Max, my golden retriever, has always had strong opinions about food. One afternoon, he sat by the kitchen counter, eyes locked on my lunch like he was judging my life choices.
A nibble of my sandwich? Rejected. A dropped crumb? Sniffed suspiciously, then ignored. That’s when it hit me: he deserved a treat made just for him — crunchy, wholesome, and irresistible.
Enter Chicken & Rice Crunch Bones. With simple ingredients like shredded chicken and plain rice, I set out to make a homemade snack that was safe, tasty, and, most importantly, tail-wag approved.
The first bite had Max doing his little happy dance, spinning in circles, and giving me a look that clearly said, “Finally, a human who understands me.”
This recipe is simple, uses ingredients you probably already have at home, and gives your dog a crunchy, flavorful treat without any artificial additives.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make Chicken & Rice Crunch Bones step by step, with tips to make them delicious, safe, and fun for your furry friend.
1. Choose Fresh, Dog-Friendly Ingredients
The key to crunchy, delicious, and safe homemade dog treats is starting with ingredients your dog can actually eat — and trust me, Max is an excellent judge of quality.
What you need:
- Chicken – boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work best. Avoid processed meats, seasonings, or anything with onions or garlic. Dogs love plain cooked chicken, and it’s packed with protein.
- Rice – plain white or brown rice is perfect. It binds the treat and keeps it easy to digest. Avoid adding salt or seasoning; your dog won’t miss it.
- Optional extras – a small amount of unsweetened pumpkin puree or finely chopped carrots for flavor and extra nutrients.
Pro tip: Always check ingredients before adding anything new. Dogs can be surprisingly picky, and some human foods (like chocolate, grapes, or onions) are toxic to them.
Max once tried to sneak a bite of a seasoned snack I dropped — let’s just say his tail wag slowed dramatically when I explained why it was off-limits.
Why it matters:
Fresh, wholesome ingredients make treats safer, tastier, and more nutritious.
Your dog will get the crunch they love and the nutrients they need — no mystery chemicals, no preservatives, just food that’s made with love (and a little humor, because watching Max taste-test is priceless).
2. Cook the Chicken Perfectly
The chicken is the star of your dog treat show, so getting it right is crucial.
I’ve learned the hard way that undercooked chicken is a no-go (Max refuses it outright), and overcooked chicken can make treats dry and crumbly.
Step-by-Step:
- Boil or Bake – Place boneless, skinless chicken in a pot of water and simmer until fully cooked (about 15–20 minutes), or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Shred Finely – Let it cool slightly, then shred into small pieces. Max gives me the “human, hurry up” look if I take too long.
- Optional Flavor Boost – You can mix in a tablespoon of unsalted chicken broth to make the treats more aromatic. Max does a little happy dance just at the smell.
Humor & Tip:
Dogs are like tiny food critics. Max hovered while I shredded the chicken, occasionally trying to sneak a nibble off the cutting board.
Let’s just say I had to defend my “chef integrity” multiple times.
And remember: no salt, no spices — your dog’s taste buds are more than happy without it, and some seasonings are actually dangerous for them.
Why it matters:
Perfectly cooked, finely shredded chicken ensures the treats hold together well and have a rich, natural flavor.
Your dog gets protein-packed, safe bites that will make them look at you like you just invented gourmet dog cuisine.
3. Cook the Rice & Mix Everything Together
Rice is the base of your crunchy dog treats — it holds everything together and gives a nice texture that your dog will love.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Use plain white or brown rice.
- Boil it in water until fully cooked, soft but not mushy.
- No salt, butter, or spices — your dog doesn’t need them, and some seasonings can be harmful.
Step 2: Let It Cool
- Spread the cooked rice on a plate or shallow bowl so it cools faster.
- Hot rice + eager pup = a very impatient dog staring at your hands. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand.
Step 3: Mix Chicken & Rice
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken from Tip #2 with the cooked rice.
- Use a spoon or your hands to mix until it’s evenly combined.
- The mixture should be sticky enough to form shapes but not soggy.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
- Add a spoon of unsweetened pumpkin puree, finely grated carrot, or a tiny bit of cooked peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Watch your dog’s face light up when they smell the pumpkin — Max did a full happy dance at this stage!
Pro Tip:
- If the mixture feels too dry to form shapes, add a little unsalted chicken broth.
- If it’s too wet, sprinkle a tiny bit of cooked rice to balance it.
4. Shape & Bake the Crunch Bones
Now comes the part where your treats start looking like the yummy little bones your dog will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Max (my golden retriever) was already pacing, giving me that “human, hurry up” look — a true food critic in the making.
Step 2: Form the Bones
- Take small portions of the chicken-rice mixture.
- Roll them into little bone shapes with your hands.
- Optional: Use small cookie cutters if you want uniform shapes, but dogs aren’t picky — Max thinks “irregular shapes = gourmet.”
Step 3: Place on Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the shaped treats on the sheet with a little space between them so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them — you want a golden, crunchy texture, not burnt.
- Fun fact: Max spent the whole time spinning and pawing at my leg like he was my sous-chef.
Step 5: Cool Completely
- Let the treats cool completely before serving.
- Hot treats can burn little tongues, and your dog will be too excited to wait anyway.
Optional Crunch Boost:
- For extra crunchy treats, reduce the oven to 300°F (150°C) after the initial bake and let them dry for another 5–10 minutes.
5. Storing & Serving the Crunch Bones
Once your Chicken & Rice Crunch Bones are baked and cooled, it’s time to think about storage and serving — because a happy dog is one with treats ready when they want them.
Step 1: Store Properly
- Place the cooled treats in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a bag or container — they’ll last up to a month and stay crunchy.
Step 2: Serving Size
- Serve treats based on your dog’s size and weight.
- Small dogs: 1–2 small bones at a time.
- Medium dogs: 2–3 bones.
- Large dogs: 3–4 bones.
- Tip: Max acts like even one is a life-changing snack, so adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Presentation (Optional but Fun)
- Use a cute bowl or place treats on a small plate.
- Your dog won’t care about fancy plating, but it makes the moment feel special — plus it looks cute if you’re taking pictures for Instagram.
Step 4: Watch the Excitement
- Dogs will sniff, circle, and sometimes even try a “taste-test” before fully committing. Max did a full happy dance the first time I let him pick one himself.
Pro Tip:
- Always supervise the first treat or two to make sure your dog eats safely.
- If you freeze the treats, let them thaw slightly before serving so they’re not rock-hard.
Conclusion – “Happy Tails, Full Bellies, and a Little Kitchen Chaos”
By the time I finished making the first batch of Chicken & Rice Crunch Bones, Max had already sampled a few, danced around the kitchen, and given me that proud “you nailed it” look only a dog can give.
It wasn’t just about the treats — it was about the little moments: the flour on the floor, the smell of chicken in the oven, and watching my pup genuinely excited for something I made just for him.
Homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a little time, and a lot of patience (and maybe some spilled rice along the way), you can create snacks that are healthy, crunchy, and tail-wag approved.
Plus, it gives you a front-row seat to the happiest dog show ever — starring your furry friend.
So grab some chicken, cook up that rice, and get ready for a kitchen adventure filled with laughs, a little chaos, and the most enthusiastic taste-testers you’ll ever meet.
Because the best part of homemade dog treats? The joy they bring — and the memories you make along the way.