Beau's organic diet
2008-02-26 14:29 Filed in: Beau's
lymphoma treatment
At the beginning of this lymphoma nightmare, I spent
a lot of time reading and talking with folks about
how we should respond to the disease. Pretty much
everyone agreed that the chemotherapy was worth
trying. Another strong supporting response, in
conjunction with the chemo, is to get him on a really
healthy diet to help his body fight this disease.
I consulted with his breeder over at Red Bay Bassets, as well as did a lot of scouring of reputable Internet sites. I found one site, in particular, with some excellent (IMHO) info. The site is run by a veterinarian, Dr. Charles E. Loop, DVM. He suggested a specific diet for dogs with chronic illnesses, such as lymphoma.
Between Loop's diet and the recommendations from our friends at Red Bay (thanks Pat and Sandi!), based on their substantial experience with bassets, I came up with a diet for Beau (and Maggie -- try giving them different food...).
I try to get as much organic ingredients as I can reasonably find. When organic isn't available, I get the best I can. The chicken thighs, for example, are no-preservative, no-hormone, grass fed, but they're not organic per se.
Here's the essence of the diet, all cooked in a big crock pot:
1 pack of 4 chicken thighs (skin on, with bones)
1 carton (32 oz) organic chicken broth
1 cup organic whole grain basmati rice
1/2 cup organic lentils
1/2 cup organic rolled oats or pearl barley
4 whole organic carrots, chopped
1 bunch organic baby spinach, chopped
1) Cook the thighs in the broth for several hours, until it is "fall off the bone" soft.
2) Remove the bones, and break the chicken into small bits.
3) Add the rice, and cook another hour.
4) Add the lentils and oats/barley and cook another 30 minutes.
5) Add the carrots and spinach and cook another 30 minutes.
6) Cool and pack into 1-week sized storage container.
At feeding time, I add several supplements including a multi-vitamin, vitamin E, olive oil (a few drops), and a big scoop of plain yogurt.
It comes as no surprise that Beau and Maggie both absolutely devour this food. We hope it's helping, of course, but it is without a doubt making them both exceptionally happy. That, in and of itself, can't be too bad.
Cheers,
Ken
I consulted with his breeder over at Red Bay Bassets, as well as did a lot of scouring of reputable Internet sites. I found one site, in particular, with some excellent (IMHO) info. The site is run by a veterinarian, Dr. Charles E. Loop, DVM. He suggested a specific diet for dogs with chronic illnesses, such as lymphoma.
Between Loop's diet and the recommendations from our friends at Red Bay (thanks Pat and Sandi!), based on their substantial experience with bassets, I came up with a diet for Beau (and Maggie -- try giving them different food...).
I try to get as much organic ingredients as I can reasonably find. When organic isn't available, I get the best I can. The chicken thighs, for example, are no-preservative, no-hormone, grass fed, but they're not organic per se.
Here's the essence of the diet, all cooked in a big crock pot:
1 pack of 4 chicken thighs (skin on, with bones)
1 carton (32 oz) organic chicken broth
1 cup organic whole grain basmati rice
1/2 cup organic lentils
1/2 cup organic rolled oats or pearl barley
4 whole organic carrots, chopped
1 bunch organic baby spinach, chopped
1) Cook the thighs in the broth for several hours, until it is "fall off the bone" soft.
2) Remove the bones, and break the chicken into small bits.
3) Add the rice, and cook another hour.
4) Add the lentils and oats/barley and cook another 30 minutes.
5) Add the carrots and spinach and cook another 30 minutes.
6) Cool and pack into 1-week sized storage container.
At feeding time, I add several supplements including a multi-vitamin, vitamin E, olive oil (a few drops), and a big scoop of plain yogurt.
It comes as no surprise that Beau and Maggie both absolutely devour this food. We hope it's helping, of course, but it is without a doubt making them both exceptionally happy. That, in and of itself, can't be too bad.
Cheers,
Ken
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