Does your picky pup turn their nose up at dinner, while your sensitive-stomached dog struggles with store-bought kibble? You’re definitely not alone in this daily mealtime battle.
Here’s the deal: the average dog owner spends over $500 a year on premium dog food—often loaded with ingredients that upset sensitive stomachs and leave picky eaters unimpressed. But what if you could cut that cost nearly in half, feed your dog better nutrition, and still keep mealtime exciting?
This chicken and blueberry recipe does exactly that. Gentle on digestion, packed with nutrients, and loved even by the fussiest pups, it’s a simple, affordable way to save around $250 each year while treating your dog to real, wholesome food. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make. I’ll walk you through the recipe, batch cooking tips, portion sizes for every dog breed, and clever tweaks for allergies, picky eaters, and more. Ready to turn mealtime into a tail-wagging feast without breaking the bank? Let’s dig in.
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe
This chicken and blueberry feast takes just 30 minutes to make with 6 simple ingredients. The cooking process involves boiling chicken, adding sweet potato and rice, then mixing in blueberries at the end.
Ingredients
You need 1 pound of boneless chicken breast cut into small chunks. Your dog will love the tender texture when it’s cooked properly.
Add 1 cup of brown rice and 1 medium sweet potato diced into tiny pieces. The sweet potato makes this meal irresistible to picky eaters.
You’ll also need 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Skip the frozen berries because fresh ones taste way better.
Finally, grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil for extra flavor. Your dog’s taste buds will thank you for this fancy touch.
Steps
Step 1: Boil the chicken chunks in a large pot with the chicken broth for 15 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before moving on.
Step 2: Add the diced sweet potato and brown rice to the pot. Let everything simmer for another 12 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Stir in the olive oil and let the mixture cool completely. Hot food can burn your dog’s mouth, so patience is key here.
Step 4: Mix in the fresh blueberries right before serving. This keeps them from getting mushy and gross.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Benefits Of This Recipe

This chicken and blueberry recipe saves you money while giving your dog better nutrition than most store-bought foods. Your dog gets lean protein, antioxidants, and gentle ingredients that work well for sensitive stomachs.
Table – Cost & Calories Per Cup
Component | Cost Per Cup | Calories Per Cup |
---|---|---|
Chicken breast | $0.85 | 180 |
Blueberries | $0.40 | 25 |
Sweet potato | $0.15 | 35 |
Rice | $0.10 | 40 |
Total | $1.50 | 280 |
Compare this to premium dog food at $2.50 per cup. You save a dollar every serving while knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl.
Your wallet will thank you after a month of feeding this recipe. No more sticker shock at the pet store checkout.
Health Advantages
Chicken breast gives your dog high-quality protein without the fat that upsets sensitive stomachs. It builds strong muscles and keeps your pup satisfied longer than grain-heavy kibble.
Blueberries pack antioxidants that support your dog’s immune system. These little purple gems also add natural sweetness that makes picky eaters actually excited about dinner time.
Sweet potatoes provide fiber that helps digestion run smoothly. Your dog gets steady energy instead of the sugar spikes from corn-based foods.
Rice acts as a gentle carbohydrate that soothes upset stomachs. It’s bland enough for sensitive dogs but filling enough to keep them happy between meals.
Feeding Table For Different Sized Dogs & Breeds (2 Meals A Day)
Your dog’s belly size matters more than you think. A Great Dane needs way more food than a Chihuahua. That’s pretty obvious, right?
Here’s how much of this chicken and blueberry feast your pup needs twice a day:
Dog Weight | Amount Per Meal | Daily Total |
---|---|---|
5-10 lbs | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup |
11-25 lbs | 1/2 cup | 1 cup |
26-50 lbs | 3/4 cup | 1.5 cups |
51-75 lbs | 1 cup | 2 cups |
76-100 lbs | 1.25 cups | 2.5 cups |
Over 100 lbs | 1.5 cups | 3 cups |
Tiny breeds like Yorkies and Pomeranians have fast metabolisms. They burn through food quickly but can’t eat much at once.
Medium dogs such as Beagles and Cocker Spaniels usually have normal appetites. They’re not too picky about portion sizes.
Large breeds like Labs and Golden Retrievers can eat a lot. But don’t let them gulp it down too fast. They might get sick.
Giant breeds need the most food but should eat slowly. Their stomachs can twist if they eat too quickly.
Start with these amounts and watch your dog’s weight. If they’re getting chunky, cut back a little. If they’re too skinny, add more food.
Variations
This recipe adapts easily for different dog needs by adjusting portions and swapping ingredients. Simple changes help dogs lose weight, support growing puppies, or solve common health issues.
