I’ve recently been introduced to BARK magazine (the vet who owns the cats-only boarding facility has a subscription) and they had a recipe in the April 2008 issue that sounds absolutely delicious: meatloaf made with lean meat, oatmeal, and veggies.
The recipe creators probably didn’t plan on readers like me who wanted to make the dish for themselves… but it got me thinking. There are probably lots of meals that would be nutritious and delicious for both pups and people. Dogs need foods from many of the same food groups humans do:
- Meats/proteins like ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Fruits and veggies — my dogs will eat cooked carrots but aren’t so fond of raw ones.
- Whole grains like brown rice.
My mom’s meatloaf recipe could easily be adapted to feed the whole family — me, Moose, and Lally. Lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and a few eggs. Maybe I’d swap the breadcrumbs for rice. Add more veggies (Lally likes tomatoes, Moose likes just about anything). Maybe mix in some kind of squash? Pumpkin is supposed to be good for joint health. Mix it all up, squish into a loaf pan, and bake.
Sounds good to me!
I’m recently a fan of crock pot cooking, having gotten one as a gift at the holidays. Why couldn’t that chicken and rice dish be for me and the furkids? They like chicken. I like chicken. I’d just have to be careful with the sauce — make sure there isn’t anything harmful in there. A beef stew or non-spicy chili might be okay, too. Just gotta watch the fat content!
I don’t know that I’m going to start making whole family meals all the time… but once in a while, I think it will be fun.
Things to avoid in making meals to share with your dogs:
- Onions — they are dangerous to dogs.
- Dairy products — many dogs have trouble with lactose. Moose gets a serious case of pudding butt if he gets anything made with milk.
- Alcohol — a drunk dog is no laughing matter.