Healthy Gravy

   As my partner and I gather our garden's bounty and prep it for winter storage by creating delicious soups and pre-cooked meals, it occured to me that many of you may be doing the same and, perhaps, running short on ideas for your bumper crops of squash. It is also the time of year when markets offer unique and beautiful squash varieties for soups, side dishes and main course culinary enjoyment.  I say, Share the Bounty and whip up a batch of a hearty gravy as a tasty and nutritious additive to your dog's usual food.  

    2-3 pounds squash (usually 1 medium size) 

    1/4 cup nutritional or brewer's yeast (our "W.O.W. Powder" supplement may also be used)

    1-1 1/2 cups low sodium stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Peel, remove seeds and cube squash. (If using zucchini, it does not need to be peeled.) Spread cubed squash on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes or until tender. Allow squash to cool, then mash it and mix in the yeast. While mixing, slowly add enough stock to thin the mixture into the desired gravy consistency. 

The final product may be stored and frozen in well sealed mason jars or divided into single serving amounts in individual ziplock bags.

Tasty Barn Treat

In Memory of Casanova - his favorite treat recipe
(I did not own him, he was one of the school horses on Long Island that I was fortunate to train and ride for competitions.  We were a good team.)

1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup flour
1 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (I prefer using raw sugar.)
2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup filtered water

Mix ingredients in a bowl.  Form dough into small balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to cool then place a few in your pocket and head to the barn! 

Meatless Recipe for Dogs

2    cups kidney beans (or 38 ounces canned)

2    cups millet (or 6 cups cooked)

4    cups low-fat cottage cheese

6    tablespoons vegetable oil

4    tablespoons Brewer's Yeast

1 1/2  tablespoons powdered egg shells or 5,000 mg of powdered calcium supplement

1/2  cup cooked carrots, broccoli or peas

2    teaspoons tamari soy sauce (or 1/2 teaspoon salt)

1    clove crushed or minced garlic 

5,000 IU  vitamin A

50 - 200 IU vitamin E

    Soak beans overnight. Drain, rinse, and pick out any broken or damaged beans.  Bring the beans to a boil in 8 cups of water.  simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours. (To reduce intestinal gas, discard cooking water after first half hour and start over with fresh water for the final hour).  Meanwhile, prepare the millet.  Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.  Ad the millet, cover, and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes until soft.  Combine when bothe are done; then add the remaining ingredients and serve.  

    Makes 14 cups.  Toy breeds - 1/2 to 1 cup per day

                               Small - 3 cups per day

                               Medium - 4 to 5 cups per day

                               Large - 5 to 6 cups per day

                               Giant - 7 cups per day

Helpful Tips to Ease Arthritis Pain

    We love our dogs and strive to be present and responsive to their needs.  As they age, their physical changes can have us searching for ways to support and comfort them.  Here are a few ideas and suggestions:

• Vitamin C relieves pain and inflammation, detoxes the body and builds collagen.  Many dogs (and cats) suffering from severe arthritis have responded amazingly well to large doses of Vitamin C.  I prefer using Ester C as it is more easily digestible and gentle on their stomachs.
• Keep them at a good weight and feed a healthy, wholesome diet.
• Glucosamine, chondroitin and Essential Fatty Acids will reduce swelling, build collagen, lubricate joints and support bones and ligaments.
• Provide ramps or steps near furniture, outdoor access and vehicles.
• Raise water and food bowls to assist them and ease pain while they eat.
• Give them frequent, gentle massages and acupressure.
• Place extra cushioning in their favorite napping places and crates. Adding a warm moist towel or other moist heat source can reduce their pain.
• Frequent short walks and playtime are better for pets with arthritis challenges than are long walks or strenuous play.  
• Make sure they have safe access to sunshine.  Vitamin D allows the body to absorb more calcium which is crucial to the development and maintenance of strong bones.