Homemade Dog Food: Chicken, Rice & Veg

This homemade dog food combines lean ground chicken, white rice, and a mix of gently cooked vegetables to create a balanced, easy-to-digest meal for your pup. It’s a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters, and it gives you full control over ingredients. Always check with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a homemade diet, especially if they have health conditions.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (93% lean)
1 cup (185 g) white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
2 cups (480 ml) water (for rice)
1 medium carrot, finely diced (about 1/2 cup / 60 g)
1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas
1/2 cup (60 g) green beans, trimmed and chopped into small pieces
1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for cooking)

Instructions

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups (480 ml) water to a boil, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer (USDA FSIS safe minimum for poultry). This usually takes 8–10 minutes.
Add the carrot, peas, green beans, and zucchini to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. If the mixture seems dry, add 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) of water to help steam the vegetables.
Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked rice to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is evenly distributed. Let the mixture cool completely before serving—this prevents burns and helps the flavors meld.
Portion into meal-sized containers (about 1 cup / 240 ml per serving for a 20–30 lb dog) and refrigerate or freeze as described below.

Tips

Substitutions: You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef (cook to 160°F / 71°C). Use brown rice instead of white, but increase the water to 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) and cook for 40–45 minutes. For vegetables, use what your dog tolerates—sweet potato (cooked and mashed) or spinach (finely chopped) are good choices.
Storage: Keep the food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Common mistake: Don’t add salt, garlic, onions, or other seasonings—these are toxic to dogs. Also avoid over-processing the food; a chunky texture is fine and helps with dental health.
Consistency: If your dog prefers a softer texture, add a little warm water or low-sodium chicken broth (no onions) when serving. For puppies or senior dogs, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor for a finer consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the food at room temperature or slightly warm (not hot). For a 20–30 lb dog, a typical serving is about 1 cup (240 ml) per day, divided into two meals. Adjust portions based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level—consult your vet for exact amounts. You can mix a spoonful of this food with your dog’s regular kibble to ease the transition.

Variations

Pumpkin & Chicken: Replace the peas and green beans with 1/2 cup (120 g) canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling) for extra fiber, which helps with digestion.

Beef & Sweet Potato: Swap the chicken for lean ground beef (cook to 160°F / 71°C) and replace the carrot and zucchini with 1 cup (150 g) cooked, mashed sweet potato.

Fish & Spinach: Use canned or fresh cooked salmon (remove bones) instead of chicken, and add 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Fish should reach 145°F (63°C).

Grain-Free: Replace the rice with 1 cup (150 g) cooked quinoa or 1 cup (240 ml) cooked lentils. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate the cooled food in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring to avoid hot spots. Always check the temperature before serving—it should be warm, not hot, to prevent mouth burns. Never leave the food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe nutritionally complete for my dog? This recipe is a good starting point, but it may lack certain nutrients like calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific vitamins. Many homemade diets require supplements—ask your vet about adding a canine multivitamin or calcium powder. Do not feed this as the sole diet for more than a few weeks without veterinary guidance.

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Cut them into small cubes and cook thoroughly to 165°F (74°C). Ground chicken is easier for dogs to digest and mixes well with the rice.

Why do I need to cook the vegetables? Cooking vegetables softens the fiber, making them easier for dogs to digest and helping release nutrients. Raw vegetables can be hard on a dog’s stomach and may pass through undigested.

Can I add salt or spices for flavor? No. Dogs don’t need added salt, and many spices—especially onion and garlic—are toxic. Keep the food plain. The natural flavors of chicken and vegetables are appealing to dogs.

How do I transition my dog to this food? Start by mixing 25% homemade food with 75% of your dog’s current food, then gradually increase the proportion over 5–7 days. Watch for any digestive upset and consult your vet if needed.

Can I make a big batch and freeze it? Absolutely. This recipe makes about 5 cups (1.2 kg) of food. Portion into single servings before freezing, and label with the date. Frozen food keeps for up to 3 months.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).