Pet Nutrition and foods
Recipes
Bone Broth
Bone broth is gaining popularity among dog owners for its numerous health benefits and ease of preparation. This nutritious treat is rich in essential minerals and nutrients that can greatly enhance your dog’s overall well-being. By making bone broth at home, you ensure your dog receives a healthy, chemical-free dietary addition, tailored to their specific health needs. Here’s a guide on how to prepare bone broth for your dog at home.
What Makes Bone Broth Good For Dogs?
Joint Health: Bone broth is rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which support joint health and can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. This is very important for older dogs and those with existing joint issues.
Digestive Health: The gelatin in bone broth helps to protect and heal the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, which can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
Hydration: Bone broth is an excellent way to keep your dog hydrated, especially if they are not drinking enough water.
Nutrient-Dense: It provides essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for your dog’s overall health.
Immune Support: The amino acids in bone broth, such as arginine and glycine, can help boost the immune system.
Skin and Coat Health: The collagen in bone broth supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Rich In Essential Minerals: Bone broth is rich in essential minerals such as phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and supporting various metabolic functions.
Easy Organic Bone Broth for Dogs
Ingredients:
Raw bones (e.g., chicken feet, beef marrow)
Garlic (optional, for taste)
Water
3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Vegetables (e.g., kale, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli, kelp)
Instructions:
Add Bones and Garlic: Place raw bones like chicken feet and beef marrow in a slow cooker. Optionally, add a little garlic for taste. Use organic, grass-fed bones for the best nutrients. Cook on low for 1-2 days to extract maximum nutrients.
Add Water and Apple Cider Vinegar: Cover the bones with water, ensuring there’s a couple of extra inches above them. Add 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help draw out nutrients. Cook on high for an hour, then on low for a day to make a nutritious broth.
Strain the Bones: After cooking, remove the bones and meat. Never give cooked bones to dogs as they can splinter and cause problems.
Extra Nutritious: After turning off the heat, add vegetables like kale, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli, and kelp to the hot broth. This allows them to soften as the broth cools.
Cool the Broth: Let the broth cool. Remove the fat layer on top to reveal a jelly-like texture, indicating high gelatin content for joint and gut health.
Store Properly: Keep broth in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze in jars or ice cube trays for longer storage.
Serve to Your Dog: Add 2-3 spoonfuls to your dog’s meal. Adjust based on size and preference. Bon Appétit!
FAQ
What Makes Bone Broth Good for Dogs? Bone broth is beneficial for dogs because it supports joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin, aids digestive health with gelatin, and provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It also boosts hydration and immune support.
How Do I Make Bone Broth for My Dog? To make bone broth, place raw bones in a slow cooker with water and apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 1-2 days. After cooking, strain the bones, add vegetables for extra nutrition, and let it cool. Store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
How Much Bone Broth Should I Feed My Dog? Typically, you can add 2-3 spoonfuls of bone broth to your dog’s meal. Adjust the amount based on your dog’s size and preference. Regularly including it in their diet can offer ongoing health benefits.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Bone Broth for Dogs? When preparing bone broth for your dog, avoid onions, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Also, refrain from adding salt and seasonings, as these can be harmful and may lead to sodium ion poisoning.
In summary, bone broth is a nutritious and easy-to-make addition to your dog’s diet. It supports joint health, digestion, and overall vitality. By preparing it at home, you can ensure it’s tailored to your dog’s needs, providing a rich addition to their health. Ultimately, this simple dietary change can have a positive impact on your beloved pet’s overall health and mobility.
DIY Relief Balm for Itchy Skin
Recipe by Dr. Andrew Jones.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon Castor Oil
1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
2 tablespoons Shea Butter
1 tablespoon Beeswax
Instructions:
Melt the Beeswax:
In a double boiler, melt the beeswax over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.
Add Oils:
Once the beeswax is melted, add the coconut oil, castor oil, and sunflower oil. Stir the mixture until all the oils are well combined.
Incorporate Shea Butter:
Add the shea butter to the mixture and continue stirring until it has completely melted and blended with the oils.
Add Linoleic Acid:
Remove the mixture from heat and add the linoleic acid. Stir well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Cool and Store:
Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container while it’s still liquid. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
Usage:
Apply a small amount of the balm to affected areas as needed to soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin.
Tips:
Ensure all your containers and utensils are clean and dry to prevent contamination.
If you prefer a firmer balm, add more beeswax; for a softer balm, reduce the beeswax or increase the oils.
This recipe is a general guideline and can be adjusted based on personal preferences and skin sensitivity. Always patch-test new skincare products on a small area of skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Enjoy your homemade skin balm!
Each of the ingredients in your DIY skin balm recipe offers unique benefits for the skin:
Coconut Oil: Moisturizing: Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer that helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Specifically for atopic dermatitis (environmental)
Antimicrobial Properties: It contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties, helping to protect the skin from bacteria and fungi.
Soothing: It can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Castor Oil:
Hydration: Rich in fatty acids, castor oil provides deep hydration and helps lock moisture into the skin.
