Instead of store-bought commercial dog food, you can make some of the best dog food right at home! This is a homemade chicken and rice dog food recipe that will surely make your pup’s tail wag with delight. This complete and balanced recipe combines the goodness of lean chicken, nutritious veggies, and wholesome brown rice to create a balanced and tasty meal for your pet.
Jump to RecipeWith simple, high-quality ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can provide your dog with a healthy homemade dog food recipe that meets their nutritional needs. We’ll guide you through the process of preparing this nourishing chicken and rice dish for your beloved dog using human-grade ingredients.
Vet-Formulated Chicken & Rice Recipe Ingredients
(Yields approximately 9 lbs. Cook time may vary.)*
- 2 lbs 11 oz Ground Chicken Thighs
- Meat only, boneless, skinless
-
- 14 oz Chicken Liver
- Diced or ground
- 11 oz White Rice (dry)
- 6.4 oz Brown Rice (dry)
- 8 oz Kale
- Finely chopped
- 8 oz Carrots
- Finely chopped
- 4.8 oz Green or Red Apples
- Cored, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp Sunflower Oil
- 1/2 Flaxseed Oil
- 1/2 tsp JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil
- 7 1/2 tbsp JustFoodForDogs Chicken & Rice DIY Nutrient Blend
- 2.16 cups water
Note: As with any dog food recipe, it is essential that it is complete and balanced. This recipe will not meet essential nutritional needs without the DIY Nutrient Blend, which is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations. The blend is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA. As such, pet parents must follow this recipe exactly as written.
Chicken Dog Food Recipe Home Cooking Instructions

PREPARATION
1. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables, but if you purchase one or two items frozen, make sure they do not contain added ingredients like salt or sugar.
2. Core the apples and remove the seeds — apple core/seeds can be toxic to dogs.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a nonstick skillet or large pot, brown chicken thighs and chicken liver over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add kale, carrots, and apples while the chicken is slightly pink. Continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are soft. Do not drain. Let the mixture cool until it is warm to the touch.
2. Cook rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, shred chicken.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, including the Omega Oil. Slowly sprinkle in DIY Nutrient Blend until fully mixed.
4. Portion into individual serving sizes and store in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. Stored in the refrigerator, this recipe will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
How Much Chicken and Rice Should You Feed Your Dog?

Use the provided feeding guide to measure how much to feed your dog based on its ideal weight. Monitor your dog and just initial serving size as needed.
Nutritional benefits of this chicken and rice recipe
Instead of using kibble, preparing vet approved homemade diet allows you to have full control over the ingredients and ensures that your dog’s diet has real nutritional value. This homemade chicken and white rice dog food recipe provides the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, potassium, fatty acids, carbs, calcium, and other essential nutrients your dog needs.
By following our step-by-step instructions, you can create a food diet that meets your doggie’s dietary needs and satisfies their taste buds. Treat your furry friend to a homemade delight that showcases your love and care for their well-being. This recipe is suitable for both puppies and adult dogs.
Dog owners: remember to consult with your veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure this pet food recipe aligns with your own dog’s specific dietary requirements. Dogs with digestive issues or food allergies can try our vet-prescribed recipes.
Do you have a healthy dog that’s a picky eater? Try this ground turkey dog food recipe featuring zucchini and carrots. You can also explore the health benefits of preparing homemade ground beef and russet potato recipe for dogs, fish and sweet potato with green beans, lamb and brown rice, and tofu and quinoa dog meals. Don’t forget dog treats!
Related reading: Chicken Breast & Rice for Dogs 101
Instructions for making this recipe in a Crockpot/slow cooker
Instructions for making this recipe in an Instant Pot
*All weights indicated are raw or dry weight.
Prefer to make a smaller batch? This printable PDF includes instructions for full and half batches of food.

Homemade Dog Food with Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 11 oz chicken thighs Meat only, boneless, skinless, diced or ground
- 14 oz chicken liver Diced or ground
- 4.8 oz green or red apples Cored, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 8 oz carrots Finely chopped
- 8 oz kale Finely chopped
- 11 oz white rice dry
- 6.4 oz brown rice dry
- 1½ tsp sunflower oil
- ½ tsp JustFoodForDogs Omega Oil
- ½ tsp flaxseed oil
- 7½ tbsp JustFoodForDogs Chicken & Rice DIY Nutrient Blend
- 2.16 cups water
Instructions
Prep
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables, but if you purchase one or two items frozen, make sure they do not contain added ingredients like salt or sugar.
- Core the apples and remove the seeds — apple core/seeds can be toxic to dogs.
Cooking
- In a nonstick skillet or large pot, brown chicken thighs and chicken liver over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add kale, carrots, and apples while the chicken is slightly pink. Continue cooking until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are soft. Do not drain. Let the mixture cool until it is warm to the touch.
- Cook rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, shred chicken.
Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, including the Omega Oil. Slowly sprinkle in DIY Nutrient Blend until fully mixed.
- Portion into individual serving sizes and store in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. Stored in the refrigerator, this recipe will stay fresh for up to four days. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Notes
FAQ
Can dogs eat homemade chicken and rice every day?
As a snack: in moderation. As a meal: only if it is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards.
How should I store homemade dog food and how long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. In the fridge, it lasts up to four days. In the freezer, 3 months.
Does JustFoodforDogs offer nutrient blends for homemade chicken and rice recipes?
Yes. Pet parents can find our DIY Chicken & Rice nutrient blend online and in stores.
Can puppies eat homemade chicken dog food?
Yes. This recipe and the fish and sweet potato recipe are suitable for puppies and for all life stages.