When your beloved dog is dealing with tummy trouble, your first instinct is to help them feel better—safely and naturally. That’s where a chicken and rice bland dog food recipe comes in. This simple, vet-approved meal has helped thousands of dogs recover from upset stomachs, diarrhea, and minor digestive issues. But it’s not just about plain chicken and rice thrown into a bowl. There’s a right way to prepare it, portion it, and feed it.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything: from how to cook it correctly to how long to serve it—and even how to make it less boring without compromising your dog’s health.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe
What Is a Bland Diet for Dogs?
A bland diet is exactly what it sounds like: a simple, mild meal that’s easy on your dog’s digestive system. It’s typically prescribed when a dog is experiencing:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stress-related indigestion
- Transitioning off a rich or allergenic food
By removing fats, seasonings, and fiber-rich ingredients, a bland diet like chicken and rice gives your dog’s gut a chance to heal.
When Should You Use a Bland Diet?
You can safely feed your dog Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe for 2–3 days when:
- They’ve had 12–24 hours of no food after vomiting
- They’re recovering from a minor illness
- They’re just off a fast due to digestive upset
Important: If your dog’s symptoms last longer than 48 hours, contact your vet.
Why Chicken and Rice Work So Well for Upset Stomachs
Benefits of Chicken for Dogs
Lean chicken breast is:
- Rich in protein to support muscle maintenance
- Low in fat if skinless
- Highly digestible for sensitive stomachs
It offers essential amino acids without overloading your dog’s system during recovery.
Why White Rice Helps Calm the Gut
White rice is easy to digest and helps:
- Bulk up stools for dogs with diarrhea
- Soak up excess fluids in the GI tract
- Provide quick energy without irritating the stomach
Brown rice is healthier in general, but for bland diets, white rice is preferred because it’s gentler on digestion.
How to Make a Safe Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Breast | 1 cup (cooked & shredded) |
| White Rice | 2 cups (cooked) |
| Water | Enough to boil |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Chicken
Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot of plain water. Boil until fully cooked—no seasonings! - Shred the Chicken
Remove from pot, cool slightly, then shred into bite-size pieces. - Cook the Rice
In a separate pot, cook white rice using only water (no oil or salt). - Mix in a 1:2 Ratio
One part chicken to two parts rice. - Cool Before Serving
Let the meal cool to room temperature before feeding your dog.
Safety Tips
- Never use onions, garlic, or seasonings—they’re toxic to dogs.
- Keep portions small.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ratio Matters – How Much Chicken vs. Rice?
Recommended Chicken to Rice Ratio
The best vet-approved ratio is 1 part cooked chicken to 2 parts cooked rice.
| Dog Size | Chicken | Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1/3 cup | 2/3 cup |
| Medium | 1/2 cup | 1 cup |
| Large | 1 cup | 2 cups |
Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s weight and appetite.
Feeding Frequency
Feed your dog 2–3 smaller meals per day instead of one big one. Gradually reintroduce their normal diet after 2–3 days if symptoms improve.
Making It Less Bland – Taste Without Trouble
Looking to add some variety while keeping things gentle? Eggs can be a great bland diet alternative for dogs during recovery—easy to prepare, rich in protein, and highly digestible.
👉 Discover how to safely use eggs in a bland diet for dogs
Safe Add-Ins
If your dog is turning their nose up, here are safe and soothing additions you can try (in small amounts):
- Plain pumpkin purée
- Boiled sweet potato
- Bone broth (low sodium)
- Pea-sized scrambled eggs (no butter/oil)
What to Avoid
- Butter, oils, and fats
- Onion, garlic, or spices
- Store-bought chicken broth
- Dairy products
Keeping it natural and simple is key.
Signs the Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe Is Working
When your dog isn’t feeling their best, it’s easy to feel helpless. But once you start them on a chicken and rice bland dog food recipe, you’ll likely start seeing signs of improvement within 24 to 48 hours. The key is to pay close attention—not just to their stool, but also to energy levels, hydration, and overall demeanor.
Here’s how you can tell if your dog is on the mend, and when it might be time to move them back to their regular food.
1. Firmer, More Regular Stools
One of the first signs that Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe are working is improved bowel movements. If your dog had diarrhea, you should begin to see:
- Less frequent accidents
- Firmer stools that are brown or tan in color
- Reduced urgency to go outside
This change usually occurs within 24–36 hours after starting the bland diet. Keep a close eye on color and consistency—any signs of blood, black tarry stool, or persistent diarrhea should warrant a vet visit.
2. No More Vomiting or Nausea
If vomiting was the issue, bland food helps settle the stomach quickly. Here’s what improvement may look like:
- Your dog keeps food down without vomiting
- No more dry heaving or drooling (signs of nausea)
- Improved appetite and willingness to eat again
Offer small portions to start. Too much at once—even of bland food—can trigger another upset.
