Mackerel topping

Mackerel topping

Definitely one for the thrifty dog cook! Maybe not quite as cheap these days as in Shakespeare’s time, but still an inexpensive and nutritious ingredient.

“You may buy land now as cheap as stinking mackerel”
Falstaff, Henry IV Part One

 

Mixed vegetable and mackerel topping

Ingredients:

One sweet potato, peeled (peeled weight 258g)
One kohlrabi, peeled (peeled weight 390g)
400g g mixed kohlrabi & cauliflower leaves, carrot and celery leftovers
180 g white fish scraps
1 litre chicken poaching liquid plus 400 ml water
30g beet powder
125g tin of mackerel in water (net drained weight 83g)

 

 

You shall have a fishy on a little dishy,
You shall have a fishy when the boat comes in.

 

Method:

Chop sweet potato and kohlrabi into manageable pieces, then blitz in the kitchen processor.

Blitz vegetable waste in the kitchen processor to approximately the same size as the kohlrabi and sweet potato.

Mix poaching liquid with extra water, bring to the boil and then simmer vegetables and white fish until cooked through.

Allow to cool before adding the beetroot powder and mackerel (including water from tin).

This mixture can be made in batches. It will keep for three days in the refrigerator and will freeze well.

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Kohlrabi is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable, high in the dietary fibre that supports healthy digestion and gut health. It is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, supporting various functions from the immune system to brain function and red blood cell production. Kohlrabi is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, which aids in muscle function and nerve transmission.

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet. Rich in dietary fibre, vitamins C and B6, as well as antioxidants like lutein and minerals such as manganese and potassium, they provide numerous other health benefits ranging from improved digestion to enhanced immune function and eye health.

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. There 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, 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.

Mackerel is a nutrient-rich oily fish packed with high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and repair. This inexpensive ingredient is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and reduce inflammation. Beyond omega-3s, mackerel provides essential vitamins such as A, B12, and D, which contribute to energy metabolism, immune health, and bone strength. It also contains important minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and potassium, which support muscle function, hydration, and overall wellness.

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THE TASTING

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Important Considerations:

• Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• 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.