Bugsy and Winston thrive on a combination diet of Fresh Food and Quality Kibble. I consider the kibble to be a "multi-vitamin" because there's just no way I could incorporate the variety of nutrients canines' need through my limited preparation. (Heck, I can't even provide myself the variety of nutrients that I need - no cooking skills .) I do realize that many pet parents, most especially those with numerous dependents in the household, have limited time in a day and the idea of cooking for your pet seems unfathomable. None the less, I believe (and vets have confirmed) that fresh food will definitely benefit, if not extend the life of your pooch so I offer the simple "recipe" of Bugsy and Winston's rotating diet for those interested. Even if you only prepare something every now and then, it's better than nothing! ~ WORTH NOTING: you should always consult a trusted professional to provide you with answers to your individual pet's nutritional needs and/or allergies before following another's lead.

Generally when I prepare a "meal", I make enough to last 2-3 days. I don't like to keep leftovers beyond 3 days because, well - I don't like leftovers beyond that time span but you could add to the amounts I use in order to last a day or two longer.

So what ingredients do I use? Either all-natural Chicken or Turkey ground, and a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables. (Frozen helps when your in a rush, but fresh is ideal and if they are fresh...I skip the steaming and just wash the organic veges to keep all their nutrients!!)

Vegetable examples:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• spinach (small amounts)
• carrots & sweet potato (if your pet does not suffer from yeast - do not use if they have "allergy" symptons)
• zucchini
• squash
• eggplant
• cabbage
• collard
• celery
• cucumbers
• green beans
• Greens: kale, kelp, dandelion, parsley
• yellow beans
• asparagus
• parsnips
• pumpkin (NO seeds)
• eggs - including shell ONLY when blending
• WARNING: NO onions ever please!! They are toxic to your pet.

Fruit examples:

• apples (NO seeds/core)
• blueberries
• bananas
• pears
• WARNING: NO grapes or raisons

Other ingredient options:

• olive oil or flax seed oil
• dash of the herb Turmeric
• plain (organic) oatmeal

The process is easy and only takes about 20 minutes!

STEPS:
NOTE: before freezing the chicken or turkey ground, cut the package (usually just over a pound) in half and freeze in half portions.

1. Cook your half portion of thawed ground meat in toaster or regular oven for about 20 minutes. (I like to trim the fat at about 10 mins and flip, but that's just me.)

2. While the meat is cooking, I steam 2-3 veges. How much? I eye-ball it. PLEASE ASK YOUR VET. Some pets need a low-protein diet, so more veges than meat in ratio would be appropriate. Other dogs may require a high protein diet, hence the opposite. I pretty much give the boys 65% vegetables to 35% protein because I incorporate additional protein in a small snack of canned, wild-caught salmon sometime in the day. NOTE: If you are using fresh vegetables, you may consider just washing them and breaking them up into the blender, skipping the steam, as previously mentioned.

3. Once all ingredients are ready, toss into the blender - adding filtered water as necessary and blend away! Now isn't this better than that canned, wet "food" from Petco and grocery stores?!

4. Put a couple spoonfuls into your pooch's bowl, ADD appropriate amount of kibble and mix.

5. PLEASE CHECK TEMPERATURE TO ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT TOO HOT.

6. Serve it up!

LEFTOVERS:
For my two (under 25 lb) babies, the above provides me 2-3 days of 2 meals a day. I store the leftovers in the fridge and either add hot water to the next serving to warm it up - or I toss it in a pan with olive oil spray and a little water for a few seconds to heat up. Again, PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK TEMPERATURE BEFORE SERVING.


Disclaimer: No PawChic team member is a veterinarian; nor is any member a canine nutritional expert and therefore we must advise that you consult a trusted professional before making your own decisions and choices. With that said, I take great care in Bugsy and Winston's care and wholesome nutrition is VITAL to every animals' (human and canine) health so I hope that this page at least provides FOOD for thought!