Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (2024)

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (1)

The age-old recommendation for dogs with tummy upset – chicken and rice. Recommending this combination for dogs with an upset stomach has gone back years – but the sad thing about the combination of chicken breast with white rice, is that though it is highly digestible, it is not balanced.

In fact – by itself the combination of 50% chicken breast with 50% long-grain white rice has over 18 different deficiencies. Which is a huge problem – especially if you have a dog that is recovering from a gastrointestinal problem where nutrient absorption is already compromised.

So what I have done is create a NEW and improved Chicken and Rice recipe – which I call “Chicken and Rice Done RIGHT. This recipe is complete and balanced for adult dogs, is low in fat, and has a variety of whole food ingredients. It also contains healthy sources of fiber to help feed beneficial gut bacteria.

COMPOSITION:

Percent Calorie

  • Protein: 43 ½ %
  • Fat: 27 ½ %
  • Carbohydrates: 29%

Dry Matter

  • Protein: 50%
  • Fat: 15%
  • Carbohydrates: 35%
  • Fiber: 4%

This recipe was formulated to be lower in fat, moderate in carbohydrates and high in protein. This would be appropriate for picky dogs, dogs who are obese prone, or dogs that require a low fat diet.

INGREDIENTS:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (2)

Chicken Giblets:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (3)

Though chicken breast is very low in fat and high in protein, it lacks essential vitamins and minerals. By replacing half the chicken breast with chicken giblets, the recipe immediately goes from 18 deficiencies to only 8 – this is a HUGE difference in nutritional profile with one simple change.

But what are chicken giblets exactly? Well chicken giblets are the combination of chicken liver, chicken gizzard, and chicken heart – these are commonly known as “by-products” of the human food industry because they are not often consumed by people.

The great thing about using something like giblets as the main protein source within a recipe is – they are very inexpensive. Typically, giblets are around half the price compared to something like chicken breast or chicken thigh, which makes them a cost-effective option.

Even though chicken giblets are a nutrient powerhouse – simply switching out chicken breast for giblets will not create a balanced recipe – it will still have 8 different deficiencies. In particular we need to add sources of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin D, linoleic acid, calcium and iodine.

Eastern Oysters:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (4)

These little crustaceans have been included in this recipe as a source of zinc and copper! But they also are a wonderful source of omega 3 fatty acids, with an added bonus that they are naturally low in fat.

Salmon:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (5)

In order to provide our dogs with vitamin D we need to add some fish that is high in these vitamins. Salmon fits the bill. It is also lower on the food chain so we don’t have to be as concerned about heavy metals – like we are with other fish, such as tuna.

Eggs:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (6)

Though eggs are high in protein, along with other vitamins such as b-vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin E – eggs are not high enough in these areas to actually meet our dogs nutritional needs. But what they can provide to this recipe is an excellent source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid – which is a nutrient requirement for dogs.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (7)

This recipe overall is very high in omega 6 fatty acids because of the chicken breast, and giblets included in this recipe as the main protein source, thus we need to use the fish oil by Nordic Naturals in order to balance out the fats in this recipe. We are also using this oil as a source of Vitamin E!

Brown Rice, Pumpkin and Spinach:

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (8)

The combination of switching out brown rice for white rice and adding in both pumpkin and spinach provide this recipe with needed magnesium and potassium – along with wonderful sources of complex carbohydrates to help with our dog’s gut microbiome.

Supplements: Calcium & Iodine

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (9)

Even with all these wonderful whole food ingredients, we do need two other essential nutrients – in particular a source of Calcium, and Iodine. There are several different ways to get these nutrients, which I break down in my step-by-step recipe, from purified supplements to whole food ingredients. There are many different options we can use for our pups.

RECIPE:

The Chicken and Rice “Done Right” recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced for adult dogs according to AAFCO nutrient standards. This recipe is not appropriate for puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs.

This recipe was created using the software from BalanceIT – which is a software created by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to allow the creation of homemade dog food recipes that are balanced for adult dogs.

Download Here

Each recipe includes: small and large batch recipes, cooking instructions, feeding instructions by weight, supplement recommendations, and access to our Homemade Dog Food Recipes Facebook Community.

Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (10)
Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (11)

About the Author: Nikki is a Registered Veterinary Technician (Veterinary Nurse) and Dog Mom with over a decade of experience with dogs and cats. Since graduation from college (BS Biology, Dip. Animal Nutrition, AS Animal Science) she has adopted two mixed breed dogs – Ranger and Ash, and has focused her time learning about pet food and nutrition.

Nikki shares information on a range of pet nutrition topics: from how to create a homemade complete and balanced dog and cat food recipes, to how to choose a pet food. Nikki strives to give dog and cat parents the information they need in order to make the best nutrition decisions for their pet!

You should receive your Free Dog Food Recipe Ebook within 24 hours of subscribing! Make sure to check your spam folder. The recipe ebook is over 90 pages long so make sure you have a good internet connection when you go to download it. Afterwards you will receive weekly Canine Nutrition Updates every Tuesday on different topics related to canine nutrition & homemade dog food!

CONTACT ME:

thecaninehealthnut@gmail.com

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Balanced Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe - nikki - pet nutrition (2024)

FAQs

Do dogs get enough nutrition from chicken and rice? ›

Chicken and rice is good for short periods of time during sensitivity but its not a balanced and complete meal that your dog can sustain on. We never recommend feeding this diet for longer than a few weeks. It lacks critical vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to stay healthy.

