Want to prepare a nutritious batch of dog food using fresh ingredients? This easy recipe for chicken and veggie balls lets you control the components based on your pup's needs. Let's learn how to cook up this nourishing meal!
Ingredients For Chicken and Veggie Balls
- 500g cooked brown rice
- 500g frozen matar (green peas)
- 2 whole chickens, about 2kg each
- 1 small bunch palak (spinach), chopped
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped
- 1 small bottle gourd, skin and seeds removed, chopped
- 8 carrots, chopped
- 8 eggs
- 1 scoop nutritional supplement (optional)
Step-By-Step Cooking Method
- Roast chicken in 180°C oven for 1-1.5 hours until juices run clear. You can also cook on the stovetop. Do not add any spices.
- As chicken roasts, cook rice as per your preference. Then boil the chopped veggie mix of sweet potato, bottle gourd, and carrots in a pot for 30 minutes till tender. Cook the peas and spinach as well.
- Cook the eggs - scrambled and plain.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the meat and shred it into a mixer. Add cooled rice, boiled veggie mix, eggs and briefly pulse to combine. Remember to check for any bones before shredding!
- Scoop out the mixture using an ice cream scooper and place them on a sheet or a tray. Adjust each portion accordingly. Freeze overnight.
- Next day, take out the portions and store them frozen in an airtight container. Pop each portion into the microwave before serving your pup!
This wholesome chicken and veggie ball can be made in batches and frozen for easy homemade dog food ready anytime! Now let's look at the nutritional value of the ingredients.
Why The Ingredients Provide Balanced Nutrition
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Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and amino acids which help build and maintain dogs' muscles. Chicken also provides important B vitamins.
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Rice offers an easily digestible carbohydrate for dogs as well as providing vitamin B and fiber. It can help manage weight when fed appropriately.
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Vegetables like sweet potato, carrots and bottle gourd provide beneficial vitamin A, vitamin C and important minerals that support health.
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Eggs are a highly bioavailable source of protein for dogs meaning the protein is readily absorbed. Eggs also contain fatty acids that nourish skin and coat health.
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Spinach is rich in iron, fiber and phytonutrients that help support immunity and overall health in dogs.
Together these ingredients deliver a meal balanced with all the essential macros and micro-nutrients that dogs require including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Tips For Feeding Dogs Right
Follow these tips when preparing homemade or picking commercial dog food:
- Choose whole, natural ingredients - meats, veggies, rice etc.
- Remember to always cook vegetables and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Always remove skin and seeds.
- Introduce new ingredients slowly to check for allergies.
- Provide balanced nutrition tailored to the dog’s age, size, and activity needs.
- Include oils like sunflower or fish oil for omega fatty acids.
- Adjust portions based on your dog’s weight and metabolic rate.
- Ensure access to fresh water to aid food digestion.
- Refrigerate cooked food for 3-5 days, and freeze for longer periods.
Whip up this nutritious chicken and veggie ball for your furry friend! Dogs love home-cooked food made with care and a whole lot of love. Adjust recipes as you like to provide variety.
