Adding some chicken and rice to your dog’s dry kibble is a common way to increase the flavor and palatability of the food. However, there are some important factors to consider before mixing foods together. Here is a comprehensive guide on whether and how to mix dry dog food with chicken and rice.
Benefits of Adding Chicken and Rice
There are several potential benefits to mixing your dog’s kibble with some homemade chicken and rice:
- Increased palatability – Many dogs find chicken and rice much more enticing and tasty than plain dry kibble.
- Variety – Adding fresh foods provides variety to your dog’s diet which can prevent boredom.
- Moisture – The rice adds moisture which can help dogs that don’t drink enough water.
- Supplemental nutrition – Chicken and rice provide protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.
For picky eaters or dogs needing a bit more enticement at mealtimes, adding some homemade chicken and rice can make the kibble more appetizing and provide supplemental nutrition.
Concerns with Mixing Foods
However, there are also some potential concerns with mixing dry food and fresh foods together:
- Nutritional imbalances – Both kibble and fresh foods are designed to provide complete, balanced nutrition by themselves. Combining foods can throw off those balances.
- Food borne illness – Raw meat and starchy rice are prone to bacterial growth if not handled properly.
- Digestive upset – An abrupt food change can sometimes cause upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation.
- Decreased caloric density – Adding rice reduces the calories per cup of food.
To mitigate these risks, proper food handling and a gradual transition are crucial when adding fresh foods to your dog’s diet.
How to Mix Dry Food with Chicken and Rice
If you want to mix some chicken and rice into your dog’s kibble, follow these tips:
- Cook the chicken thoroughly until 165°F internal temperature. Refrigerate until use.
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked. Stick to plain white rice rather than flavored rice.
- Transition slowly over 4-7 days, gradually increasing the ratio of fresh food to kibble.
- Ensure the mixed food is consumed within 30 minutes, discarding any leftovers.
- Adjust portion sizes to account for decreased caloric density of mixed food.
- Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust ratios accordingly.
- Store kibble and fresh food separately until mealtime.
Following these tips will help minimize any GI upset from a sudden food change and reduce the risk of food borne illness.
Suggested Recipes
Here are two simple recipe ideas for mixing dry dog food with chicken and rice:
Chicken and Rice Topper
- 1⁄2 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1⁄2 cup cooked white rice
- 1 Tbsp chicken broth
Mix together chicken, rice and broth. Warm slightly in the microwave if desired. Top 1-2 cups kibble with 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup chicken and rice mixture.
Chicken and Rice Mix
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
Combine ingredients together. Slowly transition dog to a mix of 1 part chicken and rice to 3 parts kibble. Adjust ratios as needed to maintain ideal body condition.
Conclusion
Adding homemade chicken and rice to dry kibble can add flavor, moisture and supplemental nutrition. However, proper handling and gradual transitions are vital to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Follow suggested recipes and tips to safely enhance your dog’s diet with some homemade mixed into kibble.