This specially crafted dinner is designed to help soothe anxious and stressed dogs through the power of wholesome, calming ingredients. At its heart is tender, protein-rich chicken breast simmered in a homemade chamomile-infused bone broth that provides both nutritional benefits and natural calming properties. Chamomile has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, and when combined with nutrient-dense bone broth, it creates a comforting base that dogs find irresistible.
The recipe features easily digestible brown rice that provides sustained energy without causing digestive upset, along with sweet potato for fiber and essential vitamins. Carrots and green beans add crunch, color, and additional nutrients while keeping the meal balanced. A touch of coconut oil provides healthy fats that support skin and coat health, while also aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
This meal is particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing separation anxiety, fear of storms or loud noises, nervousness in new situations, or general stress. The warm, aromatic broth creates a sense of comfort and security, while the balanced nutrition supports overall well-being. The recipe makes enough for multiple meals, allowing you to batch cook and store portions for convenient feeding throughout the week.
Feed this calming dinner as part of a regular routine, especially during stressful periods or as an evening meal to help your dog wind down before bedtime. The gentle, wholesome ingredients work together to nourish your dog's body while supporting emotional balance and tranquility.
| 2 lbs | chicken breast, boneless, skinless |
| 6 cups | low-sodium chicken bone broth |
| 2 tbsp | dried chamomile flowers, food-grade, or 4 chamomile tea bags |
| 1.5 cups | brown rice, uncooked |
| 1 large | sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes |
| 2 medium | carrots, peeled and diced |
| 1 cup | green beans, fresh or frozen, chopped |
| 2 tbsp | coconut oil |
| 2 tbsp | fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional) |
Pour the chicken bone broth into a large pot and add the dried chamomile flowers or tea bags. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the chamomile steep in the broth for 10 minutes to infuse the calming properties.
Remove the chamomile flowers using a fine-mesh strainer or remove the tea bags and discard them. Return the infused broth to the pot.
Add the chicken breasts to the chamomile-infused broth and bring back to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the chicken for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and place on a cutting board to cool slightly. Reserve the broth in the pot.
Add the uncooked brown rice to the reserved chamomile broth in the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
While the rice cooks, dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size (smaller pieces for small dogs, larger for big dogs).
After 20 minutes, add the diced sweet potato, carrots, and green beans to the pot with the rice. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the diced chicken, coconut oil, and fresh parsley if using. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog. This prevents any risk of burning their mouth.
Portion the cooled food into individual serving containers based on your dog's weight (approximately 1 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per day, divided into meals). Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
