Thrifty dog cook

Golden celeriac Some weeks there seems to be a surfeit of stock; it's the inevitable famine and feast effect of how broth bones come my way (similar to the proverbial buses – nothing for ages, then a whole bunch at [...]

Venison carrots I should probably call these venison-flavoured carrots, because that's exactly what they are: a wonderful, easy vegetable treat for your dog. Last week I was given some venison bones, as it turned out enough to make around three [...]

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 [...]

Steaming and stacking Monday morning is generally the time for steaming and stacking for the week or fortnight ahead. Steaming is considered one of the best methods because it retains water-soluble vitamins (B and C) and minerals that can be [...]

Carrot tops Oft-discarded carrot tops – the leafy greens of the carrot – are actually an exceptionally nutrient-rich part of the plant. Their mild bitterness reflects their high concentration of chlorophyll and minerals, while their vibrant green colour signals the [...]

Celeriac Nowadays considered a nutraceutical, celeriac (root celery, Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) has long been used for its healing properties. Its high concentration of nutrients and compounds provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, bone and heart health support and [...]

Amaranth in the kitchen Amaranth is one of those ancient grains that feels both timeless and fresh. It stands out as a complete plant-based protein, which is relatively unusual in the plant world. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for dogs [...]

Mushroom 'caviar' Perhaps it's misleading to call this caviar, because it's cheap and cheerful, simple and versatile. And of course, with mushrooms it's always going to be healthy - even super healthy, depending on which mushrooms you use. This is [...]

Chia seed mucilage Chia seed mucilage is super healthy, super easy and super versatile. First and foremost, let's look at the 'healthy'. Soothes sensitive stomachs and irritated intestinal linings, promoting gut comfort. Lubricates the digestive system to support regular, comfortable [...]

Soaking mushrooms? Don't throw the water away! Have you been soaking dried mushrooms, shiitake maybe? Don’t throw the soaking water away – it’s golden! In recipes, I have always advocated keeping the soaking water after reconstituting dried mushrooms. Over a [...]

Sprouting coco beans The benefits of sprouting If you aren’t convinced of the benefits of sprouting, please read Sprouting is Worth It!  Sprouting really is the epitome of minimum effort, maximum return. Black beans Pink coco beans (also known as [...]

Shiitake and broth magic Hard to believe these dishes and treats are made from thirteen mushrooms and a spoonful of broth. I've actually taken a tiny bit of artistic licence there - it was more a ladle than a spoon. [...]

Asparagus ends Asparagus are a tasty addition to our dogs' diets. Perhaps not as renowned as other vegetables as a source of nutritional value, vegetables like beetroot or pumpkin, but they do add fibre and other compounds. Not to mention [...]

No-Waste, Nutrient-Rich: Retaining Cooking Water We know that steaming vegetables retains the most nutrition: boiling vegetables can diminish nutrient content, because some minerals and water-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin C and many B vitamins) can leach into the water. And [...]

Cottage cheese is a curdled dairy product that is packed with nutrients. In days gone by, milk would just be left out to curdle, but there are more reliable ways of making cottage cheese, if you have the time. Otherwise, [...]

Pill carriers from leftovers Here's an idea for cheap, easy pill carriers that uses up leftovers and can be frozen for easy use. Like many other pet owners, I've tried wrapping pills in soft substances like pate and once [...]

Tuna glut... You might be wondering why tuna has appeared in so many recipes recently. Tuna wouldn’t normally feature in the Thrifty Cook category but this week it would have been eligible – for us, in any case. Needless [...]

Known for their distinctive, slightly bitter flavour, Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Sprouts are low in calories and nutrient dense. And as evidence of their [...]

This fish broth topping with green beans is a cheap and cheerful recipe that goes down very well and can be made from ready to hand, fresh and frozen ingredients. It doesn't take much time, and these ingredients aren't just [...]

This recipe for a "sad veg" topping is a great idea for using up fridge leftovers. Not being as well-organised as some, ingredients aren't purchased in this house on the basis of a weekly meal plan. Which means that, from [...]

As cool as a cucumber Known for its refreshing and crisp flavour, cucumber (Cucumis sativus) has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and is widely enjoyed in many culinary traditions. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family (alongside pumpkins and melon) [...]

Freezing leftover hydrating drinks There is usually something left over after decanting drinks and toppings into their various jars - and nothing gets thrown away in this house. Circular cooking all the way! After making a cucumber and courgette hydrating [...]

Hydrating drinks Now that we are facing some hot weather, hydration is top of the list: I'm really concerned to ensure that my very active dog does not become dehydrated. Especially because she doesn't appear to be very thirst-driven. But [...]

The benefits of sprouting If you aren't convinced of the benefits of sprouting, please read Sprouting is Worth It!  Sprouting really is the epitome of minimum effort, maximum return. Black beans Black beans (or black turtle beans) are nutritional powerhouses [...]

Black beans: the health benefits Known for their rich, earthy flavour, black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) have been a staple in diets around the world for centuries. Given their meaty texture, these nutritional powerhouses have long been recognized in various cuisines, [...]

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 [...]

Carrots: cheap, cheerful and healthy   You ask me what life is? It is like asking what a carrot is. A carrot is a carrot, and nothing more is known. ― Chekhov Carrots are cheap, cheerful and healthy. It’s claimed that [...]

Beetroot: an intense vegetable   The beet is the most intense of vegetables. ... Beets are deadly serious. Tom Robbins, from Jitterbug Perfume   Known for its earthy flavour, the beetroot (Beta vulgaris), has a long history. This dark purple [...]

