The Whole Pet Diet Chicken Stew
Special note: use organic ingredients whenever possible
- 5 pounds Whole Chicken or Turkey (bones, organs, skin and all)
- 6 – 8 cups spring water
- 1/2 pound of additional beef liver, or chicken liver or turkey liver (your choice)
- 1/2 pound of wild salmon
- 2 cloves chopped fresh garlic
- 1/2 pound green peas
- 1 pound coarsely chopped carrots
- 1/2 pound coarsely chopped sweet potato (yam)
- 1 pound coarsely chopped zucchini
- 1 pound coarsely chopped yellow squash
- 1/2 pound of coarsely chopped green beans
- 1 pound coarsely chopped celery
- 1/4 teaspoon kelp powder Dash of dried rosemary
See Chef’s Tip on Freshly Grated Toppings
For Dogs: Add 12 oz. of Rolled Oats and adjust the water content to a total of 12 cups or enough to just “cover” the ingredients.
(I don’t recommend the grains portions for cats)
Combine all ingredients in a 10-quart stock pot (stainless steel, please). Bring to boil, reduce to low, and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. Once finished (your carrots are soft), let cool and de-bone the chicken by hand. With an electric hand mixer (I use one available from Sears for about $19) or a food processor, blend all the ingredients into a nice puree. Using plastic yogurt containers, or Tupperware, make up “meal-sized” portions or what you will need for three days, and freeze what you don’t need immediately. Be sure and seek your pet’s advice for ideal meal sizes. Also, never serve cooked chicken bones to a pet; they splinter easily.
Yields: 20 cups for cats and 26 cups for dogs
Cat Feeding Directions: Average adult cat will eat roughly 1 cup a day; more or less depending on age, activity, level, current health, and season.
Time saving tip: You may purchase a few bags of frozen, diced vegetables at the health food store to save time in the preparation process. Fresh vegetables contain more nutrients, but in a time crunch, you can fall back on frozen when necessary.
Dog Feeding Directions: Daily, split the following recommendations into at least two meals.
10 pound dog: 1 – 1 1/2 cup
20 pound dog: 2 – 3 cups
40 pound dog: 4 cups
For each additional 20 pounds, add 2 cups. Remember, all pets are individuals and you will need to let your senses guide you. Amounts will vary depending on age, activity level, current health, weight and season.
Cat Tip: Cats should be allowed to eat for 1/2 hour, twice daily; remove and clean up all uneaten food, which gives the body plenty of time for brief fasts throughout the day. This recipe is especially important and beneficial for cats with kidney problems or FUS. Never serve hot or cold food to your cat. Room temperature is best
Dog Tip: To stretch your meal for dogs, you can add a slice or two of whole grain bread to each meal upon serving. Never serve hot or cold food to your dog. Room temperature is best
Ailing Pet Tip: A pet that’s under the weather and or in recovery should start with portions of only the broth. It will be easier for them to process the rich, amino acid filled fluids and their body will not be expending energy in the digestion process, which may take away from their natural healing abilities. A healthy pet can dig right into the chunky stew filled with all the great ingredients
There’s never been a more complete and Holistic Pet Food that gives your pets everything you need to achieve glowing, great health. (Make sure to sign up for my newsletter NOW, so your lucky dogs and cats don’t miss another morsel!)
204 Responses
I don’t recommend using broccoli, cauliflower or eggplant in the stew. Please use the alkaline vegetables that are listed in the recipe. The other vegetables can lead to gastric imbalances and cause gas and discomfort. We always want the pets to feel good after they eat their yummy fare!
Hello,
I have a pomeranian with very bad skin problems. Someone said not to use barley or oatmeal. Would these two ingredients be ok to use. Also, should she be on a grain-free diet. Would these two ingredients be grain? Also, love your coat supplement. Made it last night. Does this supplement take the place of fish oil or can I also use the fish oil in addition to your homemade skin oil. Thank you.
Hi Debbie,
Skin problems are a thing of the past when you use the right kinds of oils and feed the right kinds of foods. I am quite certain that your sweet POM will do beautifully on my plan. You can choose either version of the stew if you like. The grain free version for the cats is also quite healthy for the dogs. It is more “soupy”, and the version with the barley and oats is more “stewy”. Either one will be great!. You do not need any other oils for the diet. What you have made is great! Please do keep us posted and thanks for writing. Can’t wait to hear how great she’ll be doing in no time! xox Andi
My Pomeranian was having skin problems, and then I discovered she is allergic to potatoes. So, I have to leave that out of all recipes. Your Pom might be allergic too.
Hi Kathryn, Potatoes (particularly white) are very difficult to digest for any animal. While a lot of pets thrive on a bit of sweet potato, I have found that it’s probably best not to use them at all. I really believe that meat and veggies are the best way to feed. Thanks xox
I add turnips to my stew, also is beef a no-no as opposed to chicken? Could you give me thoughts on pasta, rice or barley? Thanks. I put mine in the slow cooker for the day.
Hi Penny,
I’m so very glad you wrote me, and I’m happy that you’re working on making your pet’s food. The problem with using arbitrary ingredients like pasta, rice or barley, as well as beef or any other ingredients is that you need to understand how to BALANCE your food choices. The reason I wrote my book is so that wonderfully caring people like you will have very POSITIVE results because you understand what to use for your pet’s meals, and when. Please consider getting a copy of my book and reading it. (I’ve been told that it’s easy to read and fun!). This way you will understand that I never recommend things like rice or other problematic ingredients. It’s not that your pets won’t eat it… it’s that you want to feed them with wisdom. You can follow my recipe on the website here, for the chicken/turkey stew… but your best bet is to use beef on occasion, and the rest is in my book. Wishing you and your pets great health always… xox Andi
Just purchased your book a month ago (Love it!). I’ve been making the Chicken Stew for my 3 italian greyhounds and min pin/Jack Russell mix. They love it. Question: my vet seems to think I need to feed a calcium supplement. They get krill oil (Dr. Mercola’s site) and a multivitamin every morning. The last couple years I’ve fed them raw bones for an hour every wknd (supervised of course) and their teeth have never looked better. Isn’t that enough calcium? I use all organic when I make their food too…Should I maybe add a TBSP of apple cider vinegar to their food when I cook it to draw out more of the calcium or ?? Thank you–
Hi Joelle,
Glad that you’re cooking for your sweet ones! If you are cooking the turkey or the chicken with the bones in it, you will be getting enough calcium in the healthy broth! Keep up the great work! xoxo
Hi I wanted to find out if your recipes are balanced.
Do you have any nutritional info on them?
I would really like to start my 5 kitties and 1 puppy on a home cooked diet but I need to know that I am doing it right and not half way.
Thanks
mrh
Hi Renee,
I have been giving this recipe out for the last 20 years, and if you read some of the amazing testimonials on the site, you’ll see what others have to say about it. Yes, it’s balanced to help create the healthiest dogs and cats in the world. Most people think that making it is easy and you’ll be seeing a BIG difference in a very short time.
Keep me posted and wish you and your pets great health always
xox
Andi
Your recipe doesn’t have a calcium source, though. Needs eggshell or a really good quality bone meal. For raw cat food, you can grind in the bones with the meat or feed raw wings and chicken necks twice a week. Can’t feed cooked bone to cats but they DO need a calcium source.
Hi Maryam, the calcium source is in the cooked bones. You never feed cooked bones to your cats, of course but they get all the calcium they need from the bones as they cook into the stew. Not to worry. E mail me if you have any other questions. Andi@thewholepetdiet.com
xoxo Andi
Hi Andi –
My dog doesn’t tolerate grains well. I assume that I can leave them out of the recipe – if so, do I adjust the amount of spring water?
And if it’s fine to omit – does it change the nutritional value enough that I need to be concerned?
Than
Hi Maddie,
No problem to omit the grains. The cat formula is very healthy for all dogs and easier to digest because it doesn’t contain any grains at all. Try that and see the difference that wonderful, healthy, homemade food makes.
Keep me posted!
xox
Andi
What about Kale or Collard Greens – are either of them a good substitution for other green veggies?
Hi Brenda,
Great question! Both are extremely healthy, but they can be bitter. I would use them sparingly as a good substitution for some of the other veggies!
xox
Andi
I’ve been using the cat formula for my dogs for several months now. My 11 year old toy poodle Teddy had moderate eye weeping and staining and omitting the grains has resolved this. On the advice of a holistic vet, I substituted potato to add back some carbs. He has also suffered from epilepsy since he was a puppy, having seizures every two or three weeks. After a month or so on the diet the seizures have almost completely stopped – only one in the last 4 months!
I started our new mini Aussie on the diet within two weeks of bringing her home and weaning her off the food the breeder was using. I do add some extra protein and calcium to help build strong bones and give her the fuel she needs for all her puppy energy. I’m leaving the food a bit “chunkier” and chopping rather than using the food processor as she was making a bit of a mess when it was too smooth.
Hi Terri,
What GREAT news you have to share. I’m so happy to hear that you and the kids are all doing so well. You are definitely thinking on your feet! Please keep us posted on all the fabulous results! xox
Hello Terri, I read your post to Andy n was so pleased that you were cooking grain free for your pup. I had a idiopathic huge breed baby, she started having seizes at 9mth , we did the cat scan, spinal tap, and many others tests to rule out brain tumor and other illness that can cause seizures , all we negative . He neurologist had her so doped up on meds she could barely stand and was till having seizures, at 11 mths he recommended that I put her down that his bag of tricks we empty, can u just imagine , I told him I don’t give up n some other choice words . I was beyond upset my pups are loved like my kids. I came home and googled canine seizures I was so lucky to find a Cushing group , n no Luci did not have Cushing however Cushing pups have seizures. They were so caring n kind , they asked what I fed at the time she was on innova they told me to,toss the dog food and start cooking a grain free diet , along with supplements, with in 3 weeks we had no seizures , I also contacted an integrated vet in CT, we had phone conferences cause I live in So. Fl. Dr Goldstein wrote the book the nature of animal healing that’s how I knew of him. The life saving supplement was Taurine , normal dose to start along with B complex, Gish or krill oil, vit C n alpha lipoic acid, we went 9 mths seizure free! We were able to completely take Luci off phenobarb and just keep her on potassium bromide which has much less harmful side effects. If your baby is on pheno. then he recommends SamE u can get it at vit shop, whole foods or on line, it protects the liver and is great for her anyway its brain food like taurine , Bach’s recuse remedy is also great to keep on hand during if u feel a seizure is coming on or during, u but a few drops n her mouth by her gums u can also put it n her water it’s made from flowers so it can’t hurt even if unshaven other pets drinking from the same bowl… Helping people and their pets with Epilepsy is a passion for me, I’ve done 11 yrs of research and my own general vet will have patients call me for advice..
I really hope this info helps you and your pup..
Best wishes ,
Laurie
Feel free to contact me anytime @ panther1073@msn.com
Thank you for all of your information. Experience is invaluable. xoxo Andi
Hi Andi,
Is there any way you can use the boneless chicken breats instead of whole chickens? If so, does it alter the nutrients? How many pounds?
Thanks,
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
The reason I recommend using the whole chicken (rather than just the breasts) is because there are so many nutrients in the bones that get cooked (but not fed), along with the different parts of the bird. (organs and skin). Remember that “wholistic” means using the “whole” thing. Plus it will be more economical. If it’s a pain to debone the chicken (and that’s why you’re asking), then try turkey. It has way less bones and you can make a bigger batch, which will increase the amount of food you make, and eliminate the need to make it so often. (I use turkey now, by the way). Hope this helps.
xoxo
Andi
Hi Andi! I have a Great Pyrenees puppy who’s not yet 1 year but is 100 lbs. and growing! She has bad allergies and I can’t wait to try making her and the cats this food. She seems to have a chicken allergy, but potentially also turkey. Apparently Pyrs can be known for these poultry allergies. She’s been on a prey model raw meat diet but still having some issues though many cleared up.
