Chicken and rice are usually fantastic choices when making a homemade supper for your dog because you want to ensure it gets the proper nutrition. But how much should you give them based on their size and weight? As a caring dog owner, you want to ensure your pup gets enough to eat without overfeeding them.
Why Chicken and Rice for Dogs?
Chicken and rice are bland, gentle meals that are perfect for dogs with upset stomachs. Here are a few reasons why it can help when your puppy isn’t feeling well:
It’s easy to digest
Chicken and rice are low in fat and high in nutrients, but they are gentle on the stomach. The simple ingredients are easy for dogs to break down, even when they have diarrhea or vomiting.
It provides protein
Chicken is a complete protein, providing all the amino acids dogs need. This helps maintain muscle mass and provides energy when your dog isn’t eating much.
It helps firm up the stools.
The rice acts as a binding agent to help firm up loose stools. All that watery rice bran expands in the intestines and absorbs excess moisture.
It’s soothing
The warm, mushy rice is soothing for inflamed stomachs and intestines. Its bland flavor won’t irritate the GI tract.
How much to feed?
For dogs with an upset stomach, start with about 1/3 of their average amount of food. So if your dog usually eats 3 cups a day, offer 1 cup of chicken and rice. You can gradually increase the amount over 3-5 days as their stools firm up and their symptoms improve.
Keep your pup on the mend by providing plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Call your vet if their condition doesn’t improve in a couple of days or gets worse. Chicken and rice are usually safe, natural remedies, but your dog may need prescription medication for more severe issues.
Also read: Can dogs eat seasoned chicken?
Calculating Your Dog’s Ideal Weight
You must first assess your dog’s optimal weight to know how much chicken and rice to give it.
The best way to do this is to consult your vet. They can determine a target weight range by evaluating your pup’s age, size, and breed. As a general guideline, aim for a body condition score of 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 9, with one denoting emaciation and nine denoting obesity.
Once you know your dog’s optimal weight, you can calculate the daily calories needed to keep it there. A good starting point is 30 calories per pound of body weight, so a 50-pound dog would need around 1,500 calories daily. Of course, active or intact dogs may require more, while less active or neutered dogs probably need a bit less.
When switching to a bland chicken and rice diet, you’ll typically feed a little less than their average kibble to avoid an upset stomach. Start with about 2/3 the calories and adjust as needed. You can also add supplements like probiotics, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition.
A decent starting point would be 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked, diced, or shredded chicken and 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice for every meal for a 50-pound dog. Split this into 2-3 smaller meals for the first few days until their stomach settles. Then you can transition back to regular meals.
Be sure to also provide plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated. And if their condition doesn’t improve in a couple of days or gets worse, call your vet immediately. They may want to see your pup for an exam and administer IV fluids.
With the proper diet and portions for their ideal weight and activity level, your dog will quickly return to their usual self. But as always, you know your furry friend best, so go with what seems right for their unique needs. Their health and happiness are well worth the effort!
Also Read: Do dogs like their food warm or cold?
How Much Chicken and Rice to Feed Based on Weight
Use the following recommendations to calculate how much chicken and rice to give your dog based on their weight:
For small dogs (under 20 lbs or 9 kg):
For a small dog, start with 1/2 cup of cooked chicken and 1/2 cup of cooked rice for every 5 lbs of body weight. So a 10-pound dog would get about 1 cup each of chicken and rice. Feed three small meals per day. Be sure to also provide plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Watch your dog to ensure they eat and drink, especially if they have an upset stomach.
For medium dogs (20 to 50 lbs., or 9 to 23 kg.):
For a medium-sized dog, provide 3/4 to 1 cup of chicken and the same amount of rice for every 10 lbs. A 30-pound dog would get around 2 to 3 cups of each. Feed 2-3 meals per day. Supplement the chicken and rice diet with extra water to keep your dog hydrated. Monitor them to ensure they are consuming enough food and water.
