Meat Pie for Dogs- Treat Recipe using Caru Stew

The holiday season is upon us, which is a giant excuse to eat and eat and eat. Of course, even Chewy gets to feast during the holidays! Last Thanksgiving we roasted an unseasoned turkey and some veggies for him. This year he is also getting pie. MEAT pie. [[Complete recipe is towards the end of this post]]

PIE!

Caru stew for a pre-made filling

Caru stew (check out our review here) makes a perfect pot pie filling as it is thick and saucy, full of healthy meats and veggies, and already cooked-through. All I had to do was whip up a pup-friendly pie crust, pour in some Caru stew, and pop it in the oven. Easy-peasy!

If making pie sounds intimidating to you, then pup pies might be the perfect practice. They are smaller, so you'll go through fewer ingredients, and your pup will (most likely) not judge and thoroughly appreciate the outcome.

Ingredients for dog-friendly meat pie, food processor optional

There are just a couple of ingredients for this pie recipe:

- Caru stew (any flavor)

- whole wheat flour

- ground flax seed
- coconut oil (+ peanut butter if desired)
- ice water
- egg (optional)

Whole wheat flour contains more nutrition than white flour, but still provides gluten to hold the pie crust together nicely. Flax seed contains omega-3's for healthy skin and coat, and also provides fiber for good digestion. Ground or milled flax seed is much more digestible than the whole seeds.

Pie for people is typically made by cutting cold butter/lard/shortening into flour and mixing in ice water so that the little solid chunks of fat give off steam while baking, creating a flaky crust. I have substituted that for coconut oil, which is more dog-friendly and boasts a number of health benefits, including improved skin and coat. However, if your dog is not used to consuming coconut oil, eating too much at once may cause diarrhea. A small serving of pie should not pose a problem, but if you are concerned, you can substitute half of the coconut oil for unsalted peanut butter. The crust will be less flaky, but in exchange, it'll have the peanut-y taste that many dogs love. At this time of year, coconut oil is typically pretty solid when sitting out at room temperature, but if that is not the case for you, chill the necessary amount beforehand.

Prepping pie for people involves letting the dough rest to allow the gluten to relax, preventing the crust from shrinking in the oven. Since pup pies are on a much smaller scale, I didn't find this step necessary and left it out.

Use little pie pans or ramekins, or even muffin pans.

Mini-muffin-sized pies (post-baking)

Little pie vs. big pie

To get the pie shape, you can use any small, oven-safe dish, such as a mini pie pan, ramekins, or even muffin pans. Grease your pie pan so that you'll be able to easily pop out the finished pie. I used a coconut oil cooking spray, but you can also just smear some coconut oil.

To get the classic shiny pie look, you can coat your pie with an egg wash before baking. The egg wash is just an egg beaten with about 1 tbsp of water. You can cook the remainder of the egg mixture for yourself or your pup. If you bake it in a little dish, it comes out like a firm egg custard.

Before popping your pie(s) in the oven, don't forget to cut holes to allow the pie filling to vent while it bakes. Try to make the holes big enough so that they won't seal shut while baking, but not so big that the stew starts spewing out. You might want to place a tray under your pie pan to catch any drips or splatters.

This recipe yields approximately one 5" pie, or three standard muffin-sized pies, or six mini-muffin-sized pies. You can halve, quarter, double, etc. as necessary. While making conversions, keep in mind that
1 tbsp = 3 tsp, and 1 cup = 16 tbsp.

If you end up with leftover pie crust, you can flatten it out to 1/4" - 1/2" thick and bake it along with the pie. It'll turn out like a biscuit.

And, without any further ado, the recipe:

Meat Pie for Dogs Using Caru Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp ground flax seed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (or 1 tbsp coconut oil & 1 tbsp unsalted peanut butter)
• ice water
• Optional: 1 egg + 1 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 
   
   
2. Using a food processor or by mushing with a fork, combine the whole wheat flour, flax seed, and coconut oil (and peanut butter) until it resembles little crumbles.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Mix in ice water (just water, not the ice) a little at a time, until large chunks form. It takes approximately 3 tbsp. of water. Using your hands, fold the dough until you can form a ball.
   
   
   
   
   
4. To make the bottom crust, take a portion of the dough, sandwich it between 2 sheets of wax paper, and roll it into a circle 1/8" - 1/4" thick. 
   
   
   
   
   
5. Transfer the bottom crust to your greased pie pan and gently push it into the shape of the pan.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Fill the bottom crust with Caru stew.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Roll out a top crust the same way as in Step 4, and gently place it on top of your pie assembly.
   