Anti-inflammatory: It contains ricinoleic acid, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Healing: Known for its ability to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Sunflower Oil:
Natural source of ceramide fatty acids
Strengthens the skin’s barrier
Rich in nutrients: vitamins A, D, and E
Essential for healthy skin
Blocks itchiness by creating a strong barrier
High in linoleic acid and vitamin E
Speeds up the healing process
Won’t clog pores
Shea Butter:
Nourishing: Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter is highly nourishing and moisturizing.
Dereae inflammation
Improve skin hydration
Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin irritations.
Skin Barrier: Strengthens the skin’s barrier and helps protect against harsh environmental conditions.
Beeswax:
Protective Barrier: Forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and keeping out harmful elements.
Anti-allergenic: Beeswax is known to be gentle on the skin and can help soothe irritation.
Softening: It helps to soften the skin and improve its texture.
Prevent water loss lock in hydration
These ingredients work together to create a balm that is deeply moisturizing, soothing, and protective, making it an excellent choice for treating dry and itchy skin.
For the full recipe and a detailed explanation, check out Dr. Andrew Jones’s video here: Complete Recipe and Explanation.
Healthy Jerky Treats for the Calorie-Counting Doggies!
If you want to make your pet smile (and probably drool), treat them to this nutritious and delicious snack! This homemade dehydrated meat recipe is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, making it perfect for pets who need to watch their waistline. And yes, cats love them too!
Inspired by Dr. Ava Frick
Ingredients:
Choice of meat (such as venison, beef, or bison roast) or organ meats (like lung, liver, spleen, or kidney)
Olive oil, sunflower oil, or walnut oil for greasing
Natural mineral or sea salts
Optional spices: turmeric, paprika, or coriander
Instructions:
Preparation: Start by placing your chosen meat or organ in the freezer until it’s firm but not completely frozen. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
Grease the Tray: Lightly coat a baking sheet with your preferred oil to prevent sticking.
Slice and Arrange: Cut the meat or organ into thin slices and lay them out on the prepared baking sheet.
Season: Sprinkle with a pinch of natural salt and, if desired, add a dash of turmeric (for inflammation reduction), paprika (for added iron, liver support and reduce inflammation), or coriander (for digestive support).
Dehydrate: Set your oven to 150°F (65°C) and bake the slices for about 5 hours, or use a dehydrator as per the instructions.
Cool and Store: Once fully dehydrated and cooled, break the jerky into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight glass container. If you’re unsure about moisture content, keep the jerky in the refrigerator to ensure freshness.
This recipe offers a super healthy treat, great for those calories counting pooches and kitties and also as a tasty reward just for being such a great companion!
Delicious and Healthy Dog Treats: Homemade Goodness
Providing our pets with nutritious meals and snacks is essential for their overall health and longevity. As natural carnivores, dogs and cats thrive on diets that aren’t heavily processed or high in grains. Such diets can lead to various health issues, including obesity, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, and pancreatitis. By aligning their diet with their natural dietary needs, we can help reduce these risks and promote better overall health.
Here’s a guide to making delicious and healthy dog treats at home.
Carrot and Pumpkin Dog Treats
Health Benefits: Pumpkin is excellent for digestion, while carrots provide essential vitamins. Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free option that’s high in protein.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups chickpea flour
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup shredded apple
1 egg, beaten
Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until smooth.
Roll and Cut: Dust a surface with flour, roll out the dough to about half an inch thick, and use a cookie cutter to shape the treats.
Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
These treats are a healthy, vitamin-packed snack for your dog!
Pumpkin Spice Dog Biscuits
Health Benefits: Pumpkin aids digestion, coconut oil supports coat health, and Ceylon cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin
3/4 cup organic coconut flour
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup almond butter (or substitute with sesame or sunflower if allergic to nuts)
2 organic eggs
1 Tbsp organic Ceylon cinnamon
1 tsp organic dried ginger powder
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the organic canned pumpkin, coconut flour, coconut oil, almond butter, eggs, Ceylon cinnamon, and ginger powder. Mix well to form a dough ball.
Prepare Dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. If the dough is too wet, add more coconut flour. If it’s too dry, incorporate another egg.
Shape Biscuits: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
Bake: Place the shaped biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are hard.
Cool: Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your pet.
If you are like me – you will be indulging in them too!
Himalayan Dog Chew Recipe
Also known as “Yak Cheese Chews,” from Planet Paws, Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib.
Health Benefits: These chews are excellent for dogs that love to chew!
Ingredients:
16 Cups (1 gallon) Organic Milk
1/2 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
Instructions:
Boil the Milk: Start by bringing 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 liters or 16 cups) of organic milk to a boil on low heat, stirring frequently.
Add Lemon Juice: Lower the heat and slowly add the lemon juice while stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add the salt.
Form Curds: Curds should start forming. Turn off the heat and strain the curds using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Remove Liquid: Use the cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. The less liquid, the harder the chew will be.
Press and Dry: Spread the curds out, place something heavy on top, and let it sit overnight (about 12-15 hours).
Cut and Dry: Cut the curds into the size and shape you want, trimming any uneven edges. Let them continue to dry until they’re hard.
Serve: Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re enjoying a chew. Introduce new chews slowly to help avoid any stomach upset.
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