1) Where do you find a turkey that’s the right size for this recipe, so I can steer clear of chicken? I know you use turkey now so thought I’d ask.
2) Is this balanced properly for a giant breed puppy? Assuming I need to add in calcium and protein.
Thanks so much for your expertise!
Hi Jillian, WOw! You’ve got one huge puppy! Allergies should be a thing of the past with my diets. It may not be that your Great Pyrenes is “allergic” to poultry, but rather she might be sensitive to the inferior quality ingredients in the commercial foods you’ve been using. Just because it it a “raw meat” diet, does not mean that it is even good for your girl. Just buy turkey from a clean source. Use about 5-6 pounds of meat per pot. I am absolutely certain that you’ll be seeing incredible results from this new food. Keep up the great work. It would probably be advantageous for you to get a copy of my book to help clear up any questions you may have. You’re getting great protein and the calcium is derived from the bones of the stewy. However… you could probably use a good calcium/bone/joint product. For more in depth questions.. please reach out to me at andi@thewholepetdiet.com I look forward to hearing great results. xoxox Andi
Hi Andi –
I’m so excited to start my dog and 2 cats on this food plan. My dog is 108lb female German Shepherd. She should weigh in the high 90’s. Would I start her out on the amount of cups that she should weigh rather than what she weighs now? She also has a grain allergy and currently only has 1.5 cups of food twice daily (herring & sweet potato). According to my calculations it appears she should be eating 10 cups a day of the stew. That seems like an awful lot!!! What do you think? Thanks!
Hi Maureen,
Wow, your sweet pup is a very lucky girl. My estimation is that she’ll probably eat about 8 cups a day. You’ll be the best judge of how much to feed. She’ll shed her extra pounds easily and I’m certain she’ll gain more energy:) Please keep us posted as to all her success. TAKE PHOTOS NOW!!! In a month or so, you’ll be seeing a new dog and we’ll all want to see that too! Remember that all pets have slightly different food/serving needs, depending on their age, activity level and climate! Can’t wait to see the difference. xox
Andi
I have just started making this for my dog and 2 cats. Peaches my dog loved it right off, 10 month old cat Dakota isn’t fully on board yet and I started my 14 year old cat Dante with just the broth and chicken which he seemed to like. Dante has just been diagnosed with an over active thyroid. He has lost a good bit of weight lately. 10 lbs down to 7 in a year. Is there anything I should add that will help his condition and also put some weight on him. Just order your book, can’t wait to get it. Thanks, Donna
Hi Donna,
So excited for you about making the food. Just wait till you see the difference it will make with all your pets. Dakota won’t hold out for long, and Dante should appreciate all its goodness very quickly. The food is easy for the body to absorb and utilize and he should find his perfect weight in a very short time. Several times a week, it would be great for him to get a dollop of organic, greek plain yogurt to add important fat to the body, and and egg a few days a week in almost any form would be helpful too. I think you’re one terrific Mom, and your kids are really lucky to have you. Please keep us all posted! xoxox Andi
Hi
i have been cooking my tuxedo cat’s food for over 4 years, since researching this topic and finding your book(THANK YOU for a GREAT book). I highly recommend Martin Goldstein’s(holistic NY state vet) book also.
Here’s what I give Panda(her royal highness):
1) Chicken stew: chicken w/o hormones,
squash,sweet potatoes, celery, pumpkin,zuchini,peas (whatever combo I
have on hand)organic chicken liver, hearts, gizzards.
2) I add to warmed food: Carlson Cod Liver oil in
morning. UDO’s oil DHA 3-6-9 (Essential Fatty Acid) blend in the evening,organic Lecithin(for nervous system & brain), dried wheat grass (or fresh chopped) or dried spirulina, powdered vitamin C(for
stress), 2 tablets each meal Tabby Tabs cat multi vitamins(crushed for absorption) .
In addition to the chicken stew, Panda eats a little of
what I eat if appropriate for cats(I have done a lot of research): I give her fresh clams from Farmer’s
market once a week(full of zinc and Taurine) when I have them on Fridays, vegetable omelette(no
onions), wild blueberries once a week(mashed in
food)wild salmon or fresh porgies, a little yoghurt or cottage cheese…Her fur in incredilbly RICH and
BLACK, her eyes are exceptionally alert, she acts like a border collie more than a cat—aware of
everything, very mellow. Everyone comments on her fantastic good looks. She has a ferocious appetite so I need to give her a little less food. She had NO
adjustment period, she asked “what took you so long”?. I switched her from fancy feast–previous
owner fed her this, to Petguard to homemade Spot’s stew w/ supplementation. My husband takes the same supplements and his hair is great too.
My friends are mad that she eats better than they do(unless I cook for them). I tell EVERYONE to get your book. People keep on telling me you shouldn’t give pets people food ! Oh better that she eats processed food ? Will fast food joints tell people not to make cheeseburgers at home because they are too complicated and not nutritionally balanced like their processed food-like “product”. Cook for yourself from scratch and cook for your pet, you can do it !!!
All the best to you Andi, and your readers too.
xxxooo
Oh Dierdre,
Your words are music to my soul! Obviously you have found the most wonderful route to Panda’s great health! YOU are the true healing artist. I applaud you and your wit, laughter and even your slightly envious friends for recognizing all of your beautifully conscious choices! It is for people like you, who fulfill me to the core! Thank you for your kind words and wisdom! May we also see a photo?
xoxox
Andi
Deirdre, I love your story. It always puzzles me when people say “Oh, you shouldn’t feed your pet ‘people food’!” I always answer, “What did pets eat before commercial food became available?” It ALWAYS stops them in their tracks. We have been bombarded with ADVERTISING from pet food manufacturers to think their products are superior in some way. And veterinarians too.
I think that the most important thing that people need to realize is that quality plays such an important role in the food that they feed their pets. Also it needs to be balanced. Now why would we want anything less for our dogs and cats, than what we would feed ourselves? I agree with you completely! xoxo
Just read your message on blog about your cat Dante. I also have a hyperthyroid kitty for second time after 5 years (had radioactive iodine treatment) but came back. Can you please tell me what diet of Andi Browns you used, how did it work for Dante and any other info you can send me. Thanks so much for your time and help.
Hi Betsy,
When you provide the body with real, wholesome, healthy, natural food – it helps all of the organs to function properly.. Commercial pet foods, made in pet feed plants typically do little more than provide the dogs or cats with empty fillers, calories and rejects from the human food plants.. I suggest that you get a copy of my book, which takes you step-by-step on a wonderful journey to glowing great health for your sweet one.. I believe that there is NOTHING about the body that cannot be changed when we provide the body with the right nutritional support.. My stew along with proper supplementation should help your kitty without the use of drugs or radioactive treatments.. Please try our methods now.. Keep us posted. xoxo Andi
Hi, I am new here and started to make the chicken stew, my question is this, when you add everything in the food processor do you add the chicken stock as well or do you put it in after it has been processed? I have 3 good size dogs to feel, one at 45, one at 69, and one at about
70 lbs, that is a lot of food to feed. The 2 heavier ones are both senior, slightly over weight dogs who will be 11 in March. I am anxious to start them on this, but want to make sure that I am making this recipe correctly.
Hi Jaime,
You blend all the great stew together. Most of the nutrients are in the broth, because you have cooked them all together and they are going to work synergistically. Your work is a labor of love. Three hungry mouths to feed. WOW! But, they will slim down beautifully and you’ll be keeping them out of the vet’s for years to come. Please keep us posted and BRAVO to you for making their food! xox Andi
Hello Judy,
Glad you like the book and the website. PLEASE DO NOT use peanut oil in their food. You can start with a small amount of olive oil. It’s ok. Dribble the oil on the food for the cats. (I don’t recommend ANY dry food. It’s so unhealthy for cats in partcular). Skin problems are generally the result of the dry food. Parsley should never be cooked. I have a recipe for great health. When the owners follow the program, their pets health problems disappear. It would be best to follow the protocol for the road to great health. Hope it’s helped you.
xox
Andi
Me again, I purchased a whole chicken in the freezer section of my local “Aldi” grocery store, it was 3.35 for a 2.5 pound chicken. I just put the chicken in the required amount of water and boiled it for a few hours. The chicken came right off the bone and it was easy. I made sure I got all the little bones. I added the rest the rest of the stuff and cooked it until the veggies were tender. I add them just as I would for me, which is stuff like carrots that take longer to cook and even though they will be blended later I didn’t want them to be water logged. They liked it chunkier so I didn’t blend it too much. I froze this in portions and took it out of the freezer the night before to insure freshness. The best part is that this is also healthy for my birds (all 9 of them) I just take out some of the veggies and a little chicken, so theirs is more veggie based. I am trying to ween the dogs off the dry food or use it as a supplement, how do I figure portions. Currently I give them 1 Cup of dry and 1/4 cup stew, they all need about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of dog food a day, obviously the 45 pound dog gets a little less but she is very active so I don’t want to deprive her and the other 2 are seniors, but are supposed to be bigger so they get the higher end. They go nuts at feeding time and act like they didn’t get enough to eat, but I think it is because they love the food so much. I add fish oil, one pill each meal, I just cut the capsule to get the oil and then throw the capsule away. Am I doing this right? Any suggestions? I intend to buy the book today if Barnes and Noble has it.
Hi Jaime,
You’re doing just great. In my book I let people know that they should really start off with a combination of great oils to help remove debris that has been clogging the digestive tract due to feeding processed foods. I don’t recommend dry food at all. Dry food has no real nutritional value and it’s why most pets have skin problems, allergies and digestive disorders. Also makes them overweight in many cases. I love that you’re using the stew and you will have to monitor their weight to make sure they are getting enough. I know they want more, because it’s likely sooooo delicious. Do get my book. Your best bet is to order it online through http://www.amazon.com. It’s filled with so much great info. that you and your sweet ones will be happier and healthier for a long time to come.
Keep us posted! xox P.S – those birds are VERY lucky too! great food choices!
I just returned from purchasing the ingredient for the chicken stew. I now have the chicken simmering but I don’t know when the barley and rolled oats go in.
I am hoping this recipe cures my dogs of their itching and chewing their feet. Thank you
Hi Sandra,
The grains get added in at the end of all the others.. but your best bet for an “allergic” dog is to not include the grains at all. It will be easier for your dog to assimilate all the nutrients and heal quicker without the grains for about the first month or two. Hope you’ve gotten a copy of my book, because I outline what really should happen each week as you proceed. Do keep us posted. You’re definitely going to love what this does for your sweet one.
xox
Andi
Sandra, I just read your note to Andi about chewing on your dogs feet. I want to warn you about that., My dgtrs golden had that problem for months with bleeding in the end. She had seen many vets with no help. Finally she wnt to a new vet who bought her vets business and he did scrappings on the dogs foot and found MITES they were the culprit. So my adivise is see your vet and insist on a foot scrapping just to be sure no mites. That is one thing that can go unnoticed for months. Its just not a routine test they do . I hope this helps. I saw Clay suffer so badly waking at nite itching and chewing. And of course many said allergy, ok so she followed a special diet but it did not help. Just the medication for the mites helped. Good luck.
