Dog Chicken and Rice: How Much to Feed

When your dog has an upset stomach, boiled chicken and rice is a classic, gentle meal that is easy to digest and helps settle things down. This recipe shows you exactly how to cook it and, more importantly, how much to feed based on your dog’s weight. The simple combination of lean protein and plain carbohydrates gives your dog a bland, nutritious meal that is gentle on the digestive system.

Ingredients

1 cup (185 g) white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
2 cups (475 ml) water, for the rice
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 oz / 170 g)
3 cups (710 ml) water, for boiling the chicken

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups (475 ml) of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
While the rice cooks, place the chicken breast in a separate pot and cover with 3 cups (710 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer. This is the USDA FSIS safe minimum for poultry.
Remove the chicken from the water and let it cool on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Do not add any salt, oil, or seasonings to the chicken or rice.
Shred or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. For small dogs, chop it very finely; for larger dogs, you can leave slightly bigger chunks.
In a bowl, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken. The typical ratio is 2 parts rice to 1 part chicken by volume. Mix well.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving. Serve the appropriate portion based on your dog’s weight (see Tips below).

Tips

How much to feed: A general guideline is to feed about 1 cup of the chicken-rice mixture per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight per day, divided into two or three meals. For example, a 20-pound dog would get 2 cups total per day, split into two 1-cup meals. Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and any veterinary advice.
Keep it bland: Do not add salt, butter, oil, garlic, onion, or any spices. These can further upset your dog’s stomach or be toxic (garlic and onion).
Use white rice: White rice is easier to digest than brown rice because it is lower in fiber. Save brown rice for when your dog’s stomach is back to normal.
Not a long-term diet: This meal is not nutritionally complete for long-term feeding. Use it for 2–3 days during a stomach upset, then gradually transition back to your dog’s regular food.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken and rice at room temperature or slightly warm. You can offer it as a complete meal during a digestive upset, or mix a small amount with your dog’s regular kibble to make it more appealing. Always ensure fresh water is available.

Variations

Pumpkin: Add 1–2 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) to the mixture for extra fiber, which can help with diarrhea.
Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for chicken. Cook it thoroughly to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
Vegetable broth: Cook the rice in low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for a little extra flavor, but make sure the broth contains no onions or garlic.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds until just warm, or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water. Do not reheat more than once. You can also freeze the mixture in portion-sized freezer bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed my dog chicken and rice every day? No, this is not a balanced diet. It lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Use it only for a few days to settle an upset stomach, then transition back to a complete commercial dog food.

Should I use chicken breast or thighs? Chicken breast is leaner and lower in fat, which is better for a sensitive stomach. Thighs have more fat and can be harder to digest during a bout of diarrhea.

My dog won’t eat it. What should I do? Make sure the food is not too hot. Try warming it slightly to enhance the aroma. You can also hand-feed a small amount to encourage your dog. If your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.

How long should I feed the chicken and rice? Typically, 2–3 days is enough to see improvement. If symptoms persist beyond that, or if your dog is vomiting, has blood in the stool, or seems lethargic, see your veterinarian immediately.

Can I add salt to the rice? No, do not add salt or any seasonings. Dogs have different sodium tolerances, and extra salt can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Is it okay to use brown rice instead? Brown rice is higher in fiber and can be harder for a sick dog to digest. Stick with white rice for this recipe.

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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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