If
you’ve just become a dog or cat hero by
adopting a
rescue pet, congratulations! Not only did you make a profound difference in
a rescue pet’s life, but you now have a furry bestie to
bond
with and spoil!
In
those first few days, you’ll want to do all you can to
help
your new pal feel at home. Remember that your new canine furiend is getting
used to a lot! A new home, new people, possibly new animals, and new food too!
Likely, their stomach is in knots at what could be in store, as they’ve had so
many changes already. Preparing delicious, homemade meals and treats could just
be the thing to make them feel welcome and safe, and get their tummies back on
track.
We
are celebrating National Feed a Rescue Pet Week this July 22nd to 28th
by showcasing 5 pawsome homemade recipes that are easy to prepare, and are sure
to get your new furiend munching!
A bland chicken and rice meal will seem like a gourmet feast
for your new pup or kitty. This standard recipe is easy on the tummy and will
be sure to get your pet eating, no matter how nervous they may feel.
Ingredients:
- 1 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions:- Bring water to a boil in a pot.
- Add chicken, rice and carrots, and continue boiling for
about 15 minutes.
- Check chicken with a meat thermometer or cut open to ensure
it is fully cooked. Once chicken and rice are cooked through, take off heat and
let stand.
- Once cooled, serve to your smiling pooch!
There’s nothing quite as nourishing as a hearty stew, and
this recipe delivers with delicious ingredients your dog or cat will go nuts
for!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. beef cut up for stew
- ½ cup cut green beans or peas
Directions:
- Slice stew meat into smaller pieces, then coat with flour.
- In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat, then add beef in
batches. Brown beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Add oil between batches as
needed.
- Add all cooked beef to pot, then add potatoes, green beans,
carrots and water.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
For an anxious dog, this delicious recipe not only tastes
great, but the tryptophan in turkey and soothing pumpkin work together to help calm
down an upset digestive system or an anxious mind.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree, not
pie filling
Directions:
- Cook rice in water in a large pot according to rice
directions. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in skillet on medium heat and cook ground
turkey, breaking apart as it cooks.
- Once turkey is done, stir in rice, spinach, and pumpkin for
3 to 5 minutes until spinach has wilted.
- Let cool completely, then serve!
Peanut Butter Blueberry Parfait
Whether for breakfast or just a treat, this parfait features
nourishing oatmeal,
blueberries for
some healthy antioxidants and
yogurt
for a dash of probiotics. This recipe is for the dog in your life. If you have
a kitty, omit the
peanut butter
for a blueberry oatmeal parfait.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup plain non-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (make sure it is xylitol free!)
- ¼ cup cooked, plain oatmeal
- ¼ cup blueberries + more for topping
Directions:
- Mix yogurt and peanut butter together, then set aside.
- Mix ¼ cup blueberries and oatmeal together.
- In a bowl or mug, spoon in half of the peanut butter mix. Then,
layer on the oatmeal mix, then spoon on the rest of the peanut butter mix.
Banana and Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Pour into mug or bowl, top with a strawberry slice if
desired. Serve!
These recipes are furtastic to help quell a nervous or upset
stomach, to help transition your new pet to new foods, and to show them they will
be living the good life from now on! Most of these recipes make enough for several
meals, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator
for up to five days.
Be sure to watch your portion sizes for your pet, and use
these recipes as treats rather than routine meals. If you would like to provide
homecooked meals
often, talk with your veterinarian to ensure you are meeting all of their
nutritional needs.
With these tasty creations, your dog or cat will surely be begging for more!