DIY Dog Treats: Chicken & Rice Balls Your Pup Will Love

Homemade Chicken and Rice Dog Treats are one of the easiest, healthiest ways to spoil your pup — and yes, they’re made with simple kitchen staples you already have. If your dog has ever given you the “puppy eyes” while you cook chicken and rice for dinner, this recipe is about to become their new favorite.

Why Make Homemade Chicken and Rice Dog Treats?

Homemade treats give you total control. No mystery ingredients, no fillers, no hard-to-pronounce preservatives—just simple food you picked yourself. You can tune texture for training, size for portion control, and flavor for picky pups. It’s budget-friendly, too: leftover chicken + a cup of rice = a week’s worth of happy tail wags.

And there’s the peace of mind factor. When you DIY, you avoid common pet-aisle pitfalls—sugars, excess salt, or ingredients that don’t love your dog back. You’ll also reduce waste by rescuing last night’s plain chicken and giving it a second life as perfectly snackable spheres. Win for you, win for your pup, win for the planet.

Benefits of Chicken & Rice for Dogs

• Lean protein from chicken helps maintain strong muscles without weighing down your dog’s diet.
• Easy-to-digest carbs from rice are gentle on sensitive bellies and great for pups easing back into regular food.
• Customizable add-ins—like parsley for breath or a pinch of flax for healthy fats—let you tailor treats to your dog’s needs.

Important: Keep everything unseasoned. Never use onion or garlic, as they are toxic to dogs.

If you love making your own pup-approved snacks, check out my Homemade Carrot Apple Dog Treats for another tail-wagging treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded (skin removed; unseasoned or rinsed if lightly salted)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white for extra gentle; brown for more fiber—both work)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (your protein-packed binder)
• ⅓–½ cup oat flour or quick oats (start low; add more for firmer texture)
• 1–2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional) for fresh-breath points
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional) for aroma and a touch of moisture

Pin tip: Short lists perform best—feature the first 5 essentials on your recipe card and mention options in the caption.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven ensures even baking and prevents mushy centers. Don’t skip preheating—rookie move that leads to uneven texture.

Step 2: Prep the Mixing Bowl

Add the shredded chicken and rice to a large bowl. Break up any clumps with a fork. You want a fine, even mix so the balls don’t crumble later.

Step 3: Add the Binder

Pour in the beaten egg and ⅓ cup oats. Stir, then pinch a bit between your fingers. Too sticky? Add a tablespoon more oats. Too dry? Splash in 1–2 teaspoons water. Aim for soft “meatball dough.”

Step 4: Flavor, Not Seasoning

Fold in parsley and coconut oil if using. Keep it plain—no salt, no spices. Your kitchen will smell like victory anyway.

Step 5: Roll with It

Scoop 1–1½ tablespoon portions and roll into balls about 1–1¼ inches wide. Uniform size = uniform bake and better training portions.

Step 6: Sheet Setup

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and saves you from chiseling baked rice off metal. Space balls an inch apart for airflow.

Step 7: Bake to Set, Not Dry

Bake 12–15 minutes until the balls are set and lightly golden. Start checking at 12. You want firm outside, tender inside—not crunchy cannonballs.

Step 8: Cool Completely (For Real)

Transfer to a rack and cool. Hot centers + eager dogs = chaos. Cooling also helps the treats firm up to perfect, portable texture.

Pro tip: Double the batch and freeze half. Future-you will be thrilled.

Homemade treats like these are healthier than store-bought — and if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might also enjoy my Homemade Beef Dog Food Roll Recipe

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Airtight container, up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then bag. Keeps up to 3 months without freezer-burn clumps.
• Serving: Thaw in the fridge or offer slightly chilled on warm days. For senior dogs, let them come to room temp for softer bites.

Quick math: If your dog gets 2–3 balls a day, one batch easily covers a week of treats.

Customizing the Recipe

• Protein swaps: Try turkey, lean beef, or salmon. Keep the method the same; just mince finely for easy rolling.
• Grain-free option: Replace rice with mashed sweet potato or cooked quinoa (check texture—quinoa can be loose; add a touch more oats).
• Veggie boosts: Fold in 1–2 Tbsp very finely minced carrot, zucchini, or spinach. Extra vitamins, same wag factor.
• Texture control:
  • Softer treats: Reduce oats slightly and cut bake time by a minute or two.
  • Firmer treats: Add a tablespoon of oats and bake 1–2 minutes longer.
• Omega helpers: A teaspoon of ground flax or chia can add healthy fats and help bind.

Personal take: Salmon + parsley = five-star dog bistro vibes.

Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats

The smell of warm chicken says “best day ever.” The bite is tender with just enough chew, perfect for training or quick rewards. The rice keeps things belly-friendly, so even cautious eaters usually sign off with an enthusiastic nose boop. And because you’re making them bite-size, your dog gets more rewarding moments with fewer calories. That’s a training win.

More Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken & Rice Balls

• Keep it tiny for training. Marble-sized minis make rapid-fire rewards without overfeeding.
• Test one first. Bake a single ball to check texture; adjust oats or time before doing the full tray. Small tweak, big difference.
• Dust your hands. Lightly coat palms with oat flour to roll smoother, less sticky balls.
• Batch smart. Two trays, same bake. Rotate halfway through for even color.
• Label the bag. Future-you won’t remember if these are salmon treats or turkey meatballs. Sharpie = sanity.

How to Use These Treats

• Training Rewards: Pocket a handful of minis and keep sessions upbeat. High-value scent keeps your dog’s focus locked.
• Meal Toppers: Crumble one over kibble to turn a “meh” eater into a bowl-licker.
• Special Occasions: Gotcha day, birthday, or “you didn’t chase the mail this week”? Celebrate with an extra ball (or a heart-shaped one—go on).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken and rice from dinner?
Yes—if it’s plain. If lightly salted, you can rinse the chicken briefly and pat dry. No onion, no garlic, no sauces.

White or brown rice—does it matter?
Both work. White is extra gentle for sensitive tummies; brown brings more fiber. Pick the one your dog tolerates best.

Do I have to bake them?
Technically you can serve no-bake balls, but they’re soft and mess-prone. A quick bake gives better texture and safer storage.

How many should I give per day?
Think treats, not meals. 1–2 for small dogs, 2–4 for larger dogs, adjusting for total daily calories. If you’re training heavily, make minis.

Can puppies eat these?
Yes, in tiny pieces and supervised. Keep them soft and chat with your vet about overall nutrition during growth.

What if my dog is allergic to chicken?
Swap in turkey or salmon. Keep the rest the same. Introduce new proteins gradually and watch for reactions.

Can I add cheese?
A little shredded low-fat cheese can boost enthusiasm. Keep it modest—cheese can be rich, and we’re making treats, not calzones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the preheat. Cold ovens make uneven, gummy treats. Preheat like you mean it.
• Seasoning like it’s your dinner. No onion, garlic, or spice blends—ever. Dogs don’t need them, and some are dangerous.
• Rolling bowling balls. Oversized treats bake unevenly and stay mushy inside. Aim for 1–1¼ inches.
• Overbaking “for shelf life.” Dry, crumbly treats flop in training. Bake to set, not to desiccate.
• Serving hot. We get it—those eyes. But cool completely to protect tongues and preserve structure.

Final Thoughts

That’s the play: simple ingredients, easy steps, big tail wags. Roll a batch today, stash a bag in the freezer, and enjoy the kind of heroic status only a pocket full of chicken & rice balls can buy. Want a save-and-share version? Say the word and I’ll craft a Pinterest-ready recipe card and a tight SEO snippet to match.