Growing up, when my mom made any kind of vegetable, she always saved the cooking water, and used it later as an addition to soups or other dishes. The reason for using cooking water is that as vegetables cook, some of their nutrients leach out into the water. This means if you toss the cooking water, you are tossing valuable nutrients down the drain.
I now use this trick not only for myself, but for recipes I make for my dog. Some of my recipes have this nutrient-rich water in them already — like when I make a big batch of stew, soup or other dishes where the liquid remains in the pot.
Other times, when I steam vegetables by themselves, I am left with valuable cooking water, which I save. Sometimes I will use it in my own dishes, and other times I add it to my dog’s recipes.
Do this favor for yourself and your dog, and you will increase your nutrient intake.
This tip is good for vegetables, but also other kinds of foods. For example, when you cook certain pieces of meat, nutrients are released, whether it is from the meat itself, or the bone or cartilage on the meat. This is why people often use a whole chicken for a pot of chicken soup, for example. There is flavor and nutrition everywhere.
As always, I am here to assist. If you are curious about improving your dog’s diet, visit my Services page to choose an option that works for you.
Talk with you soon!
~ Sarah
Sarah Whitman, MS
Founder, Dog Food Coach