Kirkland Chicken Rice & Vegetable Dog Food Recipe

This homemade dog food recipe is inspired by the popular Kirkland Signature chicken, rice, and vegetable formula, but made entirely from scratch so you know exactly what goes into every bowl. It’s a gently cooked, balanced meal that combines lean chicken, easily digestible white rice, and a mix of colorful vegetables, all simmered together until tender. It works well as a complete meal for most adult dogs when you follow the supplement note in the tips, or as a tasty topper for your dog’s usual kibble.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
4 cups (960 ml) water, plus more as needed
1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix (or 1/2 cup each of fresh peas and diced carrots)
1 cup (150 g) frozen green beans, chopped
1 medium zucchini (about 200 g), diced
1 small sweet potato (about 150 g), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for extra healthy fats)
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground turmeric (optional, for color and anti-inflammatory properties)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are no longer pink on the outside, about 5–7 minutes. Do not fully cook through yet; you will finish cooking with the rice.
Add the rinsed rice, water, sweet potato, and zucchini to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas, carrots, and green beans. Stir well. Re-cover and continue to simmer for another 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), the USDA FSIS safe minimum for poultry. Check with a food thermometer.
If the mixture looks too dry before the rice is fully cooked, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water at a time until the rice is tender. If it looks too soupy, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
If you are serving this as a complete meal, stir in a dog-specific vitamin/mineral supplement (such as a commercial canine complete supplement) according to the package directions. This is essential to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients like calcium, zinc, and vitamin D that are not naturally present in this recipe.
Portion into meal-size containers and refrigerate or freeze as described below.

Tips

Supplementation is key: This recipe is not nutritionally complete on its own for long-term feeding. Add a balanced canine supplement (look for one that says “complete” and contains calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, D, and E) to make it a full meal. If you only feed this occasionally as a topper, you can skip the supplement.
Use any dog-safe vegetables: You can swap the zucchini for chopped spinach (add it in the last 5 minutes), or use butternut squash instead of sweet potato. Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs.
Adjust for your dog’s size: A typical serving for a 30 lb dog is about 1 cup (240 ml) per day, split into two meals. For a 60 lb dog, about 2 cups (480 ml) per day. Always adjust based on your dog’s activity level and body condition, and consult your vet for exact portions.
Don’t add salt or spices: Dogs do not need added salt. The turmeric is optional but safe in small amounts; if your dog has a sensitive stomach, leave it out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dog food at room temperature or slightly warmed—never hot, to avoid burning your dog’s mouth. You can serve it as a complete meal, or mix it half-and-half with your dog’s regular dry kibble for extra moisture and flavor. For picky eaters, try mashing a few pieces of chicken with a fork to make a gravy-like texture.

Variations

Turkey and rice: Replace the chicken with ground turkey (cook it fully to 160°F / 71°C) for a leaner protein.
Fish version: Use canned salmon (drained, no salt) instead of chicken. Add the salmon at the end so it doesn’t break down too much. This is a good option for dogs with chicken allergies.
Grain-free option: Swap the white rice for cooked quinoa or pumpkin puree to reduce grains. Note that quinoa should be rinsed well before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate the cooled dog food in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions (e.g., in freezer-safe bags or silicone muffin cups) for up to 3 months. To thaw, place a portion in the refrigerator overnight. To serve, warm it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, until just warm. Never refreeze thawed food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken with bones? No, always use boneless chicken. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injury to your dog.

Is this recipe suitable for puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs, especially for calcium and phosphorus. This recipe is not appropriate for puppies under 1 year old unless you add a puppy-specific supplement and get approval from your vet.

How long can I leave it out? Per food safety guidelines, do not leave this dog food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly, and dogs are just as susceptible to foodborne illness as humans.

Can I add eggs or other proteins? Yes, you can add a beaten egg during the last 5 minutes of cooking, but make sure it is fully cooked (160°F / 71°C). You can also add plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) for extra fiber.

My dog has kidney disease. Can he eat this? This recipe is moderate in protein and phosphorus, but every dog’s condition is different. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially if they have a medical condition.

Why is the rice not fully cooked after 25 minutes? Different rice varieties absorb water differently. If your rice is still crunchy, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water, cover, and simmer for another 5–10 minutes. Make sure you are using long-grain white rice, not brown rice, which requires a longer cooking time and more water.

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

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