Good to definitely know what you’re dealing with for sure and glad that you solved Clay’s issue. I hear from hundreds of people every year about the foot chewing and biting, and typically it is remedied with healthy food and the oils. Thank you for pointing this out to us though. Wisdom comes with experience! oxo
This looks awesome! I have a 60 lb, 10 month old, male Australian Shepherd. He is very active, and I noticed he would be eating 6 cups of this stew. That seems like a lot… Haha. He’d love it. He currently gets 2 cups of kibble, a seameal supplement, and 1 cup of “fresh food” a day. I split it into two feedings.The fresh food varies. Sometimes its beef, salmon, tuna, or chicken. I add veggies, brown rice, and a spoon full of cottage cheese or plain yogurt. I’d love to try this stew, and possibly take him off kibble. Do I need to add any supplements? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Jenny,
You’ve got one lucky pup! I don’t recommend ANY kibble at all.. Ever! And the most important thing is to create balance in his food, so that he continues to grow and be strong and vital throughout his life. I do recommend the Stew as a whole meal, interspersed with other foods and definitely supplements. Now the best way to keep track of what is PERFECT for your Aussie… is to actually buy or get my book, so that you will have everything you need to guide him through the program easily and with wisdom! Sounds like you are on the right track. PLEASE keep us posted on your journey to great health! xoxo ANDI
I bought your book and made my first batch of stew last night for our 8 yr old rescue standard poodle. The stew is very thin, but I will try serving it anyway. It smells delicious!
Question: Do I need to add the EFAs and Vitamin & Mineral Powder to the homemade stew? If so, do I add it to each feeding (twice a day)?
Hi Regina,
BRAVO for making the stew for your poodle! My new book is coming out next month and I’ve made a few changes (including the amount of water to use). It’s still wonderful, and/but it would even be better if you used about 12 -14 cups of water for the dog food recipe. It’s amazingly healthy. And yes… the supplements are important too! Make sure you add them to the bowl before serving. Keep us posted on your sweet rescue baby!
xox Andi
Hi Andi.
I am still trying to process all of the information in your book. I have made Spot’s Stew and my Rui is loving it so far. I am still very confused about adding vitamins. The recipe in your book notes that it is geared towards cats but ok for dogs. Is there anything that can be changed to make it more appropriate for dogs? Also, could I use a pet vitamin (carefully researched, of course) in place of the homemade?
Thanks!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I glad that Rui is loving the stew. They always do! Mom is such a good cook! The recipe for the Stew is geared for dogs. Not to worry. You are adding the oats and believe me, it’s a great diet for any dog. Most pet vitamins on the market do not do a whole lot for the animals, which is why I’ve also given you the recipes to make them yourself. You get to pick and choose which ones are most appropriate for your pet. Make sure that you sign up for my newsleetter today. I do have VERY exciting news to share in the next few weeks. In the meantime… keep up the great work. Rui is a very lucky dog.
xxoo Andi
I don’t see anything here about the fact that cats need the essential amino acid taurine, which they can get only from raw meat. Dogs and humans can manufacture this amino acid in their bodies, so are ok with cooked meat, but cats NEED raw meat, or added taurine supplements. This is why commercial cat foods always have taurine added back in.
Taurine found abundant in muscle meat and organs. Most commercial pet foods really cheat you on the meat portions of the diet, which is why they need to add in ISOLATED vitamins and minerals and even taurine. Some pets do better with a FULLY BALANCED wholesome cooked food, and some pets do better with raw. Thanks for checking in with us! xox
My 7 yr old cat Goose was diagnosed with Diabetes last week. I chose this recipe because it seemed very simple to make. It doesn’t look to be the best recipe for a diabetic cat, but I’m making it so he’ll eat something as I work out an actual meal plan (calcium supplements, etc.) This has a lot of starchy veggies. I halved the veggies and doubled the chicken as this is his first experience with whole foods. I intend to do the whole foods thing from now on.
Keep in mind I’ve been vegetarian for 21 yrs and vegan for 4mos, my kitties mean the world to me. He’s getting the best, whatever that means.
The simmer is almost complete. He’ll have his first taste in a couple of hours. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Well, I’m really happy that you’re beginning to make major changes in Goose’s diet. If you read my book – then you will learn that MANY pets who were diagnosed with Diabetes were just the victims of the high carb, grain laden diets they were being fed. So many pets have been able to come down and even forgo their need for insulin shots when they eat properly. Bravo! Keep up the great work.. keep monitoring the blood sugar levels… AND do sign up for my newsletter, though… it’s got lots of great tips on how to keep Goose really healthy! xoxox
Hi Andi!
A couple of years ago, I bought your book and tried out some of the recipes on my two cats. Unfortunately, they just never ‘took’ to the change, so I switched to a mostly organic combination of wet and dry food.
Looking through your site the other day, though, I felt inspired to give it another try. Buddy is 12 years old and relatively healthy, though a bit overweight. Mia is 4 and full of life – I want to keep her that way!
Any suggestions for making it successful this time? I am thinking of dicing up some of the chicken rather than pureeing all of it – they seem to like chunky food pretty well!
Hi Steve,
Glad you wrote me. You have to remember to “put your paw down” to make the change. Perhaps you could also add a few bits of VERY FRESH raw fish to the top of the stew, such as cod or salmon. My cat goes nuts over it and there’s never an issue with the topping. There has NEVER been an overweight pet on my recipe, because it’s so healthy and without any fillers. Dice/slice/puree… whatever it takes. Do keep me posted. Your kids are VERY lucky to have such a caring Dad! By the way… make sure you sign up for my newsletter ASAP… I have THE MOST EXCITING NEWS COMING NEXT MONTH! https://www.thewholepetdiet.com/newsletter/ BIG hugs, Andi xox
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Andi! Yes, my kids are lucky, but I think I am really the luckier one! 🙂 I’m planning on whipping up a batch of the stew this weekend and getting them started back on the path to great health. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about all your great news!
I just love hearing that! Keep up the great work.. Wonderful health is unmistakable.. You see it in their coat, eyes, energy levels, poopies, and attitude! xoxox Stay tuned!
Hi Andi,
I just recieved your book and going to buy the EFA’s and start Spots Stew. But I need to know if your exciting news will be of different ingredients. I have a 9 yr. old Chihuahua that i’m wanting to get started on your diet now…as he has skin problems. I’ve spent the last few days writing down important details and have my shopping list ready. I want to start him this week. Do I need to hold off or can I start him now? I don’t want to get something…that maybe you say…I won’t be needing now.
Thanks so much!
Hi Cathy, I have so much exciting news.. I don’t know where to begin! Yes, some of my recipes in the new book have changed… but the old recipe that you have is still wonderful. Getting your little one on the oils immediately will help the skin issues and by all means – PLEASE begin the plan today! I’ve learned a lot over the last few years and I’m anxious to share what I understand with you. We all need to learn and grow. I’ll let you in on a bit of a secret… here is a link to the exciting news I have coming! https://www.thewholepetdiet.com/?p=917&preview=true
Not to worry. Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll make sure you get all the details. Not only in the new and improved recipes, but all the great things I’ll be making available. Keep us posted. I know you and your little boy are going to be very happy. He’s lucky to have such a great, caring Mom!
xox Andi
Thanks Andi!
I did take a peek at the link…and CANNOT wait to be able to read new book and get my hands on your new products! Through you, I’m learning a more natural and healthy way of taking care of my babies….and I appreciate all you do. I can honestly say…I will never buy another bag of pet food or treats….unless from you. I look forward to your exciting news and will be keeping a close eye on products. I just can’t wait! 🙂 🙂 Cathy
YAY for healthy pets everywhere! xoxo
Hi
I’ve just made my first batch of stew. Can you tell me what is the right consistency. Mine is more like a thick soup and that is minus more than half the water which I removed before blending. If I left the water in, it would be a very thin soup. I was making a larger pot as I have 2 dogs and had 3x the ingredients, should I use less water?
Both my dogs ate it happily I’m just a bit worried about the end results! I’m going to add a chicken and more veg to the left over stock and make another batch.
Thanks
Helen
:-}
Hi Helen, WONDERFUL to hear you’re making your sweet babies their food! The stew should have a nice thick consistency for dogs, and remember that the healthiest part of the stew remains in the incredible broth.. (so never discard it!).. My homemade stews always turn out a little defferent, depending on the season for vegetables and where I’m getting my meats. Those ingredients always have varying moisture consistency. The main thing is that you’re giving your dogs fabulous food and that they love it! My new book, which comes out in a few weeks has a different stew formula, to ensure that the dogs get a bit thicker meal. You’re doing just fine… and very ingenious to create another batch with the leftover broth! BRAVO! Keep us all posted on their glowing great health! xox Andi
Hi Andi!
In this message, you said, “My new book, which comes out in a few weeks…” Did we miss your new book release??? We’re still cooking the “same old (wonderful) stew”.
My girls and boys want the new stuff! Much love, ALL of us
Hi Amee, So glad that you’re all enjoying the stew! My newest version of my book came out last March (2012). It has some new and updated recipes and information. you can get it on Amazon if you want to! xox Andi
I’m making my first batch of stew, added saved chicken bones and vinegar, ground turkey and chicken breast, am baking a sweet potato to add, along with frozen veggies. My question is about the grains, I realized that I don’t have any barley on hand but have a ton of lentils (husband hates lentils so I don’t use them for us). I am wondering if these would be okay to add for the dog (gonna save half for kitties) and in what proportion. I also have oats I will use as well. I do have a bag of mixed grains available too.
Hi Tracey,
So glad you’re making my stew. How lucky your sweet ones are! I wouldn’t use lentils. Beans, legumes are difficult to digest. I would only consider substituting millet for the barley if you can’t find it, but it’s pretty available at the grocery store. Mixed grains are not a great choice. We don’t want to overuse grains in the diet. We want to stay pretty consistent with meats and veggies being about 50/40 or even 50/50 but if you’re adding HEALTHY grains.. please use no more than 10%. NO GRAINS for the cats. It leads to kidney problems and urinary tract problems. So.. if you stick to the 50/50 meat to veggie ratio.. all the pets can eat is. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter if you haven’t already. Lots of important information there and also please refer to my book, as it contains really important information as to what you should add or stay away from and how to make the WHOLE PET DIET really create glowing gorgeous great health! xoxox Keep us posted! Andi
Thank you for your quick response. I plan on getting the book asap, money is REALLY tight right now…. hence the secondary factor for wanting to make my own food (health being first). I did subscribe to the newsletter. :o) I think I will skip the grains altogether for now, just stick with meat and veggies.
My 11/2 year old black and white boxer .His name is Oakley is licking all his paws. I’m thinking he’s allergic to something from his diet, because he’s been licking ,chewing yr. round. I have been feeding him Canidae dry dog food. What would be your sugestion. Your recipe sound good.
Hi, Glad you wrote me.. Oakley is displaying symptoms that are quite common of feeding typical dry dog food.. I KNOW, without a doubt that by feeding him my recipe for a wonderful stew that you’ll change him VERY quickly.. I do recommend addinng the oils for a beautiful coat as well. I do hope that you’ll also get a copy of my book, because it really helps people to understand how to care for their dogs in so many other important ways. I DON’T EVER RECOMMEND A DRY FOOD. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter.. I have fabulous information to share. https://www.thewholepetdiet.com/newsletter/ Keep us all posted on Oakley’s progess.. xoxx Andi
Potential time saver for those of us serving over 15 cups a day – I put the chicken in a slower cooker over night with the garlic and rosemary and 4 or so cups of water, and then put the veggies and grains in the pot to cook for about 45 minutes (recommended time for the barley to cook if using for the dogs). An immersion blender right in the pot does all the veggies and usually the chicken can stirred in the pot once it has been deboned. Breaks apart easily and I use a big ladle to mixed everything.
