Easy Turkey & Veggie Dog Food Recipe

If My Dog Could Cook

 

Valentine’s Day Turkey & Veggie Dog Food RecipeLet’s face it dogs love turkey, so why not make your dog a special Valentine’s Day treat.If My Dog Could Cook has several recipes in our book that include turkey. Here is a new recipe that we are adding to our collection from skinnyms.com. So let’s get cooking. Your dog deserves only the best and canned stuff just won’t do.Ingredients:2 pounds lean ground turkey2 tablespoons raw turkey or chicken liver, finely diced or pureed2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped1 cup broccoli florets1 cup cauliflower florets1/2 zucchini, sliced2 tablespoons olive oilDirections:Add 1-1/2 cups water to a double boiler, place carrots in a steam basket over the pot and cover. Heat until boiling, reduce heat to a low boil and steam until carrots start to get tender, about 10 minutes. In the meantime, add the turkey and liver to a large skillet and cook on medium-high heat until done and there’s no more pink color. Drain off any fat and discard.Add broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini, and continue steaming until all vegetables are tender, but not mushy, about 6-8 minutes. Allow vegetables to cool slightly then either chop in a food process or use a knife. The size of the vegetables will depend on the consistency preferred. We usually pulse about three times in the food processor and get the vegetables to a finely chopped consistency, similar to canned dog food.Add chopped vegetables to the turkey and liver, stir to combine. Add the olive oil and toss to combine with the turkey & veggie mixture. Allow to cool before dividing into freezer safe containers.NOTE: Ziploc bags are great for freezing individual meals and should be labeled with the date of preparation and name of the meal. The amount frozen for each meal will depend on the weight of your dog. Check with your vet regarding how much to feed your dog on a daily basis. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator the night before serving.Although the recipes we share are dog tested and dog approved, If My Dog Could Cook recommends consulting with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s diet includes all of its necessary nutrients. Do you know other fellow dog lovers that would be interested in seeing our recipes? If so have them join our community at http://ifmydogcouldcook.com Check out the new items that have been added to our store.Visit the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store. Now you can shop for fun items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily.  If My Dog Could Cook – Dog Tested – Dog Approved.

Mexican – Pup-quitos

​Easy to Make Mexican Food Recipe for Your Dog!
 
We always noticed that Suzy watched us when we were eating Mexican takeout from our favorite shop. She wanted some badly but we knew that certain items used in Mexican such as Onions are harmful to your pooch. Dairy, including cheese and sour cream, avocados and fatty foods in general can upset some dogs’ stomachs- pretty much everything used in tacos.
 
So we set out to find a solution. Here’s a recipe for  pup-quitos that your dog will love.  Read the whole article by Cia Emry Fox here
 
Mexican - Pup-quitos

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked*
1 pound of ground beef
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, julienned
*Note: Each potato will yield about a dozen pup-quitos.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line your muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Peel the skin off sweet potatoes. Discard the skin.
3. If your sweet potato flesh is hard, then grate the potatoes. If your sweet potato flesh is soft, then pull the potatoes apart into strings — kind of like separating string cheese.
4. Press approximately 2 tablespoons of sweet potato flesh into each cupcake liner. Use your fingers to mold the potato into the shape of the liner, thereby forming little cups.
5. Bake the sweet potato in the oven. If your sweet potato flesh was hard, bake for 15 minutes; if soft, bake for 20 minutes.
6. While the sweet potato is baking, unwrap the ground beef and place it in a non-stick skillet on the stove, with the heat at medium. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the meat into small, equal-sized pieces as it cooks. Keep turning and stirring the meat so it doesn’t overcook in some places and undercook in others. The meat is done once all the pinkish-red has changed to brown.
7. Once your meat is browned — or, if it’s very fatty meat, you may also need to do this a few times as it’s cooking — carefully drain the grease from the meat into a disposable container. We keep an old coffee can in the fridge for this purpose; you can use a tin can or an old drink bottle. Just don’t pour the grease down the sink! It can stick to the pipes when it hardens and cause plumbing problems.
8. Remove the potato shells from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of hamburger into each cup. Garnish with zucchini and red bell pepper. I purposely cut the zucchini and bell pepper to make it look more like lettuce and tomato, but that was purely for fun. Your dog won’t mind if you do it a different way.
When wrapped, pup-quitos will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Do you know other fellow dog lovers that would be interested in seeing our recipes? If so have them join our community at http://ifmydogcouldcook.com
 
Check out the new items that have been added to our store.
Visit the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store. Now you can shop for fun items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily. 
 
