Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Poodles With Chicken & Rice for Sensitive Stomachs

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.

Sick of watching your poodle struggle after every meal? It’s tough when every bowl of food feels like a guessing game for their sensitive stomach.

You just want your dog to feel good, but most store-bought foods are packed with fillers that only make things worse. Seeing your pup uncomfortable, and it wears on you.

Here’s a straightforward, wholesome homemade dog food recipe that helps take the worry out of mealtime and gets your poodle back to enjoying their food again.

Recipe Overview

This homemade gentle chicken and rice recipe is specifically designed to be easy on sensitive stomachs and is packed with lean protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. It’s a comforting and nutritious meal that can help soothe digestive issues and provide balanced nutrition.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Serving size: Varies based on dog size and weight (see Feeding Guidelines)

Ingredients List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx. $4.00)
• 1 cup plain white rice (uncooked) (approx. $0.50)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (approx. $1.50)
• 1/4 cup peeled and cooked sweet potato (plain, no seasoning) (approx. $0.75)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (approx. $0.25)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder (for added nutrients, approx. $0.50)

Estimated Total Cost: $7.50

Substitutions: Boneless, skinless turkey breast can be used instead of chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
• 2. In a medium pot, add the chicken pieces and the low-sodium chicken broth.
• 3. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to simmer.
• 4. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
• 5. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, reserving the broth.
• 6. Shred or finely chop the cooked chicken.
• 7. In the same pot, add the uncooked white rice and the reserved chicken broth.
• 8. Bring the rice and broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• 9. While the rice is cooking, mash the cooked sweet potato until smooth.
• 10. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, and olive oil.
• 11. If using, stir in the spirulina powder.
• 12. Mix everything together well.

Feeding Guidelines

• Portion sizes will vary. A general guideline for an adult dog is about 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day, divided into two meals.
• For a 15-pound poodle, this might be roughly 0.5 to 0.75 cups per day.
• For a 30-pound poodle, this could be around 1 to 1.5 cups per day.
• Puppies need more calories and nutrients for growth; consult your vet for specific puppy portions.
• Active dogs may need slightly more food than less active ones.
• Senior dogs might benefit from smaller, more frequent meals or adjustments based on their metabolism.
• Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions as needed.
• It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian about the ideal feeding amount and nutritional balance for your specific dog’s needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
• White rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source, easy on the stomach.
• Sweet potato offers complex carbohydrates for energy, plus fiber and vitamins like A and C.
• Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, good for skin and coat health.
• Spirulina, if used, is a nutrient-dense algae packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store cooled dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, portion the food into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
• You can serve the food warm (gently reheated), at room temperature, or even mixed with a small amount of your dog’s regular kibble to introduce new textures and flavors.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

While brown rice offers more fiber, white rice is generally easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest. If your dog tolerates brown rice well, you can use it, but white rice is preferred for this recipe.

What if my dog is allergic to chicken?

You can substitute boneless, skinless turkey breast for chicken. Ensure it’s plain and unseasoned, just like the chicken.

Do I need to add vitamins or minerals?

This recipe provides a good base, but for long-term, exclusive feeding, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinary nutritionist. They can help ensure all micronutrient needs are met, possibly recommending a canine-specific vitamin and mineral supplement.

How much can I feed my puppy?

Puppies have different nutritional requirements. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct portion sizes and nutritional balance for your growing poodle puppy.

Wrapping Up

Give your poodle the gift of comfort and good health with this easy chicken and rice meal. It’s a simple way to show you care, one delicious bowl at a time. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!