homemade dog food with chicken thighs

Dog Food Recipes with Chicken: 11 Healthy and Homemade Favorites!

Dog food recipes with chicken are a great way to provide your furry companion with a healthy and delicious meal. Chicken is a great source of protein and can be prepared in a variety of ways to keep your dogs taste buds happy.

Making your own dog food with chicken is also a great way to ensure that your pet is getting all the necessary nutrients they need. By using fresh, whole ingredients, you can avoid the preservatives and additives found in many commercial dog foods.

However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dogs diet. They can provide guidance on the appropriate portion sizes and ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes with Chicken

Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice

This simple recipe combines chicken, rice, and water in a pot and simmers until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. For added nutrition, you can add some chopped vegetables like carrots or green beans.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chopped carrots (optional)
• 1 cup chopped green beans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, rice, and water.
2. If using, add the chopped carrots and green beans to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine.
7. Let the mixture cool before serving it to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutrition. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Recipe 2: Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe is similar to the first, but with the addition of vegetables. You can use any vegetables that your dog likes, such as broccoli, peas, or sweet potatoes. Simply chop them up and add them to the pot with the chicken and rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, peas, or sweet potatoes)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, rice, vegetables, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine.
6. Let the mixture cool before serving it to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can use any vegetables that your dog likes or that are safe for dogs to eat. Make sure to chop them up into small pieces so that they cook evenly with the rice and chicken.

Recipe 3: Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It combines chicken, sweet potatoes, and a little bit of chicken broth for added flavor. Simply cook the chicken and sweet potatoes in a pot until tender, then mash them together.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, sweet potatoes, and chicken broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
5. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth.
6. Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the sweet potatoes and stir well to combine.
7. Let the mixture cool before serving it to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some chopped vegetables to this recipe for added nutrition. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and sweet potatoes.

Recipe 4: Chicken and Zucchini Skillet for Dogs

This recipe is a little more complex, but still easy to make. It combines chicken, zucchini, and a few other ingredients in a skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and the zucchini is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook until fork-tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool.
6. Serve the chicken and zucchini mixture to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots or green beans. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and zucchini.

Recipe 5: Chicken and Oats

This recipe is a great option for dogs that need a little extra fiber in their diet. It combines chicken, oats, and a few other ingredients like carrots and peas in a pot. Cook until the oats are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, rolled oats, chicken broth, chopped carrots, and frozen peas.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the oats are fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Serve the chicken and oats mixture to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped green beans or sweet potatoes. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and oats.

Recipe 6: Chicken and Beef Meatballs

This recipe is a fun way to mix up your dogs diet. It combines ground chicken and beef, along with a few other ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs, to make meatballs. Bake in the oven until cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped carrots, and chopped green beans.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Use a small scoop to portion out the meatball mixture.
5. Use wet hands to roll the mixture into meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool.
8. Serve the chicken and beef meatballs to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for added variety. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Recipe 7: Chicken and Egg Scramble

This recipe is a great option for dogs that love eggs. It combines chicken, eggs, and a few other ingredients like spinach and cheese in a skillet. Cook until the eggs are scrambled and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (skip for overweight dogs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, chopped spinach, and shredded cheese.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
5. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are scrambled and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool.
8. Serve the chicken and egg scramble to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots or zucchini. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and eggs.

Recipe 8: Chicken and Pork Crock-Pot

This recipe is perfect for busy pet owners. It combines chicken, pork, and a few other ingredients like sweet potatoes and green beans in a crock-pot. Cook on low for several hours until everything is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb boneless pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. In a crock-pot, combine the chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, green beans, and chicken broth.
2. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken and pork are fully cooked and the sweet potatoes and green beans are tender.
3. Remove the mixture from the crock-pot and let it cool.
4. Serve the chicken and pork crock-pot to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots or zucchini. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and pork.

Recipe 9: Chicken and Butternut Squash

This recipe is a great option for dogs that need a little extra vitamin A in their diet. It combines chicken, butternut squash, and a few other ingredients like brown rice and chicken broth in a pot. Cook until everything is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, butternut squash, brown rice, chicken broth, and chopped carrots.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken and butternut squash are tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Serve the chicken and butternut squash mixture to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped green beans or peas. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and butternut squash.

Recipe 10: Chicken and Quinoa

This recipe is a great option for dogs that need a little extra protein in their diet. It combines chicken, quinoa, and a few other ingredients like carrots and peas in a pot. Cook until the quinoa is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, quinoa, chicken broth, chopped carrots, and frozen peas.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Serve the chicken and quinoa mixture to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped zucchini or green beans. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and quinoa.

Recipe 11: Chicken and Spinach

This recipe is a great option for dogs that need a little extra iron in their diet. It combines chicken, spinach, and a few other ingredients like brown rice and chicken broth in a pot. Cook until everything is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped carrots

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, brown rice, chicken broth, chopped spinach, and chopped carrots.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken and vegetables are tender.
4. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Serve the chicken and spinach mixture to your dog in appropriate portions.

