Looking to tantalize your pup’s taste buds and add a burst of flavor to their diet? Look no further than these delicious Black Bean & Brown Rice Burgers with Mango Salsa! Packed with protein, fiber, and a refreshing mango salsa, this recipe offers a fun and nutritious twist on traditional dog food.
Key Features:
- Made with Dog-Safe Ingredients: This recipe uses only ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a delicious and worry-free meal.
- Main Meal or Treat: Adaptable to your dog’s needs, these burgers can be served as a complete meal with proper portion control or offered as a tasty treat.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to whip up at home, allowing you to provide your dog with a homemade and healthy option.
Ready to ditch the kibble and go tropical? Let’s get cooking!
Suitability Information:
Age: Adult Dogs (consult your veterinarian before feeding to puppies or senior dogs)
- Budget: Moderate (Black beans can be slightly pricier than some other legumes)
- Suitable for: All Dog Sizes (adjust portion size accordingly)
- Activity Level: All Activity Levels (adjust portion size accordingly)
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes (Moderate)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Dietary Needs:
- Not recommended for dogs with allergies to black beans, brown rice, oats, or mangoes.
Can this be fed daily?
Black Bean & Brown Rice Burgers with Mango Salsa 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 accordingl
Storage:
- Allow the patties to cool completely after cooking.
- Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (Protein and fiber source)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (Fiber and complex carbohydrates)
- ½ cup rolled oats (Fiber and complex carbohydrates)
- 1 mashed banana (Fiber and natural sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Budget-friendly pantry staple)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (Binder)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (Aromatic herb with digestive benefits)
For the Mango Salsa (Optional):
- ½ cup diced ripe mango, chopped into very small pieces (Vitamins and a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (Aromatic herb with digestive benefits)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (Optional, for a tangy flavor)
Ratio (Estimated):
- Protein: 30% (primarily from black beans)
- Carbs: 60% (primarily from brown rice and oats)
- Vegetables/Fruit: 10% (from mango and cilantro)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky.
- Add cooked brown rice, rolled oats, mashed banana, olive oil, applesauce, and dried parsley to the mashed black beans.
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to form patties. If it’s too dry, add a little water or mashed banana, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Form the mixture into small, flat patties. Aim for a size suitable for your dog’s mouth.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Optional Mango Salsa: While the patties cook, combine diced mango, chopped fresh cilantro, and optional lime juice in a small bowl.
- Allow the patties to cool completely before serving to your dog. You can serve them plain or topped with a spoonful of the mango salsa.
Tips:
- You can bake the patties instead of frying them. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Substitute cooked sweet potato for the mashed banana if preferred. Ensure it’s cooked before feeding.
- Make sure the mango is ripe and diced into very small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
- 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.
