Chicken and Rice Balls Dog Treats
A Protein-Packed, Tummy-Friendly Snack
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes | Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Looking for a simple, protein-rich treat that’s easy on your dog’s stomach? Chicken and Rice Balls are the perfect solution! This dish combines two gentle-on-the-stomach ingredients—chicken and rice—that dogs love. Not only are these treats incredibly tasty, but they also provide essential nutrients while being easy to make. Whether your dog has a sensitive tummy or just deserves a wholesome snack, these treats are sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Here’s the shopping list for these chicken and rice delights:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (use boneless, skinless chicken breast; boiled or baked)
- ½ cup cooked white or brown rice (both work, but brown rice adds a little extra fiber)
- 1 egg (to help bind the ingredients)
- ¼ cup grated carrots (optional, for added vitamins and texture)
- ¼ cup rolled oats (or almond flour for a grain-free option)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, adds healthy fats and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon parsley (optional, fresh or dried, for a breath-freshening touch)
That’s all you need! These simple, dog-friendly ingredients come together to make a nutritious treat your dog will love.
Preparation Steps:
Now, let’s break it down Barney style:
- Cook the chicken: Boil or bake the chicken breast until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool, then shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the rice (if it’s not already prepared): You can boil white or brown rice as usual, making sure it’s soft and fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, grated carrots (if using), oats, and parsley. Stir it up until everything is well mixed.
- Crack in the egg and add the coconut oil, if using. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a slightly sticky dough-like consistency.
Cooking/Baking Instructions:
Time to cook up those delicious treats! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is ready to go when the treats are.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands. You can make them about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, depending on your dog’s size.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving a bit of space between each one.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken and rice balls are firm and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too crispy.
- Let the treats cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This will help them firm up and make them easier for your pup to enjoy.
Secret Tip: If you want the treats to be slightly crispier, leave them in the oven with the door slightly ajar after you turn off the heat for an extra 5-10 minutes. This will dry them out a bit more without over-baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Once these treats are cooled and ready to go, here’s how you can serve them:
- As a snack: Serve the chicken and rice balls as a mid-day snack or reward for training. Your dog will love the chewy texture and rich flavor!
- Paired with veggies: Serve them alongside fresh, dog-friendly veggies like cucumber or green beans for an extra nutritious snack.
- Training rewards: These balls can easily be broken up into smaller pieces for training purposes.
Additional Tips:
Here are a few ways you can tweak and level up the recipe:
- Grain-free option: If your dog is sensitive to grains, swap out the oats for almond flour or coconut flour to make the recipe grain-free.
- Add a flavor boost: If your dog loves peanut butter, try adding a tablespoon of natural, xylitol-free peanut butter to the mix for added richness.
- Veggie boost: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, you can add finely chopped spinach, green beans, or zucchini to the mixture.
- Storage tip: Store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving, and they’ll be just as fresh!
Wrap-Up:
And there you have it—wholesome, protein-packed Chicken and Rice Balls that are sure to be a hit with your dog! This recipe combines lean chicken and easily digestible rice, making it great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Plus, the addition of carrots, oats, and parsley provides extra vitamins and nutrients.
Fun Fact: Did you know that chicken and rice is often recommended by vets as a bland diet for dogs recovering from tummy troubles? So not only are these treats delicious, but they’re also great for keeping your dog’s digestion in check!
Now, get ready to watch your dog devour these tasty, chewy treats! 🐾
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