Let me tell you about the day my pickiest pup, Buddy, turned his nose up at a $25 bag of “gourmet” dog treats but went bonkers for a crumb of my homemade chicken and rice dog treats. That’s when I realized – our furry friends deserve real food, not mystery ingredients. I’ve been baking these simple snacks for my three dogs ever since, whether we’re prepping for obedience class or just surviving a rainy afternoon with a restless border collie mix.
These chicken and rice dog treats are my go-to because they solve every pet parent’s dilemma: how to give our dogs something special without the junk. With just cooked chicken breast, brown rice (leftover takeout containers work great!), and a few pantry staples, you’re creating snacks that actually smell like… well, food. My crew goes nuts when they hear the baking sheet clang on the counter – Buddy does his “spin of approval” while the others park themselves strategically under the oven vent.
After seven years of testing recipes (and cleaning up more than a few failed “experiments”), I’ve learned what matters: simple ingredients you can pronounce, textures that satisfy crunch cravings, and portions that keep tails wagging without upsetting sensitive stomachs. Whether your dog’s a senior with dental issues or a hyperactive puppy, this recipe adapts beautifully. Pro tip: The secret to crisp edges and chewy centers is in how you roll the dough – but we’ll get to that in a minute!
Chicken and Rice Dog Treats Ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients – the kind of stuff that’ll make your dog’s tail thump against the floor like a metronome on double speed. You probably have most of these in your kitchen right now (bonus points if you’ve got leftover takeout rice!):
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (cooled) – Not hot, not warm, cooled. Trust me, I learned the hard way that warm rice turns the dough into sticky mush. Any variety works, but I love brown rice’s extra fiber for sensitive tummies.
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast (no seasoning!) – Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch (just skip the skin and those sneaky herb rubs). My secret? I poach a big batch while prepping Sunday meals – multitasking wins!
- 1 large egg – Nature’s perfect binder. For egg-allergic pups, I’ve had success with a flax egg, but check with your vet first.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour – Or oat flour for gluten-free pups, coconut flour for grain-free (you’ll need less liquid with coconut – it’s thirsty stuff!). I’ve even used blended old-fashioned oats in emergencies.
- ½ cup water – Room temp or slightly warm. Pro tip: Use the chicken poaching liquid for extra flavor if you didn’t salt it.
See? No weird powders or mystery “natural flavors” – just real food that’ll make your pup’s nose work overtime. Now grab that mixing bowl…
How to Make Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
Alright, let’s get our paws dirty! I’ve burned a batch or two figuring out the perfect method, so follow these steps and you’ll avoid my early mistakes. Pro tip: Hide your mixing bowl unless you want a furry sous chef breathing down your neck!
Step-by-Step Mixing Magic
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to shape perfect little bones only to realize the oven’s cold. While it heats, grab your biggest bowl and toss in the cooled rice, shredded chicken, egg, and water. I use my hands to mix – it’s messy but lets me feel for any sneaky chicken lumps.
Now the flour goes in gradually. Add half, stir until it looks like lumpy pancake batter, then work in the rest. The dough should pull away from the bowl’s sides but still feel slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. Too dry? A spritz of water from your fingers helps.
Shaping and Baking Tips
Here’s where the fun begins! Roll that dough between two parchment sheets to ¼-inch thickness – any thicker and the centers stay doughy, any thinner and they’ll turn into crackers. I found a bone-shaped cookie cutter at the dollar store, but squares work just fine. For my chihuahua mix, I use a shot glass to make penny-sized treats.
Arrange them on your lined baking sheet – they don’t spread much, so crowd ’em in. Bake 10 minutes, then flip each treat with tongs (this prevents soggy bottoms!). Bake another 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and firm to the touch. They’ll crisp up more as they cool, so don’t panic if they seem slightly soft.
Last summer I underbaked a batch trying to rush to the dog park – ended up with treats that crumbled like sandcastle walls. Learn from my mistake! Let them cool completely on the sheet – I distract eager pups with ice cubes during this agonizing wait.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
Let’s be real – your dog would sell your favorite slippers for these treats. But here’s why you’ll become a convert faster than a Labrador inhales bacon:
- Pantry superheroes: Leftover rice from last night’s takeout? Check. That lone chicken breast languishing in the fridge? Check. I’ve made these chicken and rice dog treats during snowstorms, power outages, and that one time I realized I forgot my nephew’s birthday (don’t ask).
- Zero sketchy ingredients: No more squinting at labels wondering what “animal digest” really means. These smell like actual food – my neighbor’s golden retriever once broke through a screen door to get to a cooling batch. True story.
- Tummy-friendly magic: Perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs! The brown rice and plain chicken combo is gentler than those neon-colored store-bought treats. My sister’s bulldog with a “delicate constitution” (her words) finally stopped gassing us out of the living room after switching to these.
Plus, watching your dog’s ears perk up when you open the treat jar? Priceless.
Essential Equipment for Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets here! My entire chicken and rice dog treat operation runs on four basic tools I bet you already own:
- Half-sheet baking sheet: The workhorse of my kitchen. Its rimmed edges catch any rogue crumbs, and the size lets me bake a whole batch at once.
- Parchment paper: My sworn ally in the war against dough-stuck-to-pans. Tear off a sheet roughly the size of your baking sheet – wrinkles don’t matter to pups!
