7 Dog Friendly Jambalaya Recipes With Brown Rice

This recipe is the closest you’ll get to a traditional Jambalaya, reimagined for your pup’s palate and dietary needs. It’s hearty, flavorful (in a dog-safe way!), and packed with protein to keep your active companion going.

Ingredients & Sourcing

When making this dish, quality is key. Opt for organic, free-range chicken breast and a high-quality, dog-safe sausage. Many specialty pet stores and even some butchers carry sausages made specifically for dogs, which are free from nitrates, onions, garlic, and excessive salt.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• 2 dog-safe sausages (check ingredients for no onion/garlic powder), sliced
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken or bone broth
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (seeds and stem removed)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color and anti-inflammatory benefits)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the sliced dog-safe sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until it gets a little color.
3. Add the diced celery, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the rinsed brown rice and turmeric, coating the rice with the flavors from the pot.
5. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the brown rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. Ensure it has cooled to a safe temperature for your dog.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Classic Chicken & Sausage Delight is perfect for the healthy, active adult dog with no specific dietary restrictions. It’s a fantastic meal topper or a special occasion feast that will have your dog drooling with anticipation. If you can source good-quality, pup-friendly sausage, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Does your dog go crazy for fishy flavors? This shrimp-based Jambalaya is a fantastic alternative, providing a powerful punch of omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing for promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Always use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tails removed. Raw shellfish can carry harmful bacteria. Frozen, pre-cooked shrimp is a convenient and safe option. Just make sure it’s plain, with no added salt or seasonings.

• 1 lb cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp, tails removed
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or fish broth (ensure no onion/garlic)
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and yellow bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
2. Stir in the rinsed brown rice and toast it for about a minute in the pot.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, until the brown rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Turn off the heat. Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog.
6. Stir the chopped shrimp and dried parsley into the cooked rice and vegetable mixture. The residual heat will warm the shrimp through perfectly.
7. Let the Jambalaya cool completely before serving to your eager pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Seafood Sensation Shrimp Jambalaya is an ideal choice for dogs who need extra support for their skin and coat, or for those who have sensitivities to chicken or beef. It’s a lighter, healthier option that still feels like a gourmet treat.

If your dog is watching their waistline or you simply prefer a leaner protein, this turkey and veggie-packed version is the perfect fit. It’s loaded with nutrients and fiber to keep your dog feeling full and satisfied without packing on extra pounds.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Choose lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1). When it comes to veggies, fresh or frozen work equally well. This is a great recipe to use up any dog-safe vegetables you have in the fridge!

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sweet potato, peeled and finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (for extra omega-3s)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the green beans, carrots, and sweet potato to the pot with the turkey. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the rinsed brown rice, making sure to coat it well.
4. Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the rice and sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the ground flaxseed.
7. Allow the dish to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Lean & Green Turkey Jambalaya is the go-to recipe for dogs that are less active, prone to weight gain, or simply need a lighter meal. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that supports a healthy weight without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s also a fantastic, gentle option for senior dogs.

For the busy pet parent, the slow cooker is a lifesaver. This “set it and forget it” recipe allows you to go about your day while a delicious, healthy meal for your dog simmers away to perfection. Using chicken thighs results in incredibly tender, shreddable meat.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for slow cooking as they remain moist and tender. You can use a mix of any dog-safe, firm vegetables that hold up well to long cooking times, like carrots, celery, and parsnips.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the rinsed brown rice evenly over the chicken.
3. Add the chopped carrots and celery on top of the rice.
4. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley. The heat from the dish will cook the peas in a few minutes.
8. Stir everything together and let it cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This Slow Cooker Simplicity Jambalaya is the ultimate recipe for pet parents with packed schedules. It’s a foolproof way to provide a warm, home-cooked meal with very little effort. The incredibly tender chicken makes it a fantastic choice for senior dogs or those with dental issues.

Introducing new foods to a puppy or a dog with a sensitive stomach requires a gentle approach. This recipe is intentionally bland, simple, and easy to digest, making it the perfect introductory “Jambalaya” for the most delicate of digestive systems.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Simplicity is everything here. Use plain, boiled chicken breast and ensure the brown rice is very well-cooked, making it softer and easier to digest. Pureed pumpkin is a superfood for canine digestion.

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup brown rice, rinsed well
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup finely diced carrots
• 2 tablespoons plain, canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium pot, combine the chicken breast and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Reserve the cooking water—it’s now a simple chicken broth!
3. Add the rinsed brown rice and finely diced carrots to the chicken broth in the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is very soft. You may need to add a little extra water.
4. While the rice cooks, shred the cooled chicken breast into small, fine pieces.
5. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded chicken and the pumpkin puree.
6. Mix everything thoroughly and let it cool completely. Serve in small portions to start.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This Gentle Tummy recipe is less of a feast and more of a functional, comforting meal. It’s the perfect choice for a puppy’s first homemade meal, a dog recovering from an upset stomach, or any canine with a known sensitive digestive tract. Always consult your vet before making significant dietary changes, especially for puppies.

