The arrival of warm weather prompted a search through last year’s recipes for some summer ideas. The broccoli booster was a definite favourite with all dogs who tried it last summer. And being a beautiful dark green, they even look healthy. But these boosters aren’t just about looks, they’re about hydration.

Research has shown that dogs increase water intake if it is nutrient-enriched, where the solution used in many of the scientific studies was based on a type of chicken broth or “chicken-flavoured” electrolyte solution. Broccoli is a source of electrolytes, as evidenced by the electrolyte powders and drinks for human consumption, many of which advertise broccoli content. Add some wheatgrass powder, honey and spirulina and you have a really healthy bite-sized treat.

If you keep broth and stocks in smallish quantities in the freezer, it’s the easiest thing in the world to mix it with some broccoli and other ingredients to make quick mini-ices.

 

Broccoli Boosters recipe

Ingredients

240g broccoli, steamed and whizzed in food processor
1 good tsp organic wheatgrass powder
2 tsp good quality honey
1 tsp spirulina
150ml chicken poaching liquid or broth

Method

Blitz ingredients thoroughly and place in moulds* and freeze for three hours.. If you don’t have moulds, an ice cube tray works too.

These are soft enough to be eaten almost immediately when taken out of the freezer. Great for a treat in the summer, but not just summer…😀

broccoli boosters

*You can also get moulds with space for a special dog-friendly lolly stick to make the lolly being tasted here.

Alternatively, you can get creative and make sticks from snacks like insect sticks, which do just as well.

THE TASTING

Broccoli booster ice lolly being tasted by a Hungarian Vizsla

Broccoli booster ice lolly being tasted

a Hungarian viszsa licking its lips as it looks at a broccoli lolly, illustrating the broccoli booster recipe

 

Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Broccoli, packed with essential vitamins (C, K, A and B9), minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. contributes to various aspects of canine health, including improved digestion, weight management, and enhanced immune function. This super vegetable also contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin which support eye health. For more information, see “Broccoli“.

Wheatgrass Powder:
Wheatgrass powder, made from sprouted wheatgrass, is a nutrient-dense supplement for dogs. It is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune health, vision, and cellular protection. Wheatgrass powder also provides folic acid for red blood cell production, potassium for muscle and heart health, calcium for strong bones, and dietary fibre to promote gut health. While it contains chlorophyll, its primary benefits come from its array of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Honey has been used throughout history to treat infections and conditions such as burns and wounds and for medicinal properties which include anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also contains minerals, vitamins and enzymes as well as polyphenols, which work as antioxidants in the body.  Because honey is predominantly made up of sugars it should always be given in moderation.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain broccoli as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional nutritionist. I am sharing recipes that I have created and tested in my kitchen and that have been tasted and approved by our doggy friends