After my dog, Luna, had a minor stomach bug, the vet prescribed a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice.
While she ate it dutifully, I could tell she was getting bored of the same mushy meal.
I wanted to find a way to make her convalescence more enjoyable without straying from the vet’s advice.
I had some leftover chicken and rice, so on a whim, I mashed it together, formed it into a small patty, and baked it until the outside was slightly crisp.
The transformation was instant. The same ingredients she was ignoring in her bowl became an object of intense desire the moment it took on a new shape and texture.
Her tail thumped against the floor as she carefully chewed the soft-but-firm cake.
It was a small victory, but it made her recovery so much brighter. Now, I make these cakes as a special treat, a reminder that a little creativity can turn medicine into a delight.
Why Make Chicken and Rice Cakes Special for Your Dog
These cakes are the perfect bridge between a bland diet and a rewarding treat.
They are ideal for pet parents who need a gentle, digestible snack for a dog with a sensitive stomach, but who also want to provide something with more texture and interest than a simple bowl of mush.
The baking process creates a lightly crispy exterior that is enticing for picky eaters, while the inside remains soft and easy to chew, making them excellent for puppies and senior dogs alike.
By turning a classic healing food into a cake, you’re not just offering nutrition; you’re providing mental stimulation and joy, which is its own form of medicine.
They are also a brilliant way to use up leftover plain chicken and rice from your own meals.
Nutrient Breakdown
This recipe is built on the cornerstone of canine digestive health, offering comfort and easy digestion.
Chicken: A lean source of high-quality protein that provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and maintenance. It’s highly digestible and provides energy without excessive fat.
White Rice: A easily digestible carbohydrate that provides energy and helps bind the digestive tract. Its bland nature is perfect for soothing upset stomachs and promoting firm stools.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cakes together while contributing additional protein, healthy fats, and vitamins for overall health.
Optional Pumpkin: Adds a boost of fiber, which can further aid in digestion and regulate the digestive system, whether your dog is dealing with diarrhea or constipation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons oat flour (or more as needed to bind)
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon pure pumpkin puree
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shred Chicken: Ensure your cooked chicken is cooled and then shred or chop it into very small, fine pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, egg, and optional pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly.
Add Binder: Sprinkle in the oat flour and mix until the ingredients come together into a workable dough. If the mixture is too wet, add another tablespoon of oat flour.
Form Cakes: Using your hands, form the mixture into small, flat patties or cakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cakes are firm and lightly golden on the outside.
Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This is crucial for safety and allows them to set.
Serve: Offer one as a special snack or crumble over your dog’s meal.
Storage Tips & Serving Ideas
Refrigeration: Store cooled cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These cakes freeze very well. Individually freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
For Sensitive Stomachs: These are an excellent, vet-approved snack for dogs recovering from an upset stomach.
Meal Topper: Crumble a cake over your dog’s regular kibble to add a enticing flavor and texture that encourages eating.
Training Reward: Break into tiny, pea-sized pieces for a high-value, healthy reward during training sessions.
FAQ
Is chicken and rice good for dogs?
Yes, plain, boiled chicken and white rice is a classic bland diet recommended by vets for dogs with upset stomachs.
Can I make treats from chicken and rice?
Absolutely. Baking them into cakes creates a new texture that can be more appealing to dogs while keeping the ingredients gentle.
What can I use to bind dog treats?
Eggs, oat flour, coconut flour, or pureed pumpkin are all excellent, healthy binders for homemade dog treats.
How long do homemade chicken dog treats last?
Because they contain meat, they should be refrigerated and used within 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
For a bland diet, white rice is preferred as it is more easily digestible. For healthy dogs, brown rice can be used for extra fiber.
Are these cakes good for puppies?
Yes, their soft texture is perfect for puppies. Just ensure the pieces are an appropriate size.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Only if it is completely plain, with no salt, seasonings, garlic, or onion powder, which are harmful to dogs.
Why did my cakes fall apart?
The mixture may have needed more binder (oat flour) or more egg to hold it together properly.
Final Thoughts
The simplest foods often hold the most power. These Chicken and Rice Cakes transform a foundational remedy into a special occasion, proving that health and enjoyment can go hand-in-paw.
They are a testament to thoughtful pet care—taking the time to make necessary foods not just palatable, but truly enjoyable for our faithful companions.
Whether you’re aiding a recovery, catering to a sensitive system, or simply looking for a wholesome, soft-baked treat, these little cakes deliver.
They represent a nurturing touch, a way to say “I care for your well-being” in a language your dog understands perfectly: the language of a delicious, carefully made snack.
Baking a batch is a small act of love with a deeply satisfying payoff: a happy, healthy dog.
