A Gentle, Nutrient-Rich Meal for Sensitive Stomachs
If you’ve ever had a dog with a sensitive stomach or occasional digestive trouble, you know how important the right ingredients can be. That’s where this Chicken & Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe shines. It’s simple, wholesome, and formulated with easily digestible ingredients that soothe the belly while nourishing the body.
Chicken is one of the most commonly recommended proteins for dogs because it’s lean, packed with essential amino acids, and gentle on digestion. Pumpkin is a well-known superfood for dogs—it’s full of fiber, naturally calming to the gut, and helps promote firm stools and regularity. Combine them, and you’ve got a mild, flavorful, and highly nutritious meal that works great for everyday feeding, sensitive tummies, or recovery from illness.
This one-pot dish is easy to prepare, stores beautifully, and can be made in bulk to freeze for later. It’s also grain-optional, meaning you can keep it low-carb or mix in a bit of rice, oats, or quinoa depending on your dog’s needs.
Whether your pup is a picky eater, on a special diet, or just ready for something homemade, this recipe is a comforting, balanced solution you can feel good about serving.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- ½ cup cooked white rice or oats (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or flaxseed oil
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Pro Tips
- Use pure pumpkin only—never pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs.
- Shred the chicken finely so it’s easy to chew, especially for small or senior dogs.
- Add grains only if needed, and stick to well-cooked options like rice or oats for easy digestion.
- Cool the food completely before serving—it retains heat longer than kibble.
- Freeze in silicone molds for easy thaw-and-serve portions.
Tools Required
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Fork or hand mixer (for shredding chicken)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers or freezer-safe bags
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: You can use ground turkey or lean beef in place of chicken.
- Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice, oats, or cooked quinoa.
- Vegetables: Add cooked carrots or green beans for variety.
- Fats: Use coconut oil or salmon oil instead of olive oil to boost skin and coat health.
- Herbal Boost: A pinch of fresh parsley or a spoonful of plain pumpkin before serving adds fiber and breath-freshening benefits.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Simply double or triple the ingredients, portion into meal-size containers, and freeze. It stores in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed—never hot.
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Place the chicken in a large pot with the water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken and let it cool.
2. Shred the chicken
Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer until it’s finely pulled and easy to mix with other ingredients.
3. Mix in pumpkin and rice
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the pumpkin purée and cooked rice or oats. Heat over low for 3–5 minutes, just until warmed through and combined.
4. Stir in oil and cool
Add the olive oil and stir to combine. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before serving or storing.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cooled food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in single-serving portions for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before offering to your dog. Never serve food hot.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe is one of those staple meals every dog parent should have on hand. It’s gentle, easy to digest, and filled with ingredients that support gut health, hydration, and steady energy. Whether your dog needs a bland diet due to tummy troubles or you simply want to offer them something homemade and healthy, this recipe delivers comfort and nourishment in every bite.
Cooking for your dog might feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few whole-food ingredients, you can create meals that are just as good for your pup as they are satisfying to serve. And the tail wags, happy licks, and clean bowl at the end? That’s the best reward of all.
Have you tried this chicken and pumpkin recipe? I’d love to hear how your pup liked it! Drop a comment below with your experience, questions, or custom twists. I’m here to support your homemade dog food journey—one healthy recipe at a time.