Weight Loss
Cut the chicken portion in half and add more blueberries. Your chunky pup will think they’re getting a treat while secretly eating fewer calories.
Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice. It looks the same but has way fewer carbs. Your dog won’t notice the switch, but their waistline will.
Add green beans or carrots to bulk up the meal. These veggies fill your dog’s belly without adding pounds. Steam them until soft so they’re easy to digest.
Portion Tips:
- Small dogs: 1/4 cup servings
- Medium dogs: 1/2 cup servings
- Large dogs: 3/4 cup servings
Serve this lighter version twice daily instead of one big meal. Your dog gets to eat more often while still losing weight.
Puppies
Double the chicken amount for growing pups. They need more protein to build strong muscles and bones. Shred the chicken into tiny pieces so little mouths can handle it.
Use white rice instead of brown rice. It’s easier for puppy tummies to break down. Cook it until it’s really soft and mushy.
Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. The calcium helps build strong teeth and bones. Plus, most puppies love the creamy texture.
Puppy Portions by Age:
- 8-12 weeks: 2 tablespoons, 4 times daily
- 3-6 months: 1/4 cup, 3 times daily
- 6-12 months: 1/2 cup, 2 times daily
Mash the blueberries slightly. Whole berries might be too big for tiny puppy mouths.
Senior Dogs
Make everything extra soft for older teeth. Cook the chicken longer and shred it finely. Your senior dog shouldn’t have to work hard to eat.
Add bone broth instead of plain water. It makes the meal tastier and adds extra nutrients. Warm it slightly before serving for maximum appeal.
Include sweet potato instead of regular rice. It’s packed with vitamins and has a naturally sweet taste that older dogs enjoy.
Senior-Friendly Additions:
- Pumpkin puree (1 tablespoon)
- Cooked egg (chopped fine)
- Fish oil (few drops)
Cut portions smaller but feed more often. Senior dogs digest smaller meals better than big ones.
Common Allergies
Swap chicken for turkey if your dog has poultry allergies. Turkey is usually gentler on sensitive systems. Cook it the same way as chicken.
Replace rice with quinoa for grain-free diets. It has more protein and won’t trigger wheat allergies. Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.
Try raspberries instead of blueberries if your dog shows berry sensitivity. They’re just as healthy but taste different enough to avoid reactions.
Allergy-Safe Swaps:
- Chicken → Duck or fish
- Rice → Sweet potato or pumpkin
- Blueberries → Blackberries or strawberries
Always introduce new ingredients slowly. Add one new item at a time over several days.
Picky Eaters
Warm the meal slightly before serving. Heat brings out smells that make food more appealing to fussy dogs. Don’t make it hot, just room temperature.
Add a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth. Even the pickiest eaters usually can’t resist that savory smell. Start with just a teaspoon.
Mix in a small amount of their favorite treats. Crumble them on top or stir them in. This tricks picky dogs into trying new foods.
Picky Eater Tricks:
- Hand-feed the first few bites
- Eat a small piece yourself (show them it’s good)
- Serve in their favorite bowl
- Add freeze-dried liver powder
Don’t give up after one try. Some dogs need to see new food several times before they’ll taste it.
Digestion
Cook everything longer for easier digestion. The softer the food, the less work your dog’s stomach has to do. Overcooked is better than undercooked here.
Add plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling). It helps with both loose stools and constipation. Start with just one tablespoon per meal.
Include probiotics by mixing in plain yogurt. The good bacteria help keep your dog’s gut healthy. Use only unsweetened varieties.
Digestive Support Additions:
- Bone broth (natural gelatin)
- Ginger (tiny pinch for nausea)
- Slippery elm powder (1/4 teaspoon)
Serve at room temperature. Cold food can upset sensitive stomachs, while hot food might cause gulping.
Joints
Add fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats reduce joint inflammation. Start with just a few drops and increase gradually.
Include turmeric powder (just a pinch). This spice fights inflammation naturally. Mix it well so your dog doesn’t taste it directly.
Use bone broth as the cooking liquid. It contains natural collagen that supports joint health. Make your own or buy low-sodium versions.
Joint-Supporting Ingredients:
- Glucosamine powder (follow package directions)
- Green-lipped mussel powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- Coconut oil (1/2 teaspoon)
Cook sweet potatoes until very soft. They contain antioxidants that help reduce joint pain over time.
Skin & Coat
Add salmon or fish oil for healthy fats. These make coats shiny and reduce dry, itchy skin. Start with small amounts to avoid upset stomachs.
