Buddha bowls have been popular for what feels like ever. And the formula is simple, part protein, part whole grain, part vegetable – done! When I was making myself dinner the other night, I was watched over closely by my sous chef Oddy, and he was interested in almost all the ingredients.
So I gave in the puppy eyes and ended up making him a tiny bowl, some of the sweet potato, baby spinach and shredded chicken. I left out the seasoning and avocado, and ended up with my first every doggy buddha bowl – Oddy approved.
I don’t h0me cook all of Oddy’s meals, but I love to have easy options to boost his kibble, or treat him to a weeknight dinner. The buddha bowls also known as macro bowls, are filled with a variety of healthy ingredients that provide a well-rounded and balanced meal.
Because the ingredients are only assembled on the plate, it is super easier to just put some of the cooked or raw vegetables and meats to the side. I hardly plan on making them for Oddy, and rather find myself putting one together spontaneously when I’m cooking with chicken or fish, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or quinoa. These ingredients can be cooked or served raw, depending on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
One of the great things about Buddha Bowls is that they can be easily customized to meet your dog’s specific needs. Let’s say your puppy has a sensitive stomach, you can opt for easily digestible ingredients such as boiled chicken and rice. Or if your dog is a picky eater, you can try adding cottage cheese or another preferred ingredient, to make the bowl more appealing.
Your Buddha Bowl Assembly Plan
Remember not all human foods are dog safe.
Some common human foods that should be avoided include grapes, avocado, onions, and garlic. It’s also important to keep portion sizes in mind, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues. When in doubt, check with your vet.
Part Protein
- Chicken: Cooked chicken is a great source of lean protein for dogs and is easy to digest.
- Fish: Fish such as salmon, tuna, and whitefish are a great source of protein and also provide essential omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eggs: Cooked eggs (scrambled or boiled) can be a great source of protein for dogs and are easily digestible. If you can get your hands on organic, farm fresh eggs, you can feed them whole and raw to your dog too!
- Tofu: Tofu is a good source of protein for dogs, but it should be given in small amounts as it can be high in phytoestrogens.
Part Vegetable
- Carrots: Carrots are a great source of fiber and beta-carotene and can be given raw or cooked.
- Green beans: Green beans are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, and can be given raw or cooked.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, but should be given in small amounts as it contains a compound called isothiocyanate which can cause stomach upset in some dogs.
- Zucchini: Zucchinis are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, and can be given raw or cooked.
- Peas: Peas are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, and can be given raw or cooked.
- Spinach: Spinach is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and K, and iron, but should be given in small amounts as it contains oxalates which can cause bladder stones in some dogs.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, and can be given cooked or mashed.
- Cucumber: Cucumber is a good source of fiber and hydration and can be given raw or cooked.
Part Whole Grain/ Carbs
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein and can be a great alternative for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to meat.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, and can be given cooked or mashed.
- Squash: Squash is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, and can be given raw or cooked.
- Rice: Cooked white or brown rice is a good source of carbohydrates for dogs and is easily digestible.
- Oats: Cooked oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, and can be a great alternative for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to wheat.
- Barley: Cooked barley is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, and can be a great alternative for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to wheat.
In conclusion, Buddha bowls can be a delicious and nutritious option for your dog. By incorporating a variety of healthy ingredients, you can provide a well-rounded and balanced meal for your furry friend. And, with the ability to customize the bowl to your dog’s specific needs, your dog will be sure to love it.
Always make sure to check with your vet before giving your dog any new foods, to ensure that it’s safe for them to consume. Also, make sure all the vegetables and fruits are finely chopped to avoid choking.