Fishy freekeh This topping uses up some poached salmon and fish stock from the freezer, so it's "double fish". I must admit, I get great satisfaction from creating toppings that use up leftovers. It's so rewarding, making something that doesn't [...]

Kefir and fruit I give my dog kefir drink every day. Just a couple of tablespoonfuls after breakfast and again in the evening. My own breakfast is often made of kefir, fruit and granola. Usually blueberries, sometimes banana and when [...]

Collagen In recent years, the role of collagen has garnered increasing attention due to its potential health benefits. Whilst much of the research on collagen has focused on human health, there is growing evidence suggesting similar benefits for our canine [...]

Spelt Spelt (Triticum spelta) is an ancient grain that has gained popularity for its nutritional benefits, which include high protein content and high lipid content and a desirable fatty acid profile. In general, ancient grains are a richer source of [...]

Veggie treats Frozen veggie treats are cheap and cheerful: they are also a healthy, hydrating, low-calorie, fun treat for dogs. At the same time very offer numerous benefits, from dental health to a healthy gut. Vegetables like carrots, celery, sweet [...]

This should really be called collagen broth, it's so gelatinous! I mean – just look! We used to say that a builder's brew was when the tea was strong enough to stand your spoon up in it.  This home-made [...]

Sprouting broccoli seeds I promise you, if you give it a go, you'll see that Sprouting is Worth It! It really is the epitome of minimum effort, maximum return. Broccoli sprouts Broccoli sprouts are Brassica vegetables with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and [...]

A cleaning tip your dog will enjoy Have you been making a purée from a topping or blending other vegetables, perhaps for use in baking? And you can't get every last bit of that lovely purée out from under the [...]

Turmeric, ginger and beetroot jellies These jellies are a convenient treat, easy to make and the basis contains just three ingredients. You can always add optional ingredients if you have leftovers in the fridge to experiment with. Jellies Jellies can [...]

Kohlrabi This squat, slightly alien Sputnik-like sphere, with its antennae leaves, is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, which includes vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage and turnips. This vegetable is used by preference in winter and autumn: [...]

Chickpeas Renowned for their nutty flavor and versatility in various cuisines, chickpeas or garbanzo beans are a staple in this pantry, especially for use in hummus, salads and Indian dishes. Chickpeas are considered to be an important pulse with a [...]

Sprouted Split Pea and Vegetable topping This is a great Care and Share combination if you like an Indian dahl. You can cook everything at the same time, or cook the topping a day later.   Sprouted Split Pea and [...]

Sprouting split peas Split peas can be sprouted, like most legumes and pulses that are commonplace in the pantry. Why limit yourself to sprouting commercial seeds when there's a whole world of sprouting out there! (That said, broccoli seeds are [...]

White leftovers Every white hath its black, and every sweet its sour Proverb: (c 1400) This week I seemed to have a lot of "white" leftovers: celeriac, cauliflower and kohlrabi (and sweet potato, which strictly speaking isn't  white, but never [...]

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 [...]

Mushroom and Freekeh Freekeh is basically green durum wheat that is harvested while still young. Its nutritional profile and culinary versatility have led to it being marketed as a superfood, contributing to its popularity for human consumers.  Given its nutritional [...]

Beef bone broth Beef bone broth is a great staple in the Well Dog Pantry. As versatile as it is nutritional, it can add taste and goodness to all sorts of goodies; in the summer it's a useful standby in [...]

Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense, health-boosting addition to your dog's diet. Rich in dietary fibre, Vitamins C and B6, antioxidants like lutein, and minerals such as manganese and potassium, they provide numerous other health benefits ranging from improved [...]

Pumpkin: value and versatility Pumpkins are known before the amazing health benefits. they are rich in fibre, vitamins and carotenoids and low in fat and sodium.  As a long-time fan of pumpkin, I have been extolling their virtues for ages: not [...]

Pumpkin juice, salmon and split pea jellies Pumpkin juice is the basis of these healthy jelly treats. I've written about the nutritional virtues of pumpkin and how to roast it in preparation for the onwards chain of "circular cooking", in jellies, [...]

Swede A highly nutritional vegetable, the humble swede or rutabagas has been rather neglected of late: it has become an "heirloom" (read "forgotten") vegetable. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional vegetables like swede, not least because [...]

Swede: versatility The humble swede, or rutabaga, is a highly nutritious vegetable which, like many other traditional or 'forgotten' vegetables, is often overlooked. Value That was borne out only recently in the local Cash and Carry. As I unloaded my [...]

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 [...]

Sardines Sardines can be considered a complete protein source for dogs. A complete protein contains adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids that a dog's body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from their diet. Feed sardines [...]

Most toppings are what they call "Lick the Bowl" recipes and Georgie is an appreciative hound. But this chicken, veg and tuna topping is up there in the lick-the-bowl-clean-and-take-the-pattern-with-it category! Dashi remouillage I needed a topping and had forgotten to [...]

Don’t throw those eggshells away! Eggshells and egg membranes, often overlooked and discarded as waste, offer various nutritional benefits and health advantages that make them valuable natural ingredients in dog food. Their components can support digestive health and promote joint [...]

Cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with a college education Mark Twain One perhaps less obvious functional food that often flies under the radar but packs a nutritional punch is cauliflower. A cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is often overshadowed by its [...]

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Henry David Thoreau Pumpkin isn't just a seasonal delight for humans; it can also offer numerous health benefits for our [...]