If My Dog Could Cook – Dog Tested – Dog Approved.



Trivia Challenge

Our First Ever If My Dog Could Cook Community Trivia Challenge

If My Dog Could Cook Community Friends, We thought that we’d change things up a bit with our first ever trivia challenge – Let’s have some fun this week and see how many of these six questions you can get right – The answers are below - share these on Facebook with your friends.

1. Most adult dogs have how many teeth?
A) 24
B) 38
C) 42
D) 32
E) 54
 
2. We know that dogs sweat but through what part of the body?
A) Paws
B) Mouth
C) Nose
D) Ears
E) All of the Above

3. True or False:  Dogs have excellent eyesight but can they can only see in black and white

4. True or False:  All Dalmatians are born with spots.

5. According to the AKC, which dog  has been the most popular breed since 1991?
A) German Shepherd
B) Bulldog
C) Labrador Retriever
D)  Golden Retriever
E)  French Bulldog
F) Siberian Huskies    
G Dachshunds
 
6. How long are the longest dog’s ears? 
A) 3 inches
B) 5-1/2 Inches
C) 12-3/4 Inches
D) 13-1/2 inches
E) 48 Inches
 
7. What’s the best place to find cool items and gifts for dog lovers?  (Hint below)
A) Amazon
B) Macy's
C) Target
D) At the If My Dog Could Cook Community store?
 
How many answers did you get right?  Give us a shout out on Facebook.
 
In case you are looking for a recipe this week, here is a link to one of our most popular favorites for Doggie Beef Stew https://ifmydogcouldcook.com/doggie-beef-stew

If My Dog Could Cook Dog Tested – Dog Approved!

Trivia Answers 1. C) 42, 2. D) Paws. 3. False. Dogs can see in color. 4. False. Dalmatian puppies are born white; their spots come in later. 5.  C) Labrador Retriever 6. Both C and D are correct Tigger, a Bloodhound from St. Joseph, Illinois, holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for longest ears. Tigger's right ear measures 12.75 inches, and his left measures 13.5 inches.


FDA Recall and 33 Recipes

Recently, unhealthy dog food has been in the news again. A massive recall of dog food due to excess vitamin D levels was making dogs across the nation very sick. Click here to see the FDA recall.
 
Of course members of the If My Dog Could Cook Community know that there is a better way of preparing food for their beloved pets. We have been researching and sharing recipes for some time now and have come across this interesting article containing 33 recipes that claim to be veterinarian approved. What is important to note is that home-made dog food requires certain nutrients to be healthy- they are all spelled out here - everything from nutritious treats to savory slow cooked meals – click here to read the entire article.
 
Try out some of these recipes and let us know how your dog enjoys them.
 
Have you been checking out the new and improved IfMyDogCouldCook.com? We are always adding new stories and recipes in addition to the opportunity to shop in our Community store where you can buy gifts for yourself and your dog loving friends. 
 
As always, we truly appreciate your support – please share If My Dog Could Cook with your friends so that we can help grow our dog lover community.
 
After all we know that If My Dog Could Cook the first ingredient would always be love!
How about yours?

 

Share this on Facebook and Pinterest. You can also find great recipes and tips at ifmydogcouldcook.com.
   

Dog Tested – Dog Approved!

A New Recipe from the Dog Lover Community

You know If My Dog Could Cook and the great work that we’ve done to bring you the best home-made dog food recipes, tips and information on how to keep your dog happy and healthy. Occasionally we come across recipes that are from other dog lovers like us that we need to share. This classic from Emily's Homestead may not be a full meal replacement but it’s fun to make and like our other recipes it is dog tested and dog approved. 

