3 Amazing Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

If you have a pup with a surprisingly sensitive tummy like mine used to have, you know the stress of finding something gentle yet totally nourishing. Honestly, sometimes those store-bought options just don’t cut it! That’s why I spent ages figuring out the perfect, easy recipe for a dry mix we could trust. I’m so excited to share my favorite discovery: the Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix.

This isn’t fancy, show-off cooking; this is real food made simply. We’re pairing lean protein with pure, soothing pumpkin to create durable, bite-sized pieces that are absolutely fantastic for digestion. It’s quick too—you won’t spend the whole weekend in the kitchen. Trust me, once this bakes, your house smells amazing, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl.

You can check out how I make a similar dried snack treat with pumpkin here: soft chicken and pumpkin jerky. But first, let’s get this sturdy kibble mix going!

Why This Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix Works

When you’re dealing with sensitive systems, you have to be mindful of every single ingredient. That’s why this specific combination of chicken and pumpkin is my go-to for creating a sturdy, digestive-friendly mix. It’s all about gentle support and rock-solid nutrition in every piece.

We want food that goes down easy and keeps everything running smoothly. Forget fillers and questionable additives—we know exactly what’s in this bowl!

Digestive Benefits of Chicken and Pumpkin

See, chicken is fantastic because it’s such a pure, lean protein. It’s easy on the stomach and gives our pups the building blocks they need without weighing them down. Then you bring in the star: pumpkin! That lovely orange puree is packed with two types of fiber.

• Soluble fiber helps absorb excess water, which firms things up when they’re having a runny day.
• Insoluble fiber moves things along gently when they’re feeling a bit sluggish.

It’s a perfect pairing; gentle fuel from the chicken meets the soothing, balancing power of the pumpkin fiber.

Quick Overview of Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

The best part? This recipe is lightning fast to pull together. You’re looking at maybe 20 minutes of prep work before it hits the oven, and then about 40 minutes of baking time. When you pull it out, you get about 3 cups of dried, hard kibble pieces.

If I’m batch-making for the week, I usually double the recipe just because the clean-up is so easy. Making your own Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix is incredibly efficient!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

Okay, friend, since we are aiming for that specific texture—hard, dry, and ready for storage—we can’t be loosey-goosey with the measurements here. This is where precision really helps us get that long shelf life we’re looking for! Remember, we’re making the Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix, and every ingredient plays a role in making it easy on the gut.

If you happen to be preparing jerky soon, this recipe uses similar base ingredients to my turkey and oat digestive recipe, but the flour ratio is what makes this one dry out into crunchier kibble.

Precise Ingredient Measurements

You’ll need a few things prepped before you start mixing. The chicken absolutely must be cooked and shredded—no raw stuff here! Also, make sure your pumpkin is pure, no funny business with added spices or sugar.

• We need 1 cup of cooked, nicely shredded chicken breast. Keep it lean!
• 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree. I’m serious about the “no pie filling” rule; that’s just sugar water for us.
• 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
• 1/2 cup of oat flour—this adds that lovely binding texture.
• 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal. This is a powerhouse for their system!
• 1 large egg, just to hold everything together.
• And about 1/4 cup of plain water, but hold onto most of it until you see how your dough looks.

Get these lined up, and we are ready to go. It comes together so fast once you have everything measured out!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

Alright, now we get to the fun part—turning those measured ingredients into something crunchy and beneficial! When making this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix, remember that our goal is creating a dry, shelf-stable product. If there’s any moisture left trapped inside, it won’t last long in the pantry, so patience during the baking stage is key.

Before we dive in, I always make sure my baking sheets are ready. You definitely want to line them with parchment paper first, trust me on this one! It’s a lifesaver when it comes time to peel off the dried pieces. If you’re curious about other mixes that focus on gentle grains, you should check out my chicken and millet option too.

Mixing the Dough for Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

Start by getting all your dry stuff—the flours and the flaxseed meal—into a big bowl. Give that a quick whisk around just to make sure everything is happy and distributed. Then, toss in your shredded chicken and that lovely pumpkin puree. Give it a good stir. It’s going to look chunky and pretty messy at this stage!

