I am often asked “What do you feed Amber and Indy”?
Many will be aware that I am a firm believer in feeding a “complete and balanced” raw diet. This means the food my pooches consume over a day consists of a combination of a raw meaty bone, raw green tripe, omega oils, coconut oil and commercial complete raw food; containing ingredients such as whole ground bone/meat, fruit & vegetables, vitamins and minerals.
However, like many people…I too on occasion can be guilty of “running late” to work or an appointment and can not sit down long enough to supervise them devouring a bone (Amber likes to take her sweet time) or defrosting a frozen raw meal. Rather than resorting to tinned food or kibble I cook up a yummy turkey loaf every few months which I slice and freeze in convenient portion sized zip lock bags. All ready for a quick “take out” dinner!
Amber and Indy’s “Take Out” Turkey Dinner
Yummy!
This recipe makes an approx 1.7kg turkey loaf.
For Amber and Indy’s portion sizes (between 40-50g) that equates to around 34 serves.
Ingredients:
1kg Turkey Mince
¼ Pumpkin (coarsely grated)
1 small/medium whole Kale (finely chopped)
2 large eggs
Optional Extras: Coconut Oil & Psyllium Husk
Fresh Ingredients! Choose Organic & Free Range
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Line a loaf pan with baking paper (saves time on elbow grease during clean up!)
2. Wash kale thoroughly. Squeeze out as much excess water as you can and then chop finely (my dogs are not so keen on the hard stork and spine of the kale, so I remove it. But if your pooch is not bothered you can leave it in). Remove seeds from pumpkin and grate coarsely; discard skin.
Place All Ingredients Into A Large Bowl
3. Combine turkey mince, eggs, pumpkin and kale into a large bowl. Push mixture into your lined loaf pan. Make sure the mixture is pushed down firmly and smooth the top. Bake until cooked through, approx 30-45 mins.
Combine All The Ingredients Thoroughly
4. When cooked remove from oven and allow to cool slightly (approx 10-15 minutes). Drain excess fluid, cover with foil and place into fridge to chill overnight. Tip turkey loaf onto a chopping board. Slice into appropriate pooch sized portions and place into individual zip lock bags. Freeze immediately. (If you are pressed for time, skip chilling the turkey loaf in the fridge overnight. I just like to do that as I find it easier to slice up when it is nice and cold).
Pop Into Zip Lock Bags & Freeze
Heating Instructions: Remove your pooches frozen dinner from the zip lock bag, place on a microwave proof plate or bowl, heat in microwave until warm (this depends on portion size but for Amber and Indy’s dinner I heat on high for 1 minute). Chop into bite size pieces and serve immediately.
Ready To Serve…Nom Nom Nom
Optional extras: I like to also mix into their warmed meal a teaspoon of coconut oil and psyllium husk.
Why Not Try Adding Some Coconut Oil And Psyllium Husk
Why did I choose the ingredients that go into Amber and Indy’s “Take Out” Dinner?
Turkey is a rich source of protein, is low in fat and is a great source of iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. It contains Vitamin B6 and Niacin, which is essential for energy production. It also contains Selenium; which boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant. Turkey also contains amino acid tryptophan, which produces serotonin which is known to calm the mind, reduces anxiety and helps to strengthen the immune system.
Pumpkin is excellent for your dog’s digestive track! Pumpkin has a high fibre and water content, which is great for preventing constipation in dogs. It also will help “bulk up” your dog’s stool; which can help assist in expressing anal glands. Hello people…who enjoys having to do that job!
Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments. It is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and beta carotene.
Coconut Oil contains anti-fungal, antibiotic and antiviral properties. Great for skin and coat while helping to reduce allergic reactions and itchy skin. Helps prevent yeast and fungal infections and assists with colitis and IBS to just name a few.
Psyllium Husk is made from the fibrous coating of a plant seed. It passes through the intestines undigested and, in the colon, absorbs water and swells making the stool larger and softer. Also used to increase stool size to help with recurring anal gland problems. The increased bulk of the stool helps to put more pressure on the glands so they express themselves. I tend to add this for a few days if I notice either of them performing some extra “scooting”!
Taste Testing Time!
Author Bio: Nikki is pack leader at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting. She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’ and one crazy Rainbow Lorikeet named ‘Ralph’! Follow my Facebook and Twitter.
Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!
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