This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic chili recipe, made entirely with dog-safe ingredients. Packed with protein, fiber, and the natural sweetness of sweet potato, this chili is sure to be a hit with your pup!
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
- 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 beef, sweet potato, corn, green beans, other chosen vegetables, or any other ingredients used.
Can this be fed daily?
Yes, 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 chili to cool completely after cooking.
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
Beef Option:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (Protein source – use in moderation)
Vegetarian Option:
- 1 cup cooked lentils (Protein source)
Base Ingredients (For Both Options):
- 1 cup cooked or canned diced sweet potato (Vitamins and fiber)
- 1 cup chopped green beans (Fiber and vitamins)
- 1 cup frozen corn (Fiber and vitamins)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables your dog can tolerate (carrots, peas, etc.) – optional (Additional vitamins and fiber)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) (Base for the chili)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Budget-friendly pantry staple)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Flavorful spice)
- Water (Amount depends on desired consistency – see note below)
Note: While this recipe doesn’t specify an amount of water, feel free to add water to adjust the consistency of the chili. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until it reaches a thickness that is easy for your dog to lap up.
Base Ratio (for both Beef and Vegetarian Option):
- Protein: 40%
- Carbs: 40% (primarily from sweet potato and corn)
- Vegetables: 20% (primarily from green beans, with additional vegetables being optional)
Protein Options:
- Beef Option: If using lean ground beef, the 40% protein ratio would equate to approximately 0.4 pounds (or 6.4 ounces) of cooked ground beef for this recipe.
- Vegetarian Option: One cup of cooked lentils should be sufficient to fulfill the 40% protein requirement.
Vegetables:
- Required Vegetables: The recipe includes 1 cup chopped green beans, which contributes to the 20% vegetable ratio.
- Optional Vegetables: The additional chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.) are up to you. If using them, adjust the amount to ensure the total vegetables (including green beans) stay around 20% of the total recipe volume.
Instructions
Beef Option:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced sweet potato, chopped green beans, frozen corn, and any additional chopped vegetables to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sweet potato starts to soften slightly.
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, dried oregano, and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Vegetarian Option:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cooked lentils, diced sweet potato, chopped green beans, frozen corn, and any additional chopped vegetables to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sweet potato starts to soften slightly.
- Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, dried oregano, and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef 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.
