Classic Chicken & Rice Maintenance Meal for Dogs
The gentle chicken-and-rice standby, balanced with veggies and oil for healthy adult dogs — great as a topper or occasional home-cooked meal.
⏱ 30 minutes · Makes 6 cups (topper portions for a medium dog for ~4 days)
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- 1 cup white or brown rice (dry)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil or fish oil
- Optional: dog multivitamin/mineral supplement per vet guidance
Chicken and rice is the little black dress of dog food — gentle on stomachs, loved by almost every dog, and easy to make in batches. This version adds vegetables and oil so it works as a regular topper, not just a sick-day meal.
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken in unsalted water until cooked through (about 15 minutes). Reserve the broth.
- Cook the rice in the reserved broth for extra flavor.
- Steam the peas and carrots until soft.
- Shred the chicken, then fold everything together with the oil. Cool before serving.
How to serve
As a topper, replace up to 25% of your dog’s kibble calories (about 1/2 cup of mix per 25 lbs of body weight). Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze portions flat in bags for quick thawing.
Important: For long-term full home cooking, get a balanced recipe from a veterinary nutritionist — chicken and rice alone lacks calcium and several micronutrients. No onion, garlic, or salt.