Pumpkin-spiced enrichment stuffing recipe for dogs

Sneaking in extra veggies and micro-nutrients

Finding treats that are healthy, don’t break the calorie bank, are packed with nutrients and delicious too,
sounds like a tall order. But it is within reach…

This enrichment stuffing recipe was created with fussy eaters in mind, where you are able to sneak more veg and fruit into their diet and contains some great ingredients for dogs with allergies.  

It is really simple to make and because you are freezing it, it can keep for a long time. Although I make a batch at least once a week. And I’m sure you will be too, because your dogs will love it.

Ingredients

1kg pumpkin (can be substituted with butternut or sweet potato) 

2 tablespoons of coconut oil (Coconut oil is good for a shiny coat, for allergies and itchy skin, boosts their immune, improves cognitive function and treats arthritis and ligament issues, according to Rover.com).

4 tablespoons of peanut butter (a dog-friendly variety, preferably one that has no added salt and sugar. Must not contain any artificial sweeteners.)

Biltong – you can use your dog’s favourite variety. I use a mixture of liver, tripe treats and tuna biltong

Fresh fruit – I prefer to use berries for their antioxidant properties. I cut the blueberries in half and slice up three strawberries. But you can use any fruit of your choice, even freeze-dried fruit.

Optional

1 teaspoon of turmeric (Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin – which is essentially its active ingredient. Curcumin for dogs has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing and anticancer activities. It can help fight diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, gastrointestinal issues and more, according to Dogs Naturally).

OR 2 teaspoons of fine cinnamon (According to Pumpkin Care cinnamon is good for heart health and blood sugar regulation).

1 tablespoon of raw honey (Raw honey is loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as powerful antioxidants. It has research-proven antibacterial/antimicrobial properties, can calm allergic reactions, and will soothe irritated skin and throats, says Whole Dog Journal). *Do not use raw honey for puppies younger than a year.

Directions

1. Start by steaming your veg. 
2. Place the hot veg into a mixing bowl and add the coconut oil, mash together so it is well incorporated. You can decide on the consistency, I prefer to have some chunkier bits in between rather than a fine mash. 
3. Add the peanut butter and mix well. At this point you will add the spice and the honey and mix until well incorporated.
4. Your enrichment stuffing is now complete. This versatile mixture can be spread on a licking mat or stuffed in a toy or cow hooves (fresh or dried).

To stuff the cow hooves:

I start by placing a tripe treat in the corner of the hoof, then I use a spatula to spread a teaspoon or two of the enrichment mixture into the hoof, making sure that it is compact. Then add two blueberries and two pieces of strawberries, add more enrichment mixture, then add some biltong, more enrichment mixture, more fruit… you get the idea. 

Once stuffed, add some fruit and biltong on top to decorate. Place the hooves in a ziplock bag and freeze until solid.

A frozen hoof can keep your dog busy for approximately 20 minutes.

*These treats are meant to compliment your dog’s diet and is not a complete meal.

I am not a dog nutritionist, just a passionate dog mom who creates recipes for her dogs who live to eat.