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Learn to boil and portion a mild meal for a sick pup
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Homemade chicken and rice is a simple meal often recommended by veterinarians to help dogs recover from diarrhea or vomiting. It contains essential vitamins, fats, minerals, and starches while still being easy on your dog’s stomach. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source What’s more, it’s an enticing dish for a dog that may not otherwise feel like eating. We’ll show you how to prepare it, and also how to incorporate it into your dog’s feeding schedule.
Things You Should Know
- Remove any skin, bones, and fat from a raw chicken breast or thigh, then boil the chicken in a pot on the stove for 20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.
- Add 1 part white rice and 2 parts water to a pot and boil it on the stove for 10-15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Shred the chicken and serve it with the rice in a 1:2 ratio every 2 hours, offering your dog about ⅓ the amount of food that they usually eat.
Steps
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Cut the skin and fat off of the raw chicken. Ideally, use 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts to make the process easier and skip the trimming. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source But if you’re using bone-in chicken or chicken with skin, first cut away and discard the skin and fat. You want only the bland meat, which is easiest on your dog’s stomach.- Leave the bones in, then remove them after cooking. Or, debone the chicken now. Either option works.
- If possible, use a thigh or breast cut raised without hormones or additives to avoid feeding your dog extra toxins.
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Place the chicken in a large pot of boiling water for 20 minutes. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the chicken, then bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce it to medium and place the entire chicken thigh or breast into the pot. Cook the chicken until the meat is fully white inside and a thermometer inserted into the meat reads 165 °F (74 °C)—about 15-20 minutes. [3] X Research source- If the chicken is not fully cooked, your dog could be at risk for increased diarrhea and vomiting due to the bacteria found in raw or undercooked chicken. Better to overcook it than undercook it.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or slice it into chunks. To make the chicken easier to digest, use a fork to shred it, separating it from any bones, or use a knife to cut it into small chunks about 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) large. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Be sure to separate and safely discard any bones, since these can harm your dog’s digestive tract or further upset their stomach. [5] X Research source
- Save 1–2 c (240–470 mL) of the boiled chicken water and feel free to add it to your dog’s meal later to make it more enticing.
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Rinse 1 cup (225g) of white rice 3 times under cool water. Measure out your rice and add it to a bowl. Then cover the rice with cool water and, with clean hands, mix and swirl the rice for 10-20 seconds. Carefully pour out the water, then add more and repeat the mixing until the water runs clear. [6] X Research source This step helps remove excess starches and fiber from the rice.- Unseasoned white rice is best for dogs with upset stomachs. Though it contains fewer nutrients than brown rice, it’s also much milder and more palatable. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Brown rice also contains more fiber, and is harder for dogs to digest, which makes it less than ideal for a sick pup.
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Boil the rice for 10 minutes in 2 c (470 mL) of water. Transfer the rice to a pot and add 2 parts of water to 1 part of rice. Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook the rice for 10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. [8] X Research source
- After, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
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Withhold all food from a sick dog for 24 hours. If you’re caring for a sick dog with an upset stomach, it’s best not to feed a sick dog anything for a full day. It’s not fun for you or for them, but it gives their digestive system a chance to reset, and the problem may clear up with a little fasting. [9] X Research source- During this period, make sure your dog has clean water available at all times.
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Offer your dog a small 2:1 mixture of cold rice and chicken every 2 hours. Offer your dog 2 parts of rice and 1 part of chicken, in small amounts, and in their regular dish. Start by giving them about ⅓ as much chicken and rice as their normal portion of dog food. Offer them a fresh portion every 2-3 hours. [10] X Research source
- If your dog eats the full portion, give them a little more the next day, in fewer servings—aim for full portions at your dog’s regular mealtimes.
- Feel free to store extra or uneaten chicken and rice together in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 2-6 months. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Start mixing in regular dog food once your dog has recovered. Once your dog has stopped vomiting or having diarrhea, substitute their usual dog food into the chicken and rice a little at a time. [12] X Research source Start with a 1:4 ratio of kibble to chicken and rice, and increase the ratio over 4-5 days, until your dog is back on their normal diet.- Be sure to consult your veterinarian about the transition back to normal food. Depending on the dog’s specific condition, you may need to feed the dog a chicken-and-rice diet longer than a few days.
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Call your veterinarian if the dog's symptoms don't improve after 2 days. The chicken-and-rice diet is a temporary at-home treatment that isn’t nutritionally complete. If your dog’s diarrhea is not cleared in the expected time frame given to you by your veterinarian, or persists for longer than 2 days, call your veterinarian immediately for a professional opinion. [13] X Research source- Your veterinarian will tell you if you need to bring your animal in for a recheck and may send home additional medication or give you some advice over the phone of what to do next, such as adding in canned pumpkin or other easy things to try. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow much chicken and rice should I feed my dog with diarrhea?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.The key to feeding a dog with diarrhea is to feed them little and often. Divide up the equivalent of their daily ration of a bland diet and offer it in small portions four to six times a day. This causes less stimulation to the stomach which reduces muscular contraction of the gut wall and helps ease diarrhea.
