Remouillage

Remouillage (French, meaning rewetting) is quite common practice in professional kitchens, so why not in the doggy kitchen? Particularly the no-waste doggy kitchen…

Basically, it’s a second (or even third) stock, re-using bones which, having been used just once in a stock or broth, still retain much of their flavour and minerals. Just add fresh water and vegetables and hey presto – more stock! Even if it’s weaker, it will still have goodness that would otherwise be wasted and can be used as a basis for doggy toppings.  Or even soups and casseroles for the humans (in which case you will definitely want to add some salt and flavourings!).

Our remouillage recipe this week:

Remouillage: Recipe

Ingredients

Beef broth bones already used for broth (bone marrow, beef knee and oxtail in this case)
450g carrots, bite-sized pieces
220g celery, bite-sized pieces
Celery leaves
2 tbsp apple vinegar
1 litre vegetable water + 1 litre water
Rosemary
Heaped tablespoon minced ginger

 See below for the benefits of the individual ingredients at a glance.

Why add apple cider vinegar?

The acidity helps to break down the bones and facilitates the release of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Extraction of more minerals from the bones enhances the nutrient density of the broth, making it more beneficial. Apple cider vinegar also helps to break down collagen into gelatine, which supports joint health, skin, and digestion. For freezing: the natural antimicrobial properties in apple cider vinegar help to preserve the broth, which can be useful when storing in the refrigerator or freezing for future use.

 

Method:

Place used beef bones with fresh vegetables in the pan. Cover with water or vegetable stock.

Second-time beef bones and fresh vegetables for remouillage

Second-time beef bones and fresh vegetables

 

Bring slowly to boiling point, then reduce and simmer for 6-7 hours.

Bringing remouillage mix do the boil

Bringing remouillage mix do the boil

Strain, then separate meat and vegetables.

 

I usually keep a jar in the fridge for a cool hydrating doggy drink and freeze the rest. The carrots and celery are bite-sized for a reason – they’ll be doggy snacks! Allow to cool and refrigerate. Alternatively, open freeze the carrots and when frozen place in a ‘treats’ container in the freezer – for easy access, of course!

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For more ideas on what to do with broth vegetables, see Using up Broth Veg.

 

Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Beef bone broth is a great staple. As versatile as it is nutritional, broth can add taste and nutrition to all sorts of other food like toppings and baked treats. Beef bones contain vitamins and minerals and of course collagen, which supports joint health and mobility, skin elasticity, and digestive lining integrity. The glucosamine and chondroitin found in connective tissue are prescribed together to treat canine arthritis. The addition of vegetables will also boost health benefits. Ensure that the broth is suitable for dogs, i.e. without onions, garlic, salt, preservatives, or flavourings that could be harmful.

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.

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can support overall health in dogs. Gingerol in particular is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiviral effects. Anti-inflammatories can be beneficial for dogs suffering arthritis and help improve mobility in dogs with joint conditions. Antioxidants help to combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Ginger has also been shown to promote blood circulation, soothe upset stomachs and help with issues such as nausea (e.g. motion sickness), bloating and gas.

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.