   
8. Trim the crusts to the desired size and seal the edges by pressing the two crusts together.
   
   
9. Optional: Decorate the edges of the pie by indenting with a fork, pinching, etc.
   
   
   
   
10. Optional: Beat the egg + 1 tbsp water, and brush a thin layer over the top crust.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Cut vent holes in the top crust.
    
    
    
    
    
12. Repeat Steps 4-12 if making multiple pies.
    
    
13. Bake until crust is lightly golden brown, about 20-40 minutes, depending on size.
    
    
    
    
    
14. Allow pies to cool completely before serving.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Leftovers must be refrigerated, and may be reheated at 300°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on size. Again, let cool before serving.
    
    
    

As with all other treats, serve in moderation, in addition to a healthy, balanced doggy diet.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Disclaimer: We received Caru Real Beef Stew for review purposes. We were not compensated for this post, and all opinions expressed are our own.

Steamed Acorn Squash for Dogs

Autumn has brought colorful leaves and cooler weather, which Chewy thoroughly enjoys...

...but Autumn also means lots of winter squash is available! The supermarkets, farm stands and garden centers are teeming with all kinds of squash, from acorn, to butternut, to miniature & giant pumpkins. Chewy would like to eat them ALL.

The most notable health benefit of winter squash for pups is the high soluble fiber content, which promotes good digestion. Winter squash is also high in Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium, among other nutrients.

Cooking winter squash makes it more digestible for dogs (and humans). STEAMING winter squash is easy, relatively fast, and can preserve more nutrients than other methods, such as boiling or roasting.

All you need is some kind of steaming apparatus that will keep your food out of the water that's producing the steam, while still allowing steam to reach the food. There are all sorts of gadgets available on the market for steaming food, from pots with special inserts, to steamer baskets, to fancy steam ovens. If you don't have one of those, you can make a makeshift steamer using a pot with a lid: simply place a heat-safe plate on top of a small wire rack or even atop a few crumpled up balls of aluminum foil (don't use a non-stick pot for these- it'll scuff up the coating!).

I used acorn squash here, but the same principles can pretty much be applied to any kind of edible winter squash.

Waiting is the worst part for a Chewy

After steaming, you might see some spots of white goo on the surface. It is nothing to worry about- just some starch rising up and getting cooked.


Steamed Acorn Squash for Dogs

Step 1: Get your steaming equipment going so that it will be steamy by the time your squash is prepped.

If using a pot (with a lid), you want the water level to be high enough to not dry out during cooking, but low enough to not come in contact with your squash.

Step 2: Wash the squash, scrubbing gently with a veggie brush to remove dirt and other impurities.

Step 3: Use a sharp, sturdy knife to chop the squash in half. Cutting to one side of the hard stem will make it easier.

Step 4: Using a metal spoon and a some muscle, scrape out the seeds and stringy bits. Discard them or save the seeds to roast for human consumption. If your steaming pot is small, you might need to cut the squash into quarters to fit.

Step 5: Steam on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until squash is easily poked with a fork and appears somewhat translucent.

Step 6: Scoop out the flesh of the squash and discard the skin. Let cool completely before serving. Serve small chunks or purée (use a food processor or blender).

Gimme gimme gimme

Squash purée

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, or use the squash purée to whip up some doggy treats!

As with all other treats, feed steamed winter squash with moderation, in addition to a healthy, balanced doggy diet.

Tasty Tuesday: Baked Oatmeal for Dogs

I often make a dog version of my meals to share with Chewy, so when I decided to make myself some baked oatmeal, I made him a pan, too. His version had peanut butter and applesauce and no added sugar. It is very simple to make and has a little bit of a crunch factor as opposed to regular, gooey oatmeal.

This recipe is for a pretty small batch, so if you're already planning to bake something else, you can just mix it up and pop in the oven together.
[Recipe at the end]

All that's required: mix and pour into a (mini) pan

Chewy is pretty good at recognizing that I'm making treats for him and likes to keep watch over the oven. Peanut butter is usually a good indicator that there's food for doggies.

Always guarding the oven

Chewy got his baked oatmeal with peanut butter yogurt here. Sometimes he gets some fruit slices, too, like banana. I eat my brown sugar-y people version with milk.

Matching breakfasts!

Om nom nommm

They store well in the refrigerator for a few days. I think baked oatmeal leftovers tastes better if toasted before serving, but Chewy was equally excited about eating them cold. I usually pop his in the toaster oven along with my own serving. Just be sure to let it cool before offering to your dog.

I know you have more up there!

