A Short Story About the Recipe
When I first started baking treats for my dog, I wanted something healthy, easy, and quick. Store-bought treats often come with long ingredient lists full of preservatives and artificial flavors, which made me think twice before giving them to my pup. This recipe was born out of my desire to create a simple, nutritious, and tasty reward that my dog would love. Using just chicken, rice, and a binding ingredient, I was able to make a soft, chewy treat that my dog devours every time. Over the years, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during training sessions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it is wholesome and free from unnecessary additives. With only three ingredients, you know exactly what goes into your dog’s treats. The texture is soft, which makes it perfect for dogs of all ages, from playful puppies to senior dogs who need something easy to chew. Since these treats are high in protein, they also support your dog’s energy needs. They are freezer-friendly, meaning you can make a large batch and have them on hand whenever training calls for a tasty reward.
Versatile
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use chicken breast for a lean option or chicken thighs for a bit of extra flavor. White rice keeps the treats gentle on your dog’s stomach, but you can swap it for brown rice if you prefer more fiber. You can also shape the treats into small training bites or larger cookies for a more substantial snack. These treats can be baked until soft or slightly crisp, depending on your dog’s preference.
Affordable
Another reason to love this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. All you need are basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Chicken and rice are inexpensive staples, and this recipe allows you to use leftover cooked rice to avoid waste. Making your own treats is much more cost-effective than buying gourmet dog treats from pet stores, and you can make a bigger quantity in one go.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
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1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, cooled)
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1 large egg (for binding)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making these 3-ingredient chicken and rice dog treats is simple, quick, and perfect even for busy days. I usually prepare them when I have leftover cooked rice or chicken from a previous meal, which saves time. The mixture comes together in minutes, and the baking process is straightforward. The treats are ready in less than an hour from start to finish, which is ideal for when you need training treats in a hurry.
These treats are a great way to provide your dog with a homemade reward that is full of natural flavor. The soft texture makes them easy to chew and break into smaller pieces. Because this recipe contains no artificial ingredients, I always feel good about using them during frequent training sessions.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you are starting with raw chicken, cook it by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then allow it to cool. Shred or finely chop the chicken into very small pieces so that it mixes evenly with the rice.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and cooked rice. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until everything is fully combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too dry, add a small amount of water or chicken broth.
Step 4: Shape the Treats
Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a small ball or flatten it into a bite-sized disk. Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the treats are firm and lightly golden. For a softer texture, bake on the lower end of the time range. For a slightly crispier treat, leave them in for a few extra minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the treats cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is quick enough to make on a weeknight and does not require complicated tools. You only need a mixing bowl, spoon, and baking sheet. The short baking time makes them perfect for preparing fresh treats whenever your dog’s treat jar is running low.
Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe based on your dog’s preferences. Use brown rice for a heartier texture or add a spoonful of pure pumpkin puree for extra fiber. You can also mix in a small amount of grated carrot or spinach for extra nutrients. Just make sure to avoid any seasonings, salt, or ingredients that are not dog-friendly.
Popular With Many People
Homemade dog treats are popular with pet owners because they provide control over what their dogs eat. Many people appreciate knowing there are no preservatives or fillers in their dog’s snacks. These chicken and rice treats are always a hit at playdates or training classes. Friends often ask me for the recipe when they see how excited my dog gets at treat time.
Print3-Ingredient Chicken & Rice Dog Treats (Perfect for Training!)
These 3-Ingredient Chicken & Rice Dog Treats are the perfect homemade snack for your furry friend. They are quick to make, high in protein, and ideal for training sessions. With just chicken, rice, and egg, you can feel confident knowing exactly what your dog is eating.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, cooled)
- 1 large egg (for binding)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the chicken if using raw meat. Boil or bake until fully cooked, then cool and shred or finely chop it.
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and egg. Mix until the ingredients form a uniform mixture that holds together when pressed. If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon of water or unsalted chicken broth.
- Shape the treats by rolling the mixture into small balls or flattening into bite-sized disks. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden. For softer treats, bake for less time.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
You may replace white rice with brown rice for extra fiber.
Use applesauce or mashed banana if you need an egg substitute.
Avoid adding seasoning, salt, or any ingredients unsafe for dogs.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works perfectly in this recipe. It adds more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, which some dogs enjoy. Make sure it is cooked until soft for easy digestion.
Can I freeze these treats?
Absolutely. These treats freeze very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw a few at a time in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Can I substitute the egg?
If your dog is allergic to eggs, you can use a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as a binder. This keeps the mixture moist and helps the treats hold their shape.
How do I make the treats softer?
For a softer treat, bake for the shorter time suggested, around 20 minutes. You can also cover them with foil for the last few minutes of baking to lock in moisture.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, they are puppy-friendly. Just make sure to cut them into very small pieces for easy chewing and to avoid overfeeding during training sessions.
How long will the treats last in the fridge?
These treats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you plan to keep them longer, freeze them to maintain their freshness.