Tuna and Vegetable topping

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 to say, when I spotted a 3 kg catering pouch of tuna in water at a ridiculously low price in the almost-reached-the-sell-by section of a local store, the temptation was just too great!  That said, you can’t just feed a dog loads of tuna. It has to be fed in moderation, not just mixed with kibble in a bowl! (And of course, it didn’t all go to the dogs: a lot went into tuna salads, quiches and pasta sauces.)

But with only a few days to the ‘best before’ date and knowing that this type of tuna doesn’t improve with freezing, it’s been a busy week in the kitchen! The result: a freezer that’s bursting at the seams.

Using tuna in toppings (this one with fresh vegetables and other goodies) was a no-brainer.

A quick run-down of the ingredients and their benefits is provided below.

Tuna and Vegetable Topping

Ingredients

1 litre jellied fish broth*
4 celery sticks, washed and chopped
275 g carrots, washed and chopped
250 g Brussels sprouts, washed and chopped
500 g butternut squash, chopped (leave skin on)
65 g quinoa (here red quinoa)
25 g algolith powder (optional)
150 g yellow lentils
30 g hemp seeds
170 g tuna

* You can take it out of the freezer ahead of time but it’s not necessary if you’re in a hurry!

Method

Begin by placing the jellied stock in a large pan. Add the chopped celery …

the chopped carrots… the Brussels sprouts (including outer leaves and stems) …

the butternut squash, quinoa and (if using) the algolith powder…

Stir, start to heat and bring slowly to the boil. Reduce heat and after 5 minutes add yellow lentils.

Simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are soft but not mushy.

Allow to cool before adding tuna and hemp seeds. Stir thoroughly. Obviously, your dog will want to taste immediately, so that should happen first

Decant the topping into containers and keep in the refrigerator or freezer. It does freeze well.

*****

Topping tip:

Set aside 150g or so, blitz and freeze and small portions. Weigh and label. These small purees are tremendously useful for baking treats.

The ingredients and their benefits at a glance:

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.

Celery is low in calories and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, bone strength, and overall wellness. The high water content promotes hydration while fibre aids digestion. The strong antioxidant characteristics of celery can decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, which has been linked t  numerous conditions including heart disease and diabetes.

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.

Butternut squash is full of fibre to support a healthy gut and rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein, which are especially beneficial for eye health in dogs. It is an excellent source of B vitamins that play a role in cognitive function and essential minerals to support strong bones and overall wellness.

Brussels sprouts are in the top 20 most nutritious foods of the ANDI score index! Brimming with fibre to support a healthy gut, these cruciferous powerhouses also contain impressive antioxidants that can decrease inflammation and oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. They are a source of sulforaphane, which has attracted attention for its therapeutic potential, as well as vitamin K for strong bones, B vitamins for energy metabolism, and a range of essential amino acids and minerals to promote overall wellness.

Quinoa is a gluten-free nutrient powerhouse. One of very few plant-based proteins to contain all of the amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and repair, quinoa is also rich in dietary fibre for gut health, B vitamins that help to convert food to energy, antioxidant plant compounds and carotenoids that decrease oxidative stress and a range of minerals that support a range of physiological functions.

Yellow lentils, like all lentils, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient in the canine diet, providing a wealth of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients. Lentils are a rich source of protein, dietary fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. Their high levels of polyphenols contribute to their antioxidant properties, which may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in dogs.

Tuna (canned light tuna) is a lean protein treat that supports muscle maintenance and repair. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, reduce inflammation, and support heart and cognitive health. Packed with essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, tuna also contributes to overall wellness. I use tuna canned in water and only in toppings and baked products. And always in moderation.

Hemp seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses, packed with complete plant-based protein containing all essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. They are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. Hemp seeds are also rich in dietary fibre for digestion and essential minerals like magnesium and iron to boost overall wellness.

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.