Baked Chicken, Quinoa & Kefir Soft Chews For Dogs

When My Kitchen Turned Into a Doggy Diner

Oh boy, let me take you back to the day when I first stumbled upon a dog food recipe that quite literally changed my life. Picture this: I’ve got five furballs running around my kitchen, barking melodiously, as I wrestle with a can of store-bought dog food. It was a comedy show—truly! As I was about to pop the can open, one of my cheeky pups, a little mischievous thing named Bella, decided to leap onto the counter. In a split second, the can slipped from my hands and, in a plot twist worthy of a sitcom, it flew across the room, splattering soggy kibble everywhere! I stood there, covered in what I affectionately dubbed “pasta pup-olini,” asking myself, “Is this really how I want to treat my best friends?”

That’s when the light bulb went off. Right then and there, I made a vow: my dogs would no longer be subjected to the horrors of mushy meals from a can. I needed something fresh, wholesome, and that didn’t smell like a sardine convention. After rummaging through a handful of cookbooks and a few online dog food blogs, I finally landed on a recipe for Baked Chicken, Quinoa & Kefir Soft Chews. Ah, the sound of it alone was divine! If this didn’t make my dogs bounce off the walls with excitement, nothing would.

As I gathered the ingredients, I envisioned my pups dining like royalty rather than the rascals they were. I mean, what’s better than a home-cooked meal for the four-legged family members, right? Fast forward to the first batch: the moment those fluffy chews came out of the oven, I was a proud dog mom, ready to unveil my culinary masterpiece. As my pups devoured the treats like they were gourmet delicacies, I realized I had created something not just delicious, but something that turned my kitchen into a doggy diner worthy of five stars. Truthfully, if my kitchen could talk, it would be barking with delight!

Reasons Why This Dog Food Recipe is Paw-sitively Amazing

– **It’s ridiculously easy to make!** Let’s be real—I’m no kitchen wizard, and my cooking skills mostly consist of microwaving leftovers. If I can whip up these treats without setting off the smoke alarm, you can too. Trust me, if you can mix, scoop, and bake, you’re golden!

– **It’s impressively delicious!** Don’t be shocked if your friends think you hired a personal chef! Imagine their surprise when you tell them the secret chef is you—while their dogs drool at your feet! Who knew whipping up dog treats could score you brownie points (or should I say “puppy points”) with your friends?

– **It’s comforting!** Honestly, there’s something about home cooking that just feels warm and fuzzy inside. You know that feeling when you take a big bite of your mom’s homemade cookies? That’s the kind of wholesome delight this recipe brings to my dogs. Knowing that I’m feeding them something good makes everything feel right in the world.

– **Healthy ingredients galore!** I’m talking quality protein, whole grains, and probiotic goodness. Baked chicken, quinoa, and kefir? My dogs practically wagged their tails in approval (yes, that counts as their review). If only I had someone to rate me on Yelp for each chew they devour.

– **Made with love!** Nothing says “I love you” to your furry companions more than a kitchen adventure that ends in drool-worthy treats. You know your dogs will appreciate the effort, even if it means they steal the show!

Preparation & Cooking Time

Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes about 30 soft chews
Calories per serving: Approximately 45 calories
Key Nutrients:
– Protein: 7g
– Carbs: 4g
– Fat: 1.5g

Ingredients You Need

– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Because dogs deserve the best…and it’s pretty tasty too!
– 1 cup quinoa, cooked – The super grain that’s going to make these treats fancy and nutritious!
– 1 cup kefir – This magical elixir not only promotes good digestion but makes these treats as smooth as a dream!
– 1 egg – A binding agent that holds everything together like best friends at a barbecue.
– 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated – Let’s get some veggies in there, shall we? Plus, it adds a pop of color!
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric – Turns out this golden spice isn’t just for curry—your pups will love it too!

Ingredient Highlights & Variations

Let’s dive deeper into our star ingredients because trust me, they’re cooler than they sound!

– **Chicken**: Not just a tasty treat but a great source of lean protein. It helps build those strong muscles in your pups, making them feel like Jack Russell Terriers instead of sleepy bulldogs! You can also switch this up and use turkey for a fun variation—every day can be Thanksgiving!

– **Quinoa**: This little powerhouse is not only gluten-free but also packed with nutrients. It’s high in fiber and protein, making it a perfect addition to their meal plans. If your pooch isn’t a fan of quinoa, feel free to swap it out for rice. Just be sure it’s cooked!

– **Kefir**: Packed with probiotics, this little miracle helps keep your dog’s tummy in check. It’s like a spa day for your pup’s gut. If you can’t find kefir, plain yogurt is a fine substitute—your dog won’t complain!

– **Carrots**: They’re rich in beta-carotene, which can help improve eye health. Plus, they’re delightfully crunchy! If you want more pizzazz, try using sweet potatoes instead. The natural sweetness will drive your dogs bonkers!

– **Turmeric**: This golden spice isn’t just a pretty face! It’s anti-inflammatory and has a host of health benefits for your pups. Just make sure not to overdose; a little goes a long way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want that oven hot and ready to go—like a cozy hug for the treats!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken, cooked quinoa, kefir, and egg. Stir it up until everything looks super happy!
3. Next, add in the finely grated carrots and turmeric. Mix it all up like you’re making a magical pot of potion.
4. Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pro tip: If you want perfect little circles, use an ice cream scoop.
5. Pop those puppies (the treats, not your dogs!) into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells divine.
6. Once they’re done, let them cool for a while. I know, the suspense is killing you. But trust me, no one wants a hot dog treat (pun intended).

How to Serve It

Now that your lovely soft chews are ready, it’s time to serve them in style!
– **Serve it with a smile!** Honestly, sharing food with your dogs is one of life’s simple joys. Plus, they’ll probably reward you with a slobbery kiss—who can resist that?
– **Garnish with love!** Leave them unadorned, or make it fancy with a sprinkle of dog-safe peanut butter on top for an extra tasty treat. Just be sure there’s no xylitol— pups and that ingredient are like oil and water!
– **Pair it with playtime!** After that delightful treat, it’s time to throw a ball (or a chew toy) and watch the little devils bounce around with excitement!

FAQ

– **Can I use regular chicken instead of shredded?** Absolutely! Just roast or boil chicken breast, then shred it once it’s cooked. Bonus points for cooking with some love!
– **What if my dog doesn’t like kefir?** No problem! You might see some puppy pout faces, but substituting it with plain yogurt is just as fantastic. It’s like offering a different variety of ice cream!
– **How do I store these little goodies?** Once they’re cool, pop them in an airtight container to keep them fresh! You can even freeze them for later if you really want to become a dog treat hoarder.
– **Are these treats suitable for all dogs?** Generally, yes! But if your dog has allergies or sensitivities to any ingredients, it might be wise to consult your vet first. No one wants a buffet that ends in a tummy ache!

Let’s Bake Some Love!

I can’t express how wonderful it’s been sharing this recipe with you all today. Cooking for my dogs is more than just a hobby—it’s a delightful way to express love and care for my little companions. Every time they gobble up those baked chicken, quinoa, and kefir soft chews, I feel like the world’s best dog chef. So, gather your ingredients, and invite your dogs into the kitchen to join the fun! I can’t wait to hear about your puppy’s adventures in treat tasting. After all, who knows? Perhaps your pooch will become the next four-legged food critic. Keep the tail wags coming and share your quirky variations with me!