A chicken and rice diet is a common home remedy for dogs experiencing digestive upset, especially diarrhea. The bland combination is typically palatable for dogs and can help provide some nourishment during recovery. But how much chicken and rice should you feed, how long should your dog be fed chicken and rice, is it safe to feed your dog chicken and rice every day, and is there a better alternative? Let’s break it down.
The combination of chicken and white rice is easy on the stomach and provides easily digestible protein and carbohydrates. When your dog has diarrhea, switching to a bland diet gives their digestive system a break from heavier, harder-to-digest ingredients, like fats. The chicken you use should be unseasoned, boneless, skinless chicken breast; the legs, thighs, and skin of chicken all have a higher fat content that can worsen diarrhea and cause further gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
Are you wondering if your furry friend can have chicken and rice as a daily meal? Maybe you’ve heard that this combo is good for upset tummies, but now you’re thinkin’ about making it a permanent fixture in your pup’s diet Well, you’ve come to the right place! As pet parents ourselves, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to stress about whether this human-food combo is safe for your four-legged family member
The Quick Answer
Can you feed dogs chicken and rice everyday? While chicken and rice is gentle on doggy digestive systems and works great as a temporary diet for sick dogs, it’s generally not recommended as an everyday, long-term feeding solution without proper supplementation. This is because it lacks many essential nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.
Why Chicken and Rice Is Popular for Dogs
Let’s be real – there’s a reason why vets often recommend chicken and rice when your pup has tummy troubles
- It’s super easy to digest
- Low in fat which helps with upset stomachs
- Contains simple carbs that provide energy
- The protein in chicken helps maintain muscle
- Most dogs absolutely LOVE the taste (who wouldn’t?)
I remember when my German Shepherd had a bad bout of diarrhea, and the vet recommended plain chicken and rice. The look on his face when I served him this “special meal” was priceless – you’d think I was giving him a gourmet feast!
The Pros of Feeding Chicken and Rice
There are some definite benefits to including chicken and rice in your dog’s diet:
- Highly digestible – Easier on the digestive system than many commercial foods
- Allergy-friendly – Good option for dogs with certain food sensitivities
- Cost-effective – Can be cheaper than premium dog foods
- You control the ingredients – No mystery meats or additives
- Palatability – Most dogs will eagerly eat this meal
The Cons of an Exclusive Chicken and Rice Diet
Before you ditch the kibble completely, consider these drawbacks:
- Nutritional deficiencies – Lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids
- Calcium deficiency – Without supplements, bone health could suffer
- Unbalanced phosphorus-to-calcium ratio – Can lead to skeletal problems
- No dental benefits – Soft food doesn’t clean teeth like crunchy kibble
- Time-consuming – Requires daily preparation
What’s Missing from a Chicken and Rice Diet?
A diet of just chicken and rice is kinda like you eating only bread and turkey – you’d survive for a while, but eventually, your health would suffer. Here’s what’s missing:
| Nutrient | Why Dogs Need It | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Bone and teeth health | Bones, dairy, supplements |
| Essential Fatty Acids | Skin, coat, brain health | Fish oil, certain plant oils |
| Various Vitamins | Immune function, metabolism | Organ meats, vegetables, fruits |
| Fiber | Digestive health | Vegetables, whole grains |
| Minerals | Enzyme function, fluid balance | Organ meats, bone meal, vegetables |
How to Make Chicken and Rice Healthier for Daily Feeding
If you’re dead set on feeding chicken and rice regularly, here’s how to make it more nutritionally complete:
- Add a high-quality canine multivitamin (ask your vet for recommendations)
- Include some dog-safe vegetables like carrots, green beans, or pumpkin
- Mix in organ meats occasionally (like liver – but not too much!)
- Consider adding an omega-3 supplement or fish oil
- Ensure proper calcium supplementation (crucial for bone health)
- Include some dog-safe fruits for additional vitamins
- Rotate proteins occasionally (turkey, fish, lean beef)
The Right Way to Prepare Chicken and Rice for Dogs
If you do feed chicken and rice, preparation matters! Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook chicken thoroughly – No pink parts to avoid salmonella
- Skip the seasonings – No salt, pepper, garlic, or onions (toxic to dogs!)
- Drain excess fat – Too much fat can cause pancreatitis
- Use plain white rice – Brown rice is harder to digest
- Cool completely before serving to prevent mouth burns
When Chicken and Rice Is Actually Recommended
There are times when vets actively encourage a temporary chicken and rice diet:
- During recovery from gastroenteritis
- After surgery or medical procedures
- When transitioning between dog foods
- For dogs with certain food sensitivities (under vet supervision)
- As part of an elimination diet to identify allergies
Better Alternatives to Everyday Chicken and Rice
Instead of just chicken and rice daily, consider these options:
- Home-cooked balanced diet – Work with a veterinary nutritionist to create a complete recipe
- Quality commercial food with fresh toppers – Use chicken and rice as an addition, not the main meal
- Rotation feeding – Alternate between quality kibble and fresh foods
- Partial fresh feeding – Replace a portion of kibble with fresh foods including chicken and rice
Signs Your Dog’s Diet Isn’t Working
Watch for these warning signs that your dog’s diet might be lacking:
- Dull, dry coat
- Excessive shedding
- Low energy levels
- Dental problems
- Weight loss or inability to maintain weight
- Frequent illness due to compromised immune system
- Poor muscle tone
- Digestive issues
What Vets Actually Say
We asked several vets about feeding dogs chicken and rice everyday, and the consensus was pretty clear: it’s fine as an occasional meal or during illness, but not great as an exclusive diet without proper supplementation.
