Skip to content

Cart

Empty

Homemade Dog Meals (No Rice)

Homemade Dog Meals (No Rice) ( Made Without Grains)

Written by: Sarah C.

|

Published on

|

Time to read 3 min

Not every dog does well with rice.


Some dogs get gassy.
Some have itchy skin.
Some just don’t seem comfortable after meals that include grains.


That’s why many dog parents look for homemade dog meals with no rice. Not because rice is “bad,” but because every dog is different. Homemade meals give you the flexibility to leave rice out and still create food that’s filling, balanced, and easy to digest.


The key is choosing the right ingredients and preparing them in a way that’s gentle on your dog’s stomach.

Ingredients for Homemade Dog Meals (No Rice)

When you remove rice, it’s important to replace it with ingredients that still provide energy, fiber, and structure to the meal.


Here’s a simple, rice-free ingredient base that works well for many dogs:

  • Lean protein: ground chicken, turkey, or beef

  • Sweet potato: peeled and diced (great source of fiber and gentle carbs)

  • Carrots: finely chopped or grated

  • Zucchini: easy to digest and low in calories

  • Pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened): supports digestion

  • Healthy fat: olive oil or salmon oil

  • Water: to help soften ingredients during cooking


All ingredients should be plain. Avoid salt, spices, garlic, onions, or seasoning of any kind.


How to Make Homemade Dog Meals Without Rice

  1. Start by cooking your protein in a pan over medium heat until fully done. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.

  2. Add diced sweet potato, carrots, zucchini, and a splash of water.

  3. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Once vegetables are very soft, stir in pumpkin purée and olive oil.

  5. Mash lightly or leave slightly chunky, depending on your dog’s chewing ability.

  6. Let the meal cool completely before serving.


The final texture should be soft, moist, and easy to digest, especially for small dogs or seniors.


Protein Choices That Work Well Without Rice

Without rice, protein becomes the anchor of the meal.


Good options for homemade dog meals no rice:

  • Lean chicken or turkey

  • Beef (low-fat cuts)

  • Lamb (for dogs sensitive to chicken)

  • White fish (cod or pollock, fully cooked)


Rotate proteins slowly if needed, and introduce new ones one at a time.

Texture Matters More Without Rice

Rice normally helps bind food together. Without it, texture needs extra attention.


Tips:

  • Mash or lightly blend the final meal

  • Keep everything soft and moist

  • Add a bit of warm water or broth (unsalted) if food looks dry


This is especially important for:

  • Small dogs

  • Puppies

  • Senior dogs

Freezing & Meal Prep Tips (No Rice Version)

Rice-free meals freeze beautifully.


Best practices:

  • Freeze in single-meal portions

  • Use silicone molds or small containers

  • Label protein type and date


To serve:

  • Thaw in fridge overnight

  • Warm slightly to room temperature

  • Never microwave until hot

Balancing Meals Without Grains

Rice-free meals can be very nourishing, but balance still matters.


Helpful additions (small amounts):

  • Olive oil or salmon oil for fats

  • Pumpkin for digestion

  • Occasional egg (fully cooked)


If feeding homemade dog meals no rice long-term, a vet or canine nutritionist can help fine-tune balance.

Portion Guidance

Because homemade dog meals with no rice can be more calorie-dense, start with smaller portions and adjust gradually.


A general guideline:

  • Small dogs: 1–3 tablespoons per meal

  • Medium dogs: ½–1 cup per meal

  • Large dogs: 1–2 cups per meal


Always adjust based on your dog’s size, activity level, and how they respond.

Storage Tips

Homemade dog meals without rice do not contain preservatives, so proper storage is important.


  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days

  • Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months


Freezing meals in daily portions makes feeding easier and prevents waste. Thaw in the fridge and serve at room temperature.


Helpful Tips for Rice-Free Meals

  • Introduce new meals slowly to avoid stomach upset

  • Keep ingredients simple and familiar

  • Watch your dog’s stool and energy levels

  • Adjust texture for puppies or senior dogs

  • Consult your vet if feeding homemade long-term


Always adjust based on your Yorkie’s size, age, and activity level.


Final Thoughts

Homemade dog meals for yorkie don’t contain preservatives:


  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days

  • Freezer: Freeze small portions for up to 2 months


Freezing in Yorkie-sized portions makes daily feeding easy and waste-free.


Final Thoughts

Homemade dog meals with no rice can be a great option for dogs with sensitive digestion, allergies, or grain intolerance. When made with real ingredients and prepared gently, they provide nourishment without unnecessary fillers.


Simple food, cooked with care, often makes the biggest difference — and your dog will let you know.


More Dog Treat Ideas To Read!

Leave a comment