Hydrating drinks

Now that we are facing some hot weather, hydration is top of the list: I’m really concerned to ensure that my very active dog does not become dehydrated. Especially because she doesn’t appear to be very thirst-driven.

But oral hydration is the best defence. Given that studies suggest dogs are keener to drink enhanced water than plain tap water (and in addition to tap water), I decided to create a few different summer drinks out of ingredients I already had that would be tempting, palatable and, most importantly, hydrating. If you want to know more about hydration, see my post here.

Hydrating ingredients

This is a cheap and easy recipe with healthy and hydrating ingredients. Cucumbers in themselves are hydrating as a snack and contain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K. Courgettes (or zucchini) are also packed with nutrients.

Not only that, what was left over in the blender went on in true circular cooking fashion to make another drink, by letting it out with kefir– and then ices as well!

But before I get carried away, the drink recipe first…

Cucumber and courgette hydrating drink

Ingredients:

One cucumber (approximately 290 g)
One green courgette (approximately 240 g)
500 ml jellied fish stock
800 ml water
One heaped teaspoon turmeric powder
One level tablespoon hemp seeds

 

Method:

Slowly heat water and jellied fish stock in pan and add turmeric.

   

Chop or spiralize the vegetables, add to stock mix and bring to the boil slowly.

   

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

   

Allow to cool, add hemp seeds and blitz.

Decant into jars to be kept in the fridge. This drink will also freeze.

If you prefer, you can let out the drink with more water before offering to your dog.

 

THE TASTING

A two-pan test, fresh tap water versus “enhanced” drink: no contest!

POINT PROVED (and drink approved!)

 

 

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. I am sharing recipes that I have created and tested in my kitchen and that have been tasted and approved by our doggy friends.