Hi,Andi.
I’m needing your advice really bad. I wrote you about starting my 9 y/o chihuahua on your EFA’s.
Well…before I could start he developed a rash pretty much all over and has pink paws,belly and ears…and is very itchy.
Took to vet and he gave Genone..that is not helping.
I have just taken him off Taste Of The Wild dry food…and now only giving cooked foods….which he’s always had cooked and dry dog food.
I don’t know if he is detoxing or has a food allergy. Questions like this…sometimes goes over his vets head.
What would you suggest? An elimination diet…or start the EFA’s?
He’s always had dry itchy skin…and same vet for 9 yrs…seems to not be worried. But I am! I’m using some of your recipes…and I did add the dried rosemary …which is the only ingredient he’s never had….but it’s in his salmon oil. I don’t know what to do…and if I take him back to vet…he will want to give steroid shots or prednesone again. I don’t want chemmicals in him anymore…and I’m learning better pet care now.
Any advice you can give me will be much appreciated. Still waiting on your new book…and new products! 🙂
Sweet Cathy,
We need to start at the beginning as it’s shown in week one of The Whole Pet Diet Book.. The EFA’s ARE SO IMPORTANT to help the body to eliminate all the muck tha’s been clogging up his system.. That is the best way to start. The dry, itchy skin is a clear indication that he’s not getting enough quality oils in the body.. It should help enormously and very soon, you’ll see a turn around. Now.. let’s get rid of the commercial dry food also.. NO MORE dry food for your little guy. Only your new, healthy stew should be fed. (Don’t try the other recipes quite yet. Let his body adjust to the stew and the oils. Hang in there. No need for steroid shots or prednisone. Don’t go there. You don’t have to. It’s all about the food and his ability to utilize, assimilate and eliminate it. I JUST KNOW he’s going to get better VERY QUICKLY! New products are about three weeks away. (I’m so excited.. I could burst!) New book is coming too. YAY FOR ALL OF US! Keep us posted on your progress. Just follow my book now and your tiny one should be just fine. xoxoxox
Thank- you Andi!
I’ve fed Bubba homecooked foods before…veggies,friuts,yogurt,pumpkin…lots of healthy foods. My mistake was feeding the dry dog foods.
I did take him off that a few days ago…and will never feed it to him again.
I’m going tmrw for the EFA’s and everything for the stew.
I know you said to give the EFA’s a week before the stew…but since I’ve fed home cooked before…I thought Bubba was used to eating cooked foods.
I will do EXACTLY as you say with this. Bubba means the world to me…and I trust what you say.
I will update you in a few weeks. I can’t thank you enough for your KINDNESS!
Ps. Oils are mixed and stew is simmering… 🙂
YOU ROCK! xox
Hello I have a 12 year old Pug(FROG-my heart and soul) with a heart condition and have started cooking low to no sodium(vet recommend) meals for him, but I am looking for some new recipes. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you for your time
Hi Kerri,
Glad to know you’re staying away from hi salt diets. This should always include commercial pet treats, because there’s generally salt and sugars lurking in most pet products. All of my recipes in my book are healthy enough for FROG and I think you’re terrific for taking his healthy into your own hands. I like your Vet ALSO! Keep us posted. FROG is one lucky pug! xoxo Andi (don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter also… lots of VERY important things are coming this month!) xox Andi
Thank you so much Ms Andi. FROG is my whole world even though I have other pets he is very special to me. Have a blessed day.
I UNDERSTAND exactly what you mean! xoxoxo
Hi Andi,
My 3 yrs old chow mix, Polly, has having off and on issue with “excessively scooting”. Our vet recommended adding pumpkin and Metamucil to her diet in addition to bring her to the vet every 3 months for check-up.
We have been following her tips for the past 6 months. But she doesn’t seems to improve much for the first time we learn of her scooting issues from the vet ( fairly new parents).
Her current diet is not home made and I am just starting to do research on making homemade meal. I stumbled upon your name and this website from one of the reviewers from allrecipes.com.
Does your book provided recipes/ information addressing dogs with chronic anal gland issues? Thank you for your answers and your dedication of answering comments/questions throughout your websites.
Kind Regards,
Farrah
Hi Farrah,
Glad that you wrote. I’m assuming that your vet checked for worms as a cause of the “scooting” problem? Pumpkin is great to help digestion and rid the body of parasites, but the metamucil part confuses me. I know that soooooo many people have had incredible results with my book and the anal gland issue would be resolved with two practices. First.. making the food.. (there’s nothing better to feed your sweet Polly) – for the moment… And PLEASE sign up for my newsletter.. I have very exciting announcements to share in the next few weeks. AND using and making the Vita Mineral Mix will definitely help the anal glands. Recipes are in my book and it’s easy to follow and people adore what it does for the pets. Your baby is young and it should be easy to make her vital and scoot free quickly! Keep US posted! xox Andi
Thanks Andi for your reply 🙂 My vet surprisingly did not check for worms but checked her anal glands. It appears that Polly has an impacted anal gland and need to be expressed every couple of months (approximately every 3 months) . As a result, the vet recommended pumpkin and Metamucil to help with bulking her stool.
Polly’s scooting condition did not seems to improve and I think it is time for a change in her diet. I am looking forward to reading your book especially the Vita Mineral Mix!! Kind Regards!
Hi Farrah, Almost EVERY symptom can be traced back to diet. I am POSITIVE that you and your sweet one will be delighted with the results of the food and the vitamins. I’ve had great success with pets of every kind with this.. Keep us all posted! xoxo
I wanted to comment on the “pain” it is to debone a chicken and what to do.
For nearly three years I’ve been using frozen chicken thighs as I can get them relatively inexpensive at Costco. Whole chickens cost anywhere from $1.59 – $2.29 a pound where I live whereas the thighs are $0.99 a pound.
This works for me because the bones are added in to let their nutrients into the stock and the thighs are easy to debone, grab and end and yank – lol!
I buy organ meats separately, most grocery sell gizzards and livers. (I know, the kidneys aren’t in there.) If you catch it on the right day you may be able to convince the “butcher” to mark them down if they’re at their expiry date, I got several liver containers for $0.45 each instead of near $2. I portion them if necessary and freeze them straight away.
I do also use white meat as I’ve one cat out of several who has flat refused to eat the stew, so I grind her up some breast meat, add the minerals, vit-c and oil and then add the remainder into the stew for the others.
I want to thank you for your recipes and commitment to companion animal health and vitality. You have saved my pets from numerous conditions caused by commercial foods, and me the heartache of seeing them in trouble. 🙂
Hi Namma,
What a well organized and dedicated Mom you are to your kitties. You’ve got a great “grasp” on the whole routine and I must applaud your wonderful work! It’s alwasy a joy to hear how people love the results they get from my plan and I know you’re got the luckiest cats on the planet! Keep up the great work. You are indeed correct about the importance of the bones which contain the calcium and other important nutrients that seep into the wonderful broth. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter, if you haven’t already. I have wonderful news coming this month! Big hugs to you and your purrrrrrr balls! xoxox Andi
Hi Andi,
Thanks so much for the wonderful book! Week 1 with the EFAs has done wonders for my cavalier puppy and senior kitty!
I’m just starting week 2 today and I have a few questions:
1) The chicken stew recipe mentions an addition of 8oz barley and 6oz oatmeal for dogs. Do you mean fluid ounces or weight? The main recipe is measured by fluid ounces (cups, spoons, etc) – so i assumed you meant 1 cup (8oz) and 3/4 cup (6oz)? Or do you intend the barley and oatmeal to be weighed out – in which case, there’s much more oatmeal (since it weighs so little)?
2) Do you have any recipe advice for those of us with both dogs and cats? I just made one batch of stew and boiled the grains separately. Then pureed and divided the stew, saving 1/3 for my cat and 2/3 for the dog. Then added the grains to my dogs portion. Do you suggest a different method?
3) Also, I don’t want to screw up the ratio (since i’m dividing the recipe. You mentioned 60/40 (meat/veg) for cats. What should the meat/veg/grain ratio be for dogs?
Thanks again! I’m looking forward to your new book and the exciting stuff you mentioned in the coming weeks!
Grace
Hi Grace, Thanks so much for your kind words! Gotta love those oils! OK… Weight on the oats and barley. Cups on the water for the stew.. although some people find the stew a bit too brothy. In the second edition of my book, I’ve increased the meat a little.. and decreased the water. You want the water to basically COVER all the ingredients. Sometimes when people use FROZEN veggies.. the water comes out of the veggies and makes it much more liquidy… You almost have to play around with it. Don’t worry.. It’s all good, no matter whether it’s on the drier side or the brothy side. I never recommend grains for cats because it causes urinary tract and kidney issues. So, that being said.. you may want to make them separate. The best way to make the stew is to include ALL the ingredients to cook together to retain the nutrients synergistically. Your dogs can certainly eat the cat food though! Ratio for dogs is about 50/50 on meat to veggies and the grains.. about 5-10 percent depending on their health.. (I know that adds up to 110, but I’m finding that the dogs do even better with more meat. So.. 60/45/5???? You’ll get the hang of it.. Keep us posted on what will soon be glowing great health for all your kids.. You’re a great MOM! oxoxox
Hello there! We have just recently received the bad news that our 81/2 yr old boxer has a tumor on his brain stem and possibly one starting I the frontal lobe. This has been quite the kick tot the gut, as he is our kid!!
He is doing really well on the prednisone, but I’m researching other hollistic things I can do to make his unknown time here with us the very best possible. I completely agree with the home cooked meals, and really wish I would have started earlier. Any other suggestions you have are greatly appreciated!!
One question…in reading through the responses/comments, I see that you have a new book out or coming out. I went on Amazon and can only
find the 2006 version. Is the new one out and available?? I’m ready to buy, but want to get the latest version!!
Thanks so much,
Laurie & Gunner
Hi Laurie,
So glad you wrote me, and so sorry to know about your Boxer’s condition. The “new” book is filtering through the system and it’s hard to know who has the older version or the newest one. In either case.. the protocol for my eight week plan is the same… basically. No matter which book you get, it will be VERY helpful for you to begin the plan immediately. It’s never too late to eat better.. even if it just makes your sweet one just feel better and happier. I have seen miracles take place when people feed their pets real, wholesome natural food (as opposed to ANYTHING that is currently out on the market in cans). Please do get my book, and if you wind up with the old one.. I’ll make sure you personally get the updated information to help you along. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter here and do keep us all posted.. I want to wish you and Gunner great health… xox Andi
Hi Andi,
I am going to buy your book and learn all the details of the Whole Pet Diet, but in the meantime, are your recipes suited to feed to a 2 month old puppy who has only eaten kibble? Will she get all the minerals and vitamins she requires from your recipes or must I supplement for this to aid in her growing?
Hi Jenny,
Start your pup off right with a wholesome, healthy, homemade diet and you’ll never have to see the vet! I don’t ever recommend kibble because no matter who is making it… it’s not what you believe it to be. Kind of like vitaminized cardboard! So.. get the book and get on the plan and keep us all in the loop as your pup blossoms into a magnificently healthy pooch! xoxox
Hi Andi!
I just purchased your book and I can not wait to read it! I have two chihuahua’s that itch and bite their feet constantly. I am very excited to try your recipes! I am very hopeful that this new diet will help them feel better.
