No-Waste, Nutrient-Rich: Retaining Cooking Water

We know that steaming vegetables retains the most nutrition: boiling vegetables can diminish nutrient content, because some minerals and water-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin C and many B vitamins) can leach into the water. And by extension, we are often left with nutrient-rich water after boiling vegetables or poaching fish. Rather than pouring this valuable resource down the drain, why not repurpose and make the most of every drop? This approach isn’t just sustainable and no-waste; it’s a simple, no-cost way of adding goodness and flavour to your recipes – for yourself and your dog.

These liquids will keep in the fridge for two to three days. Use them instead of plain water in your dog’s bowl, add to toppings and even in your own sauces! For longer storage – and if you have the space – freeze the liquid (I use the same stackable 500ml containers as for frozen toppings). And yes, freezing might reduce some nutrient levels, but it’s still an improvement over tap water

A Nutrient Boost

Cooking water often retains a portion of the vitamins and minerals released during the cooking process. For example:

  • Vegetable water: When boiling vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or leafy greens, water-soluble vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium seep into the water. This makes vegetable cooking water a nutrient-rich addition to your dog’s meals. Keep the cooking water to a minimum – it’s more energy efficient – and don’t add salt!
  • Fish poaching water: Liquid used to gently poach fish can be infused with omega-3 fatty acids and protein residues, supporting healthy skin, coat, and joints. Do ensure that the liquid (be it water or a water/milk mix) is unseasoned and bone-free.
  • Pasta water: Even pasta water, with its starchy residue, shouldn’t be discarded. The starch acts as a natural thickener for toppings, broths, sauces and soups. Top professional chefs use pasta water to enrich sauces, so why wouldn’t we?

For added efficiency, try cooking multiple vegetables in the same water. This concentrates nutrients into a single batch, improving the liquid-to-nutrient ratio.

It’s important to avoid adding salt to the cooking water, as excess sodium is harmful to dogs. By keeping the water plain, you ensure it’s safe and beneficial for your dog’s diet.

How Long Will It Keep?

Don’t leave the liquid standing at room temperature. Once it has cooled, it should be used immediately, refrigerated or frozen. Ideas include:

  • Refrigeration: Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge and pour out a little as a hydrating drink in the summer.
  • Recipe use: Replace plain water with cooking or poaching liquids in topping recipes.
  • Direct enrichment: If thick enough, it can be used as a topping in its own right.

These liquids will keep in the fridge for two to three days. For longer storage – and if you have the space – freeze the liquid (I use the same stackable 500ml containers as for frozen toppings). And yes, freezing might reduce some nutrient levels, but it’s still an improvement over tap water.

Spinach water

No Waste

By reusing water that would otherwise be discarded, you’re reducing waste and extracting the most from every ingredient. At no cost. Can you think of an easier win-win?

That’s what circular cooking looks like. Oh, and you can use this water in sauce recipes as well. Care and Share!

Note:

While ground cooked eggshells can benefit your dog, water from boiling eggs is probably best saved for the plants!

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 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!