How much chicken and rice to feed my dog?

Many dog owners reach for plain chicken and rice because it’s a simple, familiar option that may settle an upset stomach, is easy to prepare, and lets you control exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl.

Chicken and rice: why many dog owners reach for it

Owners often choose a bland chicken-and-rice diet when a dog has loose stool, a single episode of vomiting, or after a brief course of veterinary care because it feels safe, tastes acceptable to picky eaters, and keeps ingredients transparent. In practice I typically see people use it after a dog raids the trash, spits up once or twice, or when a veterinarian recommends a temporary, easy-to-digest regime following minor illness or a procedure. For dogs that are picky, recovering, or temporarily intolerant of their regular food, chicken and rice can be a tolerable bridge while you watch for improvement.

How much chicken and rice does your dog need? Clear serving guidelines

As a simple rule many vets use, offer roughly 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the cooked chicken-and-rice mixture per 10 pounds of body weight per meal, given two to three times a day, and plan to use the diet for 24–72 hours while monitoring recovery before gradually returning to the regular food.

That portion rule-of-thumb is meant to provide a practical starting point rather than a precise calorie prescription; if your dog is underweight, obese, very young, elderly, or has ongoing medical conditions, the amount should be adjusted. Aim for modest, frequent meals rather than one large serving, and think of the bland diet as a short-term measure unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

The nutrition and digestive benefits behind chicken and rice

A bland diet tends to soothe the gut because it supplies a digestible protein and a low-fiber carbohydrate in a texture that’s easy for the stomach and intestines to process; lean chicken provides amino acids that may help tissue repair, while plain, cooked white rice offers a gentle source of glucose without the insoluble fibers that can bulk up stool. The overall low fat and low spice content reduces the chance of further irritation, and the predictable ingredients make it easier to spot if symptoms are linked to other foods.

When to use chicken and rice — and when to seek alternatives

Use a bland chicken-and-rice diet for short stretches when a dog has mild, recent-onset vomiting or diarrhea, after a known dietary indiscretion (garbage, new treat, spoiled food), or if a veterinarian specifically recommends it following minor surgery or a brief gastrointestinal upset. It is often a sensible first-line home approach when illness appears mild and the dog is otherwise bright, drinking, and passing urine normally. For sudden, severe, or worsening signs, seek veterinary care instead of relying on home diet alone.

Red flags to watch for: symptoms that require veterinary care

Stop home treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog’s vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 24–48 hours, if you notice blood in vomit or stool, or if the dog becomes severely lethargic. Also seek urgent care for signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, tacky or dry gums, pronounced skin-tent), difficulty breathing, a painfully distended abdomen, or repeated inability to keep liquids down—these are reasons not to delay professional evaluation.

Practical prep: safe cooking and serving tips for chicken and rice

Cook plain, skinless, boneless chicken—breast meat is commonly used—by boiling or poaching it in water until fully cooked; do not add salt, pepper, onions, garlic, butter, or oils. Remove all bones and shred or chop the meat. For rice, use plain white rice because it is generally lower in fiber and easier to digest than brown rice; a common method is one part dry rice to two parts water, cooked until quite soft. For dogs with nausea, make the texture softer than usual so it’s easy to lap up.

A practical mixing ratio many clinicians recommend is about two parts cooked rice to one part cooked chicken by volume to start — that produces a carbohydrate-forward bowl that tends to be gentler on the stomach. To figure portions: estimate the dog’s weight in 10‑pound units and use about 1/3–1/2 cup of the cooked mix per 10 pounds per meal, offered two to three times daily. Watch the dog’s appetite and stool; if the dog is still hungry and recovering well, a small gradual increase is reasonable, but avoid overfeeding, especially if activity is reduced.

When symptoms improve (firmer stools, no vomiting for 24 hours), reintroduce the regular diet gradually over 2–4 days: start with 75% bland diet and 25% regular food, then 50/50, then 25/75, before returning to the normal diet. If any signs recur during transition, slow the reintroduction or return to the bland diet and consult your veterinarian.

Portions, timing, and tracking — building a reliable feeding routine

During recovery, scheduled small meals are safer than free-feeding because they let you observe intake and reduce the chance of overeating. Offer the planned portion, observe the dog for 10–15 minutes, and remove uneaten food after that period so you can track appetite. Keep fresh water available and monitor urine output and stool frequency; decreased drinking or a marked drop in urine can hint at dehydration. In multi-dog homes, separate feeding areas and supervised meals prevent the recovering dog from stealing another pet’s higher-fat or spicier food, and reduce stress that could worsen gastrointestinal signs.

Tools and kitchen gear that make homemade meals easier

Simple tools make the process more accurate and less stressful: a kitchen scale helps portion the cooked mix precisely by weight, measuring cups provide consistent volume servings for busy days, and airtight, labeled containers with the date keep cooked batches safe in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Non-slip bowls or slightly elevated dishes can make eating more comfortable for senior or stiff dogs, and a slow-feeder insert is helpful if a dog gulps food quickly and then vomits. For pets that need encouragement to drink, a shallow water bowl or small, frequent offerings of water can be monitored easily; if drinking is poor, contact your veterinarian.

Sources and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Diarrhea in Dogs” — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/intestinal-diseases-in-small-animals/diarrhea-in-small-animals
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: “Global Nutrition Toolkit for Companion Animal Practitioners” (2017) — guidance on feeding sick patients and transition diets
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Hospital: “Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats” client information handout
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “When your pet is vomiting” — client-facing guidance on monitoring and seeking care
• National Research Council (NRC): “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats” (2006) — reference for energy and nutrient considerations in feeding sick and healthy animals