Just like their owners, dogs can have difficulty with digestion and may benefit from a specialized diet. A chicken, rice, and pumpkin diet can help dogs experiencing stomach upset, such as diarrhea or IBS.
Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Recipe
- 1/2 cup cooked and cut-up chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 2 – 4 tablespoons canned pumpkin
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt or milk kefir
Cook the rice with sodium-free chicken broth for added flavor and nutrition. If you prepare a large amount, you can freeze the cooked food and thaw what you need daily.
Feeding Instructions
Initially, feed the same amount of homemade dog food as store-bought food. Adjust if your dog gains or loses weight. Gradually reintroduce kibble by mixing it with homemade food as your dog's digestive issues improve.
Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Chicken
- Place a whole chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer for an hour or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, cool, and separate meat from bones.
- Return bones and skin to the pot, simmer for 12 – 24 hours for broth.
- Strain the broth, discard bones and skin, and use the broth to cook rice.
How to Cook Rice
- Combine 3 cups of white rice and 6 cups of hot broth or water in a casserole dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Allow to cool and freeze in 1-cup portions.
Benefits of Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin
This recipe provides quality protein (chicken), easy-to-digest carbohydrates (rice), vitamins, and fiber (pumpkin). Yogurt adds probiotics for digestive health. Adjust the amount of pumpkin as needed, as it can help balance bowel movements.
Necessary Supplements
For a long-term diet, supplement with:
- Calcium (1 gram per pound of food, or 1/2 teaspoon crushed eggshell)
- Fish oil (for omega-3 fatty acids)
- Cod liver oil (for vitamins A and D)
- Vitamin E
- Kelp (for iodine)
Consult a vet for appropriate dosages and additional supplements based on your dog's needs.
Addressing Digestive Issues
Poor commercial dog food can cause long-term health issues, including digestive problems. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and require a gentle diet after sickness. Older dogs may develop IBS, necessitating a careful diet to maintain their health.
Have you tried the chicken, rice, and pumpkin diet for your dog? Please share your feedback with us or keep reading below for feedback from our readers who have used this remedy combo for their dogs.
