Most people don’t know that blueberries are safe for dogs (and cats). I remember my surprise when my vet suggested adding blueberries to homemade dog food recipe.
Back home, as I watched the stew turn purple I was wondering if my dog will like the taste of beef and blueberry. I didn’t have to wonder for a long time because she started reacting well to the smell of the stew even before I gave it to her.
Be careful though not all berries are good for dogs, in fact, most are toxic. So if you’re adding anything new to your dog’s diet, do your research and consult the vet beforehand.
So what makes blueberries such a great addition to home made meals for dogs?
Blueberries are also known as the queen of antioxidants. Countless studies show that blueberries play a major role in boosting the immune system. This happens due to a Flavonoid compound know as Anthocyanin that builds defenses in the respiratory tract. Anthocyanin helps fight inflammation, microbes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Such a magical compound isn’t it?
Can Dog Eat Blueberries Every Day?
The answer here is short. Yes, by all means, dogs can eat up to 2 tablespoons of blueberries a day, so respect how much natural food your dog can eat. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and low in calories so you don’t have to worry at all. The key to any balanced dog diet is variety so it would be wise to change their meal plan each week if possible. You will find plenty of homemade dog food recipes on our website that have been tested on real dogs.
# Important note about the recipe:
In the following recipe, I added beef bones to enrich the final product. Just ask for any type of beef bones at the butcher’s and add them with the rest of the ingredients. When the meal is cooked discard them. If you’re not stocked on bones don’t worry you can prepare the meal without them.
- Water to cover the ingredients
- 2 lb (900g) Beef bones (optional)
- 2 lb (900 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (130 g) brown rice
- 2 cups (260 g) shredded carrots (5 medium, fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup blueberries
- ½ cup (60g) curly parsley
- 2 cups fine rolled oats (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
Step 1
Place the bones if using, and ground beef inside a large cooking pot and cover with water. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat up. You can put the lid on to speed up the process.
Step 2
Bring the ingredients to a boil, and then turn the heat down to medium. Now is a good time to add the rice. Reduce the temperature to a slow simmer and place the lid back on.
Step 3
Simmer the rice and meat for 15 minutes then add the carrots and blueberries. Simmer for 10 more minutes without the lid the add the curly parsley.
Step 4
Remove the pot from the burner, discard the bones and add the coconut oil if desired. You can also add some oats if you wish to make the stew a bit thicker.
Step 5
Wait for 15-20 minutes for the stew to cool down and serve it to your dog. The blueberries will give this meal a light purple color which I thought was pretty fancy.
Step 6
You can divide the rest of the stew in plastic containers with lids and freeze them for later. To defrost the meal, place the container in the fridge the night before. Warm it up on the stove the next day. No need to bring it to boil again. As soon as it starts simmering mix it up and remove it from the stove.
Substitute for ground beef for dogs: You can always use ground chicken or turkey to substitute the beef in this homemade dog food recipe. Your dog will love each and every one of them. Also mixing those up is a great idea.
Substitute for brown rice for dogs: If you’re out of brown rice add some more rolled oats to the meal. You can also use barley or sweet potato instead.
Substitute for carrots for dogs: The following vegetables are good for dogs and can be used instead of, or as an addition to carrots. Feel free to add pumpkin, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale or spinach to this meal.
Substitute for Blueberries for Dogs: You can add raspberries or blackberries to this stew if you’re not stocked on blueberries or wish to add a variety to your dog’s meal.
In conclusion, creating homemade dog food recipes is not only a fun activity, but it’s also a great way to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition. By incorporating ingredients like beef, blueberries, and even sweet potatoes, you can provide your dog with a balanced and tasty meal.
This dog food recipe with beef and blueberries is a fantastic start. However, remember that variety is key in any diet, including your dog’s. Feel free to experiment with other dog-friendly vegetables like green beans or swap out the beef for chicken or turkey.
Keep in mind that while experimenting, always consult your vet before introducing any new ingredient into your dog’s diet. Not all berries or foods are safe for dogs, so thorough research and professional advice are essential.
With these homemade dog food recipes, you can control what goes into your pet’s meals, ensuring they get the best while enjoying their food. So, put on that apron and start cooking up some delicious and nutritious meals for your beloved pet. Bon appétit to your furry friend!
Bon appétit!