I also have two indoor cats that were recently put on a diet by their vet because they are overweight. I feed them indoor dry cat food currently. I am wondering if your recipes have anything in them to help indoor cats process hair balls. Thanks, Audra
Hi Audra,
SO GLAD you got my book and I have NO DOUBT that the itching and biting of the feet are about to be a thing of the past.. You wouldn’t believe how many dogs do that, and it’s just because their food is the problem. Commercial pet foods are generally problematic and almost never produce great health! You’ll be amazed at how well they do on my plan:) Now, as far as the cats go… I NEVER recommend DRY FOOD.. especially for cats.. Your cats on my plan will slim down beautifully and be healthier, and since they won’t be shedding much, they won’t be injesting hair and there will be no more hair balls! Boy are your kids lucky to have you as a MOM! Start the plan, put your paw down and keep us all posted.. (And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter too!) xoxo Andi
Thank you for the lovely review of my book.. You’re an angel to have posted it! And I’m sharing a link with others here! https://plazapooches.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/homemade-food-for-your-dog-or-cat/#comment-49
Hey Andi…So I have been on week 1 for almost 2 weeks but since I have finally read your book I think I am ready to start the stew this weekend for my dogs. I know you mentioned your “new” book with the revised/new recipes and I don’t think I received that revised book even though I bought it new on Amazon. Any advice or changes I need to be concerned with?
Also, I had a few questions:
With stew being liquid, are my dogs going to have a soft stool?
How do I adjust the recipe with different size chickens/?
Lastly, I know you don’t agree with this but I’m set on feeding the stew with their dry food for the first week…should I decrease their serving size of the stew?
Thanks for your time!
Marie
Hi! We were adopted a few years ago by an Amsh puppy mill runaway – Chloee. She is a silky terrier w multiple liver shunts, double vena canna heart problem & missing an eye. She’s a perfect dog 🙂 We have been making the stew for over 2 years now & she has been doing well. The past month she developed a deep infection in her paw that nothing worked on. I hated to see her go on antibiotics 🙁 Now 1 wk after the antibiotic she won’t touch her stew. She turns her nose to almost everything! I made salads fr us last night & sarcastically arranged a small salad of fine torn field greens, celery, carrots, little cheese & chicken & little honey. She chowed it down like it was her last meal. She was still hungry so I made another little salad – wouldn’t even look at it. I swear I tried about 16 more things (pumpkin, cottage cheese, cherries, yogurt, chicken liver, yada yada yada) until I cooked some cod – eureka! Now today I have no idea what to try – I know if we go back to the vet they will says let’s try some drugs 🙁
Any ideas?
Jan
Hi Jan, You’re an angel for helping your sweet Chloee. Sometimes when an animal is under the weather, they automatically go into brief fasts which help their bodies to recover by not over-taxing the system to digest food. My suggestion is to offer just the stew broth for a few days to help her body to heal. Perhaps some vitamin c (as a natural antibiotic) would also be beneficial. Don’t try to force feed. Try to relax. A little natural soy sauce or Braggs Amino Acids (from the health food store) added to the broth might make it more salty for her too. Keep us all posted on your progress. You’re truly a great Mom! xox Andi
Hey Andi…This is a re post of my message I sent July 13. I noticed you replied to an email dated after me so I thought I would give it another try.
Any help would be appreciated…I’m trying to make the change but stuck on a few things:
So I have been on week 1 for almost 2 weeks but since I have finally read your book I think I am ready to start the stew this weekend for my dogs. I know you mentioned your “new” book with the revised/new recipes and I don’t think I received that revised book even though I bought it new on Amazon. Any advice or changes I need to be concerned with?
Also, I had a few questions:
With stew being liquid, are my dogs going to have a soft stool?
How do I adjust the recipe with different size chickens/?
Lastly, I know you don’t agree with this but I’m set on feeding the stew with their dry food for the first week…should I decrease their serving size of the stew?
Thanks for your time!
Marie
I bought your book Andi and received the “old” version. Would you be able to update me on the new information? Until then, do I follow the stew recipe from the old version of book or on the website? I would like to get my dogs (4 of my own and 2 fosters!) on this recipe asap. Thanks again for your time.
I fully agree with home-cooked diet for pets. However, my dilemma is that my dogs’ now have a red gumline (perhaps the start of gingivitis?) and some of their teeth are turning brown due to the soft diet. How do i overcome this?
Hi, I have always maintained that in order to have great health, one must create balance. I am a big proponent of using raw soup/knuckle bones for dogs to enjoy and to hav a healthy mouth. The saliva and the gnawing action will create friction which will help to keep teeth and gums strong and clean. Dry food does NOT help to keep teeth healthy. On the contrary, it would be like eating a handful of pretzels and hoping that you wouldn’t need to brush your teeth. Vitamin C is also very important for mouth health. But here is a link to one of my earlier blogs on teeth. Thanks for writing and posing the question. xox https://www.thewholepetdiet.com/2011/07/07/raw-soup-bones-help-keep-teeth-gums-healthy/
i have a wonderful fur baby that i adopted frm a no kill shelter. my little girl hayley is a very tiny deer head chihuahua that was so very badly abused before she became my little girl. to the point that U.T. could not do surgery on her spine due to the fact would leave her unable to move and would have to be… i can’t to this day say what would be done. i home cooked for my beloved macey who was born in 1979 on christmas day we bought her home at 5 weeks in 1980 when i found the spot stew i used that along with home made as before macey passed away in her sleep in 2005 a long live. so that is how i fed my hayley as i knew it would give her a long life of being the healthiest little girl she could be. i got hayley when she was only 7 months old and on her yearly shots… hayley almost died with a reaction from the shots… then day’s latter she was not her self i took her right away w/ gums white. i was told she had IMHA triggered by the rabie shot. i did use the meds from the vet predisone,azathioprine, and many other very serious medications but even on my 3 visits a day after hayley blood transfusion i brought her home made meals. hayley was slow but steady now from a pcv of only 8% she is at a healthy 49.4 % on her hct without any liver damage or kidney damage and she is not on any medication’s. i owe it to the book BY ANDI BROWN: i still have my hayley… even healthy well cared for pets can and do get IMHA but by making them healthy they have a better chance to fight off any disease thrown their way.and believe me when i say this is one no vet wants to come across. with dr. jean dodds help who is the very best vet ever when it comes to IMHA i have my sweet little 2 lb. 8 year old fur baby and by following andi brown’s book i have her all the way with health again. i do use a dehydrator to make from fruits to meat treatsin my dehydrator. couldn’t do without it.and yes… hayley has medical exemption hayley will never ever have another shot of any kind.also dr. jean dodds and dr.ronald schultz are bothe working together to make rabies shots at least 5 years apart…. for all pets to be safe from this awful disease and any bad reactions that leave many things wrong with our wonderful fur children… you can stop the reaction most of the time but not the damage done.you can look up what IMHA is very bad and some fur children get this and the vet can never find a reason.good food and all balanced matters so very much…. not just for us but our sweet fur baby.i hope this may help. if you see pale to white gums no time to waste get to the vet… it could safe a wondefful fur child’s life.and always keep using your book daily as i have many years it did save my hayleys little life… i believe this with all my heart.
Oh Diana, You have touched my heart so deeply today! I’m so honored to have been a part of your two babies lives. Food is the foundation of life and it can support the body recover through all of its stresses, diseases and problems. You are such a wise Mom and I applaud you for taking the health of the ones you love into your own hands. It was a very brave thing to do, especially that many years ago! Bravo! If I may be of any service, of course – never hesitate to ask. i hope that you’ll try my newest food – Doc’s Stew. It is by far, the very best food I have ever made and i can’t wait to hear all the great feedback from you. Sending BIG HUGS to both you and little Hayley! xoxo Andi
Hi Andi,
Have you ever known a dog to have severe allergic reaction to extra virgin olive oil? I’ve had Simba, my rotweiler/lab off of kibble for over a month. I’ve been experimenting on my own with different combinations of food. I didn’t have all the ingredients for your oil blend, so in the meantime I have been giving her a tablespoon of the olive oil in her home made food until the rest of the oils come in (the wheat germ oil is out of stock). I am actually making your chicken stew recipe this evening, but because of the severe rash all over Simba’s underside I will be leaving out the grains. I will start her on your stew recipe tomorrow, but since I’ve been giving her the olive oil her rash seems worse. Maybe it is just a coincidence and I’m missing some other factor. Possible a shampoo at the groomers, though it’s been a couple of weeks since she’s been there. She really has me worried. I appreciate any input you can give me. Diane
Hi Diane,
Are you using extra virgin olive oil, I hope? There’s quality in everything. First of all – what a lucky dog you have that she’s getting my Chicken Stew tonight! YAY! This should definitely be the start of the beginning of wonderful health. Sometimes the addition of the new food or supplement can cause what’s called a “healing crisis”. Meaning the body begins to rid itself of toxins and “stuff” starts coming out through the skin. I think that my new Best In Coat food supplement is the very best answer to the EFA question, because it’s so complete. I’m certain that you’ll be seeing marked improvement with the new food in a few short days and when you don’t have time to cook the stew… you can fall back on my Doc’s Stew – and won’t that be a blessing! Please keep us posted on your success. Simba in on her way to well. xox Andi
I bought this book a few years back. In the past, I have fed this to one of my dogs that had IBD and to my 16 year old German shepherd when her kidneys and liver started to fail. I swear this soup helps. When I added grain, I used quinoa. Its one of the most nutritional grains out there. I don’t feed my pets grain anymore though.
Yesterday my dog was diagnosed with lymphoma. His neck is swollen and its difficult for him to swallow kibble, so we’ve been feeding him
Canned food. Carbs/starches/sugars are no-no’s, and the good quality canned dog foods are rather expensive for my shepherd mix to live on. The soup is a much better price, and I love that I can customize it, and that I know it’s fresh.
I’ve lost my book. 🙁 Are there any other recipes that are posted that you would recommend for his ailment? I was maybe thinking of the one with wheat germ and lecithin granules…? I remember making it in the past, but I can’t remember specifically what it was or was for.
Thank you!
Hi Desiree, I’m so happy to know that my recipe for Chicken Stew helped your sweet GSD so much. It is a very healing stew. I’m so sorry to know about your other dog. I would not ever recommend kibble or any dry food. As you’re aware.. I’m REALLY against it. There is nothing holistic about dry food. I’m sure that you’ve seen my Doc’s Stew which would be great for him to eat, but if you need to make the food for the economy, I absolutely understand. I would add the oils, (the essential fatty acids) found in my book, or your could buy my new Best In Coat (which contains all the important nutrients to help his immune system). In addition, I would also offer vitamin C. I would probably not opt for the wheat germ recipe (The vita mineral mix) as it has yeast in it and could cause other issues with his health at this time. Keep making my stew, use the oils and get the C. I sure hope he’s feeling better from the great food very soon. xox Andi
Can this recipe be fed to kittens approx 1.5 to 2 months old?
Absolutely! The sooner the better! Get cooking now! xoxo Andi
Hi Andi,
I have been involved with dogs all my life. I have been a breeder, professional trainer and an AKC handler. I hate the commercial pet food industry and the way it hurts animals.
About 7 years ago I thought my work with dogs had come to an end as I slowly started to lose the use of my legs. Then about 4 years ago our family was adopted by a wonderful Rottweiler. She belonged to a neighbor who ad been using her as a punching and kicking bag. When she was arrested for other things the dog literally ran into our apartment. She was 4 month old at the time and we have had her ever since. We have never once given her commercial food or treats. The first time I fell she literally picked me up and got me back on my feet. So I started training her as a my service dog.