Now, crack in that egg and start mixing until you think you have a dough. It’s going to feel really stiff. This is where you bring in the water, but you have to go slow! Add it one tablespoon at a time only if the dough is just crumbling apart and refusing to hold its shape. We definitely don’t want mushy dough; we want stiff dough.

Baking and Drying for Perfect Kibble Texture

Once it’s mixed, roll it out super thin—I aim for about 1/8 inch thick—sandwiched between two sheets of parchment paper so the sticky dough doesn’t cling to the counter. Then, you just cut it into small, kibble-sized squares or whatever shape floats your boat. Place those pieces on your lined sheets.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake these gems for about 30 to 40 minutes. This part starts the drying process. But here’s the real secret for shelf stability: after the time is up, turn the oven off completely! Prop the door open just a tiny crack—maybe stick a wooden spoon in there—and leave the kibble inside for a full extra hour. This slow cooling and drying ensures they are completely hard and dry, which is essential for any homemade kibble mix.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

Even though this recipe is already pretty straightforward, there are a couple of little tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make sure your kibble comes out perfectly crisp every time. Remember, we are working with natural ingredients here, and pumpkin moisture can really vary from can to can. Getting the dough consistency right is 90% of the battle for that satisfying crunch!

I always keep an eye on other simple, balanced recipes, like this lamb and rice concept. It reinforces that whole, gentle ingredients are usually the best approach.

Adjusting Dough Consistency

When you start adding that initial water to form the dough, pay close attention. If your pumpkin puree was particularly wet that day—maybe it was freshly pureed or just seemed looser—you might find you barely need any extra water at all. If the mix seems too dry and crumbly even after kneading, go ahead and add that tablespoon of water as directed, but stop as soon as the dough holds together when you squeeze a chunk in your fist. It should feel stiff, almost like playdough.

Another critical point for a good, dry kibble is the thickness when you roll it out. I really emphasize rolling it thinly—aim for just about 1/8 of an inch. If it’s too thick, those centers will never fully dry out, even if you leave the oven door ajar for an hour. Thin layers crisp up beautifully and ensure those digestive benefits are delivered in a long-lasting, crunchy form.

Ingredient Substitutions for Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

Grandma always said you could use what you have, as long as you respected the structure of the recipe! In this case, the flour is important for structure, but you have a little wiggle room if you need it. If you prefer using a slightly lighter flour, you can absolutely substitute regular whole wheat flour with white whole wheat flour.

White whole wheat flour is still a whole grain, but it’s made from a lighter hard white wheat berry, so some people find it slightly easier to digest, or maybe it just works better with their pantry stock. Make sure whatever flour you use, you measure it correctly. Keep the oat flour and flaxseed meal consistent, though, as those two bring a ton of the specific fiber and binding power we need for this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix!

Storing Your Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix Safely

So, you’ve successfully baked the kibble until it’s rock hard—that’s fantastic! The final step isn’t cooking; it’s storage. Since we worked so hard to get all that internal moisture out during the oven-off drying phase, we absolutely cannot let it get damp again. Moisture is the enemy of crunchy, homemade dry food!

If you’ve followed the directions and your kibble pieces feel completely hard all the way through—meaning they snap rather than bend when you try to break one—you’re golden. For storing this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix, you really need to grab an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-sealing lids or high-quality snap-top plastic containers work perfectly.

Because this mix contains no preservatives and is completely dried, it should last for quite a while, typically around two to three weeks on the counter when sealed tightly. If you are making a huge batch, you can always stash half in the freezer, and it stays fresh for months! I usually keep one jar on the counter for immediate use and freeze the rest.

Before you seal it up, make absolutely sure every last piece has cooled down to room temperature. Putting warm food into an airtight container traps condensation inside, and trust me, that condensation will ruin your crisp texture overnight! If you’re making my turkey and rice gentle jerky, the storage rules are very similar—dryness is king! Once it’s sealed, keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from the stove or any sunny spots.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Digestive Kibble Mix

I always get so many questions when I post a recipe that involves making dry food at home! It makes total sense; pet nutrition requires attention to detail. People are always curious about swaps, and rightfully so—we need to make sure we’re not accidentally messing up the digestive balance we worked so hard to achieve.

