When a dog has been vomiting or has had diarrhea, vets often recommend a "bland diet" of plain chicken and white rice for a day or two. The idea is to give the gut something gentle while it settles. This bowl is the simplest version: three ingredients, no seasoning, no oils.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — about 1 lb total
- 1 cup plain white rice — uncooked; long-grain or jasmine works
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth — for cooking the rice
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked through and no pink remains in the center.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size.
- While the chicken cools, cook the rice: combine 1 cup of rice with 3 cups of water (or low-sodium broth) in a separate pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is soft.
- Let everything cool completely. Mix two parts cooked rice with one part shredded chicken.
- Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 3 days.
Portion guidance
A typical bland-diet portion is roughly ½ to 1 cup of the chicken-and-rice mix per 10 lbs of body weight per day, split across 2–4 small meals. Smaller, more frequent meals are easier on a recovering stomach than one or two big meals. Adjust based on your dog's appetite and your vet's guidance.
Frequency & transition back
A bland diet is intended for short-term recovery, typically 2–3 days. Plain chicken and rice on its own is not nutritionally complete and shouldn't replace your dog's regular food long-term.
Once your dog has been keeping food down and has firm stools for a full day, transition back to their regular food gradually over 3–5 days:
- Days 1–2: 75% bland mix + 25% regular food
- Days 3–4: 50% bland mix + 50% regular food
- Days 5+: 25% bland mix + 75% regular food, then back to 100% regular
Allergen notes
Contains chicken and rice. If your dog has a known protein allergy or grain sensitivity, check with your vet before using this recipe — boiled lean ground turkey or white fish are common bland-diet alternatives.
A note on positioning
This recipe is a healthy addition to your pet's regular diet — not a complete meal replacement. Always ensure your pet's primary diet is a nutritionally complete commercial food.
When to call your vet
If your dog's vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by lethargy or refusal to drink — stop home care and contact your vet. A bland diet helps with mild upset, not anything serious. If your pet has any diagnosed health conditions, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods.