Naturally Healthy Dogs
Healthy and Tasty Toppers for Your Dog's Meals

February 1, 2013

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In this issue:

• Healthy and Tasty Toppers for Your Dog's Meals
• Product Pick - Interactive Wood Dog Toys

Many holistic veterinarians always stress that the best foods for our dogs are natural, well-balanced, homemade dog food, either raw or cooked. True, but some dog parents may not have the time to prepare meals for their dogs every day. If you are one of them, don't feel bad! There are still ways to add varieties to your dog's meals and make them tastier and, more importantly, more nutritious.

One simple way is to make some kind of sauce or topping, and simply add it to your dog's regular food.

Here are some suggestions:

Liver Lover

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped raw liver (chicken, beef, duck, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Pinch of turmeric

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small pan and gently saute on medium heat until cooked. Cool completely and use it as a topper.

Liver is packed with nutrients and a good source of protein. Garlic and turmeric have anti-cancerous properties. What's more, this recipe takes less than 5 minutes to prepare!

Muttroom Stock

Ingredients:

• 12 cups water
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken necks and backs
• 1 carrot, cut in pieces
• 1 celery stalk, cut in pieces
• 4 fresh Shiitake mushrooms, cut in slices (You can also add other mushrooms such as Maitake, button mushrooms, etc.)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 small piece fresh ginger root (or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder)
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley

Instructions:

Put all ingredients in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, and turn the heat down to a low simmer. Leave the pot to sit and stew for about 6 hours. Refrigerate overnight.

Next morning, skim the fat off the top, remove the meat and veggies, strain the stock and store in containers in the freezer.

This nutrient-dense broth can be used as a topper for regular meals. Or, if your dog doesn't drink enough water, add a bit of this broth to the drinking water for extra water intake and nourishment.

You can also give the cooked meat (be sure to remove all bones) and veggies to your dog.

Bone Booster

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds chicken bones, OR 2 large beef marrow bones
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or 1/2 lemon)
• Water
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley

Instructions:

Place the bones, vinegar (or lemon), and garlic in a large pot or crock pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil, skimming the scum that rises to the top, then turn down the heat to a low simmer. Leave the bones to simmer away all day. Add the parsley just a few minutes before you drain the broth from the bones.

Discard the bones, but keep all the meat, cartilage and marrow in the broth. Use it as a meal topper. Cartilage and tendons provide instant chondroitin and glucosamine, so this broth is especially good for older dogs or those with osteoarthritis. It stores well in the freezer too.

Other Simple Toppers

Plain Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a healthy food that is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as a host of minerals. It's great for diarrhea as well as constipation! Keep a can of plain canned pumpkin in your pantry as a "stand-by". Add ground cinnamon and carob for a great flavor boost, and to further protect your dog's GI system. Add a tablespoon or so to your dog's food as a topper.

Non-fat Plain Yogurt: Another nutrient-packed simple topper for your dog! Yogurt is rich in probiotics - the friendly bacteria that live in your dog's gut. Good for dogs with a weakened immune system and who are prone to infections. Add 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt to your dog's food. You may also want to add a bit of natural honey to enhance the taste.

Scrambled Egg: Eggs are a rich protein source. Use a little bit of olive oil to scramble the egg and add some culinary herbs (e.g. thyme, oregano, parsley, etc.) both for taste and for health.

Your dog needs healthy and nutritious food for his body, but equally he needs something stimulating for his mind.

Take a look at these interactive toys:

Hide some treats in one of these toys and let your dog figure out how to get the treats out! Your dog will definitely have a great time and be stimulated as well.