Chicken, quinoa and egg with broccoli and parsnip purée

Poached chicken, quinoa, Sloppy Joe with green beans and peas, broccoli and parsnip purée, boiled egg with shell, mixed vegetables in goose broth and salmon oil.

This is a particularly well-rounded bowl, with strong protein coverage, a direct calcium source, marine omega-3 and a broad mixture of vegetable fibres and plant compounds.

What’s working

Strong protein and micronutrient base
Chicken provides high-quality protein, selenium, phosphorus and B vitamins, while the egg adds another complete protein together with choline, selenium and vitamin B12. Quinoa contributes additional protein alongside magnesium and manganese.

Useful calcium contribution
The eggshell provides a concentrated whole-food calcium source. The egg itself adds phosphorus and other micronutrients, so together they bring substantially more than protein alone.

Good fibre and plant diversity
Green beans, peas, broccoli, parsnip and the mixed vegetables contribute different fibres and plant compounds. Broccoli supplies glucosinolates, folate and vitamin C; peas contribute fermentable fibre, folate and manganese; parsnip adds root-vegetable fibre, potassium and folate; and green beans contribute insoluble fibre, folate and vitamin K.

Marine omega-3 covered
Salmon oil supplies EPA and DHA directly, giving this bowl a long-chain omega-3 source rather than relying on conversion from plant fats.

Less obvious but relevant

Quinoa strengthens the mineral profile
Quinoa is particularly useful here for magnesium and manganese, while also adding folate and a different amino-acid profile from rice or other grains used elsewhere in the rotation.

Goose broth adds dimension
Cooking the mixed vegetables in goose broth adds flavour and moisture while carrying some dissolved proteins, peptides and rendered fat into the meal.

Fat helps with plant compounds too
The fats from egg, chicken and salmon oil also help with absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids present in the vegetable component.

Bottom line

  • Strong animal-protein coverage from chicken and egg.
  • Eggshell provides a direct calcium source.
  • Quinoa adds magnesium, manganese and additional protein.
  • Broccoli, peas, parsnip and green beans provide a genuinely varied mix of fibre, folate, minerals and plant compounds.
  • Salmon oil supplies EPA and DHA.

Potential flags

None.

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THE TASTING

           

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!