A close friend of mine has a medium-sized dog she rescued from the streets of Ukraine, a lovely long-haired mixed breed. One day, while visiting her apartment, I commented that there was NO dog smell in her home!
When I asked my friend how this was even possible, she simply said, “It’s the food. She eats like we do, rice, meat, vegetables, nothing processed.” That made complete sense. Have you ever put your nose in a bag of dried dog food?! It stinks!
So when our Australian Shepherd puppy, Mirabelle, came into our lives last year, I decided to try it. I started cooking her food in batches, simple, wholesome meals made from real ingredients. Now, at just nearly a year old, she’s healthy, happy, and her coat is so glossy she could easily star in a shampoo advert! Her breath is neutral, as is her general scent, her energy is balanced (but on the higher side!), and she has the sweetest temperament with my kids. Of course, she still chews the odd shoe when no one’s looking, but that’s life with a puppy!
This has reminded me of the significant impact food has, not just on us, but also on our animals. When we feed them real food, their bodies thank us for it. Below is one of Mirabelle’s favourite recipes. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for cooking in batches to save time.
Mirabelle’s Favourite Batch Meal
Makes enough for a few days, depending on the size of your dog.
Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze in individual portions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground beef or chicken (fully cooked)
- 1 cup chicken liver (lightly sautéed and finely chopped)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup steamed sweet potato (mashed)
- 1 cup grated carrot or zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
- A pinch of turmeric
- Optional - 1 raw egg (cracked in just before serving)
Instructions
- Cook the meat and liver separately, then combine in a large bowl.
- Add the rice, sweet potato, grated vegetables, oil, and turmeric.
- Add the raw egg if using. Mix well and let it cool before serving.
- Adjust portion size depending on your dog’s weight (roughly 1 cup per 20 lbs of body weight, split into meals).
You can also add a sprinkle of probiotic powder or crushed eggshell for calcium if your vet recommends it.
