Today’s guest writer is Maggie Marton, writer and dog wrangler at Oh My Dog! She is writing about preparing meals for you and your dog.
Table For Two: You & Your Dog Are Invited!
You and your pooch can share breakfast and dinner, which is a fun way to expose him to lots of new smells and tastes. Your dog will appreciate the enriching new experience, as well as the delicious meals.
When considering the recipes below, you know your dog best, so feel free to substitute ingredients for her preferences or to account for any allergies or intolerances (obviously skipping any toxic food like onions, chocolate, raisins, and so on–for a complete list check here).
BTW, none of these are meant as a complete and balanced meal. Instead, think of them as a rare, fun treat. Just be sure to adjust your dog’s calories for each day you make one of these meals so that he maintains his healthy weight.
Now, for the meals:
Breakfast
The most important meal of the day! Though who wants to make complicated recipes first thing in the morning? You and your dog both need energy from healthy fat and carb sources without a ton of time in the kitchen. So, three quick-and-easy recipes to share with your dog:
Waffles: From-the-box whole-grain waffles. Simply follow the box instructions, but no butter, syrup, or powdered sugar for your dog!
Yogurt and berries: Greek yogurt is full of protein and healthy fat, and dogs can’t resist fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries.
Scrambled eggs: You can’t get any easier than that!
Since breakfast starts your and your dog’s day on the right foot, consider sharing only a small bit of your meal mixed in with his regular food instead of replacing it entirely.
Dinner
Keep it simple or go all out!
Turkey dinner: This holiday season, make your furbaby a holiday plate! A small bit of fat-free, skinless turkey alongside mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and even a roll might be the best dinner your dog has all year! To maximize the canine enrichment factor, stuff the ingredients layered into a food puzzle. This is a great way to keep dogs busy, entertained, and out of the kitchen during a bustling holiday dinner.
Lasagna: Follow your favorite lasagna recipe, excluding onions and garlic. If you’re vegetarian, make your regular lasagna, but add a scoop of your dog’s food to his portion to provide the meat content he needs to thrive.
Pasta Dinner: Even simpler than a lasagna, cook a box of pasta with the package’s directions. Steam your favorite veggie. Most dogs love broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or carrots. Toss the cooked pasta with the steamed veggie and a dash of olive oil. Top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
BRINNER (BREAKFAST AND DINNER)
Bake two sweet potatoes at 350 degrees F for an hour. When there are 10 minutes left, fry two to four eggs–some for you, some for your dog–in coconut oil. Meanwhile, microwave strips of turkey bacon. When the potatoes are done, slice them in half lengthwise. Add one or two fried eggs into the middle of each, then crumble up the turkey bacon on top. Garnish with shredded cheese and sliced tomatoes.
Bottom line: When it comes to sharing with your dog, remember that when something’s unhealthy for you, it’s unhealthy for him. Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables make awesome treats for your dog or can provide some fun variety to his regular meals, or go all out and prepare the meals above to share. As long as your healthy dining options aren’t on the toxic foods list, and as long as you don’t make it his main feeding regimen, cooking a breakfast or dinner to share with your dog will make his nose and taste buds happy!