This led us to rescuing Pit Bulls and training them for service work and then placing them with folks who need a service animal but can not afford an “officially” trained service dog. We unfortunately had to move and no longer rescue. But we were during that time adopted by 4 more dogs. So we now have Angel the Rottie, Bella an Am Staff, and 3 APBT Taz, Jewel, and Radar. Jewel and Radar we have had from birth and they have only been fed a 100% raw diet.
I got the older edition of your book from the library as I am always looking to learn. I have never heard a better argument then you make in your book on raw vs cooked. I have been trying to get the updated book but even ordering from Amazon I keep getting the 2006 edition (sent back 2 copies).
I am thinking of switching them from their raw diet to your chicken stew diet mainly for more consistent and balanced potions of food items. I do have a couple questions though.
1. Do you suggest to keep mixing the blended oil recipe in with the stew?
2. Do you have any tips on making a larger batch. Having 5 dogs, 4 in the 28-35 pound range and 1 that is 75-80 pounds, means I would be cooking the above every day except fasting day. Yes we do and have always fasted them once a week.
3. How do I get the must recent edition of your book?
Thanks for the great book and any advice you can offer us.
Jeff C
Hi Jeff, What a wonderful story of how you have been rescued by your rescues! Thank you for your kind words about my book and I look forward to hearing even more “success” stories from you. Even though you have the 2006 edition of my book, it may actually be the updated version. The back cover refers to my newest company “Holiday” and I appear lying down with Holiday and Lola (the white cat). The earlier edition shows me with dark hair and a close up with Bijoux, my striped tabby. The two books are very similar, but the newer edition has more updated recipes. I believe that the supplements/oil or otherwise should always be added in when you serve the meal. Never cook the supplements, or you basically make them useless. Larger batches.. Hmmmm.. for your dogs, you might need a full commercial kitchen. (They are larger and likely have nice appetites!). You can follow the recipe here on my website, which makes a larger batch than the original recipe in the first book. You will have to play with the formula to adjust for a larger pot, more water, more meat. Try to keep the proportions the same, meat and veggies and you can’t really go wrong. Fasting is great. Helps to clean them out. I believe that the most recent edition of my book is the one at Amazon. Don’t mistake the date as the previous version. The back cover will tell you which one it is. (Obviously, you can’t be sure if it’s a used copy, though).
I hope that you’ll keep us posted on your success. You wouldn’t believe how many people think that they’re doing the “right” thing for their pets with their food choices, but their pets are still chronically ill. You know you’re on the right track when you can say you have one yearly vet visit and that everything looks, feels and smells great about your dogs. Keep up all the great work, and you may want to try my Doc’s Stew to have something to fall back on when you don’t feel like cooking, or you are on the road. Wishing you and your family glowing, great health! xoxo Andi
Thanks for the reply, Andi.
The 2 books I got from Amazon were booth the older one with the dark haired picture of you. When I talked to the customer service rep about it they told me that when a new edition come out they still ship the old edition till it is out of stock unless the publisher “buys back” the old inventory. So I guess I will just keep trying till I get the new one.
I was wondering if you have the Whole Pet Portrait form somewhere here on the site. With my disabilities, copies of the one in the book are hard to use. An 8.5″x11″ one I could print out would be so much easier for me.
Thanks and I will be sure to keep you updated. I am hoping to start them on the stew on Monday. I can’t make it till Saturday and they fast on Sunday.
Jeff C.
I’m 1/2 way through your wonderful book. While I know that sticking to your chicken stew would be the idea thing for any pet, I often foster animals for the local humane shelter and sometimes have anywhere from 3 to 20 “extra” mouths to feed while they are waiting to get well or for the kittens to get old enough to be put up for adoption, etc. My question for you would be are there any decently healthy fillers or additives to the stew that would make it go further. I am on a very limited budget and to be able to give these foster cats/kittens your healthy stew as it is, I’m having trouble affording it (as I make it for my own dog and cat also). Just wondering??
I wouldn’t change the stew for my own dog and cat, just for the temporary little guys I foster as some of them that come into the shelter are in quite an unhealthy state. I appreciate any advise you have to offer.
You’re an angel to be doing so many great things for the pets. Unfortunately, I don’t know any way to “stretch” the budget for a cat. For a dog, you could give them – what I call a “stew sandwich”… perhaps add a few slices of sprouted whole grain bread into their meals.. Several meals of stew a week is way better than none at all.. I hope this helps.. xoxo
I have a male cat prone to struvite crystals. He and his brother have been on the Hills Prescription Diet C/D with no reocurrance of the crystals in the past 18 months, but both cats will occasionally vomit large amounts of undigested food. Will your food recipe maintain the correct PH balance to prevent the crystals from forming? (only one cat gets the crystals but both cats eat the same food).
Hi, This recipe was specifically designed to help prevent crystals from forming. My male cat “Spot” had developed all kinds of reoccurring problems and was on the food that you are feeding. (Over 25 years ago). Once we began to cook this wonderful stew, all of his health problems went away and he no longer shed, had digestive disorders, fleas, skin problems, dandruff, litter box issues and he grew into the healthiest cat you could ever imagine! Need I say more? xox
Any reason for not having a kindle version of your book? Just curious.
Hi Dee, I will take that up with my publisher. Random House calls the shots and the book is a few years old. Hope you don’t mind reading the old fashioned way! Thanks for your question! xoxo
Hi Andi,
I started making your stew for my one year old allergy ridden English setter. He absolutely LOVES the new diet, and his skin issues have continued to clear up. The one issue we are seeing is that he’s started to lose weight (eating 5 cups/day), and he doesn’t have weight he needs to lose – he’s an active little guy. How much food should I be feeding my little guy? Also, where could I find the calorie content for this recipe?
Thank you – and your book is wonderful!
Sarah
Hi Sarah, I’m so glad you’ve embarked on a healthier journey or your boy! You are probably not feeding him enough food for his activity level. Add some more and keep notes on his weight from week to week. You and he will figure out how to balance the diet. The stew contains about 30 calories per ounce. (More or less depending on which version you use).. Keep up the great work! xoxo
Hi! I just ordered your book and waiting for it to arrive in the mail one of these days. I went online and looked up your Chicken stew recipe for cats and went ahead and bought the ingredients today. The only thing I’m missing is the organic grassfed whole chicken/turkey. It may be a stupid question, but I was under the impression that “whole chicken” meant a whole chicken with the organs and gizzards/live/heart in tact in the chicken. When I went to the organic meat market, they said they dont sell nor order chickens or turkeys like that. they sell the insides and outsides separately. Could you clarify what kind of whole chicken to buy? a whole 5pound chicken that’s hollow inside? and then buy the liver/organs separately?
Sorry for the confusion,
Thank you!! 🙂
Hi Jeannie, The Whole Chicken or Turkey should contain all the organs as well. I’m not sure why the store you went to sells them separately, but you can purchase them and add them all into the stew. The main thing is that you get all the nutrients from all of the poultry parts and I’m certain that you will adore what the stew will do for the ones you love. Keep us posted on your progress. You’re a very good Mom! xox
Thank you for the really quick and encouraging reply! The chicken stew is simmering now. My cat is a 6 month old who just started going through her first heat. The organic 5 pound chicken I got is a trader Joe’s brand. Inside the chicken was a pouch that held the giblets, looked to be the liver, chicken neck and some other thing.. I’m a little nervous at how much fat might be in the soup due to the skin still on the 5 pound chicken. would all the fat be normal for a cat to eat? Thank you and happy holidays!!
It’s all fine. fat is very healthy and important for your cat. Don’t forget to get her fixed! xoxox
Andi,
I want to begin the stew but my dog Jake is allergic to both Chicken, Turkey and Duck- testing done by Glacier Peak. Is it suitable to substitute Beef, pork or deer? These are meats he’s not sensitive to.
I appreciate your guidance. Thanks.
Hi Jessic, Yes, you can use beef (not pork) but I have found that typically the allergy testing is not always accurate and that the “quality” of the ingredients are what’s important. Sometimes people test for allergies, but they are testing commercial pet foods, which contain the lowest quality ingredients. I bet Jake would do beautifully with turkey, but you can use beef. Please make sure that you follow the guidelines of my book to get the best results. xox keep us posted, please!
I’ve been making the stew for a few weeks now. My dog is allergic to several things, one being sweet potato. Is there a good suitable replacement for this? I’m currently just leaving it out of the recipe.
Hi Jayna, you can try using some pumpkin in place of the sweet potato, but if your dog has been tested for allergies and they came up with sweet potato and you had been using a commercial food.. I would think that he is not necessarily allergic to sweet potato, but to the commercial food that contained it. Food for thought.. xoxo
Hi Andi, thanks for your additional input on this website. I’m switching to turkey so I have to double the recipe. How long should the cooking time be for a 10-13 lb turkey?
Cook all the ingredients together till the carrots are soft! xoxo
Hi Andi. I am searching for recipes for my dog who has numerous food allergies as well as chronic pancreatitis. This recipe looks like it will work as long as I leave out the peas and the kelp. I am concerned about the fat content though. Could that problem be solved if I take the skin off of the chicken before I cook it and eliminate the organs? Thanks for your help with this.
Carla, I’m so glad you wrote me, but PLEASE buy my book! It will help to explain the myth about allergies and how to turn your sweet one’s health around in a very short time. No need to take the skin off Just keep all the parts of the recipe in balance and step back and watch the magic! xoxo
Have you had any feedback from readers/dog owners of pets with chronic diarrhea. I’m wondering if the recipe has too many veggies or not enough fiber from grains for my dog. She is a rescue that also suffers from seizures .Her stools have always been soft on the “stew” .I think I was over feeding her.She developed diarrhea and needed an antibiotic and low fat gastro formula can food from the vet. Now stabilized, I worry that she may be allergic or sensitive to chicken. .? Any experience with colitis ?
Thanks
In order to help you – I need more information about what she’s eating. Poor quality food with chemicals can trigger seizures. Stool problems generally mean an imbalance in the food. Colitis is a problem that is created by food that the body is having difficulty absorbing and utilizing. Please look at the canned food that you’re using and rethink it.. Perhaps you should get my book for a lot of great info to help you work through it. xoxo
Thank you for your reply.I adopted her from rescue.they were feeding Purina One which I couldn’t bring myself to buy. I bought Halo dry food and topped it with the Halo canned. Then I saw your name on the “Dog Liberator” website,unaware that you were the founder of The original Halo.
I started topping her dry food with your stew .Her stools always soft. I didn’t have all the vitamins,supplements bought so I continued this way.
She was having a seizure a week. We were in Canada at this time. I ran out of Halo and couldn’t find a replacement so bought , Natural Balance Bison ,having been told by the staff that it eliminated her Doug’s seizures. This gave her colitis. Diarrhea stopped with antibiotics but to return when meds stopped. In between time,we started on thyroid meds for hypothyroid,this being suggested as a reason for seizures and I supplemented her with probiotics and enzymes. Now on a new antibiotic ,she is much better ,still on the low fat can “prescription diet” antibiotic is now finished since two weeks ,no seizures x2 weeks.But when I introduce her to a new food,she gets very loose stools. I am going slow on introducing new foods but still a problem. The vet thinks “allergy” this is why I am wary of chicken . She had been on a lamb& rice kibble in rescue. With no colitis. Sorry for this length, she is complicated.
