This recipe offers a delightful and nutritious twist on a casserole, bursting with flavors and textures that will tantalize your dog’s taste buds. Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and the natural sweetness of vitamin A-rich sweet potato, this bake is a complete and balanced meal that’s sure to leave your furry friend happy and satisfied. Kale, a superfood rich in vitamins and minerals, adds an extra boost of nutrients, while other dog-safe vegetables you choose can provide additional flavor variations and essential vitamins.
Key Features:
- Completely Dog-Safe: Uses only ingredients proven safe and healthy for dogs.
- Nutrient-Rich: Provides protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Easy to Digest: Gentle on your dog’s stomach.
- Simple to Prepare: Easy to whip up at home for a homemade treat.
Suitability Information:
- Age: Adult Dogs (consult your veterinarian before feeding to puppies or senior dogs)
- Budget: Moderate
- Suitable for: All Dog Sizes (adjust portion size accordingly)
- Activity Level: All Activity Levels (adjust portion size accordingly)
- Cooking Time: 1 hour (Moderate)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Dietary Needs:
- Not recommended for dogs with allergies to chicken, quinoa, sweet potato, kale, or any other ingredients used.
Can this be fed daily?
Chicken & Quinoa Bake with Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale can be fed daily to your adult dog as part of a balanced diet. However, consider your dog’s individual needs and adjust the portion size accordingly.
Storage:
- Allow the bake to cool completely after cooking.
- Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Additional Tips:
- You can substitute cooked lean ground turkey or cooked shredded chicken for the cooked chicken breast.
- Make sure all vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy chewing.
- You can add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra flavor boost (Important Note: Cheese should be given in moderation for dogs).
- Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset after introducing a new food.
Chicken & Quinoa Bake For Dogs
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven If you're using raw chicken breast, you'll need a pot or Dutch oven to cook it before shredding.
- 1 Large Bowl This will be used to combine all the ingredients for the bake.
- 1 Baking Dish Choose a baking dish large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably, with a little space for them to expand slightly during baking.
- 1 Spoon or Spatula For mixing and stirring the ingredients.
- 1 Whisk (optional) While not essential, a whisk can help you smoothly combine the chicken broth and olive oil.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- 1 Knife and Cutting Board For chopping vegetables and shredding cooked chicken (if using raw chicken breast).
- 1 Oven Mitts For safely handling the hot baking dish.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound shredded chicken breast Cooked (Lean protein source)
Grains:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa Fiber source
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced cooked sweet potato Vitamins and fiber
- 1 cup chopped kale ribs removed and chopped (Vitamins and minerals)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables your dog can tolerate carrots, green beans, etc. – optional (Additional vitamins and fiber)
Liquids:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Base for the bake
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Budget-friendly pantry staple
Spice:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Flavorful spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Chicken Option: If using raw chicken breast, poach or boil the chicken breast until cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken (or shredded cooked chicken breast), cooked quinoa, diced cooked sweet potato, chopped kale, and any additional chopped vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and olive oil. Pour the mixture over the chicken and quinoa mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Season with dried thyme.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender.
- Allow the bake to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Portion Size
While online dog food calculators can be a starting point, determining the ideal portion size for your dog depends on several factors, making them less precise. Here’s a guide to help you estimate a good starting point:
- Dog’s Weight:
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/2 to 1 cup per day.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 1 to 2 cups per day.
- Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 2 to 3 cups per day (or more for giant breeds).
- Activity Level:
- Lazy Dogs: Start with the lower end of the recommendation for their weight.
- Active Dogs: Increase the portion size slightly.
- Training Dogs: Consider offering additional small meals or snacks throughout the day.
- Age:
- Puppies: Consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations as puppies have different nutritional needs.
- Senior Dogs: You may need to adjust portion size based on their activity level and potential health concerns.
Remember: This is just a starting point. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the portion size as needed to maintain a healthy body condition. Here are some signs your dog might be getting too much or too little food:
- Overweight: Lethargy, difficulty exercising, excessive panting.
- Underweight: Visible ribs, excessive begging, loss of muscle mass.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or their individual dietary needs. They can provide personalized guidance based on your dog’s specific health and activity level.
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Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice for your dog.
