed wheat or gluten sensitivity. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

Are these cookies nutritionally complete?

No, these cookies are treats and should not replace a balanced, complete commercial or homemade dog food formulated to meet AAFCO standards. They are great supplements, but your dog needs a main diet that contains all necessary vitamins and minerals.

How do I know if my dog is allergic to wheat?

Common signs of a wheat allergy include chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, or chronic diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your vet and try an elimination diet, which is why a rice-based recipe like this can be helpful.

Wrapping Up

Giving your dog homemade chicken and rice cookies means you control every ingredient they eat. These treats are easy, healthy, and a huge hit with dogs, especially those with sensitive tummies.

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