I have read your book and I agree with feeding Real food but how do I get her bowels to accept it. She loves your recipe,by the way.
WOW! I just saw your post! OK… here is my take on all of this… (You might want to actually call me also).. but I’m going to recommend that you either totally cook for your dog – my stew recipe or USE MY CAT FOOD IN A CAN! tHE CAT food is easier to digest and it’s so incredibly pure that I believe you will see all the problems disappear. So much of our pet’s problems are due to the indigestible foods that they’re being given and the seizures are a sure sign that there’s chemicals lurking in them too. She should have beautiful, healthy stools and no colitis. I would definitely encourage you to give me a jingle so we can chat. You can find the number on the website.. PLEASE try the Doc’s Stew for cats.. I’m very certain that you and your dog will adore it. xoxoxo Keep us posted. PLEASE
I made your Spot’s Stew recipe for my cat from an older version of your book and now I see on the website you have changed it. I am concerned about the amount of garlic listed here and what was in the old recipe was a lot higher. The is a lot of chatter on the internet about garlic so should I throw out the old recipe and remake the recipe I see above? I am already doing the week of EFA’s.
Thanks in advance! Your book is wonderful and your recipes helped my dog live 2 high quality years after being diagnosed with cancer and given 1-3 months to live.
Hi Candace, I’m so thrilled that your babies have done so beautifully with the stew recipes.. Thank you for your kind words. No worries about the garlic.. I really love garlic and give it to Holiday on a regular basis during flea season. However, since there is so much “chatter” about garlic… I did take down the amount so that people would feel more comfortable with it. It’s really up to you if you want to use it. Most holistic vets I know recommend using garlic and love it. Too much of a good thing can be no good, though and so a moderate amount is what I will now strive for. No need to throw away your great food. Look at how well it worked for your dog in the past! Keep up the great work.. We all learn and modify our beliefs.. me too! xoxoxoxo
Thanks so much Andi. I plan on calling you .Ahead of this ,I will try to set down the events chronologically .
1) adopted knowing she had seizures and was on meds
2) bought Halo and made your recipe to top it. Stools soft but no diarrhea
3) had seizures about one a week.
4) switched to Bison,no grain,when Halo ran out
5) 3 days later ,diarrhea started
6) Vet gave antibiotic, diarrhea stopped until meds ran out. At same time was put on low fat vet prescription can food
7)diarrhea continues for 5 days,another vet visit ,different vet gives Tylan ,another antibiotic . This one works
8 ) a while later, I slowly introduce another no grain lamb & rice food, can & kibble .
9) ok for a few days but any increase of kibble and she has diarrhea again
10) back to low fat and is doing better
11) after almost 3 weeks without a seizure,she starts having cluster seizures 4 on 1 day . In this same week she had a tapeworm and was treated with for that and given flea preventative. I don’t want to give her anymore of that ,in case it triggered the seizures.
12) concern is more for quality of food. I have some of your stew made up ,kept in the freezer but when I give her some as a way to give her her seizure meds, the stools get runny.
Such a dilemma.
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, I think that your situation calls for a chat. Please feel free to contact me. There are things to talk through. (It’s difficult to write about any of it in this forum). Seizures can be triggered by poor quality food with chemicals hidden in them. Also the meds may be just too harsh for her immune system at the moment. More later.. xoxox
Hi Andi, I’ve been making your stew now and my kitty loves it. it looks so good.
I peel the squashes, carrots, and such, should I be leaving the skins on the vegetables on?
And for the EFA oil, I saw in Trader Joes, that they sell EFA oils in capsules. Would that be good for my cat?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Jeannie, Glad your kitty is doing so well.. You may leave the skin on the veggies… Just remember to clean them very well. My oil recipe is now available on the website here, and there’s nothing healthier for your sweet one. There are many oil capsules on the market…but none that I believe are as healthy as my very own “Best In Coat”. Keep up the great work! xoxo
HI Andi, I started my dog on the stew last night and she seemed to love it. She had a bout of diarrhea this morning. I was just curious if that was normal? Im assuming she has to get used to the new food? Please let me know. Thank you.
Caitlin
Hi Caitlin, Any time you switch a pet’s food, they could encounter a bit of loose stool. Sometimes it’s best to do a gradual introduction, but not to worry. The body will adjust. Congrats on having a new, healthier pup! xox
Thank you! She seems to be doing much better. She is loving her stew and I have been giving her some yogurt and pineapple which she has been loving as well. Cant wait to see her body gradually change. She is a 7 month old malshi that has had a lot of allergies since we got her. I have already noticed less sneezing and cant wait till she stops scratching all the time. She also has not thrown up once since I made the switch (this is huge) I really believe this diet is going to be the best thing for her. Thanks so much for all your knowledge. My happy family cant wait to get happier 🙂
I am comparing your old recipe to your new one at the beginning of this blog. I see you omitted the barley and cut back on the kelp. You also upped the meat portions. Does it matter if I continue to use the older recipe?
Hi Sandy, So many of my recipes have been tweaked and changed over the years. We try new things and learn more all the time. If my old recipe is working well for your sweet one, then it’s fine to use. Perhaps you may want to try the newer version and see if there are any beneficial changes to note? Keep up the great work. No doubt you’re a very good Mom! xoxo
There’s a new recipe out? 😀
I’ve been making the chicken stew recipe for about 3 months already. So far things are going well. I’ve experimented with the consistencies of making the stew completely pureed, or chunky.
I’m not sure what it is, but I was hoping if you had any advice on this. When I started making the stew in a chunky consistency, she’d have to chew a lot more of course, and I know that cat’s oftentimes don’t chew as much. I then noticed in her stools, I see a lot of carrots in it. Also, a month later, she threw up one early morning and it was bits of celery in liquid.
I think what that means is that I should stop making her stew chunky, and that she might not be digesting those properly.
I also have heard that cats may not do well on vegetables? :T sigh, I just don’t want her to be sick. I wish she could talk to me. I will be making a new batch of chicken stew and hopefully the more purreed style would be better.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice 🙂
Thank you Dr. Brown!
Hi Jeannie,
The animals need the vegetable matter to help process the protein through the kidneys. The reason for puree is so that they don’t have to struggle to break the matter down. YES PLEASE PUREE. You actually answered your own question on this one. I recommend about 70 meat to 30 veggies. Even 80/20 for a healthy cat. Keep up the great work!
xoxo
Hi Andi! It’s me again, your favorite pest! Have you ever wrapped your turkey/chicken in cheese cloth? I heard about this the other day on a radio cook show. They said it helps with keeping the bones out of the rest of the stew and does not effect the flavor. I wanted to run that by you since I value your opinion. Also, do you think it is ok to cut up the turkey before cooking? I really felt like the carrots got soft before the whole turkey was done. Thanks!
Hi Jayna.. You want the bones cooking with the rest of the stew. it’s where all the great minerals (calcium, etc.) come from. Yes, cut the turkey up before cooking if it helps you to make it easier. If the carrots got soft too quick, you may have the heat up too high? xoxo
Hello Andi Brown, thank you for such a lovely informative book. I took the advice about feeding an organic grass fed raw chicken neck for her teeth health to my 8 month old kitten for the first time 3 days ago. I noticed today that when she pooped, towards the end of one of the stools it was a distinct yellow color. the stool was firm and soft at the same time. long and segmented. I am now concerned for my kitty. She ate the whole chicken neck and left a tiny bit on the floor. I’m worried about what the yellow part of the stool means. I’m also worried if cooking all the vegetables and meat is depleting any of the nutrients in the stew? Thank you, Andi! Like anyone else I’m always overly worried about my cat’s health.
Hi Chelsea. Thanks for your kind words. I would not use the whole chicken neck.. but just a few vertabrae at one time. You probably just gave her a bit too much. Like anything else.. too much of “anything”.. can be.. too much:)!! Please cook all the ingredients in the stew together. They blend synergistically so that they give your baby everything she needs to stay healthy for another 30 years!!!:) (The oldest cats that I know of were 37 and 38 years old!).. TRUE! You’re a great Mom to go the full distance. Keep up the great work. xoxo
Hi! I just made my first batch of your stew for my dog, and she loves it! She gobbles it up and she has never gobbled up her food before.
I apparently made your old recipe from your older book, because I noticed this recipe is slightly different. I was wondering, why did you decrease the kelp powder by so much? And the chicken and vegetables increased? Is the new recipe a better formula for over all nutrition or is the old just as good?
Also, do you have a calorie count for each cup? My dog is 18lbs. and I am not sure how much to feed her 2 or 3 cups, since she gobbles it up so fast, I can’t tell if she is just hungry cause she has eaten so bad for the 18 months of her life or if she just loves the food that much? Should I aire on the 3cups feeding?
I’m so glad your sweet one loves the stew. Who wouldn’t?:) My recipes vary slightly over the years. Any of them are great, and all of them work well to ensure glowing health! You have to find/use the one that seems to suit your pets the best. Since the first edition of my book, I have learned much and I believe that the pets do better with more meat…
Please don’t concern yourself with the calories. You need to keep a progress report on how your dog is doing. Do you use the wonderful journal in my book? It is intended to keep you focussed and on track. Is she underweight or overweight? Is her body responding to the new food? (Of course she is). Some pets are couch potatoes and others run the marathon. Each pet is different. You need to be the judge of how much to feed. I will tell you that typically pets eat more in the winter than the summer, so there is no hard fast rule for quantity for any pet. USE YOUR SENSES! Keep up the great work. You’re a super-MOM! xoxox
::sigh::
We have had some WONDERFUL batches of stew over the past few months. We are so hyped for our dogs and their health. Like many, we try to learn new things each time we make it to make it easier and faster to complete this labour of love for our girls (BC and Staffie mixes) 😉
The past couple stews we switched to Turkey instead of chicken (in addition to the Wild Salmon) and have found it a little easier on the wallet and we really like how with our BIG SS pot (<$60 @Walmart) we can get a 20# Turkey in there! We also have an additional (smaller) SS pot with the same ingredients (although, this time, it didn't get the liver, but I knew would resolve that for their individual meals by mixing the two potted ingredients together). This really has kept us from cooking every weekend (which seems to take the whole day no matter what we do).
My question is: This morning, after toiling over stew all day yesterday (okay, it's not ALL DAY, but half of it 😉 I pull both pots of stew out of the fridge (they were too warm and I was too tired to blend it last night), the larger pot was still kind of warm and…bubbling!?? *I* think it smells bad 🙁 My partner doesn't think it smells bad, but… The smaller pot, which had bits of the same turkey in it, was cool, not bubbling and smells as it should—LIKE GOOD FOOD! So, I'm afraid (from my primitive Google research) That for some reason this time, the larger pot "fermented". I am not familiar with this happening and I can't find anywhere that says you can/cannot eat it? Curious as to anyones thoughts? Thank you!
DO NOT USE THE FOOD THAT IS BUBBLING. IT IS BAD AND CANNOT BE USED. You probably left it out for too long and it now could be deadly. Please throw it away and make sure that no other animals have access to it.
Thank you for the reply, Andi! We came to that same determination also and – QUICKLY- after I messaged you here. A REAL bummer, BUT, an important learning experience on safety for us! :-/ YIKES!!
We have developed a quick-cooling technique for that silly-huge pot now, and hopefully that will be our first and LAST spoiled batch! <3 Amee
What about calcium? What provides that?
The bones. the minerals in the bones! Some of the vegetables contain it as well!
But it says to de-bone the chicken so aren’t the bones taken out?
