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.

   

Pets Benefit from Brewer's Yeast

    Many of you have heard me mention the addition of brewer's yeast to your pet's diet, or may have noticed it as a recurring ingredient in recipes I have shared. Brewer's yeast is also an important base ingredient our W.O.W. Powder supplement.  Why is it good for our dogs and cats? Because it contains important food-based nutrients that are often missing in commercial foods or reduced by the cooking process.  

    One of the best immune-enhancing supplements available in food form, yeast is a living food and is a source of vital energy, replacing many amino acids and B vitamins lost when pet foods are cooked, whether homemade or canned.  B vitamins aid in cell metabolism and B Complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin , pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid and biotin) is used by the body to break down carbs, fats, and proteins which provide the body with energy.  they also support the nervous system, digestive muscle group, and keep the skin, coat, eyes and liver healthy.  A strong, well-functioning immune system aids in the prevention and reduction of internal and external parasites.  Brewer's yeast is a powerful antioxidant supporting that function. 

    Stress depletes the body of B vitamins.  Whether a car ride, trip to the vet, separation anxiety or excessive licking, the addition of brewer's yeast to your pet's diet may help their bodies better process stress hormones thus keeping him/her more calm and balanced.   It can take 2-4 weeks of daily dosing before you notice an improvement, stick with it, you both will be happier in the long run.  

    Dogs and cats like the taste of brewer's yeast and adding even a small amount to the food offered to a finicky eater can encourage food consumption.  As with any new addition to your pet's diet, introduce the brewer's yeast in small amounts, slowly increasing until the ideal dosage is reached.  The suggested full daily dosage is 1/2 teaspoon daily for small dogs and cats, and 1 teaspoon for medium and large dogs, giant breeds may be given 2 teaspoons daily.

    Other benefits of feeding brewer's yeast include:

• shinier coat
• reduced shedding
• improved metabolism
• reduced dry skin and itchiness
• repels biting insects
• support of muscle development
• improved appetite

    

    

    

Seafood Dinner for Kitty

While you are whipping up something tasty for you and your dog, remember that our feline friends appreciate home cooked meals as well.

The following recipe will keep for 2 days refrigerated or 1 month when kept frozen.

6 1/2 ounce can chopped clams

2 ounce can anchovies

2 tablespoons brewer's yeast

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ( or 2 teaspoons parsley flakes)

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Using a blender or food processor, combine clams, anchovies, fish sauce and brewer's yeast

Place a saucepan over medium heat and combine the fish mix with the rice and parsley. Cook for 10 -  12 minutes until heated through. Allow to cool to room temp before serving.

Cooking for Fido

    What is wrong with feeding dogs people food? Nothing!  If you know how to eat a healthy, well- balanced diet (and avoid using foods that are toxic to pets) you can apply that same principle to feeding your dog. 

    Remain open to changing your thinking about the true nutritional value of most commercial dog foods.  The problem with blindly believing what big brands tell us about dog nutrition lies in the fact that a dog's nutritional needs cannot be adequately met by a diet that is scientifically (and often artificially) formulated, over processed, filled with chemical preservatives, and packaged into bags and cans. 

No freshness, no variety and little taste.

    Feeding your pooch a handmade meal even just 2 nights a week can have long lasting health benefits for them.  Many common ailments such as food allergies, joint stiffness, flaky skin and flatulence can benefit from or be prevented by using human grade foods for our pets.  I find it amazing how quickly owners will pump medicines and man made chemicals into their pets without a second thought.  Of course, there is a time and place for seeking and utilizing medicinal support for their health and I see huge benefits from combining aspects of traditional allopathic medicine with a wholistic health approach to wellness. I urge pet owners to not blindly follow any one chain or source of advice. Use common sense. Ask questions. Seek second opinions.  We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives and feeding them a natural diet is a great means to that end.