House Sitters Cookbook: Homemade Dog Food in Hawai'i (Video)
As professional house sitters, we encounter a fascinating mix of duties that keep us on our toes. One of these is the art of meal prep for the furry, feathery, and scaly friends we care for. Food time can involve a variety of ingredients, from green powders and fish oil to raw animal organs, yogurt, and even bugs! We pride ourselves on our ability to whip up yummy meals for our furry friends, but when it comes down to it it’s usually no more than opening a can and measuring out some food.
Until now! On this sit we've becoming gourmet chefs for Fifi, the adorable 13-year-old Chihuahua we’re looking after for a month in beautiful Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Like a lot of elderly dogs, Fifi has a delicate tummy and not many teeth, which means she needs a special diet. In her case, it's a combination of sweet potatoes (Okinowan only) and boiled chicken.
I realize that for some, particularly those who haven't cared for special needs animals, the concept of preparing homemade dog food might seem unnecessary. However, I've personally witnessed the impact it can have on picky eaters. Take my mini schnauzer, Atticus Finch, for instance. He was a notoriously selective eater throughout his lifetime. We'd go to great lengths, creating all sorts of special meals, just to entice him to eat. It was worth the effort.
Even under the best of circumstances, it can be stressful for some of the pets we sit for when their people are away. We love how our role in their lives means that they can be in the comfort of their own homes, maintaining their routines (and getting spoiled with love). This is especially beneficial for pets who are anxious, older, or those that need special care, like Fifi.
So yea, we don’t mind making Fifi’s sweet potato and chicken food once or twice per week. We know the meals will keep her healthy and give her a sense of comfort and normalcy.
With this in mind, I’ll share the recipe we for little Fifi while we’re house sitting in Hawaii:
Sweet Potato & Chicken Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients:
One bag of Okinawa Sweet Potatoes
4 chicken breasts (We use lean meat per Fifi's owners' preference, though mixing in some dark meat can provide quality fats)
A pinch of mineral salt
Instructions:
Roughly cut the chicken and sweet potatoes and boil them in separate pots until the potatoes are soft and the chicken is cooked.
Add a small pinch of mineral salt to the chicken. This isn't for flavor; it's to provide electrolytes.
If your dog can handle larger food pieces, you can combine and store the chicken and potatoes at this stage. For smaller dogs, or those with digestion issues, we recommend lightly processing the food into smaller pieces.
Combine equal parts chicken and potatoes in a food processor and add a few spoonfuls of both chicken and sweet potato broth.
Gently process into smaller pieces. The final mixture can then be served immediately, stored, or frozen for future meals.
Customizing a diet for older or special needs animals is an act of compassion. If you have a pup that is a picky eater, here are a few more options to consider:
Boiled Chicken: Plain, boiled chicken is a great source of protein and is easily digestible. It's also fairly bland, which can be helpful for dogs with upset stomachs.
White Rice: Plain, white rice is easy on a dog's digestive system and is often recommended for dogs with diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues.
Pumpkin: Both raw and cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs. It's a good source of fiber and can help with digestive regularity.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, and they also contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
Fish: Fish like salmon and tuna are good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support a dog's immune system and are gentle on their stomach.
Bananas: In moderation, bananas can be a good snack for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but as they are high in sugar, they should not be a large part of a dog's diet.
Carrots: Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for dogs. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Baby Food: Meat-based baby foods without garlic or onion can be a useful option if a dog is extremely picky or unwell.
We aren’t vets so we recommend consulting with your vet trying new foods, especially if your dog is sick or has allergies.
