Homemade Chicken and Cabbage Dog Food Recipe

So if you’re here, I already know one thing about you — you’re a total rockstar dog parent. 💪🐶

You’re not just buying whatever food bag happens to be on sale at the store. You’re actually putting time, energy, and effort into making sure your little fluffball is eating right.

And yeah, that’s kind of a big deal. 👏👏👏

Because let’s be real, dogs aren’t just “pets.” They’re family. They’re your best friend who sits next to you while you’re binge-watching Netflix. They’re the first one to greet you when you come home (even if you’ve only been gone for ten minutes). And they probably think you’re the greatest human who ever lived.

So making them food that’s actually homemade and healthy? That’s love.

And today I’ve got a super simple and nutritious recipe using chicken and cabbage that’s going to have your pup licking their bowl clean and maybe even asking for seconds. (And by asking, I mean staring at you with those big eyes until you cave.)

Let’s do this.

What You’ll Need

Here’s the full list of ingredients to whip up a balanced and gentle-on-the-tummy meal for your fur baby:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup green cabbage, chopped (and cooked!)
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

That’s it. No fillers. No preservatives. Just simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. 👍

Tools You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here! I’m not asking you to pull out a blowtorch or spiralizer or anything weird. This is what you’ll need:

• One large pot or Dutch oven
• A solid cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon or spatula

You could do this in your sleep. (Well… don’t. Use knives awake.)

Here’s How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into small bite-sized chunks. You don’t need to be super precise here. Just make them easy for your pup to chew.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat up the olive oil in your pot on medium heat. Toss the chicken in and cook it until it’s no longer pink. You don’t need to brown it — just make sure it’s fully cooked through.
3. Add the veggies: Stir in the chopped carrots and cooked cabbage. Let it all cook together for about 5 minutes. The goal is to soften everything up, especially the carrots.
4. Add rice and liquid: Dump in your already-cooked brown rice, then pour in the water or low-sodium broth. Stir everything together so the flavors start getting friendly with each other.
5. Simmer down: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for 10–15 minutes. Not only does this help all the ingredients blend together, but it also makes your kitchen smell pretty amazing.
6. Cool it: Super important — let the food cool down to room temp before serving. You don’t want to give your dog a hot bowl of food. Test it with your hand. If it feels slightly warm or cool, you’re good to go.
7. Serve with love: Scoop out the right portion for your pup based on their size and appetite. And then? Watch them go to town.

Pro Tips From Experience (AKA: Stuff I Wish I Knew Sooner)

1. Cook that cabbage Raw cabbage can make dogs super gassy. And unless you’re trying to fumigate your house, cook it first. Trust me.
2. Keep it unseasoned It’s tempting to add salt or garlic or whatever you’d normally use. But don’t. Dogs don’t need it, and some seasonings are actually toxic (looking at you, onions).
3. Make it in batches This meal freezes like a dream. Make double or even triple the recipe and store it for future meals. Future-you will thank you.
4. Start small If this is your dog’s first time eating homemade food, start with a small portion and see how they do. Their digestive systems are sensitive (but also, they’re champs).
5. Check with your vet Not because this isn’t a great recipe (it is), but because every dog has different needs. Always smart to make sure this fits your dog’s personal health plan.

Substitutions and Variations (Because Sometimes You’re Out of Stuff)

• No chicken? Try turkey or lean ground beef.
• No brown rice? Quinoa or oats are also great options.
• No cabbage? Green beans, peas, or zucchini work too.
• Want to add extras? A spoonful of pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling) or a sprinkle of parsley is great for digestion.

This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to make it your own as long as you’re keeping everything dog-safe.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep isn’t just for humans. 😄

• Fridge life: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer life: Divide into portions, freeze, and thaw overnight when ready.
• Quick heat: Warm it slightly before serving, especially if it came out of the fridge. But always check the temperature first. No hot surprises.

Leftovers & Storage

If you’ve got extra (which, honestly, your dog might not let happen), here’s how to handle it:

• Refrigerator: Keeps for about 3 days.
• Freezer: Stays good for 1–2 months.
• Serving tip: Slightly warm it up if it’s been in the fridge, but let it cool before serving.

And please don’t reheat it in the microwave on high. Uneven heating = hot spots. Nobody wants that.

Nutrition Breakdown (Roughly per Serving)

Let’s just say your dog is going to be eating better than most humans.

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbs: ~18g
• Fat: ~9g
• Fiber: Good! (Thanks carrots and cabbage!)
• Preservatives and mystery chemicals: 0

If you’re worried about macros or balancing nutrients long-term, there are canine multivitamin powders you can add — just ask your vet which one’s best.

Meal Pairing Ideas (For Dogs, Not You… Unless?)

• A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (hello, probiotics)
• A small side of mashed sweet potato
• A dog-safe treat after (they’ll remember forever)
• A little training session after mealtime to burn off some excited energy

FAQ Time

Can I use red cabbage instead of green? You can, but green is typically a little easier on your pup’s tummy. Red cabbage has more antioxidants, though, so if your dog tolerates it well, go for it!

What portion should I give my dog? Totally depends on size, age, and activity. A good starting point is around 1 cup per 25 pounds of body weight, but again, your vet is your go-to for exact advice.

Can I add supplements to this? Sure can! Omega-3s, dog-specific multivitamins, or glucosamine powder can all be added. Just make sure it’s designed for dogs — not humans.

Can I feed this daily? You can, but dogs need variety too! Try rotating this recipe with other homemade options or quality commercial food to keep things balanced.

Wrap Up

Okay, so real talk — you just learned how to cook your dog a homemade meal that’s way healthier than 90% of the kibble out there.

You should feel pretty darn good about that. 🎉

Not only are you giving your dog a meal made with real ingredients, but you’re also cutting out unnecessary junk. Plus, you get to be that amazing dog parent who makes their dog’s food. That’s a flex.

So try this out, watch your pup’s reaction, and let me know how it went! I’d love to hear if they devoured it, if you added your own twist, or even if your dog turned up their nose (hey, it happens). Leave a comment with your experience or any questions and I’ll do my best to help!