Lentils are a great ingredient for homemade dog food, as they are high in protein, low in calories and fat, and an excellent source of fiber for dogs. Lentils can help manage blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, boost the immune and digestive system, and detoxify your dog’s body. However, you should always consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet, and feed lentils in moderation.
Benefits of serving lentils to your dog are:
- Protein: Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of muscle. Protein can also help with weight management and support a healthy immune system.
- Fiber: Lentils have a lot of fiber, which can help with digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Fiber can also help prevent diarrhea and constipation.
- Vitamins and minerals: Lentils are rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Some of the essential vitamins and minerals found in lentils are iron, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6.
- Weight loss: Lentils’ high fiber and protein content can make your dog feel full and satisfied, which can help with weight management. Lentils are also low in fat and calories.
Table of Contents
There are many ways to prepare lentils for dogs, but here are some simple and balanced recipes that you can try:
1. Lentil and Veggie Mash:
This recipe is easy to make and can be mixed with your dog’s regular kibble or canned food. You will need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry lentils
- 3 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium canned tomatoes
- 2 cups of cooked vegetables (such as carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, etc.)
- A little broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
Instructions
Using a blender, mix together cooked lentils, low-sodium canned tomatoes, cooked veggies and a little broth. You can use just about any kind of vegetable, but avoid onions, garlic and avocados. Also avoid adding spices, as many of them have been found to be harmful to dogs. For the liquid, use broth, soy milk or rice milk.
2. Lentil and Rice Stew:
This recipe is a hearty and nutritious meal for your dog. You will need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry lentils
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of brown rice
- 2 cups of chicken or beef stock
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
Instructions
Bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, quinoa, lentils, and sweet potatoes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes or until soft. Stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and mash. Add the peanut butter, vinegar, cranberry juice, and flaxseed oil. Stir.
3. Lentil and Turkey Loaf:
This recipe is a protein-packed and grain-free option for your dog. You will need:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 cup of cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup of grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- A little oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, lentils, cheese, egg, and parsley. Grease a loaf pan with oil and press the mixture into it. Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
4. Lentil and Quinoa Salad:
This recipe is a light and refreshing dish for your dog. You will need
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry quinoa
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup of diced sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice
- 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil
Instructions
Bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, cranberry juice, and flaxseed oil. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, lentils, and sweet potatoes. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4. Lentil and Flax Seed Dog Biscuits:
These biscuits are made with homemade lentil flour, flax seeds, pumpkin and egg; everything that is safe for your best friend. You will need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of lentil flour (from dried green lentils)
- 2 tablespoons of flax seed
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together the flax seed and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to form a gel. In a large bowl, mix together the lentil flour, pumpkin puree, and egg. Add the flax seed mixture and stir well. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
5. Lentil and Chicken Soup:
This soup is a warm and comforting treat for your dog. You will need:
Ingredients
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of dry lentils
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- A pinch of saltIn a large pot,
- bring the broth and water to a boil.
Instructions
Add the lentils, chicken, carrots, celery, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft. You can also add some parsley or oregano for extra flavor.
These are just some examples of how you can use lentils to make homemade dog treats. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients and proportions to suit your dog’s taste and nutritional needs. Just remember to always check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. I hope you and your dog enjoy these treats!
Dog Food Products containing Lentils
Lentils are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make homemade dog food or treats. However, some commercial dog food products also contain lentils as a recipe, either as a source of plant-based protein or as a grain-free alternative. Here are some examples of commercial dog food products that contain lentils:
Ollie: Ollie is a dog food delivery service that offers fresh, human-grade, and customized meals for dogs. One of their recipes is the Hearty Beef Eats, which contains beef, beef liver, lentils, kale, carrots, blueberries, chia seeds, and other ingredients. This recipe is high in protein, iron, and antioxidants, and is suitable for dogs of all life stages.
Nom Nom: Nom Nom is another dog food delivery service that provides fresh, pre-portioned, and personalized meals for dogs. One of their recipes is the Chicken Chow-Wow, which contains chicken, chicken liver, green beans, yellow squash, brown rice, spinach, fish oil, and Nom Nom’s nutrient mix. This recipe also includes lentils as a source of fiber and folate.
Ziwi Peak: Ziwi Peak is a premium dog food brand that offers air-dried and wet food products made with free-range meat and organs from New Zealand. One of their products is the Air-Dried Lamb Recipe, which contains lamb meat, lamb heart, lamb tripe, lamb liver, lamb kidney, lamb lung, lamb bone, New Zealand green mussel, inulin from chicory, dried kelp, parsley, vitamins and minerals. This product also features lentils as a natural binder and a source of protein and carbohydrates.
Wellness CORE: Wellness CORE is a grain-free dog food line that focuses on high-protein and low-carbohydrate formulas. One of their products is the RawRev Original + 100% Raw Turkey Dog Food, which contains turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, lentils, turkey liver, chicken fat, salmon oil, flaxseed, apples, blueberries, broccoli, spinach, parsley, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. This product also includes freeze-dried turkey pieces as a raw boost.
Acana: Acana is a dog food brand that uses fresh and regional ingredients to create biologically appropriate formulas. One of their products is the Grasslands Formula, which contains deboned lamb, deboned duck, eggs, lamb meal, goat meal, catfish meal, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green peas, duck fat, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, quail meat and organs. This product also contains fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin seeds.
These are just some examples of commercial dog food products that contain lentils as a recipe. You can find more products by searching online or visiting your local pet store. However, before feeding your dog any new food product or ingredient (including lentils), you should always consult your vet first to make sure it is safe and suitable for your dog’s health and dietary needs.
