Seb’s get well beef stew
Our friend Seb was in the wars for a while this year. Fortunately, a diagnosis was eventually reached, he went under the knife and now the whole episode is in the rear view mirror. But during that period, he’d been on anti-inflammatories, followed – of course – by a dose of anaesthetics during the operation.
As I was researching for a piece on antibiotics and gut health at the time, my mind immediately went to disruption of the gut microbiota. And then, by way of a natural extension, came the idea to do some cooking for him – just as a start on the road to recovery. Luckily he’s otherwise a strong, sturdy fellow and was back on his feet in no time. And I’m told he enjoyed his recuperative menu (which I suspect he shared with his younger brother…).
This one’s for Seb!
Seb’s get well beef stew
Ingredients
330g swede, chopped
450 ml beef stock home-made +500 ml water
110 g dried shiitake, soaked
100 g oyster mushrooms
140 g chestnut mushrooms
1 heaped tsp of thyme
125 g buckwheat, grilled
530 g stewing beef
Mix stock and water, add swede first, followed by oyster mushrooms.
Add chestnut mushrooms and soaked shiitake…
Then add buckwheat and thyme, and finally spread meat evenly across the top.
Close lid and leave for 12 hours. Peeking once or twice is OK, maybe a quick stir, but try not to disturb it too much.
The slow cooker does its magic – at the end, everything is cooked, it smells delicious and the meat is tender.
Nutritional Synergy Highlights
B Vitamins & Amino Acids:
The stewing beef provides complete protein with all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance, immune function and tissue repair. Mushrooms (especially shiitake and oyster) contribute B vitamins like niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) and riboflavin (B2), supporting energy metabolism and nervous system health. Buckwheat also adds plant-based protein and complements the amino acid profile.
Iron, Zinc & Copper Balance:
Red meat is rich in highly bioavailable haem iron, zinc and selenium. Shiitake mushrooms, while nutrient-rich, are particularly high in copper. Using beef as the primary protein helps maintain a favourable zinc-to-copper ratio, reducing the risk of copper excess if this dish is part of a wider rotation.
Prebiotic Fibre & Beta-Glucans:
Mushrooms provide beta-glucans, supporting gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Buckwheat and swede provide additional fermentable fibre to help regulate digestion and support gut health.
Antioxidants & Anti-inflammatory Compounds:
Swede contains glucosinolates and polyphenols that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection. Shiitake mushrooms contribute ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant with cell-protective functions, and lentinan, a bioactive polysaccharide studied for its immune-modulating effects.
Joint & Skin Support:
Homemade beef stock made from bones supplies gelatin, supporting joint health, connective tissue resilience and digestive tract integrity. Slow-cooked stewing beef also provides collagen and its key building blocks (including glycine and proline), which contribute to healthy skin, joints and muscles.
Synergies
Pairs with:
• Kale, spring greens, leafy greens: boost magnesium, calcium and carotenoids while complementing beef’s protein and iron mineral profile.
• Carrot, pumpkin: provide carotenoids, vitamin C, and extra fibre for gut and immune synergy without tipping calcium levels.
• Kefir: supports gut health alongside mushroom β-glucans.
• Blueberries: add polyphenols that work well with beef and mushroom antioxidants.
• Herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme): natural flavour enhancers but not enough to provide meaningful nutritional value.
• Salmon oil: omega-3 source helps balance the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of beef and support anti-inflammatory pathways.
Antagonisms
Avoid combining with:
• Spinach or beet greens: high-oxalate vegetables can bind calcium and iron supplied by beef and buckwheat.
• Potatoes, rice or pasta in significant amounts: fast-digesting starch stacking reduces nutrient density.
• Large quantities of legumes: fibre stacking on top of buckwheat can reduce calorie density.
• Liver or organ meats high in copper: this meal already includes copper-rich ingredients like shiitake; excess copper may disrupt mineral balance.
*****
Ingredients 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.
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are high in fibre and contain significant amounts of protein, as well as B vitamins, minerals and metabolites; their compounds are said to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. Shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally in humans for diseases such as cancer and heart disease and also conditions including diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis[1] and canine studies have found that these mushrooms our potential supplement to combat diseases such as obesity in ageing dogs[2].
Oyster mushrooms are a nutrient-rich ingredient offering dietary fibre to support healthy digestion and gut function. They are a good source of B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin, which support energy metabolism and cellular health, and contain important minerals such as potassium, iron and phosphorus, to support muscle function, oxygen transport and bone strength. Like other culinary mushrooms, they provide beta-glucans associated with immune support, and are one of the few meaningful dietary sources of the antioxidant ergothioneine, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Chestnut mushrooms are a nutrient-dense ingredient, rich in antioxidants like selenium, which help reduce oxidative stress and support immune function. They are a good source of B vitamins such as B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B5 (pantothenic acid), which support energy metabolism, nerve function, and overall cellular health. Chestnut mushrooms are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which plays a vital role in bone health and calcium absorption. Additionally, they provide essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper, which contribute to muscle function, oxygen transport, and immune support.
Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudocereal that provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre to support healthy digestion and gut function. It is a good source of plant-based protein and contains B vitamins that contribute to energy metabolism and cognitive health. Buckwheat also offers essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and potassium, which support muscle function, oxygen transport and overall cellular health. Rich in antioxidant compounds and flavonoids and considered one of the best natural sources of rutin, buckwheat helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Swede, a low-calorie low-carb root vegetable, is a nutrient-rich source of dietary fibre to support digestion and gut health. It contains vitamins C, B6 and B9 which help boost immune function, aid energy metabolism and support brain health. Swede is also a good source of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which contribute to muscle function, bone strength and nerve transmission. Like turnips, swede also contains glucosinolates which, when converted into isothiocyanates, have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
[1] Bisen P.S., Baghel, R.K., Sanodiya B.S., Thakur G.S., Prasad G.B.K.S., Lentinus edodes: A Macrofungus with Pharmacological Activities, Current Medicinal Chemistry; Volume 17, Issue 22, Year 2010, DOI: 10.2174/092986710791698495
[2] Kusaba A, Arai T. Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2024 Jun 19;11:1355560. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560. PMID: 38962708; PMCID: PMC11220243.
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 canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
- The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!