Buzz
Homemade chicken rice is a mild meal often recommended by veterinarians to help dogs recover from diarrhea and/or vomiting. This low-fat dish contains simple protein and easily digestible carbohydrates, particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. The simple protein in chicken rice, combined with starch, can stimulate appetite in dogs that are ill or recovering from surgery. Although not recommended for long-term use, cooked chicken rice provides sufficient nutrients to help dogs regain their health.
Steps
Preparation
Purchase the highest quality chicken possible to minimize toxins. Boneless chicken breast is the best choice as it eliminates the need to remove fat or bones from the meat.
- If possible, opt for chicken that has not been injected with growth hormones.
Purchase a bag of long-grain or short-grain white rice. Avoid using instant rice for preparing chicken rice for dogs, as it has lower nutritional value compared to rice that requires longer cooking.
- Brown rice can be used, but it must be cooked longer to ensure it is fully tender and soft to avoid irritating the stomach or intestines.
- Some sources claim that brown rice should not be used due to its high fiber content, but this is incorrect. Fiber aids in promoting and regulating intestinal function. Veterinary nutritionists believe fiber helps dogs with constipation pass stools more easily and firms up stools in dogs with diarrhea.
- There is no need to buy organic or non-GMO rice; no evidence suggests these products alter nutritional quality or arsenic levels in rice.
Prepare the chicken. You can cook chicken with bones, but the meat must separate from the bones after cooking. However, chicken will cook faster and more thoroughly if deboned and cut into pieces before cooking or if you purchase boneless chicken.
- Remove bones (or buy boneless chicken) and trim excess fat.
- Cut the chicken into half-inch cubes for small dogs or 1.5 cm cubes for medium or large breeds. You may need to cut the chicken into smaller pieces for dogs with missing teeth.
Cooking Chicken Rice
Place the chicken in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Cook until the chicken is fully white inside.
- Cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Bone-in chicken requires longer cooking.
- If the chicken is not fully cooked, bacteria in raw or undercooked meat can put your dog at risk of further diarrhea and vomiting.
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool completely. Save the broth for later use. You can cool the chicken faster by spreading it on a baking tray or placing it in a colander and running cold water over it.
Remove bones from cooled chicken. Separate the meat and discard the bones. Then, cut the chicken into 1.5 cm pieces or smaller for small dog breeds, or 3 cm pieces or smaller for medium or large breeds.
- Ensure that the dog does not ingest any chicken bones, whether from the meat or the trash. Chicken bones can splinter and get stuck or puncture the dog's throat, stomach, or intestines, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
Skim the fat layer off the top of the broth and pour the remaining liquid into a container. If the chicken fat was trimmed before cooking, the broth may have little to no fat. Measure out 2.5 cups (600 ml) of the broth and pour it back into the pot.
Bring the chicken broth to a boil. While waiting for the broth to boil, you can start preparing the rice to cook with the broth.
Measure 1 cup of rice (for large dogs) and rinse it thoroughly. Rinse the rice in a pot or bowl. Submerge it in water and use your fingers to scrub the rice well. Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and arsenic from the rice.
Cook the rice using the chicken broth. Add the rice to the pot of boiling broth. Continue boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 20 minutes (brown rice may require 40-45 minutes). The rice should be slightly moist and soft when done, with all the liquid fully absorbed.
Allow the rice to cool completely. You can spread the rice on a baking tray and use a piece of cardboard to fan it for faster cooling.
Feeding Your Dog
Add the cooked chicken to the rice and mix thoroughly using a fork. Aim for a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 when combining rice and chicken. For instance, mix 2-3 cups of rice with 1 cup of chicken.
Serve the chicken and rice mixture in your dog's regular feeding dish. Follow your veterinarian's feeding guidelines, but generally, offer small portions if your dog has been vomiting. If your dog tolerates the meal, gradually increase the amount and aim to return to a normal portion size.
Transition from chicken and rice back to regular dog food. After several days of feeding chicken and rice, begin mixing in kibble. Gradually increase the kibble amount daily while reducing the chicken and rice, aiming to fully transition back to a normal diet within 4-5 days.
- Always consult your veterinarian about the transition process. Depending on your dog's condition, you may need to extend the chicken and rice diet for a few more days.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog's symptoms do not improve. The chicken and rice meal is a temporary home remedy. If your dog's diarrhea persists beyond the expected timeframe provided by the vet or remains watery for more than three days, call your veterinarian right away. They will advise whether your dog needs a follow-up examination and may prescribe additional home treatments or suggest next steps, such as adding canned pumpkin or other easily digestible foods to your dog's diet.
Tips
- Consult your veterinarian before preparing homemade meals for your dog. They can determine if a bland diet will help your dog's condition or recommend other medical interventions if necessary.
- Dogs cannot digest spices like humans. Avoid using salt, pepper, or any other seasonings when cooking food for your dog.
Warnings
- This bland diet is not a long-term solution. Essential vitamins and minerals will be lacking if your dog eats only chicken and rice. If you plan to regularly cook for your dog, consult your vet for healthy recipes tailored to your dog's needs.
- If your dog continues to vomit, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs, especially small breeds, can dehydrate quickly due to vomiting, so rehydration is crucial for recovery. Severe dehydration can worsen symptoms and affect organs like the kidneys.
- Avoid using any oils and remove all fat from the meat used for cooking. These substances require the pancreas to work harder to digest, which can lead to pancreatitis.
What You'll Need
- Chicken
- White rice
- Cooking pot
- Water
- Measuring cup
