Super-easy and healthy

This super-easy recipe for chia ices is a great way of providing a really healthy treat that dogs love. A basic mix is made of only three ingredients, to which you can add optional ingredients to flavour or provide extra nutrition.

The benefits of the three main ingredients (chia seeds, fish broth and kefir) are outlined below.

But let’s get down to the fun stuff.

Quick chia ices

Makes a batch of basic ‘pudding’ mix that will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator

Ingredients

500 ml jellied fish broth + 100ml water
200ml kefir
150g black or white chia seeds

 

Method

Mix and allow to stand for a few hours or overnight. The chia seeds will swell in the moisture (this is called a mucilage) and create a pudding-y consistency. It won’t be a real pudding with these ingredients, it will be a slightly looser (but not runny) consistency.

Now you can add any healthy ingredient you like.

Try sweet or savoury. Here I split the mixture and added:

Beetroot powder

Spinach powder

And even peanut butter! (100% organic)

Pour into bite-sized jelly moulds (if you don’t have small moulds, an ice cube tray will do just as well).  Or you can make lollies, which use up more of the mixture.

Freeze for around three hours. Although these pudding ices aren’t rock hard, I still leave them for a minute or so before giving them to Georgie.

Ingredient benefits at a glance

Here is a quick look at the benefits provided bythe ingredients in these chia ices. Click on the links for more detailed posts.

Chia seeds are tiny but mighty, offering complete plant-based protein to support muscle maintenance and repair. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health. Chia seeds also provide antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support cellular health, as well as dietary fibre for digestion and gut health. Packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, they contribute to strong bones and overall wellness.

Kefir is rich in probiotics, which balance got microbiota and promote overall gut health. It is nutrient dense, and has good amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Kefir is also rich in vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, K2, folic acid), which support energy metabolism and cognitive health, and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), which are important for bone health.

Home-made fish broth with turmeric is liquid gold: a nutrient-rich addition to your dog’s diet, and a great source of collagen, which supports joint health and mobility, skin elasticity, and digestive lining integrity. Collagen also supports muscle recovery and repair. The turmeric adds more than colour: its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties promote overall health and wellness. A recipe for fish broth can be found here.

 

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.