Include coconut oil in small amounts. It moisturizes skin from the inside out. Begin with just 1/4 teaspoon per meal.
Use eggs as a protein source sometimes. The biotin in eggs promotes healthy hair growth. Scramble them plain or hard-boil and chop.
Skin & Coat Boosters:
- Sunflower seeds (ground up)
- Flaxseed oil (few drops)
- Zinc supplements (vet-approved only)
Avoid foods that trigger skin issues. Common culprits include beef, dairy, and wheat products.
Seasonal Switches
Your dog doesn’t need to eat the same meal all year long. Dogs get bored with food just like people do.
Spring brings fresh berries to stores. Strawberries and raspberries work great instead of blueberries. Your picky pup might think they’re getting a fancy upgrade.
Summer means hot weather calls for cooler meals. Freeze the chicken and berry mix in ice cube trays. Your dog will thank you for the cold treat on scorching days.
Fall opens up new fruit options. Try cranberries or chopped apples with the chicken. Both are safe and add different flavors to keep meals interesting.
Winter vegetables like sweet potato or carrots make good additions. Steam them until soft and mix them in. Your dog won’t even notice they’re eating healthy veggies.
Season | Best Additions | Why Dogs Love It |
---|---|---|
Spring | Strawberries, raspberries | New flavors after winter |
Summer | Frozen portions | Cool relief from heat |
Fall | Cranberries, apples | Sweet autumn tastes |
Winter | Sweet potato, carrots | Warming comfort food |
Switch fruits gradually over a few days. This prevents stomach upset in sensitive dogs.
Pro tip: Keep the chicken as your base ingredient. It’s the star of this recipe year-round. The seasonal additions just make it more exciting for your furry food critic.
Storage Advice
Your dog’s new favorite meal needs proper storage to stay fresh and safe. Think of it like keeping your own leftovers, but with more tail-wagging involved.
Refrigerator storage works best for this feast. Store it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Your pup will appreciate the cool treat on hot days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in ice cube trays or small containers. This creates perfect serving sizes that thaw quickly. Frozen portions last up to 3 months.
Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 3 days | Daily meals |
Freezer | 3 months | Meal prep |
Always let frozen portions thaw completely before serving. Cold chicken might make your dog give you the stink eye. Room temperature food is much more appealing.
Label containers with the date you made the feast. Your future self will thank you when you’re trying to remember if that container is from last week or last month.
Never leave this meal out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria love chicken just as much as your dog does, but for all the wrong reasons.
If the food smells off or looks strange, toss it out. Your nose knows when something’s not right. Trust your instincts and make a fresh batch instead.
Batch Cooking Tips
Making big batches of this chicken and blueberry feast is like meal prep for humans. Except your dog won’t complain about eating the same thing three days in a row.
Cook double or triple the recipe when you have time. Your future self will thank you on busy weekdays.
Here’s your batch cooking game plan:
Step | What to Do | Time Saved |
---|---|---|
Cook | Make 3-4 servings at once | 30 minutes |
Store | Divide into meal portions | 5 minutes |
Freeze | Label with dates | 2 minutes |
Storage made simple: Use ice cube trays for small dogs or muffin tins for bigger pups. Pop out frozen portions and store in freezer bags.
Label everything with dates. Trust me, mystery dog food from the back of your freezer isn’t fun to identify later.
Frozen portions last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Pro tip: Make different batch sizes. Small cubes work great for treats or training rewards. Larger portions become full meals.
Your dog will think you’re a cooking genius. You’ll know the secret is just smart planning and a good freezer system.
Keep cooked batches in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently or serve cold – most dogs don’t mind either way.
Transitioning Steps
Your dog’s stomach might throw a tantrum if you switch foods too fast. Nobody wants a grumpy pup with tummy troubles.
Start slow with this new chicken and blueberry feast. Mix it with your dog’s current food for the first week.
Day 1-2: Use 75% old food and 25% new recipe
Day 3-4: Switch to 50% old food and 50% new recipe
Day 5-6: Try 25% old food and 75% new recipe
Day 7: Serve 100% chicken and blueberry feast
Watch your dog’s bathroom habits during this time. Loose stools mean you’re moving too fast.
If your picky eater turns their nose up at the mix, try warming it slightly. The smell will make them drool like a leaky faucet.
Some dogs need longer transition times. Sensitive stomachs might need two weeks instead of one.
Signs to slow down:
- Upset stomach
- Refusing to eat
- Unusual bathroom trips
- Acting grumpy or tired
Keep fresh water available during the switch. Your dog will thank you for taking it easy on their belly.
If problems continue after the full transition, talk to your vet. They know your dog’s needs better than anyone.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.