What is the correct ratio for homemade dog food? ›

The general rule of thumb for a home-made diet for a healthy canine patient is 75% meat/15%vegetables/10% carbohydrate. Variety is the key to a healthy diet so be sure to vary your meat, carbohydrate and vegetable sources from time to time.

How much homemade chicken and rice to feed dog? ›

Chicken and Rice: The Proper Amount
dog weightchicken (cups/day)rice (cups/day)
20 – 30 lbs3/4 cups1 1/2 cups
30 – 40 lbs1 cup2 cups
40 – 60 lbs1 1/4 cups2 1/2 cups
60 – 80 lbs1 3/4 cups3 1/2 cups
3 more rows
Mar 15, 2021

What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? ›

Proper Nutrition for Dogs
  • At least 10% protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef.
  • Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
  • About 2.5-4.5% fiber, which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots.
  • At least 5.5% fat, usually in the form of vegetable oil.
Oct 19, 2022

Is too much chicken and rice bad for dogs? ›

We know that eating any unbalanced diet long term can result in a serious illness and malnutrition, but where chicken and rice is concerned, the most serious one to be concerned about is calcium; both calcium and vitamin D are extremely deficient in chicken and rice, placing this patient at high risk for bone ...

How long can a dog stay on chicken and rice diet? ›

How long should your dog be on chicken & rice? Typically, a bland diet of chicken and rice for dogs with diarrhea or vomiting is required for a short period of time. It is usually discontinued three-to-four days after stomach upset, or when the dog's vomiting stops and stools return to normal.

Does homemade dog food have enough nutrients? ›

Even the best recipes often don't provide enough of certain nutrients, such as calcium. Your pup needs supplements if you're feeding them from scratch. Which ones depend on which nutrients are missing from their meals. A good recipe should include specific supplement instructions.

Do vets recommend homemade dog food? ›

“Homemade food is a great option for many pets, but we recommend that owners avoid general recipes from books and the Internet and instead consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist,” Larsen said.

Is homemade dog food sufficient? ›

Is cooking dog food at home really better for your pup? While there may be claims made to that effect, there's no hard scientific evidence to support it. “Owners are told by many sources that homemade food is superior to commercial products. However, there is no proof to support this claim,” says Dr.

Is it OK to feed my dog boiled chicken and rice every day? ›

Chicken and rice can be a healthy option for dogs to eat daily, but it is important to consider a few factors. Let's delve into the details. Balanced Diet: Dogs require a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients to maintain good health.

How much chicken and rice should a 100 pound dog eat? ›

For medium-sized dogs (20-50 pounds), half a cup of chicken and one cup of rice per meal may be appropriate. Larger dogs (50-100 pounds) may require one cup of chicken and two cups of rice per meal. Always monitor your dog's reaction to the bland diet and adjust portion sizes as needed.

Is it OK to feed my dog boiled chicken every day? ›

Dogs benefit from eating chicken as it's lower in fat than other meat alternatives, a good protein source and (depending on how the chicken is cooked and your pup's allergies) doesn't usually upset their stomachs. Just make sure chicken doesn't make up more than 10% of your pet's daily diet without consulting your vet.

What should top 3 ingredients be dog food? ›

What are the top 3 ingredients to look for in dog food? The top ingredients to look for in dog food are high-quality proteins (named meat sources - chicken, beef, fish, and lamb), natural carbohydrates (whole fruits and vegetables), and healthy fats (animal fats or plant-based oils).

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

Here are some common human foods you should avoid when preparing your dog's food: raw beans, peas, spinach, beet greens, kale (every day), chard, onions, garlic, leek, green tomato, potato, and bell peppers. - Avoid feeding your dog raw green beans because they contain a toxic alkaloid similar to arsenic.

What should be the number 1 ingredient in dog food? ›

The best dog foods will always have meat as the top ingredient, and you should look for recipes that emphasize real animal proteins, rather than just meat meals. Because your dog's food should have more meat than any other ingredient, it's vital to choose a meat source that will benefit your dog's health.

Is it OK to feed your dog chicken and rice everyday? ›

If you're feeding your dog rice by itself, it's only recommended on a short-term basis or as a special treat. For example, if your dog is having stomach issues, you can feed them white rice alone or with boiled chicken for a few days — but don't make it part of their regular diet because it could lead to weight gain.

Should I feed my dog chicken and rice everyday? ›

Rice and chicken are a great combination for dogs, and they can be a part of a healthy diet if you feed them in moderation. If your dog is overweight, you should try to limit her carb intake, but if she's healthy she can eat a moderate amount of carbs and still be healthy.

What is a well balanced diet for dogs? ›

Each dog needs plenty of protein, easily processed from a high-quality meat source, like muscle tissue. Your pet can also benefit from fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats for body maintenance. The combination of these creates what every pet parent is looking for: a balanced diet for their pet .

Is it OK to feed dogs cooked chicken everyday? ›

Dogs benefit from eating chicken as it's lower in fat than other meat alternatives, a good protein source and (depending on how the chicken is cooked and your pup's allergies) doesn't usually upset their stomachs. Just make sure chicken doesn't make up more than 10% of your pet's daily diet without consulting your vet.

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