Posts filed under Nutrition for Dogs

Tuna Patties

A really easy snack I put together that is full of protein. I created it while making us tuna salad for lunch and just grabbed what we had in the fridge!

This recipe yields approximately 4 (depending on size)

Level : Easy

Prep Time : 5 minutes

Cook Time : 20-25 minutes

 

Ingredients  

1 can solid white albacore tuna (rinsed and drained)

1/2 slice of bread (use a wheat or gluten free one if your dog has allergies)

1 egg (we like cage free)

1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic

2 fresh chopped mint leaves (optional)

Olive oil

Directions

1. Turn on the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Chop bread into tiny pieces and whisk the egg.

3. Place everything in a bowl and mix.

4. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or casserole dish with the olive oil.

5. Take the mixture and create small patties. .

6. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly browned.

Take out and let cool. Refrigerate and serve as a treat.

P.S.- Ms. Maru is on a few antibiotics right now and discovered that because of the texture and smell of the patties they make a great treat to hide pills in.

Posted on February 20, 2013 and filed under Nutrition for Dogs, Tips.

Is it Really American Made?

What do you think when you see the name “American Rawhide”? If you are like me, you probably assume that it is made in the U.S.A. This is why I always, always, always check the back of the packaging to confirm it was american made, except for last night. Maybe it was the long day at work I had, or the freezing cold that was getting to me outside, but either way, I didn’t. Victor and I went into the brand new Petco Unleashed on Western Ave. in Roscoe Village to check out their goods. We wanted to see the quality of products they carried in this concept store that began in 2009 in San Diego.

Usually my parents bring Maru her favorite from Michigan, but she was out and needed some. I just kept hearing Victor say “not those, they smell, these are American”. I think this went on for a few minutes and up to the counter went. When I got home, I tore them open, threw away the receipt and tossed one to Maru. I then read the back of the packaging, USA Hide- Processed in Mexico. EKKK! I was not happy. Companies know the laws and how to manipulate wording that lets them to call it American Rawhide, because technically it is, though it was shipped to Mexico to be made. But with all of the recalls lately on pet sticks, treats, etc. I feel a little more comfortable buying U.S.A. made products.

I dug that receipt right out of the garbage (which you think would be clean, except I just poured food on it) and today they will be going back. 

If you want to know exactly the quality of food you are getting, know your local pet store and please read the packaging every time very carefully.

Super Bowl Game Day Food - Chili and Yam Skins for Pups

Food is crucial for Super Bowl Sunday. We get to enjoy pizza, chips, snacks, and other delicious finger food. But what about the hungry pups on Super Bowl Sunday? At Arrfscarf, we always think about the pups.  We crafted two pup friendly recipes for our canine friends, Chicken Chili and Yam Skins. 


Yam Skins topped with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients

2 Yams, 1/4 lbs of ground sirloin, 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, olive oil

Directions

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the yams thinly, the thickness of a potato chip. Place the sliced yams on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil. Then, lightly sprinkle olive oil on the sliced yams. Place the yams in the oven for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, brown the beef over medium heat. Break down the beef into small pieces while cooking.

Remove the yams from the oven. Sprinkle each piece with the browned beef and shredded cheese. Place the yams back in the oven on the top rack. Set the oven to broil for 5 minutes.

Cook the yams until tender and the cheese is melted.

Chicken Chili

Prep Time: 45 Minutes

Ingredients

1/2 lb of cooked chicken breast, one cup of frozen kale, 2/3 cup of instant long grain rice, 2 carrots peeled and chopped, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, 1/2 cup of beef broth low sodium, 2 cups of water, (optional 1/4 cup of tomato sauce).

Directions

First shred the chicken breast. Then place all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes and cover.

Remove from stove and let cool.

 

Here you can see both items in their final state of deliciousness.


It's so funny while making both of these recipes, I sensed Ms. Maru knew that they were for her. Game Day or not, I will for sure make these again for her. The yam skins can be made without the cheese or ground sirloin for a healthy little snack. The Chicken Chili is packed full of ingredients that are full of vitamins and protein for your canine.

Arrfscarf Dog Ice Cream Q & A

We frequently are asked specific questions about our Dog Ice Cream. This Q & A hopefully answers some of those frequent questions. 

Q- Why Dog Ice Cream?

A- Why not? People love this frozen dessert treat year round, so should our best friend! If pups are going to have a frozen treat, it should be a treat designed around their unique digestive system. We would hate for pups to consume large amounts of processed ingredients. Our dog ice cream takes into consideration pup's sensitive stomachs. 

Q- My dog has never had Dog Ice Cream, how do they eat it?

A- Arrfscarf Dog Ice Cream comes in a 4 oz. container and contains 3.3 oz which is a single serving. Most dogs know to start licking as soon as the cup hits the floor. Tiny dogs sometimes need you to hold it for a bit, and a small amount of dogs prefer it to defrost a tad. If your dog tends to eat everything in sight, we recommend that you squeeze out the contents into their bowl so they don’t eat the plastic container (which is bpa free).

Q- I thought dogs couldn’t have ice cream because of the dairy?

A- Real ice cream is made from milk or cream which contains large amounts of lactose. Lactose is hard for some people to digest, and that is the same for dogs. Using yogurts with live cultures breaks down the lactose so it can be easily digested. 

Q- What kind of yogurt does Arrfscarf use in their Dog Ice Cream?

A- We use both Greek non-fat and regular low-fat yogurts. None of which have any added  sweeteners. All contain live cultures and probiotics.

Q- Are their real benefits to having your dog eat Dog Ice Cream?

A- Yes. The yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium for your dog. The probiotics aid in a healthy immune system and keep the bad bacteria in check.

Q- What makes Arrfscarf Dog Ice Cream different than others?

A- A lot! We only use quality yogurts, real ingredients (no flavorings), and no preservatives. We do not add stabilizers, sugar, or salt. The meat used in all of our Dog Ice Cream is sourced locally in Chicago and every batch is handmade. For example, when we make the Beef Brisket flavor, we slow roast the beef for 8 hours so it can get real tender before being added to the Dog Ice Cream. 

Q- What if my dog can only have certain fruits or vegetables, or has a sensitive stomach?

A- At Arrfscarf we have worked hard to select and use only ingredients that are good for dogs. All Dog Ice Cream we make is grain and wheat free. There are many flavors we have done in the past that are not listed on our site using strawberries, mint, blueberries, carob chips, etc. 

Let us know if you have any other questions, and please remember that Arrfscarf Dog Ice Cream is a treat and not a meal replacement. 

 

Watch a video of Pretzel eating our dog ice cream