 

Check it out and let us know how it goes – does your dog Like it? Was it easy to make?  Share pictures of you and your dog cooking these recipes on our Facebook and Pinterest. You can also find great recipes and tips at ifmydogcouldcook.com.


Ingredients

2 lbs Ground pork

2-2 1/2 lbs Ground beef

1 large Sweet potato

1 large Apple, cored

2 Carrots (or 8 baby carrots)

1 Cup of Kale

1/2 Cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1 Cup Rice

1 1/2 Cup Water


Instructions

Put the ground meats in a 4-6 quart crock pot. You can really use any ground meat that you would like. (Some dogs like the beef and pork best for taste).

Peel and chop the potato, apple and carrots into 1″ pieces. Chop the kale.

Add all of the fruits and veggies to the crock pot and mix with the meat.

When the meat mixture is close to being done, cook up the rice with the water on the stovetop. We use long-cooking rice (bring the rice and water to a boil, then turn heat to low, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes).  When the rice is done, mix into the meat mixture.

Voila! Dog food.

Separate the food into 1/2 cup -1cup portions in small baggies or Tupperware. We keep most of them in the freezer and pull out about 4-5 servings at a time and store them in the fridge. When meal time comes, we squeeze a bag down the middle to split the serving in half, microwave the meal serving for about 30-40 seconds and then mix into her regular dog food. (We cut down on the kibble to save money and avoid over-feeding.)

Have you visited the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store yet? Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily. 


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Dog Tested – Dog Approved!


How Do You Relate To Your Dog? These Dog Facts Will Totally Surprise You

​Most dog owners probably consider themselves experts on the subject. Yet, the more that researchers study dogs, the more they uncover truths about them that that will surprise even the biggest dog lover. We came across this list by Clayton Lunch at Honest to Paws – click here to read the whole post. See how many of these 20 fascinating dog facts you already know.  They may just change the way you look at your best friends forever!

  1. Dogs aren’t just cute, they’re scientifically cute: If you’ve ever wondered why we find dogs so irresistibly adorable, it’s partly because they exhibit something called “neoteny.” That’s the retention of their baby-like characteristics, such as their big eyes and jovial demeanors, into adulthood.
  2. Dogs have an incredible sense of direction: A dog’s ability to see UV light and to “feel” the Earth’s magnetic fields means they have a great sense of direction. Some researchers have found they utilize the same ultrasound waves as bats too!
  3. A dog’s sense of smell is super powerful: It’s certainly no secret that dogs use their noses to guide them, but did you know they’re capable of sensing a spoonful of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool? No wonder they can always find the treats in your house!
  4. Dogs’ noses are wet for a reason: Have you ever noticed your dog’s nose always seems wet? That’s because it secretes a layer of mucus to help them absorb incoming scents. Once absorbed, they lick their noses to sample or taste the scent.
  5. Dogs are capable of smelling human diseases: A study conducted at the Schillerhohe Hospital in Germany helped researchers learn that dogs can recognize certain organic compounds in the human body through their sense of smell. They can sniff out cancer and diabetes, for instance.
  6. Dogs have dreams: While sleeping dogs all exhibit brainwave patterns similar to those of humans, not all are created equal. In fact, research found that small dogs dream more frequently than large ones, having one every 10 minutes compared to one every hour.
  7. Dogs are smart.  But you knew that already - It’s easy to write off dogs in the intelligence department, but the American Psychological Association would beg to differ. It found dogs can be about as smart as two year olds, with the ability to perform math equations and understand up to 250 words!
  8. Dogs are incapable of feeling guilt: While it’s believed dogs can experience a range of emotions, “guilt” is not one of them. When they do something wrong, they’re not really ashamed; researchers believe we’re simply projecting the way they’re supposed to feel onto them.
  9. Dogs run hot: Not only do dogs have a higher regular body temperature—100.4 degrees Fahrenheit to our 98.6—but they also only have sweat glands on their paws. So it’s important to be careful with them out there in the summer heat!
  10. Dogs can fall in love: Claremont Graduate University professor Paul Zak conducted a study that found a dog’s brain releases oxytocin—the “love” chemical—when it interacts with both dogs and humans. It works the same way as humans when we kiss or hug someone!
Want to read the rest of the list?  click here to read the whole post Clayton Lunch at Honest to Paws.