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QuestionAre rice and chicken good for dogs?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Chicken and rice are easily digestible sources of carbohydrate and protein, which is great for settling upset stomachs. However, when fed in the long term, it is not adequately balanced and a more varied diet is considered essential.
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QuestionCan I feed my dogs chicken breast and rice long-term?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.The risk with this as a long-term diet is the dog may become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Dietary deficiencies may not become obvious for months or even years, so there will be a delay before any problems start to occur. With this in mind, if chicken and rice is your choice for a long-term diet, speak to a qualified veterinary nutritionist about a recipe or supplements that are appropriate for your dog's age, size, and health issues.
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Tips
- Avoid using salt, pepper, or any other spices when making homemade dog food , as these can upset your dog’s digestive system. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceThanks
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Thanks
- To add more nutrients to the meal, include some soft shredded carrots or peas. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Avoid these if your dog is ill, and keep in mind that any regular diet should be approved by a veterinarian.Thanks
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Warnings
- This bland diet is not meant to be a complete feed for the long term,a s it lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Consult a veterinarian about sources of good homemade diet recipes, if you are seeking to make homemade food for your dog regularly. [18] X Research sourceThanks
- Do not use any oils and remove all fats from the meat you cook. These compounds require the pancreas to work harder to digest and this can cause inflammation in this organ. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceThanks
- Consult your vet before you feed chicken and rice to a dog with known food allergies. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source This also goes for dogs with chronic health conditions like pancreatitis or irritable bowels.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Chicken breast or thigh
- White rice
- Large pot
- Water
- Measuring cups
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-poach-boneless-skinless-chicken-breasts-for-easy-meals-article
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-feed-my-dog/
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-cook-rice-video
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/can-dogs-eat-rice/
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-cook-rice-video
- ↑ https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/diarrhea-causes-and-treatments/
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/caring-for-your-sick-dog
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/caring-for-your-sick-dog
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/caring-for-your-sick-dog
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/doggie-diarrhea/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/food-for-dogs-stomach-upset/
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/diarrhea
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/caring-for-your-sick-dog
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pancreatitis-in-dogs/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-chicken/
About This Article
Article Summary
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If your dog has an upset stomach, your vet may recommend chicken and rice to help settle it. If possible, choose high-quality chicken breast that is free of added hormones. The cooking process will also be easier if you get chicken that already has the bones, skin, and excess fat removed. Short or long-grained white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice. To prepare the chicken, remove any skin and bones, then cut the meat into small cubes. For smaller dogs, make the cubes about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across. For medium to large breeds, they can be 1 inch (2.5 cm). Make sure you completely remove any bones, since they could damage your dog’s stomach or intestines. Put the chicken in a large pot with enough water to completely cover the meat. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is white all the way through. This may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the water and let it cool completely. Set aside the broth you created, since you’ll be using it to cook the rice. While the chicken is cooking, skim the fat off the top of the broth and measure out 2.5 cups (591 mL) into a pot. Bring the broth to a boil, then pour in 1 cup (210 g) of well-rinsed rice. Return the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer with a lid on for about 20 minutes. If you’re cooking brown rice, you may need 40 to 45 minutes. The rice is done once it’s nice and soft and all the water is absorbed. To feed the chicken and rice to your dog, wait for them to cool completely. Then, mix the chicken into the rice with a fork. Aim for a ratio of about 2-3 parts chicken to 1 part rice. Follow your vet’s instructions to determine how much chicken and rice to feed to your dog at a time, and how and when to transition your pup back to its regular diet. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to transition from chicken and rice food to regular dog food, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Appreciated the thorough explanation of how to boil the chicken, skim the fat, and use the chicken water to cook the rice. Will try the 1 part chicken to 3 part rice ratio for my dog, to start. I'm sure this will speed her recovery!" ..." more
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"Appreciated the thorough explanation of how to boil the chicken, skim the fat, and use the chicken water to cook the rice. Will try the 1 part chicken to 3 part rice ratio for my dog, to start. I'm sure this will speed her recovery!"
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"I had no clue how to proceed with cooking chicken and rice for my dog's ailing tummy. These instructions are clear, easy to follow and great tasting, according to the live testimony from my happy pooch! He gobbled it up with no unexpected after-effects. "
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"I had used this recipe before, but it had been a while. I have spent the last hour going through the internet trying to find this exact page because I needed the step-by-step instructions and the photos! Success at last! Best dog recipe ever!"
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"There were a lot of good tips and things that I didn't know. Also, I have saved the recipes to make for our dog. I knew not to feed dogs onions, but I didn't know about garlic. Thanks for the info."
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"This diet was recommended to me by my vet after my 8 week old puppy survived Parvo. Although I had know idea how to make it, after reading this detailed recipe I decided to make it for her."
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