Kefir and chia seeds are both valuable ingredients in the Well Dog Pantry. Kefir as a source of probiotics to support gut health and Chia seeds for their essential nutrients and fatty acids.

This base isn’t the same as a chia seed pudding. That consistency is rather too pudding-y and not quite right. Not just because of the consistency: too many seeds in the mix, even if they are soaked, might lead to excessive consumption.

In any case, a thicker consistency wouldn’t work for a hydrating drink or smoothie. What we want here is more of a sloppy mucilage.

I use two different consistencies, both of which are relatively fluid.

  • Kefir-based drinks, smoothies and frozen treats generally have a ratio of around 5-6 to 100: i.e. grams of black or white chia seeds to millilitres of fluid (kefir – or yoghurt if you prefer).
  • Chia and broth mucilage has a ratio of  around 35 g of seeds to 150 ml of (jellied) fish broth (which is generally let out with kefir, purée or water at a later stage). This will be too thick for a drink, but perfect for frozen treats following the addition of fruit, powders or peanut butter (see, for example, the recipe for Quick chia ices). Or for use as an egg replacement in baked treats.

The only thing we have to remember is that it has to be made in advance, ready for the addition of other ingredients.

 

Ingredients

20g chia seeds
350 ml kefir

Method

Making the kefir basis itself couldn’t be easier. Just measure out kefir into a jar, add chia seeds and stir.

Leave to stand for a couple of hours– you will see the mixture has thickened.

Kefir in a Kilner jar labelled Doggy Delly with the Doggy Delly logo and Chia seeds in a separate jar     Kefir and Chia seeds mixed together in a Kilner jar marked Doggy Delly with the Doggy Delly logo

The mixture can be kept refrigerated for up to five days. And if you have any left over, don’t throw it away: it can be frozen as is.

Use this mixture in hydrating drinks such as a watermelon and strawberry hydrator… or frozen to be given as iced treats when it gets hot!

Watermelon and strawberry hydrating drink

Watermelon and strawberry hydrating drink

 

Watermelon and strawberry frozen treats

Watermelon and strawberry frozen treats

*****

 

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.