Dr. Williams, who’s been treating our pets for years, explained: “Chicken and rice is like chicken soup for humans when they’re sick – comforting and easy to digest. But just like you wouldn’t eat only chicken soup forever, your dog needs a varied diet for optimal health.”
Real Talk: My Experience with Chicken and Rice
I’ve tried the chicken and rice route with my own dogs. When my Lab mix had digestive issues, we did chicken and rice for about two weeks. She loved it, and her tummy problems cleared up. But when I tried continuing it longer-term, I noticed her energy levels dropping and her coat looking less shiny after about a month.
After consulting with our vet, we switched to a high-quality kibble with some fresh food toppers, including occasional chicken and rice. This balanced approach worked much better, and she’s been thriving ever since!
The Bottom Line on Chicken and Rice
Can you feed your dog chicken and rice everyday? Technically yes, but only if you’re super committed to making it nutritionally complete with proper supplements and additional ingredients. For most pet parents, this is more work than it’s worth, and there’s always the risk of missing something important.
The safest approach is to:
- Use chicken and rice as a temporary diet for sick dogs
- Consider it as an occasional meal or topper to quality dog food
- If you want to feed it regularly, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure it’s properly balanced
Remember, our furry friends rely on us to make good choices for their health. While they’d happily eat chicken and rice forever (or pizza, or ice cream!), it’s our job to make sure they get everything they need to live their best doggy lives.
FAQ About Feeding Dogs Chicken and Rice
Q: How much chicken and rice should I feed my dog?
A: Generally, a 1:2 ratio of chicken to rice is recommended. For a 30-pound dog, about 1 cup of chicken and 2 cups of rice daily, divided into 2-3 meals. But always check with your vet for your specific dog’s needs.
Q: Can puppies eat chicken and rice every day?
A: Puppies have even more specific nutritional needs than adult dogs, so an exclusive chicken and rice diet is definitely not recommended. Puppies need carefully balanced nutrients for proper growth.
Q: Is brown or white rice better for dogs?
A: White rice is typically recommended, especially for digestive issues, as it’s easier to digest. Brown rice has more nutritional value but can be harder on sensitive tummies.
Q: Can I add vegetables to my dog’s chicken and rice?
A: Absolutely! Dog-safe vegetables like carrots, green beans, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes can add valuable nutrients. Just avoid onions, garlic, and other toxic vegetables.
Q: How long can I safely feed my dog chicken and rice?
A: For digestive issues, usually 2-3 days up to a week. Beyond that, you should be supplementing with additional nutrients or transitioning back to a complete diet.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about feeding your pup chicken and rice. While it’s not ideal as an exclusive everyday diet, it can definitely be part of a healthy feeding routine when done right!
Have you tried feeding your dog chicken and rice? What was your experience? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about our furry friends’ favorite meals!
How to Boil Chicken and Rice for Your Dog
When cooking the chicken, boil it until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Do not feed raw chicken, as the bacteria present can worsen your dog’s illness, especially with an already compromised system. The rice should be plain white rice and should not include any butter, oil, or seasoning.
How Much Chicken and Rice to Feed a Dog
When determining how much chicken and rice to feed, a good starting place is about 2% to 3% of your dog’s body weight per day in total food. When feeding a temporary chicken and rice diet, aim for a 2:1 ratio of rice to chicken and split up the daily amount into multiple small meals given throughout the day. You don’t want to overload your dog’s digestive system. For example, a 22-lb. (10 kg) dog should eat around 0.55lbs (250 g) of food daily, which is roughly 165 g of rice and 85 g of chicken.
Our chart on how much chicken and rice to feed your dog breaks everything down for you:
| Dog Weight | Total Daily Food | Chicken | Rice |
| 5 kg (11 lbs) | 100 – 150 g (0.22 – 0.33lbs) | 33 – 50 g | 70 – 100 g |
| 10 kg (22 lbs) | 200 – 300 g (0.44-0.66lbs) | 65 – 100 g | 130 – 200 g |
| 15 kg (33 lbs) | 300 – 450 g (0.66 – 1lb) | 100 – 150 g | 200 – 300 g |
| 20 kg (44 lbs) | 400 – 600 g (0.88 – 1.32lbs) | 130 – 200 g | 270 – 400 g |
| 25 kg (55 lbs) | 500 – 750 g (1.1 – 1.6lbs) | 170 – 250 g | 330 – 500 g |
| 30 kg (66 lbs) | 600 – 900 g (1.3 – 2lbs) | 200 – 300 g | 400 – 600 g |
| 35 kg (77 lbs) | 700 – 1050 g (1.5 – 2.3lbs) | 230 – 350 g | 470 – 700 g |
| 40 kg (88 lbs) | 800 – 1200 g (1.7 – 2.6lbs) | 270 – 400 g | 530 – 800 g |
You should feed your dog chicken and rice for no longer than two to three days, or until their stool becomes firm and regular. Once diarrhea stops, start reintroducing your dog’s regular food slowly over the next few days by mixing it with the chicken and rice:
- Day 1: 75% chicken and rice, 25% regular food
- Day 2: 50% chicken and rice, 50% regular food
- Day 3: 25% chicken and rice, 75% regular food
- Day 4: 100% regular food
If diarrhea continues for longer than three days, or if additional symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, blood in the stool, or loss of appetite occur, contact your veterinarian.