Dinnertime for Dogs

When dogs were wild, they devoted much of their daily activity to hunting. For about 3,000 years after domestication, dogs ate whatever food was left for them at the end of the humans meal…the scraps!   Today dogs don’t have to scavenge for food and mealtime means a lot to them. They care about the flavor and texture of their food!

Prepare a home cooked meal for your dog once in a while (or even all of the time)…would you like to eat the same thing everyday?  Try this!  Once a week cook up a “soup” of broth, rice, and veggies (none in the list below please) and add to their food.  Add cooked meats and swap different types of broth, grains and veggies weekly for variation…Sydney licks her plate!  I’ve created this delicious and healthy recipe for my girl and she loves it on her birthday – we throw a few candles in it and sing 🙂  

People food that dogs should not eat:  chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, raw yeast dough, coffee, tea, macadamia nuts, candy and gum

Diane Henderiks’ “Muttloaf”

1. Gather Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ground turkey
• 1/2 cup red pepper; finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh whole-wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned, dried works fine as well)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
3. On a rimmed baking sheet coated with olive oil, form mixture into the shape of a bone, about 8″ long and 1-2″ thick.
4. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until there is no pink in the center.  Remove from oven, let cool and serve.  Enjoy!