Recovery Room Chicken Comfort is a specially formulated healing meal designed for dogs recovering from surgery, illness, or digestive upset. This gentle recipe combines easily digestible ingredients that are kind to sensitive stomachs while providing the essential nutrients needed for tissue repair and recovery. The foundation of this comforting meal is tender, lean chicken breast—a high-quality protein source that supports healing and muscle maintenance without overwhelming the digestive system.
The addition of pure pumpkin puree provides soluble fiber that helps regulate digestion, whether your pup is experiencing diarrhea or constipation. White rice serves as a bland, easily digestible carbohydrate that provides quick energy without taxing the digestive tract. The star ingredient, bone broth, not only makes this meal irresistibly aromatic but also delivers collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, joint function, and overall recovery.
This recipe is intentionally simple and bland, avoiding any ingredients that might irritate a compromised digestive system. There are no spices, oils, or complex ingredients—just pure, wholesome nutrition in its most digestible form. The soft texture makes it easy for dogs with reduced appetite or post-surgical discomfort to eat, and the savory bone broth aroma often entices even the pickiest recovering patients.
Perfect for batch cooking, this meal can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods during recovery, and follow their specific feeding guidelines for your dog's condition. This recipe is meant as a temporary recovery diet and should be transitioned back to regular balanced dog food as your pet heals.
| 2 lbs | boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat |
| 4 cups | low-sodium bone broth, unseasoned |
| 1 cup | white rice, uncooked |
| 1 cup | pure pumpkin puree, canned or fresh (not pie filling) |
| 2 cups | water |
Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a large pot and pour 4 cups of bone broth over them, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
Bring the bone broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and let simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the chicken is cooking, combine 1 cup uncooked white rice and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once the rice water boils, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is soft and all water is absorbed.
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking broth for mixing.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and mashed pumpkin. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
Add the reserved 1 cup of cooking broth to the mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a moist, easily digestible consistency.
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog. Portion according to your dog's weight: approximately 1/2 cup per 20 lbs of body weight per meal, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