3. Rehydration and Better Energy
A sick dog often appears lethargic, and dehydration only makes it worse. While bland food won’t replace fluids like an IV would, it helps:
- Keep food down, which encourages water intake
- Stabilize energy levels slowly
- Return your dog to their more active self
Try to get your dog to drink small amounts of cool, fresh water consistently. If they’re not drinking, offer a few teaspoons of low-sodium bone broth to tempt them.
4. Appetite Starts Returning
A good sign that your dog is recovering is a return to a healthy appetite:
- They eagerly approach their food bowl
- They finish meals without hesitation
- They seem interested in treats again (but hold off for now!)
This is your signal that they may be ready for a transition off the bland diet—provided all other symptoms are gone too.
5. Time to Transition: When and How
A chicken and rice bland dog food recipe is not intended for long-term use. It’s low in fat and fiber, and lacks certain essential nutrients. Most dogs only need to be on it for 2 to 3 days before starting to mix in their regular food.
Here’s a safe transition schedule:
| Day | Bland Food | Regular Dog Food |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 3 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 4 | 0% | 100% |
Make sure to monitor your dog during the switch. If symptoms return, go back to 100% bland food and consult your vet.
Warning Signs It’s Not Working
Even the best chicken and rice bland dog food recipe can’t solve every issue. If you notice any of the following, stop the bland diet and call your vet:
- No improvement after 48 hours
- Bloody or black stool
- Repeated vomiting
- Extreme lethargy
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
Personalized Tips for Sensitive Dogs
If your dog has allergies or long-term food sensitivities, talk to your vet about alternatives to chicken and rice, such as:
- Turkey and sweet potato (easier for some dogs to digest)
- Boiled ground beef and oats (low-fat versions only)
- Prescription GI diets for chronic conditions
👉 Learn more about how to craft balanced meals for sensitive dogs
Nutritional Tip from Our Kitchen
“Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe soothe the tummy, but balance is the key. Once your pup is feeling better, it’s important to reintroduce healthy fats, fiber, and diverse nutrients into their meals.”
Try rotating in gently cooked vegetables like carrots or zucchini, and incorporate omega-3s through dog-safe oils.
In Summary
Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe work wonders—but only when used properly. With attentive care and portion control, you’ll see signs of recovery within a couple of days. Transition slowly, keep an eye on the signs, and always trust your instincts as a loving dog parent.
Because here at Home Dog Recipes, we know healing starts in the bowl—and in your heart.
Long-Term Nutrition – Don’t Stick to Bland Too Long
While Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe are healing, they’re not balanced long-term.
How to Transition to Balanced Homemade Meals
Once your dog recovers, switch to complete recipes that include:
- Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, fish
- Vegetables: carrots, peas, spinach
- Healthy grains: brown rice, oats, quinoa
- Oils: flaxseed, fish oil
- Supplements: calcium, vitamin E, omega-3s
FAQs About Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe
How do you make bland chicken and rice for dogs?
Boil plain chicken breast, cook white rice separately, and mix in a 1:2 ratio with no seasonings.
Is chicken and rice a bland diet for dogs?
Yes. It’s a classic bland diet that soothes digestive issues and is easy to digest.
What is the ratio of chicken to rice for a bland diet?
Use 1 part chicken to 2 parts white rice for best results.
How do you make chicken and rice less bland?
Add vet-approved flavors like plain pumpkin, bone broth, or boiled sweet potato in small amounts.
Do dogs poop less on chicken and rice?
Yes, since it’s easy to digest, your dog may produce less stool and firmer waste.
How to make balanced homemade dog food?
Include protein, carbs, vegetables, healthy fats, and supplements. Rotate ingredients for variety.
Conclusion – Homemade Healing Comes from the Heart
Feeding your dog a chicken and rice bland dog food recipe during a time of tummy trouble isn’t just about helping them heal—it’s about showing love, care, and responsibility. This simple, gentle meal does wonders to comfort your dog physically and emotionally. When it’s time to transition, continue prioritizing whole, nutritious ingredients for their long-term health.
Because at Home Dog Recipes, we believe every meal should come from a place of love and trust.
Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked & shredded)
2 cups white rice (cooked)
3 cups water (for boiling)
Optional (if allowed in recovery stage):
1 tbsp plain pumpkin purée (optional)
1 tbsp low-sodium bone broth (optional)
Instructions
Add chicken breast to a pot with water and boil until fully cooked (no seasoning).
Remove chicken and shred it into small bite-sized pieces.
In a separate pot, cook white rice using only water.
Mix 1 part shredded chicken to 2 parts white rice.
Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving to your dog.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
- This meal is for short-term digestive recovery only and not balanced for long-term use.
- Avoid adding seasoning, oils, or butter.
1 thought on “Chicken and Rice Bland Dog Food Recipe – The Best 2025 Vet Guide”