This Chicken & Veggie Curry with Chickpeas & Coconut Milk offers a burst of exotic flavors and a delightful change of pace for your dog’s mealtime routine. Packed with protein, fiber, and a creamy coconut milk base, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious. A vegetarian option is also included for plant-based preferences.
Suitability Information:
Age: Adult Dogs (consult your veterinarian before feeding to puppies or senior dogs)
- Budget: Moderate Moderate (Chicken can be pricier than some other proteins)
- 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, chickpeas, vegetables in the recipe (carrots, green beans, peas), or coconut milk.
Can this be fed daily?
Chicken & Veggie Curry with Chickpeas & Coconut Milk 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 curry to cool completely after cooking.
- Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Option:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped
For the Vegetarian Option:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
Base Ingredients (For Both Options):
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Ratio (Estimated):
- Protein: 30% (chicken or lentils)
- Carbs: 50% (primarily from brown rice and chickpeas)
- Vegetables: 20% (from carrots, green beans, and peas)
Instructions
Chicken Option:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cooked and chopped chicken breast to the pot and cook for a few minutes to warm through.
Vegetarian Option:
- Skip step 1 for the vegetarian option.
For Both Options:
- Add the chopped carrots, green beans, and peas to the pot (with or without chicken depending on your option) and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, coconut milk, ground turmeric, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cooked brown rice and chickpeas to the pot and stir to combine.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
- Allow the curry to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Tips:
- You can substitute cooked ground turkey for the chicken breast if preferred. Ensure it is lean with minimal fat content.
- Make sure all vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy chewing.
- Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset after introducing a new food.
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.
Additional Tips:
- Monitor your dog’s weight regularly.
- Don’t free-feed your dog. This can lead to overeating.
- Feed your dog twice a day. Split the daily portion size into two meals.
- Measure the food using a measuring cup. Don’t rely on guesswork.
Important Note: This recipe is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions.
