Cheesy Chicken & Rice Dog Treat Recipe
Ok, let’s just call it what it is.
You feel like spoiling your dog. Not in the “let me buy you a new squeaky donut toy again because you destroyed the last one in 3 minutes” way — but in the “I’m going to bake you homemade treats with real ingredients because I love you that much” kind of way.
And honestly? That’s adorable.
Now before you roll your eyes at yourself for turning into that kind of pet parent — just know you’re not alone. I mean, who doesn’t want to make something cheesy and wholesome for the one creature in your house who thinks you’re a literal god every time you open the fridge?
If you’ve got a little leftover rice, some chicken, and a pinch of cheddar lying around… we’re making these treats today. Like right now. Let’s go.
Let’s Talk About Why These Are Awesome
Three words: real ingredients only.
Because dogs deserve snacks made with the same kind of love (and slightly irrational food enthusiasm) that we put into our own Sunday morning pancakes.
Here’s what these treats have going for them:
- Chicken for protein. Dogs love it. You love it. It’s a win.
- Brown rice for fiber and carbs.
- Cheese for flavor (and yes, the happy dance they’ll do when they smell it).
- Thyme, which is actually safe for dogs in small amounts and gives it a nice earthy kick.
- Brown rice flour for a simple, dog-friendly binder.
No weird chemicals. No “why is this ingredient unpronounceable?” moment. Just easy stuff.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked & chopped chicken breast | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked brown rice | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped thyme leaves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Grated cheese (cheddar works) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown rice flour | 1 cup |
That’s it. You probably already have most of this in your kitchen. If not, a quick run to the store and you’re golden.
Tools You’ll Need
Keep it simple, no fancy dog-treat-extruder required. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender (optional but helpful)
- Fork (for flattening)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Your oven (obviously)
- Airtight container for storing treats later
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Before You Get Started — Read These Pro Tips
Just trust me on this. A few little tweaks here can make these treats go from “pretty good” to “my dog would push me off a cliff for another one.”
1. Cool the rice and chicken before blending.
Hot ingredients = mushy texture. Let things chill first.
2. Use fresh thyme if possible.
It smells better, and it’s easier to chop. Dried works in a pinch, but a little goes a long way.
3. If your dough is too sticky to roll, add a little extra flour.
Not much. Just enough so it’s easy to shape into small balls.
4. Use a fork to flatten.
Not just because it’s cute, but because it helps them bake evenly.
5. Let them cool inside the oven with the door slightly cracked.
This dries them out a bit more — which makes for a crunchier, longer-lasting treat.
Substitutions & Variations
You know your pup better than I do. So if something doesn’t sit right (or you’re just out of an ingredient), here are some ways to tweak the recipe:
| If You’re Out Of… | Try This Instead |
|---|---|
| Brown rice | Quinoa or plain white rice |
| Chicken | Turkey or lean ground beef |
| Cheddar cheese | Cottage cheese (low sodium) |
| Brown rice flour | Oat flour or whole wheat flour (check for allergies) |
| Thyme | Parsley (great breath freshener) |
Want to Prep Ahead?
Yes, you can absolutely make the dough ahead of time.
Here’s the trick:
Mix it up, cover it, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then when you’re ready, just roll it, flatten it, and bake. You could even freeze the unbaked dough balls and just pull a few out when you need them.
Meal prepping for your dog. Who even are you anymore?
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Rice Dog Treats
Let’s get down to it.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Blend the chicken, rice, and thyme.
Use a food processor or blender. You want a crumbly, paste-like texture — not soup.
Step 3: Mix everything in a bowl.
Add the cheese and flour to your blended mixture and stir it up until a dough forms.
Step 4: Roll into small balls.
Aim for ½-inch diameter — perfect for treat size.
Step 5: Flatten gently with a fork.
Gives them a good shape and helps them cook evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 10–15 minutes.
You’re looking for slightly golden edges. Don’t overdo it — they’ll keep cooking a bit after you turn the oven off.
Step 7: Let them cool in the oven.
Turn the oven off, crack the door, and leave them in there for another 10–15 minutes. Then cool completely on a rack before storing.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Here’s the deal:
- In the fridge: Good for up to 1 week. Store in an airtight container.
- In the freezer: Up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving (or don’t — some dogs like cold snacks, weirdly enough).
Bonus: These also make a great gift for fellow dog parents. Just pop them in a cute little bag and watch your reputation skyrocket.
Nutritional & Diet Notes
While this isn’t a “low fat” treat, it’s made from real, whole food ingredients. So it beats the pants off of store-bought treats with 19 mystery ingredients and preservatives.
| Component | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Lean protein for muscle health |
| Brown rice | Gentle on digestion, fiber-rich |
| Cheese | Adds calcium + irresistible taste |
| Thyme | Antioxidants + digestive support |
| Rice flour | Gluten-free, low allergen option |
For dogs with allergies:
Use oat flour instead of wheat. Swap out cheese if dairy-sensitive. Always start with a small portion to test new ingredients.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes! Just chop everything super fine and mix by hand. More rustic, but it works.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog?
Think of them like dessert — a few a day, depending on your dog’s size. Always balance with their regular meals.
Q: My dog’s picky. What if they don’t like it?
Try switching the protein or cheese type. You can also crumble the treat over their regular food to make it more appealing.
Q: Can I make these crunchier?
Absolutely. Bake them a few minutes longer, or leave them in the oven (turned off) for an hour to dry out even more.
Wrap Up
Look, I get it — you could’ve just bought a bag of treats at the store. But you didn’t. You made something with your own hands because you love that little furball.
And that? That’s awesome.
These Cheesy Chicken & Rice Dog Treats aren’t just a recipe. They’re a little act of love that smells like cheddar and makes tails go berserk.
Try them out, and let me know how it went. Did your dog like them? Any hilarious kitchen fails or adorable reaction pics? Share in the comments — I genuinely want to hear from you.
And if you’ve got another dog treat flavor combo you want to try next, I’m all ears. Well… maybe not as much as your dog.