If you’re looking for wet food inspiration in the meantime, I have a fantastic chicken and cauliflower stew recipe that is incredibly soothing. But back to this dry kibble mix!

Can I use sweet potato instead of pumpkin in this homemade mix?

That’s a great question! Sweet potato is another fantastic fibrous vegetable, and yes, you can often substitute it for pumpkin when making this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix. They both bring those gut-soothing qualities. However, you need to watch the moisture level very closely.

Sweet potatoes often carry a bit more moisture than canned pumpkin puree, and they tend to be a touch sweeter as well. If you swap it out, you might find your dough is slightly runnier, meaning you’ll need to add a little extra oat flour or whole wheat flour to get that stiff, rollable texture. Always mix until stiff, and taste test your dough mix before baking!

Is this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix a complete meal?

Oh, please listen carefully to this one! No, absolutely not! This recipe for the Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix is explicitly designed to be a digestive aid and a highly nutritious treat. It is not formulated to be a complete and balanced meal replacement on its own.

Our primary goal here was gentle fiber and easy protein, which means it’s missing many essential vitamins, minerals, and the precise balance of fats required for daily canine nutrition. If you’re considering switching to an entirely homemade diet, you must talk to your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist. They can help you formulate something truly complete. For now, use this kibble mix as toppers, rewards, or helpful snacks!

How long does this dry kibble last if stored correctly?

This is the payoff for all that baking time! Because we bake these pieces until they are utterly hard and then let them dry out in the cooling oven, they have great staying power. If you store your completely cooled Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix in a truly airtight container—and I mean *airtight*—you should be able to keep it safely on the counter (in a cool, dark spot) for about two to three weeks.

If you make a massive double batch, throw half into a sturdy freezer bag. It keeps beautifully frozen for up to three months! The main thing is ensuring there is zero internal moisture left when you seal the container.

Nutritional Estimates for Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix

I always try to be totally transparent about what goes into these recipes, especially when it comes to nutrition. While this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix is made with simple, whole ingredients, you have to remember that these numbers are definitely estimates!

The exact values might shift a little bit depending on, say, how lean your shredded chicken breast ended up being, or if your pumpkin puree had slightly less water content. That’s just the reality of cooking from scratch! Always check in with your vet if you are tracking specific numbers for a health condition, but this gives you a really good baseline for what one serving looks like.

If you are interested in other recipes that focus on keeping things light and hydrating, you might want to look at my chicken and celery hydration bowl idea. It’s all about keeping things gentle!

Here are the estimates based on the batch yield of about 3 cups of kibble mix:

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 250
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Unsaturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Fiber: 4g)
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Trans Fat: 0g

See? Decent balance, lots of fiber from those wonderful oats and that pumpkin, and solid, easily digestible protein from the chicken. It’s exactly what we wanted when we set out to make this Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix!

Share Your Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix Results

Well, that’s it! We’ve mixed, we’ve rolled, and we’ve waited patiently while the oven worked its magic to get that perfect, dry crunch. Now that you’ve successfully made your own batch of Homemade Chicken and Pumpkin Digestive Kibble Mix, I would absolutely love to hear about it!

Did it make your pup’s tail wag faster than usual? Was the texture just right? Did you find that the moisture content in your pumpkin meant you needed an extra splash of water? Don’t keep those great observations to yourself!

Please take a moment and leave a star rating right here on the recipe card. Even better, drop a comment in the section below! Tell me how the mix turned out for your furry friend. Your feedback genuinely helps the next person who decides to tackle this easy recipe. If you have any questions during the process, pop them below too—I try to check in often!

If you ever need to get in touch with me directly about the recipe, or maybe want to chat about other homemade goodness, you can always reach out via my contact page. Happy cooking, and enjoy seeing your dog enjoy their totally transparent, digestion-friendly kibble!

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