- Mixing bowl (bigger than you think): Trust me, that cute salad bowl’s too small. I use my largest stainless steel bowl to contain the sticky, chicken-y goodness.
- Rolling pin: Lost yours? I’ve used a wine bottle in a pinch! Just wash the label glue off first – dogs shouldn’t lick Cabernet residue.
That’s it! If you’ve got these basics, you’re already halfway to treat-making glory.
Chicken and Rice Dog Treats Ingredient Substitutions
Ran out of chicken? Doggo allergic to eggs? No sweat – I’ve hacked this recipe more times than I’ve tripped over sleeping pups in the kitchen. Here’s how to adapt these chicken and rice dog treats without losing that tail-wagging magic:
- Turkey instead of chicken: My Thanksgiving leftovers special! Use plain cooked turkey (white meat works best). Add an extra tablespoon of water – turkey’s leaner than chicken and can dry out the dough.
- Pumpkin puree for egg allergies: Swap the egg with ¼ cup pure pumpkin (not pie filling!). Adds fiber and helps bind – just reduce water by 1-2 tablespoons. My friend’s allergic Aussie approves!
- Rice flour for grain-free needs: Grind uncooked rice in a blender until powdery. Use 1 ¾ cups rice flour instead of wheat flour – it’s denser, so treats might need 2 extra baking minutes.
Pro tip: Always do a tiny test batch with substitutions. My neighbor’s beagle once turned his nose up at lamb-based treats – turns out he’s a chicken purist!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
Want to be Top Dog in your kitchen? Here’s what I’ve learned through countless taste tests (courtesy of three very opinionated pups):
- Chill that sticky dough! Pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes if it’s clinging to your rolling pin like a needy terrier. I learned this after leaving paw prints across my kitchen floor from dough-gloved hands.
- Bake a single test treat first – my Rottweiler mix prefers crispy edges, while the pug wants chewy centers. Adjust baking time by 3-5 minutes based on your critic’s preference.
- Rotisserie chicken is your secret weapon – that leftover carcass makes killer broth for the dough liquid. Just strain it well! My dogs once staged a “sit-in” by the fridge when they caught the aroma.
Last Christmas, Buddy rejected a whole batch until I rubbed a treat on his favorite squirrel toy – turns out he wanted “gamey” flavor. Dogs… am I right?
Storing and Serving Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
These treats stay fresh in an airtight container for about a week – though my crew’s never let them last that long! For longer storage, freeze portions in ziplock bags (label them unless you enjoy playing “mystery freezer lumps”) – they’ll keep 3 months. Pro tip: Freeze some directly in your training pouch for impromptu park sessions!
Serve 1-2 daily treats per 10 lbs of dog weight. My 15 lb terrier gets one the size of a poker chip, while my neighbor’s Great Dane deserves a silver dollar-sized reward. Always thaw frozen treats in the fridge overnight or let them sit out 15 minutes – microwaving creates weird hot spots that could burn tender mouths (though Buddy once happily ate one still frosty… dogs!).
Chicken and Rice Dog Treats FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice works in a pinch – I’ve used leftover takeout containers when I’m out of brown. Just know it’s less fibrous, so these homemade dog treats might not be as gentle for pups with sensitive tummies. My neighbor’s Lab couldn’t tell the difference, but my picky terrier gives white rice batches a 3/10 on his sniff test.
Are these safe for puppies?
Puppy-approved! My vet gave the thumbs-up for weaned pups over 12 weeks. Just break treats into pea-sized pieces for tiny mouths. Pro tip: Underbake by 2 minutes for softer textures that help with teething. My friend’s golden retriever puppy still carries her first treat like a trophy!
How many treats can I give per day?
Follow the 10% rule – treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of daily calories. For most dogs, 1-2 daily depending on size. My 20 lb mutt gets two small pieces after walks, while my sister’s Great Dane earns four for “not barking at the mailman” (a Herculean task). When in doubt, subtract treats from meal portions!
Can I make these grain-free?
You bet! Swap whole wheat flour with coconut or chickpea flour (use 1.5 cups instead of 2). My grain-free version uses blended oats – pulse rolled oats in a blender until powdery. Just watch baking times – alternative flours brown faster. My friend’s allergy-prone Shih Tzu does happy zoomies for these!
Nutritional Notes for Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
Each chicken and rice dog treat packs about 35 calories with 2g of protein – perfect for rewarding good behavior without overdoing it. The brown rice offers gentle fiber, while the chicken provides lean protein. These values are estimates – always check with your vet before introducing new foods, especially for pups with health conditions!
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch and watch your pup’s tail go into overdrive. Snap a photo of your four-legged food critic mid-crunch and tag me @DogTreatDiaries – Buddy and the gang love judging your creations (from the safety of their crates, of course!). Happy baking!
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Chicken and Rice Dog Treats: 3 Dogs’ Secret to Irresistible Joy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 treats 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make simple homemade dog treats with chicken and rice. These baked snacks use minimal ingredients and provide a healthy option for your pet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix chicken, rice, egg, and water in a bowl until combined.
- Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into bone-shaped pieces or small squares.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store treats in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
- Replace whole wheat flour with coconut flour for grain-free dogs.
- Check with your vet if your dog has food allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baked
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg