Tired of the same old dog food? Check out our homemade dog food recipe that will make your pup happy and healthy. We’ve got all the ingredients and instructions you need to get started.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also affordable and nutritious. You won’t find a better meal for your furry friend anywhere else.
If you try to google tuna salad for dogs you will probably run into many warnings not to give it to your dog. This is because when we talk about tuna salad we automatically think about human food. The human tuna salad is full of mayo, mustard, lemon and other ingredients that either dogs don’t like, or contain ingredients that are harmful to them.
But what about creating a tuna salad that is safe for dogs? I say yes please, and judging by my dog’s response to this salad I would say go for it.
To create the perfect homemade dog food tuna salad for dogs I considered adding something creamy to the mix that will replace mayo (my favorite substitute, avocado, is not safe for dogs).
Three things came to mind to cream this tuna salad for dogs:
Pumpkin – It can be either boiled or baked, so if you’re preparing some pumpkin pie this fall make sure you leave some boiled or baked pumpkin aside for your dog.
Sweet potato – This one is easier to make because it is easier to peel and it takes less time to cook or bake. So I went with that in this recipe, but feel free to use pumpkin if you have got a stock.
Cauliflower –This one is the easiest to make because it is the easiest to chop and takes the least time to boil. Some of the greatest chefs I know use cauliflower cream in their dishes.
Important Note – Never use canned pumpkin or canned sweet potato when making food for dogs because most canned food contains sugar which is not safe for dogs. To prepare either homemade pumpkin, sweet potato, or cauliflower cream for dogs, simply chop them up into small pieces and boil them until tender. Then mash them up.
What kind of tuna to use for this recipe?
Giving your dog canned tuna is perfectly fine for this recipe, you really don’t want to have to mess with the bones that are a choking hazard both to dogs and humans.
Nutritional value of other ingredients in this salad:
- Boiled chicken breast
This is an important protein that plays a major role for the nutrition of your dog. To prepare boiled chicken for your pooch you will need to boil it in water without adding any salt or other spices. Dogs do not process food as well as humans do, so the best thing to do is completely avoid spices in their diet.
- Pasta for dogs
The only reason not to give your dog pasta is if they had gluten or wheat allergies (and even then you can get gluten free options). Feel free to choose between spaghetti, penne, tortellini or any kind you like.Just remember this is not the main source of nutrition for your dogs. We’re trying to make this homemade dog food dish fun but also safe.
- Vegetables for dogs
Giving your dog veggies is actually a pretty good idea because they contain the much needed fiber that will allow your dog to have a proper digestion and improved health. For this salad we will boil everything because we want a nice creamy texture in the end.
- 2.2 lb (1kg) canned tuna in olive oil
- 2 lb (1 kg) chicken breasts (chopped in medium cubes)
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) pumpkin, sweet potato or cauliflower (or mixed if possible)
- 4 carrots (shredded)
- 2 tbsp curly leaf parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step 1:
Wash all of the ingredients carefully, you don’t want any dirt on the vegetables. Chop the veggies that we will use to cream the tuna salad (no need to peel them). Shred the carrots.
Step 2:
Place the chicken and veggies in a pan and cover with water. Bring to a light boil. Then lower the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3:
Once the chicken and veggies are ready take them out of the pan and set aside to drain and cool off.
Step 4:
Use the same pan to boil the pasta. You want to wait until the water is boiling to place the pasta inside. Do it slowly and carefully, if you drop them fast you will get a splash and burn yourself. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta turns white.
Step 5:
While the pasta is cooking place the chicken, veggies, and parsley in a blender and pulse them a few times adding olive oil in the process. It is also a good idea to leave some chicken pieces out so you can add them later for a richer texture.
Step 6:
Once the pasta is cooked remove from heat and drain the water. Let it cool for 10 minutes or rinse it with cold water if you want. Mix the pasta, creamed veggies, and tuna together until combined. Your meal is ready to be served to that lucky dog.
Storage options for tuna salad for dogs:
This meal is freezer friendly, simply divided it into daily portions and defrost in the fridge the night before. One cup of this tuna salad is enough for a single serving for a 20lb dog.
In this article, we explored whether tuna salad is a safe and healthy treat for our furry companions. Many dog owners wonder if mixing tuna with dog food or even tuna pasta is suitable for their pets. So, can dogs eat tuna? The answer is yes, dogs can eat tuna, but there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind. While tuna fish is packed with protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, it is crucial to ensure that the tuna served to dogs is plain, without any added seasonings or ingredients harmful to them. A simple and nutritious dog tuna salad can be created using canned tuna, but it’s essential to check the label to avoid any added salt or seasoning. With moderation and proper preparation, tuna can be a delightful and healthy addition to a salad puppy can enjoy!
Frequetly Asked Questions
Can dogs eat tuna and mayonnaise?
No, it is not advisable to feed dogs tuna salad made with mayonnaise, as mayonnaise can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. However, you can create a safe and dog-friendly version of tuna salad using alternative ingredients, as described in the article.
Can dogs eat tuna fish?
Yes, dogs eat tuna salad and tuna fish, but it should be plain tuna without any added seasonings, sauces, or ingredients. Plain canned tuna can be used in a dog-friendly tuna salad recipe.
Can dogs eat canned tuna?
Dogs can eat canned tuna, but it’s important to choose canned tuna without added salt or seasoning. Plain canned tuna can be used in a homemade dog tuna salad, as mentioned in the article.
How do I make a safe tuna salad for dogs?
To make a safe tuna salad for dogs, use ingredients like boiled chicken breast, pasta, and vegetables along with plain canned tuna. Avoid using mayonnaise or any seasonings harmful to dogs. You can replace mayo with ingredients like boiled or baked pumpkin, sweet potato, or cauliflower, as described in the article.
Can I use canned vegetables for the dog tuna salad?
It’s recommended to avoid using canned vegetables when preparing food for dogs because most canned vegetables contain added sugar, which is not safe for dogs. Instead, use fresh vegetables and boil them for a creamy texture, as explained in the article.
What kind of tuna should I use for the dog tuna salad?
Plain canned tuna is suitable for the dog tuna salad recipe. Using canned tuna eliminates the need to deal with bones, which can be a choking hazard for both dogs and humans.
How should I store the homemade dog tuna salad?
The homemade dog tuna salad is freezer-friendly. Divide it into daily portions and store them in the freezer. When needed, defrost a portion in the fridge overnight. One cup of this tuna salad is typically enough for a single serving for a 20lb dog.
Is tuna a healthy addition to a dog’s diet?
Tuna can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when served in moderation and prepared without any harmful seasonings or additives. It is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it should not replace your dog’s regular balanced diet.
Can I feed this tuna salad to my dog every day?
While the homemade dog tuna salad can be a nutritious treat, it should not be the sole source of your dog’s nutrition. It’s best to offer it as an occasional treat or as part of a varied diet to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients.
Are there any ingredients in the tuna salad that I should avoid feeding my dog?
Yes, avoid using ingredients like mayonnaise, seasonings, canned vegetables with added sugar, or any ingredients that are known to be harmful to dogs. Stick to plain, dog-friendly ingredients as outlined in the article for a safe and nutritious tuna salad for your furry friend.