Note: You can also add some other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped zucchini or green beans. Just make sure they are safe for dogs to eat and chop them up into small pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and spinach.

Inspired by:

Why Chicken is a Great Protein Source for Dogs

Chicken is a popular protein source in many dog food recipes. It is a lean meat that is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Chicken also contains essential amino acids that dogs need to thrive.

In addition to being a great source of protein, chicken is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin B6, which is important for brain function and immune system health. Chicken also contains niacin, which is essential for energy production and healthy skin.

When choosing a dog food recipe that includes chicken, it is important to select high-quality, lean cuts of meat. Avoid using chicken that has been heavily processed or contains added preservatives. Look for recipes that include other healthy ingredients, such as whole grains and vegetables, to ensure that your dog is getting a balanced diet.

Overall, chicken is a great protein source for dogs. It is a lean, nutrient-rich meat that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating chicken into your dogs diet can help support their overall health and well-being.

Source: American Kennel Club

Supplements to Add to Your Chicken Dog Food Recipe

To ensure that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients, it is important to add supplements to their chicken dog food recipe. Here are some supplements to consider:

• Protein Source: Chicken is already a great source of protein, but you can add even more by including supplements like eggs, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt.
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids: To promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, consider adding supplements like sunflower seeds or flaxseed oil to your dogs food.
• Calcium Carbonate: To ensure that your dogs bones stay strong, consider adding calcium carbonate to their food. You can find this supplement at most pet stores.
• Vitamin E: To support your dogs immune system, consider adding vitamin E to their food. You can find this supplement in most health food stores.
• Eggshells: If you want to add more calcium to your dogs food, consider crushing up eggshells and sprinkling them on top.

Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dogs diet.

Source: AKC

How to Make Homemade Chicken Dog Food

Making homemade chicken dog food is a great way to ensure your furry friend is getting a healthy and nutritious meal. Heres how to make it:

1. Start by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or grill them. Make sure they are fully cooked before using them in the recipe.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool and then shred it into small pieces. You can use a food processor to pulse the chicken if you prefer.
3. Add cooked brown rice, sweet potatoes, and green beans to the shredded chicken. These ingredients are all healthy for dogs and provide essential nutrients.
4. Mix everything together well. You can add a little bit of water if the mixture is too dry.
5. Portion out the dog food into serving sizes and freeze them. This will make it easy to grab and serve when its time for your pups meal.

By making your own dog food, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your furry friend is getting a healthy and balanced meal. Plus, its a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your dog!

Source: AKC

Commercial Dog Food with Chicken

Commercial dog food with chicken is a popular choice among pet owners. Chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs and is often used in commercial dog food products. It is essential to choose a high-quality dog food that is nutritionally balanced and meets the dietary needs of your furry friend.

Nutritional analysis of commercial dog food with chicken shows that it contains high levels of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

When selecting commercial dog food with chicken, it is important to read the label carefully to ensure that it contains high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and additives. Look for brands that use human-grade ingredients and have undergone rigorous quality control testing.

While commercial dog food with chicken can be a convenient and easy option, some pet owners prefer to make their own dog food recipes with chicken. Homemade dog food recipes with chicken can be nutritionally balanced and tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of your furry friend. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your homemade dog food recipe is nutritionally complete and balanced.

In conclusion, commercial dog food with chicken can be a healthy and convenient option for pet owners. However, it is important to choose high-quality brands that are nutritionally balanced and free from harmful additives. If you prefer to make your own dog food recipes with chicken, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your furry friend is getting all the essential nutrients they need.

Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Dog Food

Making homemade dog food with chicken is a great way to provide your furry friend with a healthy and nutritious meal. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose high-quality chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. Avoid using chicken that has been processed or contains preservatives.
• Use leftovers: If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, you can use it to make dog food. Just make sure to remove any bones and skin before using it in the recipe.
• Follow a recipe: Its important to follow a dog food recipe that is specifically designed for chicken. This will ensure that your dog is getting all of the necessary nutrients in the right amounts.
• Include other ingredients: Chicken alone is not enough to provide a balanced diet for your dog. Be sure to include other ingredients such as vegetables, grains, and supplements to ensure a complete and balanced meal.
• Consider human-grade food: If youre making homemade dog food, you may want to consider using human-grade ingredients. This means using ingredients that are safe and healthy for human consumption.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and nutritious homemade chicken dog food recipe that your dog will love. Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dogs diet.

Sources: AKC, PetMD, Hills Pet Nutrition

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken is a great protein source for dogs, and there are many homemade dog food recipes that include it. By making your own dog food, you can ensure that your furry companion is getting the best possible nutrition.

When using chicken in dog food recipes, its important to make sure that its cooked thoroughly to avoid the risk of salmonella. Additionally, you should always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dogs diet.

Some of the best homemade dog food recipes with chicken include green beans and oatmeal, boiled chicken and rice, and turkey with chickpeas and vegetables. These recipes are easy to make and provide a balanced meal for your dog.

Remember that while homemade dog food can be a great option for some dogs, its not right for everyone. If youre unsure about whether homemade dog food is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.

Sources:

My name is Danny Jackson and Im the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.