September 2018 - If My Dog Could Cook

September 21, 2018September 21, 2018

Chicken Casserole

This recipe uses chicken, which is a good source of protein, and lots of vegetables to create a flavorful mix. Green beans help your dog feel full and vegetables promote a healthy intestinal tract.

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
    1/2 cup of green beans, chopped
    1/2 cup of carrots, chopped
    1/2 cup of broccoli, chopped
    1/2 cup rolled oats.
    4 cups of low-salt chicken broth

Directions

Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the breasts into small nickel-sized chunks.
Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender – about 15 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving.
Store leftover casserole portions in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: You can use a small amount of olive oil to fry the chicken if you are having trouble keeping the chicken breasts from sticking to the skillet.

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September 18, 2018

5 Tips to Add Years to Your Dog’s Life

As a member of the If My Dog Could Cook community here is the latest information to keep your dog happy and healthy.

We love our dogs and know that you do too. Wouldn’t you like to prolong your dog’s life and ensure that he or she stays healthy and active? You’ve heard us know the value of feeding your dog the best food possible, after all, what would your dog cook if they could? Surely only the finest will do.

Below are five tips that will help keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.

1. Feed your dog a high quality diet.

Dogs that are fed a high quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, maintain his or her intestinal health, increase mental state, keep joints and muscles healthy, and generally allow your dog to feel better and be more active.

2. Watch the weight!

Yes – we know you have a few extra pounds and your dog probably does too – Dogs that are overweight are at risk for a myriad of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease in dogs and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, - just like humans! So limit food consumption and get your dog outside and play – you will both have more fun.

3. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly.

Dogs know when they are going to the vet and usually protest - However, regular veterinary care is important. A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues that you may not detect. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment and can cost less than when the illness becomes more severe.

4. Keep your dog smiling!

A common problem among dogs is dental disease. Oral health issues can cause your pet pain, making it difficult them to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease. In addition to regular dental checkups, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush his or her teeth (yes you can do it but don’t use regular toothpaste – just plain warm water). If your pet doesn’t like toothbrushes there are other alternatives as well, including dental diets, treats, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for some recommendations.

5. Do not allow your pet outside unsupervised.

We see this too often in our neighborhood – a dog walking alone on the side of the road – no harm – -- Wrong! Allowing your dog to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favor. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including automobile accidents, predators like hawks, coyotes, evil people, contagious diseases, exposure to poisons, and more. Allowing your dog to roam unsupervised may anger your neighbors if your dog trespasses and relieves “themselves on their lawn or digs up their garden.

This story was adapted from a post by Lorie Huston, DVM

We hope that you enjoy these tips - please visit us at ifmydogcouldcook.com for more tips, recipes and more to keep your dog happy and healthy.

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September 18, 2018

Doggie Chili

Dogs need large amounts of protein to keep them healthy and active. Your pup should get the majority of his protein from whole meat sources, such as fresh chicken. Beans also have a good amount of protein.
This recipe blends chicken, beans, and vegetables to create a healthy and tasty mix.

Ingredients
    4 chicken breasts
    1 cup of kidney beans, drained
    1 cup of black beans, drained
    1 cup of carrots, diced
    1/2 cup of tomato paste
    4 cups of chicken broth

Directions
Remove the excess fat and dice the chicken breasts into nickel-sized pieces.
Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
Add the chicken, beans, carrots, tomato paste, and chicken broth into a large pot and cook over medium heat until heated through – about 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before serving.
Store leftover chili in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: You can add a 1/2 tablespoon of fish oil to this recipe. The flavors are strong enough that even picky eaters won’t notice the added healthy ingredient.

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September 2, 2018September 4, 2018

Are Bones Harmful to your Dog?

Dogs have been eating bones since the beginning of time – however, does that mean that they are healthy or safe for your dog to eat?

Many dog owners know not to toss a turkey or chicken bone to their dog; those bones are just too brittle. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the risk goes beyond that, especially when it comes to the “bone treats” you may see at the store. Don’t do it. Many products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking, and may contain other ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings, and smoke flavorings. Some dogs have experienced bad symptoms like these listed below:

Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)

Choking

Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Bleeding from the rectum, and/or

Death. Approximately fifteen dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.

We want the best for our dogs. Don’t’ take chances with your dog’s health. Follow If My Dog Could Cook online and find recipes that you can make and you will see improvements and avoid the risks of processed products. Back to the bones – You can use fresh large beef bones from the butcher shop - Get big chunks of beef or bison femur or hip bones filled with marrow – While they don’t supply much nutrition for your dog (they are only to be gnawed on), they do provide recreation and mental stimulation and can be great for your dog’s oral health. Be safe, don’t leave your dog alone with bones or other treats – choking is a real risk hazard and can be avoided if your pup is with you. Please like and share this with your dog community.

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September 2, 2018September 4, 2018

Frozen Yogurt Pops for Dogs

If your dog loves to chase ice cubes around the kitchen, then he’ll love this frozen treat. It's made from human grade ingredients and include fruit juice and carrots, which give your pup an added vitamin boost. Yogurt has calcium and protein, and can help your dog digest food.

Ingredients
    6 oz. container of plain, non-fat frozen yogurt
    1 cup of no-sugar added fruit juice
    1/2 cup of carrots, minced

Directions
   Add the yogurt, fruit juice, and carrots into a medium-sized bowl.
Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.
    Drop the mixture into the ice cube trays by spoonful.
    Freeze until the ingredients are solid.

Pro Tip: Use hard plastic trays instead of the softer rubber ones to make the treats. The treats are easier to remove from a hard tray.

Please tell your friends about If My Dog Could Cook.