Our senior companions have different nutritional needs. This recipe focuses on easily digestible proteins, joint-supporting supplements, and fiber to keep their aging systems running smoothly. It’s a warm, comforting bowl of love for your golden-years pup.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Cod is a wonderful, low-fat protein that’s easy to digest. Alternatively, chicken breast works well. The key additions are fish oil for its anti-inflammatory omega-3s (great for achy joints) and pumpkin for digestive regularity.

• 1 lb cod fillets or boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 pump of high-quality fish oil for dogs (like salmon or krill oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If using cod, you can steam or bake it until it flakes easily with a fork. If using chicken, boil it until cooked through. Let the protein cool and then flake or shred it.
2. While the protein is cooking, cook the brown rice in the water or broth according to package directions, perhaps adding 10 extra minutes to make it softer.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and flaked/shredded protein with the soft-cooked brown rice.
4. Stir in the pureed pumpkin and the finely chopped spinach. The warmth of the rice will wilt the spinach slightly.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to just warm. Right before serving, stir in the pump of fish oil. This preserves the delicate fatty acids from being damaged by heat.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Senior Support Jambalaya is a thoughtfully crafted meal designed to meet the unique challenges of aging. It’s perfect for any senior dog, especially those showing signs of arthritis, digestive irregularity, or a waning appetite. It’s a delicious way to show your old friend some extra love and care.

Love the idea of homemade dog food but don’t have time to cook every day? This recipe is for you! It’s designed to be made in a large batch and frozen in individual portions, so a healthy, delicious meal is always ready to go.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Using a mix of proteins like chicken and turkey adds a more complex flavor profile and a broader range of amino acids. Sturdy vegetables that freeze well, like carrots, peas, and green beans, are the best choice.

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups brown rice, rinsed
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a very large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground turkey and cubed chicken until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the rinsed brown rice and diced carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice.
3. Pour in all 8 cups of broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the frozen green beans and peas. Let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. The residual heat will cook the frozen veggies perfectly.
6. Allow the massive batch of Jambalaya to cool completely.
7. Portion the cooled food into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw a portion in the refrigerator overnight and warm slightly if desired.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Big Batch Meal Prep Jambalaya is a game-changer for dedicated pet parents who are short on time. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more homemade meals into their dog’s diet without the daily commitment of cooking from scratch. It’s efficiency and love, all in one pot.

Whipping up a special meal for your dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to do it safely. Unlike humans, dogs have sensitive systems and can’t handle many of the ingredients we love. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you step into the role of canine chef.

The ‘Absolutely Not’ List

First and foremost, some ingredients are toxic to dogs and should never be included. This is non-negotiable.

• Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks: All members of the allium family are toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells. This includes powders and dried versions.
• Salt: While dogs need a small amount of sodium, the levels in human food are far too high and can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Always use low-sodium or no-salt-added broths.
• Spicy Seasonings: Cayenne pepper, chili powder, and other hot spices can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, including pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Alcohol: Never use cooking wine or any other alcohol in your dog’s food.
• High-Fat Ingredients: Avoid using fatty meats, butter, or excessive oil, which can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition.

Choosing Your Core Components

• Lean Proteins: Stick to simple, lean proteins like boneless, skinless chicken breast, lean ground turkey, shrimp, or whitefish like cod. Ensure all meat and fish are cooked thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Complex Carbs: Brown rice is a fantastic choice as it’s a whole grain that provides sustained energy and fiber. Other good options include quinoa, sweet potatoes, or oats. Always cook grains thoroughly to make them digestible.
• Dog-Safe Veggies: Vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Great choices include carrots, celery, bell peppers, green beans, peas, zucchini, and spinach. Always wash them and chop them into appropriate bite-sized pieces.

Cooking and Serving Safely

Always cook all ingredients fully. Never serve your dog raw or undercooked meat or grains. When the meal is ready, it’s vital to let it cool down to room temperature. Food that is too hot can burn your dog’s mouth and esophagus. When introducing any new food, start with a small amount (like a spoonful mixed into their regular food) to see how their system handles it before serving a full portion.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can. White rice is more easily digestible than brown rice, which can be beneficial for dogs with very sensitive stomachs or those recovering from GI upset. However, brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. For a healthy, active dog, brown rice is generally the more nutritious choice, but white rice is a perfectly safe substitute.

What spices are actually safe for dogs?

While the spicy Cajun seasonings are out, a few herbs and spices can safely add flavor and health benefits. Turmeric is a fantastic anti-inflammatory. Parsley can help freshen breath. Ginger, in small amounts, can aid digestion. Basil and oregano are also generally safe. The key is moderation—a little sprinkle is all you need. Always avoid spice blends, as they often contain onion or garlic powder.

How much Jambalaya should I feed my dog?

This is not a complete and balanced meal for everyday feeding, but rather a special treat or a topper for their regular kibble. As a general guideline, a serving should be roughly equivalent in calories to the amount of regular food you’re replacing. A small dog might get a few tablespoons, while a large dog might get up to a cup. Always consider your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to determine appropriate portion sizes.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Absolutely, but you must be extremely careful about which one you choose. Most broths and stocks made for humans are loaded with sodium and often contain onion and garlic powder. You must read the label carefully and select a product that is labeled ‘low-sodium’ or ‘no-salt-added’ and has no onion or garlic in the ingredients list. Your safest bet is often found in the organic/health food section or to simply make your own by boiling chicken or vegetables in plain water.