Your dog has diarrhea. You’re stressed. They’re stressed. The rug is definitely stressed. So, you do what any loving, mildly panicked dog parent would do: you Google “can I feed my dog chicken?” and now you’re elbow-deep in boiling instructions, bland diet tips, and enough conflicting advice to make your stomach hurt.
At The Pets Table, we’ve been there. And while we normally do the cooking for you (fresh, personalized, delivered to your door), we know there are moments when you just want to help your dog feel better, fast. Enter: boiled chicken.
Whether you’re waiting on the vet or just riding out a mild stomach storm, this guide will walk you through how to safely cook plain chicken for your pup, what to watch out for, and how to serve it up without making things worse.
Why Is Boiled Chicken a Good Choice for Dogs?
Great question. Boiled chicken might sound like the culinary equivalent of elevator music, but when your dog’s got an upset stomach, boring is exactly what you want.
Here’s the deal: plain, skinless, boneless chicken is super easy on your dog’s stomach. It’s low in fat, packed with lean protein, and doesn’t come with any of the extras that can upset their gut even more. When you boil it, you’re skipping the oils, seasonings, and crispy bits that might taste good to us but can make things worse for your pup.
It also gives them a little energy boost while their system settles down. Diarrhea can zap their strength and dehydrate them fast, so a simple, clean protein can help keep them going without overloading their belly.
Bonus? Most dogs love it. Even picky eaters usually perk up when chicken’s involved. The smell is familiar, the texture is soft, and when their stomach is being a total diva, it’s one of the few foods they’ll actually go for.
How Do I Boil Chicken the Right Way for My Dog?
You’ve got the 411 on why boiled chicken is king for a pup with tummy troubles, but how do you actually cook the stuff so it helps instead of making things messier?
Follow these simple steps and your dog’s belly will be back on track in no time.
Start With the Right Chicken
We’re talking about plain chicken. Like, the most basic, unseasoned, unexciting chicken you can find. Boneless. Skinless. Preferably breast meat because it’s lower in fat and easier for sensitive dog bellies to process. Thighs are fine if you trim off the extra fat.
Skip anything labeled “pre-marinated,” “lemon pepper,” or “grill-ready.” And definitely don’t grab that rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. We know it smells amazing. Your dog probably thinks it’s the best thing ever. But it’s loaded with stuff their stomach just can’t deal with right now.
If you’re pulling chicken out of the freezer, that’s fine; just make sure there’s no sauce hiding in the packaging. You want the label to say one thing: chicken. That’s it.
Don’t Add Anything Extra
Repeat after us: no seasonings. No oils. No butter. No broth cubes. No herbs. And absolutely no garlic or onion, which are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts.
You’re cooking for a temporarily fragile stomach, not for Thanksgiving. Just put the chicken in a pot, fill it with plain water until the meat is completely covered, and you’re good to go.
If your dog gives you the stink-eye while you’re cooking, remind them this is a medical-grade meal, not a five-star feast. They’ll live.
Bring It to a Boil, Then Simmer
Once your pot’s set up, crank the heat and let the water come to a full boil. Then reduce it to a simmer. This keeps the chicken from drying out or turning into rubbery sadness.
Most chicken breasts are fully cooked in 12 to 15 minutes. Thicker cuts or anything still slightly frozen may take longer. Want to be sure? Slice into the thickest part and check that it’s completely white inside. If there’s any pink, toss it back in for a few more minutes. Better safe than salmonella.
If you’re using thighs or larger pieces, go closer to the 20-minute mark. You’re aiming for fully cooked, not overcooked, and definitely not “oops, still raw in the middle.”
Cool It Down Completely
Your dog may be giving you their best “I’m starving” performance right now, but don’t serve the chicken straight out of the pot. Let it cool completely — not warm, not kind of hot — fully cooled.