Baked Oatmeal for Dogs

Ingredients:
1 cup quick cook oats
1/4 cup sugar-free applesauce
2 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
1 egg (whisked)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients together and transfer to a foil-lined or well-greased baking pan (I used a mini loaf pan). Bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden brown at the top. Let cool and cut into small squares. Refrigerate any uneaten portions in an airtight container.

Tasty Tuesday: Turkey Meatballs

Chewy loves meatballs, but store-bought doggy meatballs usually contain a whole bunch of additives, so I decided to make some healthier ones. These are super simple to make- the most difficult part is chopping the veggies. I used carrots, celery and pumpkin, but you can also substitute using other dog-friendly veggies if you wish. I also used ground flax seed, which contains omega-3's for healthy skin & coat. [Complete recipe at the end]

Chewy was really excited about the meatballs from the moment I took the turkey out of the fridge, because MEAT!

All you have to do is mix everything together,

make them into meatballs, and pop them in the oven. I used parchment paper so that I wouldn't need to add more oil by greasing the pan. You can make them a smaller size as well, just adjust the baking time.

Before and after baking

Then let them cool, and feed the pup(s)! I served them to Chewy on a bed of leftover pumpkin puree with unflavored sweet potato fries and cucumber slices.

...I am waiting...

He of course went for the meatballs first, because he does not understand the concept of saving the best for last.

*scarf scarf scarf* ... Can I perhaps have some more?

These are meant as a treat, not to replace your dog's regular, balanced meals.


Turkey Meatballs for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. lean ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 medium sized carrot, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup quick cook oats
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp. dried parsley
• 2 tbsp. ground flax seed

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. Form 1.5" diameter balls (makes ~16) and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until cooked through and lightly browned, about 20-30 min. Let cool completely before serving. Store uneaten meatballs in the fridge up to 1 week, or freeze for longer.

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats

Fall is a season for pumpkins and apples, so I made Chewy some treats combining the two. They are pretty easy to make: just mix everything together, form cookies, and pop into the oven. My recipe:

Preheat oven to 350°. 

Mix together the following until combined into a dough:

  1 cup whole wheat flour

  1 egg

  1 tbsp coconut oil

  1 tbsp flax seed

  1/2 tsp cinnamon

  1/4 cup sugar-free applesauce

  1/4 cup pumpkin puree

  1/4 cup oats

Form 1 tbsp balls of dough, and flatten onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 350° until the edges are lightly golden brown, about 12-15 min.

Watching over doggie cookies is a very important job.

Remove from oven and let cookies cool on a wire rack. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than a couple days. Store in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Makes 18 tbsp-sized chewy cookies, but you can adjust size + baking time to your liking.

Cookie? Don't mind if I do!

I always find it difficult to tell if whole wheat cookies are "golden brown" because the dough is brown to begin with, so after they have cooled a little bit, I lift them up to see if the bottom is a bit more brown than the top, or if they are firm to the touch.

Also, this dough is rather sticky, so I wouldn't recommend using cookie cutters.

Tasty Tuesday: Applesauce for Doggies

A few weeks ago, we went apple picking and brought home a whole lotta apples. To use up some more of our supply, I decided to make some applesauce for Chewy. It was pretty simple- the most intensive part was peeling all the apples.

I used 6 large assorted apples (I have no idea what varieties they were) and ended up with 4 pint-sized jars of applesauce. You might want to work on a much smaller scale. Also, keep in mind that sweeter apples yield sweeter applesauce.

First, wash, peel, core and slice your apples. Apple seeds are toxic for dogs, so be sure to remove all of them. Some people simply cut their apples into quarters or eighths, but I figured it would be easier to stir smaller chunks. You can also use one of those apple corer/slicer gadgets to lesson the labor.

My selection of apples- peeled, cored, and chunked

Throw your apple slices/chunks into a pot, and add about an inch of water and some lemon juice (optional- it keeps the apples from going brown). Stirring occasionally, bring to a boil, then simmer with the lid on until the apples get mushy, about 30 min. Add cinnamon to taste at any point during cooking. I chose to add it towards the end so I could see what it looked like mixed in.

Add cinnamon as desired

Once the apples are soft and cooked through, remove from heat. Use a potato masher/fork to work it into a chunky applesauce, or use a blender/food processor to puree it.

Applesauce post-blender

You can then choose the canning route so your applesauce keeps longer, or simply store it in a jar in the fridge.

Once the applesauce has cooled, you can give your doggy a taste! It can be used as a topping for kibble, in treats, or eaten plain. Remember to serve in moderation.

I'm here for a sample!