Our local supplier of potatoes has run out of their stored supply from last year's harvest, and the new crop won't be ready until October. So we're now switching to rice as the carbohydrate source for the dogs' home-cooked meals. I took that photo this evening of a fresh batch of rice for their dinner tonight.
In truth, it was time for a change anyway. The dogs -- just like people -- like variety in their diet. And Alayne, a.k.a. the Potato Lady, was more than ready for a change from washing, trimming and cooking hundreds of pounds of potatoes every week for the past several months. In that time she also had become known as "Spuds 'n Suds," and in more affectionate moments I have taken to calling her "Tater Tot." Alas, with the change to rice, I will need to get to work on coming up with appropriate substitutions (if I live long enough after posting this blog).
We're currently going through a 50 pound bag of white rice from Costco, but have 100 pounds of whole brown rice coming from our local food coop in Littleton next week. Because of the change in carbohydrates, we're using different recipes from the veterinary nutritionists at DVM Consulting's BalanceIT.com website. People keep asking us to share our recipes, but they're really customized for individual animals (age, weight, breed, activity level, etc.), so the best thing to do is download a recipe based on your protein and carbohydrate choices for your own pet.
Anyway, out with the potatoes, in with the rice!
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Posted by: Patty in Florida | June 02, 2011 at 07:05 PM
I must ask again: Is Steve still alive?
Posted by: Mauro Salles | May 31, 2011 at 12:13 AM
I have a husband who says he likes the adrenaline rush it gives him when he "lives on the edge" and teases me the same way you tease Alayne. word of advice... make sure you have at least a few feet of a head start before you make the wise cracks...
good luck with the rice nicknames. i'm sure you'll come up with something creative.
Posted by: Tracy | May 30, 2011 at 12:52 PM
"Long-Grayn Alayne" outta fit. Yeah, Steve, your goona pay at some point for this blog.
I fed a dog with chronic pancreatitis rice and plain yogurt for years. She did great on it and had the most beautiful coat. But I finally got a rice cooker, and it helped a lot. You need one of those big ones they use in Chinese Restaurants.
Sorry Alayne....but make him find you a big rice cooker to help you.
Posted by: Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA | May 28, 2011 at 04:02 PM
Wow, that's one big pot of rice! I think I'm going to move in with you guys...homemade meals everyday! And Alayne may have a break now from the potatos but when the apples are all ready, I'm sure you'll have her slaving peeling them all :)
It's wonderful that you do everything you can to support the local economy!
Posted by: Ann | May 28, 2011 at 02:51 AM
Keep in mind sweet potatoes. They are a great carb for dogs. In your new home you will can also use some of those apples and I bet some blueberries will be nearby.
Posted by: Margaret Bumgarner | May 27, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Ok, this just cracked me up...Spuds 'n suds and tator tot! ha! Way too funny!
I think Alyane will forgive you... how can she not? Anyone who loves disabled animals like the two of you obviously have huge hearts!!
Barbara & Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog
Posted by: Barbara Techel | May 27, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I was wondering if doing all your own cooking is less expensive for you?? It's a great idea and I love it! : ) Plus you're supporting your local economy. BONUS!
Posted by: Christine Baltazar | May 27, 2011 at 11:10 AM
That pot makes the stove look small. Wow! Just the shear volume is staggering. Best of all to ya!
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | May 27, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Hmmm, I wonder what nick names Alayne has for you?? I am glad she is getting a break from the peeling and cleaning, it can get very monotonous!! I hope you can somehow add some o fthe future apple bounty into your recipes when they get ripe. YUM! Hugs to all the 4 footers.
Posted by: Anne in FL | May 27, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Ricearoni - the new hampshire treat!
Posted by: Linda | May 26, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Why is Alayne like a beer? Because, after all her cooking for the dogs, she's now a "Spud-wiser." [Forgive me, Alayne. I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for you. I just can't resist making bad puns.]
Posted by: Moon Rani | May 26, 2011 at 11:30 PM
I tried to switch my dogs to a homemade food from balanceit, and my dogs just had the runs for weeks, all kinds of accidents inside. I gave up and went back to their old food, and haven't had any accidents inside since. I so wanted to be able to feed them something healthier then the vet food they are on. How have your dogs handled the switch?
Posted by: Sarah | May 26, 2011 at 09:47 PM