Making a nutritious, homemade dog meal doesn’t have to feel complicated or intimidating. In fact, it can be one of the most helpful things to do for a furry friend’s health, especially when looking for something wholesome, gentle, and easy on the stomach.
This simple chicken and rice casserole is one of those meals that’s packed with nutrients, full of flavor (well, dog-approved flavor), and way better than a lot of overly processed commercial dog foods. And if the goal is to give a pup something filling, satisfying, and made with love — then this is definitely a go-to recipe to keep on hand.
Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs, ideal for those wanting to avoid unnecessary fillers, and super easy to portion out throughout the week.
So if the plan is to cook once and feed well for days, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes to make. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and surprisingly quick to throw together.
Let’s make something that a pup will be very excited to see in their bowl.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded, no seasonings or sauces)
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (free of garlic and onion)
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped spinach (optional, but a great green to add)
Pro Tips
1. Use unseasoned chicken only. Dogs can’t tolerate salt, garlic, onions, or other common seasonings — so make sure any cooked chicken is plain. A boiled or baked chicken breast with no oils or spices is ideal.
2. Dice veggies small. This helps everything cook evenly and makes the casserole easier to digest. No need to puree — just a nice, fine chop is all that’s needed.
3. Let it cool completely. While it can be tempting to serve right away, make sure the casserole is cooled to room temperature. Dogs are sensitive to hot food and this avoids any accidental burns.
4. Consider age and size when portioning. Small dogs, large dogs, active dogs, older dogs — they all have different needs. Use general feeding guidelines or check with a vet to get the best portion for your dog’s size and activity level.
5. Stick to dog-safe ingredients. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and certain spices are toxic to dogs. Always double check new add-ins before including them.
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 medium casserole dish
- Cutting board & knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
- Spoon or spatula
No special equipment needed — just basic kitchen tools that are already lying around.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few easy swaps that still keep the recipe dog-friendly and nutritious.
Protein swaps:
- Turkey breast can replace chicken for variety or allergy concerns.
- Lean ground turkey or beef (fully cooked and drained) can work as well.
Grain options:
- White rice is a gentler alternative for dogs with especially sensitive digestion.
- Quinoa is another option, offering higher protein and fiber.
Vegetable add-ins:
- Green beans, sweet potatoes, or zucchini can be chopped and included.
- Avoid starchy vegetables like corn or anything with tough skins or seeds.
Flavor booster (optional):
- A tablespoon of plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree can help digestion and give a fiber boost.
- A pinch of turmeric (no pepper) can add anti-inflammatory benefits, but always confirm with a vet first.
Make Ahead Tips
This casserole is a great meal-prep option for dogs.
- Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, portion out servings into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before serving.
This is especially helpful for busy weeks or when prepping meals for multiple dogs.
How to Make the Chicken & Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while assembling the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the rice No need to pre-cook the rice. It will absorb moisture from the broth while baking, so just measure and rinse.
Step 3: Combine ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked brown rice, shredded chicken, chopped carrots, peas, and chopped spinach. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to evenly combine everything.
Step 4: Transfer to baking dish Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Step 5: Cover and bake Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is soft and the vegetables are fully tender. Remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes if a firmer texture is desired.
Step 6: Cool completely Before serving, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Divide into dog-friendly portions once cooled.
Nutritional Breakdown (approx. per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: Low (from low-sodium broth only)
Nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and portions.
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Freezer:
- Store in pre-portioned containers for easy use.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before feeding.
Reheating tips:
- Avoid using a microwave to serve directly to dogs.
- If reheating, ensure food isn’t too hot before serving.
FAQs
Can this be a full-time dog food replacement? This recipe is a great temporary or supplemental option but isn’t considered a fully balanced dog food on its own. Consult a vet for long-term diet planning.
Is white rice better than brown rice for dogs? White rice is easier on the stomach, especially during digestive upset. Brown rice offers more nutrients but can be harder to digest for some dogs.
Can frozen vegetables be used? Yes. Frozen peas and carrots are perfectly fine — just make sure they’re thawed and not seasoned.
How often can this be served? For healthy adult dogs, this casserole can be used as a meal a few times per week. For everyday use, it may need to be adjusted to meet complete nutritional needs.
What’s the best way to serve it? Serve at room temperature in the dog’s usual bowl, portioned according to size and weight. No garnishes or sauces needed.
Final Thoughts
Homemade meals for dogs can feel like a big step, but it’s one of the most caring things that can be done. This easy chicken and rice casserole is just the beginning of creating nourishing, simple, homemade meals for pets. It’s budget-friendly, filled with whole ingredients, and easy to make in batches.
So whether it’s a treat meal, part of a sensitive stomach recovery plan, or a way to cut down on processed dog food, this recipe is one that brings health and happiness to mealtime.
Give it a try, share how it went in the comments, and feel free to ask any questions about variations or substitutions!
