Can Dogs Eat Chicken and Rice Every Day?

BY MOLLY, EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM - June 2, 2023
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Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs, and rice is an easily digestible carbohydrate source that can provide them with energy.

As long as the chicken and rice are cooked properly, they are both safe to feed your pup.

But is it a good idea to feed them this combo every day?

a dog bowl of grilled chicken and rice

Chicken and rice can make a delicious meal that can form part of an overall balanced diet for dogs. However, relying solely on this combination as a daily diet is not recommended as it will lack the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a dog's health.

Chicken and rice can be a healthy and nutritious option for dogs, as long as it is balanced with other necessary nutrients and fed in the right quantities.

Read on to learn more about this popular canine food option!

Why Feed a Dog a Chicken and Rice Diet?

Chicken is one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. It is a great source of lean protein for dogs and has plenty of nutrients that your dog needs.

Not only is it nutritious but it is lower in calories unlike fattier meats like beef.

If your dog is sick and having stomach issues, chicken is considered a mild food, meaning it is easy on the stomach for a dog that may have an upset tummy.

It’s important to note that some dogs may have a food allergy and be allergic to chicken.

Chicken is one of the most common food allergies among dogs, and it may not be safe to put your dog on a diet of mostly chicken if you’re unsure if they have an allergy to it or not.

Rice is a safe starch that you can feed to your dog.

Like chicken, it is easy for dogs who may have sensitive stomachs to digest.

Rice is a carbohydrate, an important food group that supplies energy to your pup.

Rice can be a great addition to your dog's diet, however, if your dog has diabetes, it may be something to limit as it can affect their blood sugar.

Maintaining a healthy weight and diet for your dog means making sure you are not overloading with too many carbs.

How Long Can a Dog Be on A Chicken and Rice Diet

While chicken and rice can be great additions to your dog's diet, a diet of only chicken and rice is not recommended for more than a few days.

Dogs have certain nutritional needs that a diet of just chicken and rice cannot sustain for a long period of time.

Dogs have six basic nutritional requirements. These requirements are:

  1. Water
  2. Fats
  3. Proteins
  4. Carbohydrates
  5. Minerals
  6. Vitamins

How many of these nutrients' dogs need in a day depends on what life stage they are in.

Life stage refers to whether or not they are a puppy or reproducing, or if they are a full adult. For example, adult dogs need less protein than a puppy or a dog that is pregnant.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the guidelines for how much nutrients a dog needs.

Chicken and rice diets are often given to dogs who have gastrointestinal issues to soothe their stomachs and to help with diarrhea.

There is a difference between feeding your dog homemade dog food of chicken and rice and getting dog food that is labeled as chicken and rice.

Complete and balanced is a term that is used on dog food labels that are to serve as the sole diet for your dog. For dog food to be labeled as such it has to either undergo a food trial or meet the AAFCO requirements for nutrients.

Every nutrient listed on the AAFCO guidelines must be met by food brands. This means that the brand has met all the requirements for the dog food to be provided as the sole food for your dog’s diet.

While homemade chicken and rice aren’t a bad thing, you have to make sure that you are supplementing it and running it by your vet before you feed your dog anything that is prepared at home.

If your dog is not getting the proper nutrients that can start to suffer from deficiencies.

Some common signs that your dog may be suffering from a deficiency are:

  • Lack of energy
  • Disruptive bowel movements
  • Hair loss and susceptible to skin problems
  • Depression

It’s important to make sure that your dog does not suffer from a poor diet, and having your dog on a diet solely of chicken and rice may not be the best course of action.

Instead, make sure you are incorporating other sources of nutrients into their diet along with it the chicken and rice!

How Much Can You Feed Cooked Chicken to a Dog Daily?

You’ve thought it through and done your research, and now you want to give your dog cooked chicken.

So how much chicken can you feed your dog on a daily basis?

If you are feeding your dog a homemade fresh food diet, you’re probably wondering how much chicken you can feed your pup.

The amount of chicken and rice a dog should have per day depends on several factors, including the dog's size, age, activity level, and overall health.

It's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding amounts for your specific dog's needs.

However, as a general guideline, small dogs typically require around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per meal, while large dogs will need approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of food per meal.

How to Prepare Chicken and Rice

When feeding your dog chicken and rice there are certain ways you need to prepare it.

For example, despite the growing trend of raw diets, dogs that eat raw chicken may be exposed to salmonella.

Dogs can consume chicken that is boneless and unseasoned. Whether it be boiled, poached, or baked.

Dogs should not eat chicken bones as they can break off or splinter and hurt the intestinal tract, or cause them to choke.

Rice should be steamed or boiled and should not contain any seasonings or butter when cooking.

This runs the possibility of upsetting your dog's tummies.

While white rice has fewer nutrients than brown rice, brown rice is harder for dogs to digest but is still an option for those wanting to try different kinds of rice.

Brown rice has B2, which includes a healthy dose of calcium, iron, and other nutrients your dog can benefit from.

When deciding between brown rice and white rice for your dog, consider their specific needs.

If your dog requires more fiber or has digestive issues, brown rice may be a better choice. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs a bland diet, white rice may be more suitable.

The amount of chicken and rice needed can vary depending on the specific dog's size, dietary needs, and the overall composition of the meal.

As a general guideline, you can start with a ratio of 50% chicken to 50% rice.

To calculate the actual amounts, you can follow these steps:

  1. Determine the total amount of food your dog needs per meal based on its weight and nutritional requirements. This can vary, but let's assume it's 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) of food for this example.
  2. Divide the total amount of food by the ratio. In this case, you'll divide it equally between chicken and rice, so it would be 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces) of chicken and 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces) of rice.
  3. Cook the chicken and rice separately, ensuring they are both fully cooked and suitable for your dog's consumption.
  4. Combine the cooked chicken and rice in a bowl, mixing them thoroughly.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the specific portion sizes and dietary needs for your dog.

They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's individual characteristics and health requirements.

In summary, 

Chicken and rice can be great additions to your dog’s diet, but should not be the only thing they consume on a daily basis.

Chicken has a great source of protein that can keep your dog fit while rice is a good carbohydrate in moderate doses.

A chicken and rice diet is often used as a temporary diet for dogs who may be suffering from stomach issues.

It is soft enough on the stomach for them to easily digest.

This diet should only be followed per vets orders or for a couple of days as your dog can lose vital nutrients or develop a deficiency if not given the proper diet.

This chicken should be cooked without any seasonings and is suggested it be boiled or baked.

For rice, it should also be boiled or steamed, without using any seasonings or butter.

As with any dietary changes, it's recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best choice for your dog based on their individual health and dietary requirements.

Overall, there is nothing wrong with feeding your dog chicken and rice, as long as you’re making sure that all their nutrient needs are being met!

Learn more about the Signs and Symptoms of Dog Nutritional Deficiencies from Vetericyn, a website about animal wellness.