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Archive for July, 2008
Diabetic dogs need oatmeal as the base for all their meals. Oatmeal does not affect their blood sugar levels as does potatoes, rice, pasta and sweet potatoes. The problem is that our diabetic basset, Daisy, won’t eat the same thing day after day. As you know, if a diabetic dog doesn’t eat then they can’t receive their insulin. In order to keep her eating, I will mix pureed vegetables, carob chips or a combination of pureed vegetable and fruit.
An example for breakfast is that I will cook her oatmeal as usual and puree in my Magic Bullet or mini food processor, one apple and about 1/4 cup of green beans. She loves this and eats it all.
Another combination could be oatmeal and pureed or sliced bananas. I have actually started making the same breakfast as she has, for our other two bassets (who do not have diabetes). They are all 3 eating healthier.
For a dinner example, I will cook the oatmeal and before it is done cooking, I will add some green peas or green beans with some kind of chopped lean meat.
We have seen our bassets coat become shiner and fuller plus their energy level has increased. Our diabetic basset is more alert, energetic and calmer since we starting feeding her homemade food and treats.
Daisy is the reason we founded TheGourmetDogBakery.com because there are NO diabetic dog treats on the commercial market and we wanted to spoil her with treats like healthy dogs receive.
Have a ‘howling’ good week!
If you follow this blog or any of my forum postings, you understand that I cook homemade food for our 3 bassets and love doing it. I love deciding which base to use, such as potato, pasta, rice or oatmeal and then add vegetables and a lean meat. If you are cooking for a diabetic or pancretitis dog, then you will need to use oatmeal as the base. Below is one of my latest creations and our bassets loved it. Have Fun!
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1/2 c. chopped green beans
1 small can of tomato sauce (check ingredients to make sure it is only tomato puree)
4 to 5 c. of water
1/2 c. chopped carrots
1/2 c. chopped zucchini
1/4 c. red bell pepper
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves OR 4 fresh chopped basil leaves
1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves OR 2 sprigs of fresh oregano leaves
3 c. macaroni noodles
In a dutch oven pan, cook the ground turkey until no pink remains. Add the water, oil and tomato sauce then bring to a boil. Add macaroni and remaining ingredients to the pot, stirring occassionally. Simmer until the macaroni and vegetables are cooked thoroughly.
Makes 4 - 2 cups of homemade dog food.
Did you know many pets have allergies to wheat, corn and soy? Read your pet’s food and treat labels, this may be the cause for their scratching, sneezing, tear staining, and potty issues in the house.
Quinoa is considered the supergrain of the future but you shouldn’t wait for the future to use it. Quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous. This “grain” may be especially valuable for dogs with diabetes.
It is already available in the bulk grain sections of most natural food stores, such as Whole Foods. It has a mild flavor and can be added to most every food dish but it does take some prep work before adding to your food.
This is a very important step: Using a fine sieve, rinse the grain several times with cool water. Rinsing the quinoa grain will remove the bitter taste.
Bring 2 cups of water or homemade broth to a boil and then add 1 cup of quinoa grain. Bring to another boil and then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb the broth. Fluff with a fork and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for about 4 days and add to your dishes during the week.