March 26, 2008

Grubbin’: Getting into Grains

We’ve all heard it, *Everything in moderation* but when it comes to grains (for our dogs) this is certainly the rule. Moderate amounts of whole, unrefined, low-gluten, grains can be beneficial for most dogs.

The opposite of unrefined would be Refined grains. During the milling process, the germ (nutrient-rich inner part) and bran (fiber-rich outer layer) of the kernel is removed, which is 90% of the nutritional content, such as B Vitamins, iron, Vitamin E, selenium and fiber. What remains is only the endosperm (starch), which increases the shelf life of the product. The germ and bran are what bugs go for first, so when this is removed, the grain is not as appealing. It would seem as though bugs are more intelligent than we are?

Grains also provide something called FSO, or “fructooligosaccharides” to help regulate the beneficial bacteria (normal and healthy micro flora) in the lower intestines and upper bowel.

Examples of Whole Grains that can be added to your dog’s meals are listed below: (Grains need to be cooked prior to feeding)
• Barley
• Bulgur
• Whole oats
• Quinoa

(more…)

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March 25, 2008

Grubbin’: Shephard’s Pie

Shephard’s Pie

1 lb ground beef (Hormone/ antibiotic free)
1 large winter squash
2 large potato
1 cups Spinach (organic if available)
1/2 cup fresh parsley (aid digestion)
1/4 cup grated parmesian cheese

Cook ground beef in skillet under medium heat; you can boil or bake the potato and squash, we recommend cut squash in half and de-seed, then cube, mash all together. In a 12x 12 layer ground beef, washed spinach, and top layer squash/ potato mix; bake 350 degrees for 20 min. Top with fresh parsley and sprinkle with parmesian cheese.

Did you know? grass fed beef has 2-6 times more of Omega 3 essential fatty acid? Omega 3’s are not only good for you and “heart healthy”, but essential for growth, development and maintaining healthy cell function.

Remember, this recipe is for your dogs, not for you (although you could certainly share the pie if your little one will let you!!) :-D

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March 4, 2008

Grubbin’: Tonic Toper

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/psicopat/588049878/

This recipe is inspired by traditional Chinese Medicine, and uses foods that tonify the blood and QI.

Ingredients

1/4 Cup Dried Apricots
1/4 Can Pumpkin (not pie mix)
1 Can Sardines
1/2 Cup Cooked Millet
1/2 Cup Plain, live-culture Yogurt
1 tsp Powdered Spirulina

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate. Add a couple of tablespoons to each of your pet’s usual meals until it’s all gone!

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February 19, 2008

Grubbin’: BonBons


Grain-Free BonBons:

One of our dedicated two-legged execs has dreamed up a delicious Bonbon recipe, and our crew of office hounds have been enjoying the fruits of her labor! But *Note* it does require a little bit of our Honest Kitchen Force!
1 cup Force (THK Food)
1 cup Canned or Cooked Pumpkin
1 Egg
Small handful of Quinoa or Buckwheat Flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix Equal parts of Force and Pumpkin, add the Quinoa flour and egg at the same time. Mix until well blended.
Shape into balls and place it on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden on the outside, but soft in the middle. Cool, then call in the hounds.

Options:
For an extra burst of healthy stuff, add in a teaspoon of powdered greens or spirulina.
For extra flavor, try adding a little sliced ham or some grated cheese.

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February 18, 2008

Grubbin’: Alfalfa in Preference?


One of our *valued* customers Betty W. ask’s why Alfalfa in The Honest Kitchen’s Preference diet?!

“Hi,
I just got a travel packet of Preference and had not really paid much attention to ingredients when I ordered it because of
your reputation.
I was really surprised when Alfalfa was the first ingredient and must admit I’m a little reluctant to feed it to my dog — the deer, cows and rabbits are fine…but to a dog?
Please help me understand why alfalfa is good for a dog.
Thank you so much. Betty W.”

We thought you should all know the benefits of Alfalfa as well:

Alfalfa is considered a valuable herb for the musculoskeletal system, GI tract and liver. It is nutritive, anti-inflammatory and diuretic, and a rich source of protein as well as minerals and vitamins A, B1, B12, C, D, E and K.

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