For large dogs (over 50 lbs. or 23 kg):
For bigger dogs, feed 1 to 1 1/2 cups of chicken and the same amount of rice for every 20 lbs. So a 70-pound dog would get 3 1/2 to 5 cups daily, split into 2-3 meals. Be vigilant about providing plenty of fresh water for your large breed dog when feeding a bland diet. Watch them closely to make sure they are eating and drinking normally.
The amounts provided are just a guide. You know your dog best, so adjust quantities based on age, activity level, and eating habits. Once their stool is normal, slowly transition your dog to its regular diet over 3-5 days. See a vet if symptoms do not improve in 1-2 days or get worse.
Also Read: Can dogs have provolone cheese?
Cooking and Serving Tips for Chicken and Rice
Once you’ve cooked the chicken and rice, it’s time to serve it to your dog. Here are some tips for cooking and serving chicken and rice:
Cook the Chicken Thoroughly
Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. Raw or undercooked chicken can contain salmonella, which may make your dog sick. The chicken must attain a minimum internal temperature of 165°F or 165°C. The best way to check is by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure the inside is white, with no pink.
Mix the Chicken and Rice
Shred or dice the cooked chicken and mix it with the cooked rice. Use about one part chicken to four parts rice. Mix well so the chicken is distributed evenly. The chicken adds flavor, protein, and moisture to the rice.
Add Broth (Optional)
Add some low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the chicken and rice mixture. Start by mixing thoroughly with 1/2 cup of broth. Add extra broth to the combination as needed; add 1/4 cup at a time to achieve the required consistency. The broth adds more flavor and moisture.
Let it Cool
Before serving the chicken and rice to your dog, let it cool to room temperature. Blow on it or fluff it with a fork to help it cool faster. Hot food can burn your dog’s mouth, so always double-check that it’s lukewarm before serving.
Serve in Small Portions
When serving chicken and rice to your dog, start with small portions, about 1/2 to 1 cup for a medium-sized dog. You can give your dog more chicken and rice after a few hours if they seem hungry and their stomach is handling it well. It’s best to introduce bland foods gradually.
- For three to four days, keep any leftover chicken and rice in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- You can also freeze portions of chicken and rice for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Also Read: How much dog food should a puppy eat?
Transitioning Back to Regular Dog Food
Once your dog’s stomach has settled and diarrhea and vomiting have stopped, it’s time to start mixing their regular food into the bland diet of chicken and rice. This needs to be done gradually, over 3 to 5 days, to avoid upsetting their tummy again.
Adding kibble
On day 1, replace 1/4 of the chicken and rice with your dog’s regular kibble or wet food. So if you’re feeding 4 cups of the bland diet, substitute 1 cup with the standard fare. Mix it thoroughly so the kibble is evenly distributed in the meal.
Slowly make the switch.
On day 2, replace about half the bland diet with regular food. So 2 cups chicken and rice, 2 cups kibble. Keep mixing thoroughly with each meal.
Monitor your dog closely for any return of nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach. If their stool starts to get soft or loose again, return to the bland diet’s previous level for another day. It’s best to transition slowly.
On days 3 through 5, replace 3/4, then the bland diet with regular kibble. Give the usual amount of food for your dog’s size and age. By the end of day 5, your dog should be back on their regular diet and eating normally.
Of course, every dog is different. Some pups may need an extra couple of days of transition. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days or your dog seems lethargic or in pain, consult your vet. They can check for any underlying conditions and may prescribe medication if needed.
The most important thing is returning your dog to total health and a routine. With patience and care, the chicken and rice diet should do the trick! But don’t hesitate to call the vet if you have any concerns. Your dog’s health and happiness should be a top priority.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a helpful guide for how much chicken and rice to feed your dog based on weight. Remember, these are just general guidelines, so you know your puppy best. Watch them closely when switching to this diet to ensure they handle it well and maintain a healthy weight. And, of course, always talk to your vet, especially for puppies or dogs with any medical conditions. But for a simple upset tummy or to give them a treat, chicken, and rice can do the trick. Your dog will indeed thank you for the tasty meal! Now go cuddle up with your furry friend and enjoy. They’re worth it.
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