Once it’s cool, shred the chicken into small, easy-to-chew pieces. Your dog might inhale food like a Dyson, but smaller bits are safer and easier to digest. Plus, it helps prevent choking if they get a little too excited about their bland feast.
Save the Broth (Optional Bonus Tip)
That cloudy, chickeny water left in the pot? That’s liquid gold. It’s unsalted, unseasoned, full of flavor, and you can save it for later to drizzle over plain rice or dry kibble when your dog starts easing back into their regular food.
Just pour it into a container, toss it in the fridge, and use it within 48 hours. If you’re feeling fancy, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and pop one out when your dog needs a little something extra on their food.
How Much Boiled Chicken Should I Feed My Dog?
So you’ve got your perfectly boring, gently shredded, dog-approved chicken ready to go. Now comes the big question: how much should you actually serve?
Spoiler: it’s probably less than your pup thinks they deserve.
Start Small — Like, Really Small
If this is your dog’s first bland meal of the day, start with a little test bite. We’re talking a tablespoon or two for small dogs and a few bites for medium to large dogs. You want to see how it sits before committing to a full bowl.
Give it 30 to 60 minutes and watch for signs that it’s staying down, not sending your dog sprinting to the door again.
Use Weight as a Rough Guide
Here’s a general idea to work from, based on your dog’s weight and assuming this is a short-term, bland diet day:
- 10-20 lb dogs: About ¼ to ⅓ cup of shredded chicken per meal
- 20-40 lb dogs: ½ to ¾ cup per meal
- 40-60 lb dogs: ¾ to 1 cup per meal
- 60+ lb dogs: Up to 1½ cups per meal
Split this into two to three meals across the day. No need to feed it all at once. Smaller, more frequent meals are easier on the gut and help avoid another surprise mess on your floor.
Don’t Forget — This Is Temporary
Boiled chicken is meant to be a quick fix, not a forever food. Dogs need a complete and balanced diet, and plain chicken doesn’t cut it long-term. It’s missing key nutrients, fats, and fiber. Great for recovery. Not great as a lifestyle.
If your dog’s doing better after a day or two, you can start reintroducing their regular food gradually, mixing it with the chicken in small amounts. If things still aren’t looking solid after 48 hours, give your vet a call.
What Should I Feed My Dog After the Chicken Phase?
Once your dog’s digestion is back on track, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how their usual food is really working for them. If they’re thriving, pooping like a champ, and back to begging like the little drama queen they are — great. You might be in the clear.
But if you’re starting to notice a pattern, like your dog’s stomach seems to live in a constant state of “almost fine,” then it could be time for a food glow-up. That’s where we come in with meals made for dogs who deserve better than bland.
Our Fresh and Air-Dried recipes are developed with board-certified vet nutritionists and packed with high-quality, gut-friendly ingredients: no weird fillers, no fake flavors, no mystery meat. Just real food, personalized to your dog’s needs, delivered to your door like magic.
Of course, if your pup seems stuck in a cycle of “meh” (think weird poops, not quite bouncing back), it might be time to check in with your vet. You’ve done the home-cooked hero thing, and if things still feel off, getting a pro’s opinion can help rule out anything bigger and give you peace of mind.
Final Word
You survived the poop crisis, conquered bland meal prep, and maybe even learned a little more than you wanted to about your dog’s digestive schedule. At The Pets Table, we know it’s not always glamorous (or good-smelling), but caring for your dog through the messy stuff? That’s the real love story.
If you’re ready to swap the emergency chicken routine for something more balanced, we’ve got you. Our recipes are made with real human-grade ingredients your dog’s gut will actually vibe with — like Beef Stew with Carrots, Turkey Casserole with Broccoli, and Beef and Berries from our air-dried line.
Because your pup deserves food that goes down easy and keeps things firm on the other end.
Sources:
Can Dogs Eat Chicken? | American Kennel Club
Breasts vs. Thighs — Which Is More Nutritious? | Eat Right
Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Toxicity in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals