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Homemade Dog Food for Picky Eaters (Chicken, Rice & Veggies)

A gentle, appetite-tempting fresh food for fussy small dogs — simmered chicken, soft rice, carrots, green beans, and pumpkin, served lukewarm so the aroma does the persuading. Perfect in rotation or as an irresistible topper.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 5 cups
Course: Dog Food
Cuisine: Pet
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (450 g)
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 cup carrots finely diced
  • 1 cup green beans chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup plain canned pumpkin 100% pumpkin, NOT pie filling
  • 1 tsp olive oil or salmon oil optional
  • Water for cooking

Method
 

  1. Simmer the chicken in water until cooked through, 15–20 minutes (165°F / 74°C inside). Keep the cooking water.
  2. Remove the chicken and shred it finely by hand or with two forks, checking for any bone or gristle.
  3. Cook the rice in the chicken cooking water until soft, about 15–18 minutes.
  4. Simmer or steam the carrots and green beans until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Combine the chicken, rice, and vegetables; stir in the pumpkin and oil.
  6. Cool to lukewarm and serve warm — never hot. Serve the portion for your dog's size.

Notes

NEVER add onion, garlic, salt, or seasoning — onion and garlic are toxic to dogs. Use boneless chicken only. NOT a complete-and-balanced diet on its own: best for rotational/occasional feeding or as a topper. For daily long-term homemade feeding, ask your vet or add a vet-formulated nutrient balancer (calcium — e.g., finely ground eggshell or a balancer product — is the common gap). Introduce gradually (7-day mix schedule in the post) to avoid tummy upset. Storage: fridge 3–4 days (airtight); freezer in portions up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm gently to lukewarm before serving. Portions are a rough starting guide only — adjust to your dog's body condition.