Have you seen the new If My Dog Could Cook store?
Announcing the launch of the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store! Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily.
 

Before you go - Please tell your friends about If My Dog Could Cook and don't forget to share photos of you and your dog on our Facebook and Pinterest pages.


Dog Tested – Dog Approved!


Special Thanksgiving Recipe

Thanksgiving is a special holiday for sharing with our family and furry friends. 

 

We here at If My Dog Could Cook are particularly thankful for you, our readers and followers.  We would like to share this special recipe so that your dog can eat a healthy holiday dinner along with your family.  As an added bonus, you will note that you may already have many of the ingredients on hand making this a great first-time recipe for beginners. 

 

Check it out and let us know how it goes – does your dog Like it? Was it easy to make?  Share pictures of you and your dog cooking these recipes on our Facebook and Pinterest pages.  You can also find great recipes and tips at ifmydogcouldcook.com  

Special Thanksgiving Recipe

  Ingredients  4 cups of water
1 pound of ground turkey
2 cups of brown rice
1 cup of carrots, chopped
1 cup of green beans, chopped
1 tablespoon of fish oil (optional)


Instructions
Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.
Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is soft and tender.
Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Allow to cool before serving.
Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days.


Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Have you seen the new If My Dog Could Cook store?
Announcing the launch of the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store! Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family. We add new items daily.

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Dog Tested – Dog Approved!

   

What is Your Dog Doing for Halloween?

Do you dress your dog up in a costume for Halloween? Millions of people do and some get extreme. In fact dog costumes have become a $400 million dollar industry. Halloween is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: Pet owners everywhere will soon be scrambling to find the perfect costume for their pooch. You can make your own and we’ll provide you with a few ideas later.  While we think it is adorable, consider your dogs comfort as well - Some dogs love wearing costumes and others don’t. Unless they are raised with things like coats and boots, they may make it hard to move.  Dogs like their freedom – so limit your creativity to a vest style costume and maybe a cap. Be sure that it is inedible and doesn’t have any small pieces that can fall off or be eaten, and it shouldn't be made with anything that could be hazardous to your pet's health, such as toxic dye or any paint. If you take your dog trick-or-treating with your family, be extra careful when crossing streets while walking at night. Have fun and be sure to bring lots of water for your canine companion. 

If you are interested in making your own dog costume, here are a few clever ideas:
https://www.craftymorning.com/the-best-homemade-dog-halloween-costumes
 
Here are some dog costume failures and very unhappy dogs – avoid these ideas at all cost
https://dogtime.com/holiday/67979-10-unhappy-dogs-in-halloween-costumes-picture-gallery?fullpage=1#/slide/1
 
Here’s a video with some common sense advice http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/641622/uiconf_id/29033621/entry_id/1_mk759o6c/embed/dynamic
 
Please share your Halloween costume photos with IfMyDogCouldCook on Facebook or by email to info@ifmydogcouldcook.com

Announcing the launch of the If My Dog Could Cook Community Store! Now you can shop for practical gift items for your fellow dog lovers, friends and family.  We’ve started with a special Halloween section and will be adding new items daily.
Here is the link to the store:
https://if-my-dog-could-cook.myshopify.com/

Please tell your friends about If My Dog Could Cook.



Doggie Beef Stew

This dog-approved version of beef stew includes meat for protein, vegetables for vitamins, and gravy for flavor. This is a good alternative to wet commercial dog foods.

Ingredients
    1 pound of beef stew meat
    1 small sweet potato
    1/2 cup of carrots, diced
    1/2 cup of green beans, diced
    1/2 cup of flour
    1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender.
Set aside.
Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks, about the size of a nickel.
Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over
medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
Dice the sweet potato.
Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and
water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.
Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy
and stir to coat.
Cook until the carrots are tender – about 10 minutes.
Serve cool.
Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to five days.

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 If My Dog Could Cook



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.