Grrr… or brrr … no matter how you or your dog say it, it’s chilly outside! Is there anything more comforting than a hot, hearty meal on a winter day? When the temps dip, canines benefit by consuming additional fats, complex carbs, and warming foods that support circulation and metabolism to refuel after taking part in outdoor activities. This winter, instead of feeding Fido a cold bowl of kibble, try out one of these easy-to-make recipes guaranteed to warm your pup from the inside out.
Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice dishes are healthy meals for dogs in moderation unless your pooch has a rice allergy. Omit ingredients that are harmful to dogs, like onions, garlic, soy sauce, salt and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cold, pre-cooked brown rice
- 1 boneless chicken breast (cubed)
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray and scramble eggs over medium heat. Remove eggs and set aside.
- Add olive oil to the pan over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook through.
- Add vegetables and saute with chicken.
- Stir in cold, pre-cooked brown rice to chicken and veggies mixture. (Cold, pre-cooked rice works best but fresh is okay as well.) Turn up the heat and stir until warmed through.
- Combine rice with the scrambled eggs or serve with eggs on top. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for future meals!
Beef Stew
Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of beef stew? This recipe makes enough for a “pawty,” or you can save any remaining stew for other chilly day meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chuck roast
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 16 oz low sodium chicken, beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
- Braise beef in vegetable oil in the pan over high heat until it is brown on all sides.
- Remove the beef from the heat. Deglaze the pan with a couple of tablespoons of your desired broth.
- Stir in celery while slowly adding in the remaining broth. Bring to a boil.
- Return beef to the pot and cover with lid ajar. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and green beans to pot and cover to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- If you desire a thicker gravy, stir in a water and cornstarch mixture. (Make a slurry by combining equal parts cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl, and whisking thoroughly to combine.)
- Serve to Fido after you ensure it’s not too hot!
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
This sweet and satisfying dish is sure to please even the pickiest pup. Serve it as a meal or pick-me-up after a bone-chilling winter hike.
Ingredients
- 1 small sweet potato
- 6 cups of water
Directions
- Carefully peel the sweet potato and cut into one-inch cubes.
- Put potatoes in a pot and cover with approximately 6 cups of water.
- Place the covered pot on medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
- Drain sweet potato chunks in a colander.
- Smash potatoes and let cool until safe to eat.
- Serve to your hungry hound! Depending on the size of your dog, 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup of mashed sweet potatoes is an appropriate serving.
Dog Food Soup
This is a non-recipe that you and your dog will love. It’s so easy that you’ll make it over and over again! We used low-sodium chicken broth in our test kitchen, but Fido’s favorite from the grocery store or homemade works great, too. You can also find bone broths at the pet store that are specially formulated for your dog’s nutritional needs. A couple of our favorite brands include Nulo and Echo Bone Beverage. This is an easy and delicious way to add some warming pizazz to your pooch’s dog bowl.
Ingredients
- Low-sodium broth or stock in chicken, turkey, vegetable or beef flavors
- Your dog’s favorite kibble
Directions
- Warm broth over medium-high heat.
- Pour over your dog’s serving of dry kibble.
- Serve immediately for a happy dog.