Bone Appetit! Cooking for You and Your Dog

Nutritional foods are good for everyone’s balanced diet. photo - Adobe Stock

Scientists say dogs have lived with humans for the last 20,000 to 40,000 years, but it wasn’t until 1860 that “dog food” was invented. In fact, commercial dog food has only existed for a tiny fraction of our human/canine partnership.

Diet plays a very important role in the health of our pets, though it hasn’t been studied at a scientific level until quite recently. Dogs are affected by more forms of cancer compared to other companion animals, and new research into nutrigenomics shows diet may cause up to 30-40% of these cancers.  Unfortunately, many of these studies are too new - and too underfunded - to provide a large pool of test subjects and data, but these numbers are still cause for concern.  

Dog food, as it has been generally made for the last 160 years, is heavily processed - basically it’s fast food for dogs. Coincidentally, a number of studies show a decline in the longevity of dogs in the last 150 years. But it’s a fact that commercial dog food is now a $75 billion industry. And while some companies are reputable, many kibble producers may care more about the bottom line than they do about your dog’s health. 

I’m a strong believer in whole foods as the best way to feed your dog. After all, this is what dogs have been eating for 99.9% of human history. If you’re looking to make your own food, be sure to reach out to a veterinary nutritionist first to learn the basic requirements for your dog’s breed and desired activity level. Just like humans, dogs need to hit the right nutritional numbers in order to have a healthy diet. Also, just like humans, that diet should match the activity level of the consumer. 

Does your dog have allergies?  Perhaps a whole food diet is the right move for you.  The advantage of a whole food diet is that you know exactly what is in your dog’s food, so if you can’t afford a histamine panel, you can work with your vet using raw food to identify allergies.   

Don’t have time to cook your dog’s food?  Don't worry, there are loads of fresh dog food companies that make the food for you, including Just Food for Dogs, right here in the Bay Area.

Dogs have been seen to gain an increase in energy when fed whole foods, and they tend to develop fewer heath complications. I can promise you that whole food and proper exercise will change your dog’s life, and maybe even make it last a little longer.

Looking for time-saving options to feed your dog? Why not put together a meal that’s delicious and nutritious for you and your dog? Here’s a recipe you’ll both love!

Caribbean Fish Salad

Salad: 

• 2 cups of spinach (kelp is more nutritious, but spinach tastes better to most people and is a good sub)

• 1 cup of diced pear

• 1 cup of purple cabbage

• 1 cup of green beans

Fish:

• 2 filet of tilapia (may substitute cod or another mild white fish)

• Lemon pepper

• Salt

Sauce:

• 1 cup apricots

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground

• 1 tsp orange juice

For the salad: Toss all the vegetables in a pan on medium heat until the pears are soft and have a purple/reddish color.

For the fish: Season one filet for you, and one for your dog. Make sure your dog’s filet has little or no salt and season it lightly, especially if this is your dog’s first time having lemon pepper. It is important to note that any and all seasonings should only be lightly applied to your dog’s food. As your dog experiences more frequency and variety with different foods and spices, you may find it safe to increase the amounts.  Just like humans, the more variety dogs eat, the stronger their stomachs.

For the sauce: Toss everything but the orange juice in a saucepan and heat to a boil, then lower the temperature, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or til the apricots are soft. Put the contents in a blender along with the orange juice and blend til smooth, adding water to reach your desired consistency.  Refrigerate and remember - - refrigeration will thicken the sauce. (If you’re really pinched for time, you can substitute lightly sweetened apricot preserves for the sauce.)

To serve, place the salad on two plates (one for you and one for your dog). Top with a filet, spoon sauce over it all, and enjoy!