4 large chicken leg quarters (about 3.5 lbs) 1 can sardines, packed in oil (optional) 1 lb lean ground beef (optional) 2 tsp sea salt 5 cups water or natural broth (no msg!) 1 large sweet potato or 4 large carrots 1 cup frozen or canned green beans or peas 1/2 cup frozen spinach or kale 1cup brown rice or pearled barley 3 TBSP dried parsley 1 tablespoon kelp or dulse flakes (optional) (www.seaveg.com)* * Kelp and dulse are sea vegetables and provide balanced source of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Place chicken and salt in 5 cups water or broth and bring to boil. Add brown rice/barley, sweet potatoes/carrots, simmer 40 minutes. Add green vegetables and (ground beef if using), continue cooking 10-15 more minutes. Remove chicken and cool. Remove bones* and cartilage, then return meat and skin to pot. Skim off some fat if desired. Add sardines, parsley, and sea veggies, if using. Stir and refrigerate in airtight container, stays fresh at least 1 week, or freeze some for future use.
Sardines contain omega 3 fatty acids to help condition the coat.
Other vegetables can be used, but avoid broccoli and cabbage as they can cause gas, and corn, as it is a common allergen.
Oats, barley, or egg noodles can be used in place of brown rice.
Overweight dog? It is easy to reduce calories by skimming broth and removing fat and skin from chicken.
* Do NOT ever feed cooked chicken bones to a dog, they can splinter and injure the stomach or intestines.
Optional supplements to be added at feeding time:
Bone Meal Powder Fish oil orFlax Seed Oil Canine Multi-Vitamin