Hi Andi,
Thank you so much for this amazing advice! I am very excited to start feeding my three dogs and cat this diet. My 110lb Rottweiler is on a diet of Iams simple and natural and he needs to lose weight and get healthy, I know this is the right plan for him, so thank you. He has a hard time walking due to his weight and an ACL repair last summer. I will be ordering your book tomorrow. I did want to ask if there was any alternative to the wild salmon or if canned was ok…(funny but I am pregnant and the smell of fish makes me very ill) Thanks so much!
Aimee
Hi Aimee,
I think that wild salmon is probably the best, considering that “canned” anything typically contains added salt (which we really don’t want to add). But – canned salmon is better than none in this case. (Cats love it). Dogs don’t need, need it. My book will really take you through the proper steps to make great choices, so BRAVO to you for being such a great Mom. (To four and two legged kids). Keep us posted! xox
Thank you so much for your reply. I bought wild salmon for the first time ever (never bought fish!) and had to google how to debone a chicken…my dogs WAITED in the kitchen for this, apparently they knew it was for them. Neither one had eaten their dog food in two days and were eating grass but both gobbled this up so fast and are sleeping peacefully. I am very excited about the changes I know I am going to see very soon. Thanks again 🙂
I noticed that this recipe is different from the one in the book I have. I assume my book is out of date, and I will be using this recipe instead. I really like the information in your book about flea control, and shampoos. My dogs enjoy the play section. Thanks so much for everything.
Hi Diane,
There are many variations of the Stew Diet for your pets. I like this one on the website, because it contains more meat, including salmon and that is really beneficial for the dogs and cats! Thanks for your kind words. xoxo
Hi Andi
The recipe looks great but my dog has an allergy to root vegetables. I am looking into making my own dog food for her as I have not been able to find a commercial dog food that does not have some form of root vegetables in it. Any suggestions on how I can change the recipe but keep it as healthy as possible for her.
Thanks
Hi Nadia, While I’m not convinced that your dog has an “allergy” to anything but the poor quality ingredients in commercial pet foods… my suggestion would be to eliminate the root veggies in my recipe and replace them with more of the alkaline veggies such as green bans and zucchini. I’m POSITIVE that your dog will res;pond beautifully and please do keep us all posted! xoxo
Hi Andi- I have two questions for you. The first is where is the link on this recipe to the Chef’s Tips on freshly grated toppings? Also, my 5 year old English Bulldog has a lot of allergies and was not reacting well to commercial food with sweet potato in the past. I have read on some bulldog sites that some bulldogs have an intolerance to sweet potato. Should I omit this? I am going to try to see how she reacts to the food with sweet potato and I will keep you posted. Thanks for your help and wonderful site.
Hi Nicole, I really think that it’s a myth that Bulldogs are “allergic” to sweet potato, and that there are just SO MANY PROBLEMS with commercial pet foods that they try to pinpoint what’s wrong, but the whole concept is just about being sensitive to poor/low quality ingredients. Perhaps you should start your BD off on my recipe for cats for about two weeks. This recipe does not contain grains or starches of any kind and is easy for any “body” to assimilate it. You may then want to move to the chunkier/dog version and see how she reacts on this protocol. I took a look for the chef’s tips, and i believe that they are only in my book at the moment. As soon as I’m a bit more “free”, I’ll try to update my blog to include it. Thanks and please keep us all posted on your progress! xoxo
Hi,
I asked about calcium in this recipe as cats require calcium and you replied that the calcium is in the bones. But aren’t the bones taken out after it’s cooked?
When the bones are cooked in the stew… the calcium and other minerals are extracted and wind up in the healthy broth. Feed the broth and you’ll be feeding a wealth of nutrition! xox
Hi there Andi (and everyone)! I have only recently begun reading the Whole Pet Diet and giving my pup the chicken stew recipe. I must say I can already tell a difference! Rusty had terrible reflux and was not a “playful” dog. But since beginning the plan he has only had one bout of reflux, and seems to have a great deal more energy! I did have a few questions for you. In the book, the stew does not include salmon or additional liver, is this something I should begin incorporating? Also, are the oils for the coat and “daily greens” supplements something I should use every day from now on? The book may cover this later, but I have just gotten started! Thanks so much for all you do, I look forward to seeing more positive changes!
Bravo Amie for making the stew and taking Rusty’s health into your own hands. Step back and watch the wonderful changes continue to take place! My recipes have changed and evolved over the years and I do believe that for some pets… the addition of the salmon is a wonderful gift. It provides lots of healthy Omega Oils and the high quality protein helps to fuel every organ! As far as the vitamins… if you are feeding the stew every day, you may be able to hold back on them… but it is always according to what your individual pet needs. You assess the life/health – use the journal from my book and make changes as they transition throughout their lives. Keep us all posted on your success! xoxo
I made your chicken stew for the first time today for my two hairless Chinese Cresteds. They both loved it. My question on the recipe is do you also puree the chicken or just shred and add to the pureed ingredients? Also what portion size would you feed a 12 week old crested?
Hi Lori! Glad they loved the stew. I would puree it along with the veggies in the pot you make it in – right after you take out all the bones of course! Every pet is different depending on their age, activity level and the climate and their current health. you be the judge. Don’t mistake delish for hungry though, and it would be even better if you got a copy of my book so that you knew absolutely what to do for growing puppies. Happy New Year and keep up the great work! xoxo
Hi Andi. I plan to purchase your book tonight. I have a 14 year old miniature poodle that was just diagnosed with very high triglycerides. Will this stew and your other foods help to lower this? I’m extremely worried about my little guy. The vet recommended a prescription weight management food for him but I am hesitant. He’s at a healthy weight. I need a food that will make him healthy again. Also, he’s lost several of his teeth over the years so I need something that is easy for him to eat. Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi Alicia, Your sweet pup is very lucky to have you taking his food into your own hands. Not to worry… giving him the healthiest food in the world will help to bring him back into the good range. The stew is soft, so he’ll have an easy time to eat and guaranteed… he’ll love it too! Keep us all posted. xox
I live in a very rural area and organic vetetables are very hard to get, we garden in the summer so then I can use them. Would frozen be better than the very small selection we have in our grocery fresh vegetable section? Some of them look scary and no one knows where they come from. Occassionally they have something organic but the price is out of my reach. I do have butternut squash from the summer garden, could I substitute that for sweet potato? I do feed a organic dehydrated turkey mix now but I do like the idea of adding home made.
So glad I found your site and all the wonderful people who help with their questions. Thanks for you knowledge.
Hi Annette, thanks for your kind words. I think that frozen veggies would be just terrific! They usually have a good bit of moisture in them, after being frozen, – so you may want to decrease the amount of water that you add to the stew. Keep up the great work! xoxo
Kary just made some again. I am trying to send you pics and video but do not see a place ro so THAT
Dear Andi,
Teddy Bear, my 11+ year old Tibetan Terrier with a myriad of health issues, absolutely loves the stew! Is it possible to substitute pumpkin (canned) for the green zucchini and yellow squash? If so, how much pumpkin should I add.
Thank you,
Diane
Hi Diane, Glad Teddy is loving the stew. I don’t believe that you will get the same benefits of zucchini and squash with the pumpkin and too much pumpkin could be problematic. PLEASE stick to the stew program. It’s worked miracles with countless of thousands of pets. Adding pumpkin (a dollop) serves them well to help with parasites and some digestive issues but i would not use it instead of the other veggies. Also – getting a copy of my book would help a lot with Teddy’s great health! xoxox
Just curious…will this diet help with chronic UTI’s?
ABSOLUTELY! And NEVER use dry food (which causes chronic UTI’s)… grains, too!
xoxo
Do you leave the skin in the stew or take it out with the bones?
Remember that “wholistic” – is actually the “whole” concept. The skin is part of the chicken.. along with the organs. It all works together! xoxo
A few questions for you.
Do you have to puree the food? Or can you just leave it as it and let them eat the pieces of everything?
Can you use wild game? What can you use in place of Salmon?
What other vegetables can you sub in? Can you add leafy greens? What about tomatoes?
Also, what about fruit? Like blueberries or cranberries?
A few small bits every once in a while is ok. Fruits tend to cause fermentation and should generally be avoided. (small bits are ok, every here and there)
Rather than trying to change and make substitutions… why not follow the recipe and see for yourself how well it works. If I thought tomoatoes were good for them, I would make that a part of the recipe. Dogs and cats generally do best with poultry. Wild game is sometimes too rich and difficult to digest. Puree the food and please try and get a copy of my book. It explains so much.
Is there a website for cans of your chicken stew. I have been making your wonderful chicken stew for my coton de tulear for 9 months now but we are going on vacation on an airplane and can not bring the stew on board. She is 9.5 lbs and eat 1 cup a day. How much canned food would I need a day?
Hi Beth, I wish I could tell you that the canned food was available. We are not currently producing any, but will keep you posted as to when we begin again. Sorry. xoxo Andi
Hello Andi,
My family just got a puppy and I’m planning on buying your book ASAP. She is 4 months old and she is not excited at all about the packed Hills food I’m feeding her with. I plan on giving her nutritious recipes from your book. I have a question. Could I feed her Quinoa? My family eats a lot of Quinoa and I’m wondering if my puppy should have it too.
Hi there,
In small proportions… you can use quinoa. Most pets do best without ANY grains in the diet, but my stew allows for a small percentage of oats and barley. Quinoa could be substituted for the grains portions. Your puppy is lucky to have found you and PLEASE DO NOT FEED COMMERCIAL PET FOOD! xoxo
Hi,
I live in Peru and I can’t find the kelp powder here. Is there something else I can substitute for this?
thanks
See if you can find any seaweed products in Peru. If all else fails, you can add a pinch of sea salt to each dish upon serving. Kelp is not critical in the stew… just beneficial. Thanks for checking. xoxo Andi
Hi Andi
I would like to ask whether the chic vege stew is suitable for my cat who is having a very very serious fungus disease all over his body.
I hv juz stop vet’s treatment coz it seems to get worsen.
Pls advise.
Urgent help needed.
Tq.
Hi Tim,
The chicken/veggie stew is perfect for any cat having an immune system problem. I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment sooner. Please begin the plan as soon as possible. I’m absolutely certain that you will get incredible results that you will see very quickly. If you need any personal guidance, please feel free to e mail me andi@thewholepetdiet.com. Please toss all commercial foods and treats. It’s definitely time to take matters into your own hands. xox Andi
Hi Andi,
I just purchased your book and agree with you 100%. We are what we eat and so are our pets. My 3 year old tuxedo kitty has been on a homemade chicken, gizzard, heart, turkey diet with supplements from RXvitamins (feline essentials and minerals) because i didn’t include any bones in her food since 6 ms old. I also give her a 3oz can in the evenings. I would love to stop the commercial (supposed to be great but I don’t trust any commercial anymore) and start making her your stew. She has chin acne, I believe stress was a factor. We had our grandchildren over for several sleepovers and also she was scared of the loud fireworks for the 4th of July. Do you suggest any supplement to help the acne and her high strung personality?
Hi Valeria,
I believe I answered your questions in a private email, but I am certain that the behavior issues would be resolved with a completely home made balanced food. The chin acne could be due to a number of things. Sometimes PLASTIC BOWLS can cause the acne, and sometimes it’s the lack of quality ingredients in the commercial foods. As you are aware, I do not recommend ANY commercial foods on the market. If you want GREAT HEALTH… MAKE GREAT FOOD. The high strung personality could also be due to the chemicals hidden in the canned food. I bet if you follow the 8 week plan.. all the issues will be a thing of the past. Please keep us posted. xoxo Andi