Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe for Dogs with Allergies

If your dog struggles with food allergies, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be. Over the last 20 years of grooming dogs, helping owners troubleshoot skin issues, ear infections, and chronic itching, I’ve learned that diet is often the root cause. Many dogs react badly to fillers, artificial additives, or overprocessed proteins found in commercial foods.

That’s exactly why simple, limited-ingredient meals can be a game changer. This homemade Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe is one I’ve personally used and recommended for years for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.

Key Takeaways From This Article

• Chicken, rice, and pumpkin are gentle, allergy-friendly ingredients
• This recipe supports digestion, skin health, and immune function
• Homemade food helps eliminate hidden allergens and fillers
• Pumpkin and rice help regulate both diarrhea and constipation
• Portion control and slow transitions are key for allergy-prone dogs
• The recipe is freezer-friendly and easy to customize

Why Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin?

Before jumping into the recipe, it’s important to understand why these ingredients work so well, especially for dogs with allergies. I’ve seen countless dogs improve within weeks when switching to this simple combination.

Chicken
Chicken is a lean, highly digestible protein that supports muscle maintenance without overwhelming the digestive system. In my experience, many dogs who react to beef or complex protein blends tolerate chicken very well. According to veterinary nutrition data, lean poultry proteins are among the most commonly recommended proteins for elimination diets.
If your dog is allergic to chicken, turkey or lean lamb are excellent substitutes.

Rice
Rice is a gentle carbohydrate that provides energy without irritating the gut.
• White rice is easier to digest and ideal for dogs with active digestive upset
• Brown rice contains more fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins, which support gut health and energy metabolism
Both options work well depending on your dog’s tolerance.

Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of the most powerful natural digestive aids for dogs. I’ve used it for dogs with diarrhea, constipation, and inconsistent stools. Its soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the gut while also helping stools move along when things are sluggish.
Pumpkin is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune health and skin repair—critical for dogs dealing with allergy flare-ups.

Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Allergy-Friendly Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra moisture)
1 cup brown or white rice
1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
1 cup chopped carrots (optional, for added fiber and beta-carotene)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, supports skin and coat health)
2 cups water

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken
If using a crockpot or Instant Pot, place the chicken directly into the pot. There’s no need to cut it beforehand—it will shred easily once cooked. If cooking on the stove, dice the chicken into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Add the Rice and Pumpkin
Add the rice and pumpkin puree directly to the pot. Pumpkin should be plain and unsweetened. I always double-check labels because added sugars can worsen inflammation and allergies.

Toss in Some Veggies (Optional)
Carrots are optional but beneficial. They provide beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports skin health—something allergy dogs often struggle with.

Add Water
Pour in 2 cups of water. Keeping the ingredient list minimal is important for dogs with allergies, so water is often better than broth.

Cook it Low and Slow
Crockpot Method: Cook on low for 4–6 hours
Instant Pot Method: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release

Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and mix it back into the rice and pumpkin mixture.

Add Coconut Oil (Optional)
If your dog has dry skin or excessive shedding, coconut oil can help. In my grooming experience, dogs with allergy-related skin issues often benefit from small amounts of healthy fats.

Cool and Serve
Allow the food to cool completely before serving. Hot food can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive tract.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Portion size depends on weight, activity level, and age. These are general guidelines I’ve used successfully, but your vet should always have the final say.

Small dogs (10–20 lbs): ½ to 1 cup per meal
Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1 to 1½ cups per meal
Large dogs (50–100 lbs): 1½ to 3 cups per meal

Serve twice daily. Monitor weight and stool consistency and adjust portions as needed.

Why Homemade Dog Food?

After 20 years working closely with dogs, one thing is clear: when owners control the ingredients, dogs with allergies often thrive. Commercial foods can contain hidden allergens like corn, soy, artificial preservatives, and unnamed meat by-products.

Benefits of homemade dog food include:
• No fillers or mystery ingredients
• Fresh, whole foods that are easier to digest
• Ability to customize for allergies and sensitivities
• Better stool quality and fewer skin flare-ups

Studies show that up to 20% of chronic skin conditions in dogs are food-related, making diet one of the most powerful tools you have.

Can You Freeze This Recipe?

Yes, and I highly recommend it. This recipe freezes extremely well.

Divide into meal-sized portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly if needed—just never serve it hot.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes. Turkey, lamb, or lean beef can be used if chicken isn’t tolerated.

How long can I store this in the fridge?
3–4 days in an airtight container.

Is this recipe safe for puppies?
Yes. I’ve used similar recipes for puppies with sensitive stomachs. Adjust portions and ensure overall calorie needs are met.

Final Thoughts

Managing dog allergies can feel overwhelming, but diet is one area where you have real control. This Chicken, Rice, and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe has helped many dogs I’ve worked with experience fewer flare-ups, better digestion, and healthier coats.

As always, consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes, especially for dogs with diagnosed allergies or medical conditions. From my experience, simple, clean ingredients often make the biggest difference.