Bison

In general, dogs should eat about 2-3% of their body weight daily. 
Puppies should eat about 2-3% of their expected adult body weight.

Dog caloric intake varies wildly from dog to dog depending on activity level, age, metabolism, breed, gender, reproductive status, if it is spayed/neutered and ideal weight. As always, experiment, use common sense, and talk to your vet. Our general guidelines are as follows:

Dog weight in pounds

Cups of food per day

5-20

1.5 to 2

20-50

2 to 3.75

50-70

3.75 to 4.75

70-100

4.75 to 6


Bison is pretty similar to beef, which is recognized as a healthy protein for dogs. Bison has less fat per ounce than chicken, pork and salmon. One thing to note is that bison is higher in protein than other red meats. It has remarkably high concentrations of iron and essential fatty acids. Bison is high in B vitamins (vitamin B2 and niacin.) These vitamins help convert the nutrients from foods dogs eat into the usable energy needed for their bodies as well as supporting multiple metabolic functions and overall brain health. Game animals such as buffalo are usually organically raised and grass-fed, which makes their meat richer in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than other traditional meats.



Recipe #1: 
Bison, sweet potatoes, green beans, lentils
1 T. sunflower oil
2 ½ lbs. ground bison
3 oz. chicken liver (or other organ meat)
1 ½ C. cubed sweet potatoes
1 C. chopped green beans 
1 C. cooked lentils
2 ½  T. Top Dog Meal Completer

Cooktop - 

  1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook lentils until soft (approximately 15-20 minutes) and drain the water. In another large pot of boiling water, cook sweet potatoes until soft.
  2. In a large skillet, add bison and chicken liver. Spread the bison out so it has an even thickness then mostly cover with water. Bring to a boil and cover with a lid. Turn heat down and simmer until no longer pink in the center. Break into desired size pieces.
  3. Add green beans and cook until beans are soft. 
  4. Transfer meat and veggie mix to a large bowl, add sweet potatoes and lentils.
  5. Once cooled, add oil and Top Dog Meal Completer and mix well.
  6. Divide into portions to refrigerate or freeze.

Slow cooker - 

  1. In a 6 quart slow cooker, add all the ingredients (except the oil) plus 1 cup of water.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours
  3. Let cool completely.
  4. Once cooled, add oil and Top Dog Meal Completer and mix well.
  5. Divide into portions to refrigerate or freeze.

* This recipe has the consistency of mashed potatoes so it is perfect if your dog needs very soft food. 


Recipe #2:
Bison, butternut squash, carrots, peas, kidney beans and quinoa
Yields approximately 11-12 cups of cooked food
1 T. olive oil
2 ½ lbs. ground bison
3 oz. chicken liver (or other organ meat)
1 ½ C. butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
2 shredded carrots
½ C. peas
15 oz. can of rinsed kidney beans
1 C. cooked quinoa
2.5 T. Top Dog Meal Completer

Cook top - 

  1. In a rice cooker or on the stove top cook quinoa. ***
  2. In a large skillet, add bison and chicken liver. Spread the bison out so it has an even thickness then mostly cover with water. Bring to a boil and cover with a lid. Turn heat down and simmer until no longer pink in the center. Break into desired size pieces.
  3. Add butternut squash, carrots and peas to the cooked meat.
  4. Add kidney beans, mix well and cover with a lid. Turn heat to low until cooked through.
  5. Transfer meat and veggie mix to a large bowl, mix in quinoa and let it cool.
  6. Once cooled, add oil and Top Dog Meal Completer and mix well.
  7. Divide into portions to refrigerate or freeze. 

*** Use 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water.

For quinoa on the cook top: Put water and quinoa in a small pot and bring water to a boil. Once it's boiling lower temperature to a simmer uncovered until cooked through (15-20 minutes).

Slow cooker - 

  1. In a 6 quart slow cooker add ground bison, chicken liver, quinoa, butternut squash, carrots, peas  and 1 cup of water.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours
  3. When it has finished cooking, mix in kidney beans, turn off the slow cooker and cover with a lid until beans are heated through. 
  4. Let cool completely then mix in oil and Top Dog Meal Completer.
  5. Divide into portions to refrigerate or freeze.

* This recipe has the consistency of mashed potatoes so it is perfect if your dog needs very soft food.