Chicken and amaranth: the combination

This simple, slow-cooked combination layers chicken thigh fillet over a base of finely chopped Brussels sprouts, fennel, carrots and celery, stirred through with amaranth. The long cooking time enhances digestibility and allows water-soluble compounds from the vegetables and amaranth to be retained in the liquid phase. Nutrient synergies between the ingredients — such as improved iron absorption, complementary amino acids, and fibre variety — make this a strong building block in a rotation diet.

Ingredients

200 g Brussels sprouts, chopped finely
160 g fennel bulb, chopped fine
160 g carrots, chopped fine
160 g celery, chopped fine
200 g amaranth, rinsed
300 g chicken thigh fillet, laid over the top
700 ml chicken stock and water

Layer ingredients, starting with vegetables.

Add amaranth and stir in stock. Lastly, lay chicken on top. Cook on automatic in a slow cooker for 8 hours.

 

   

Nutritional Synergy Highlights

Iron–Vitamin C–Beta-Carotene Interaction
Amaranth contributes iron and magnesium, both of which play essential roles in oxygen transport and muscle function. However, the absorption of plant-derived (non-haem) iron can be limited without the right co-factors. This is where fennel and carrots play a crucial role: fennel provides vitamin C, which enhances iron uptake by reducing it to its more absorbable ferrous form, while carrots contribute beta-carotene, which has also been shown to support non-haem iron absorption. Together, these ingredients improve the bioavailability of amaranth’s iron, helping to offset the mineral-binding effects of fibre present elsewhere in the dish.

Zinc–Copper Balance
Chicken thigh is a rich source of zinc and selenium, while Brussels sprouts and amaranth supply meaningful amounts of copper and magnesium. Including zinc-rich animal protein with plant-based copper sources helps maintain a healthy trace mineral ratio, avoiding the risk of copper dominance, which can occur when brassicas or pseudocereals are heavily featured without counterbalance. This is especially important in canine diets, where genetic predispositions to copper accumulation are increasingly recognised.

Complementary Amino Acids
Amaranth is one of the few plant foods that contains all essential amino acids—including lysine, which is often limiting in grains and other plant-based ingredients. When paired with chicken thigh, which supplies complete and highly bioavailable animal protein, the amino acid profiles are both broadened and reinforced. This is particularly useful in a rotational feeding model, where occasional meat-free meals may rely on previous days’ amino acid coverage.

Fibre Diversity
Brussels sprouts offer brassica-type insoluble fibre; celery provides structural bulk and prebiotic support; fennel contributes fermentable fibre and mucilage; and amaranth adds a blend of soluble and insoluble fibre. This layered fibre profile helps modulate transit time, supports a more diverse microbial population, and promotes fermentation across different parts of the colon. Using multiple fibre types also helps minimise the risk of gastrointestinal upset or over-fermentation that might occur with high doses of one dominant fibre source.

Antioxidant Grouping
Each vegetable brings a different antioxidant compound to the table. Brussels sprouts are a source of sulforaphane, a powerful isothiocyanate derived from glucosinolates; carrots supply beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin for cellular and eye health; fennel offers flavonoids such as anethole and quercetin; and amaranth contributes squalene and other phenolic antioxidants. These compounds act through different mechanisms—some scavenging free radicals, others supporting detoxification enzymes—creating a layered antioxidant defence that’s broader than any one ingredient could deliver on its own.

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Pairs Well With

  • Celeriac or swede: complements fibre profile and mineral contribution
    • Pumpkin: extends carotenoid content and adds gentle bulk
    • Kefir: enhances microbial utilisation of mixed fibre sources
    • Chia or flaxseed: adds mucilage and omega-3s without disrupting mineral balance
    • Blueberries: introduce polyphenols that pair well with sulforaphane and squalene

Avoid Combining With

  • High-calcium powders (e.g. eggshell): may inhibit iron and magnesium absorption from amaranth and sprouts
    • Organ meats: risk of copper overload when combined with sprouts and amaranth
    • Brassica-rich additions (e.g. cabbage): may stack goitrogens when sprouts already contribute
    • Legumes: may compete for absorption and overwhelm fibre load in a single meal
    • Refined carbohydrates: reduce synergy and dilute mineral and fibre effects

Ingredients at a Glance

Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are in the top 20 most nutritious foods of the ANDI score index! Brimming with fibre to support a healthy gut, these cruciferous powerhouses also contain impressive antioxidants that can decrease inflammation and oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. They are a source of sulforaphane, which has attracted attention for its therapeutic potential, as well as vitamin K for strong bones, B vitamins for energy metabolism, and a range of essential amino acids and minerals to promote overall wellness.

Fennel
Fennel is a fragrant fibre-rich vegetable that supports healthy digestion and gut motility. It provides vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which help maintain muscle function, nerve transmission and fluid balance. The plant’s natural phytonutrients including flavonoids and anethole offer mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to overall wellness.

Carrots
Carrots are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which support overall health and the immune system, and are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for healthy vision. They are also rich in dietary fibre, which supports gut health, and contain key minerals that are good for bones and muscle and nerve function.

Celery
Celery, with its high levels of fibre, can help to promote a healthy gut. Minerals like potassium and magnesium are essential for maintaining muscle function and nerve transmission as well as healthy bones. Vitamins A, C, and K support immune health, bone strength, and overall wellness. Antioxidants including flavonoids and phenolic acids reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which has been linked to numerous conditions including heart disease and diabetes, and help to bolster the immune system.

Amaranth
Amaranth is gluten-free and a complete protein, supplying all essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. It offers complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre that promote gut health and digestion, as well as essential minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium, which support bone health and proper muscle function. It also contains unique antioxidants like squalene and phenolic compounds which help reduce oxidative stress and contribute to cardiovascular wellness.

Chicken thigh fillet
Chicken thigh fillet is a high-quality, lean protein source with high nutritional value that supports muscle maintenance and repair. It provides essential amino acids, which are vital for overall growth, immune function and cellular health and is rich in B vitamins, particularly B6 and niacin, which aid in energy metabolism and brain function. Chicken also contains phosphorus and selenium, which contribute to bone strength, immune support and antioxidant protection. Chicken thigh fat contributes to energy density and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients 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 canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!