I think I’m getting used to this healthy eating business. It’s been a bit of a lifestyle change for me, for sure. Like a lot of pet owners, I’ve always been really good at making sure my dogs are eating nothing but the best. They eat all-natural, top quality healthy foods made by companies I trust, but me? Life is busy and too often I reach for whatever is easy and fast. Inspired by the way I feed my dogs, I’ve been trying to eat better myself. Which leads me to this healthy chicken salad something I crave but not something I can normally indulge in too often because of all that mayo you usually find in it.
Why is everything bad for you so delicious?!
I do miss some of my favorite foods, so I’ve been working to give them a makeover and create healthier versions. The unexpected bonus to creating healthier meals? A whole lot more of what I am eating is dog friendly and great for sharing with my two pups. They are loving this new lifestyle – mostly because they are getting a lot more treats than they ever have before including a few bites of this healthy chicken salad. Something that would have been completely out of the question for them before.
One of their favorite treats (and my favorite lunches) is chicken salad.
Since this new and improved chicken salad is made with avocado and low-fat yogurt instead of calorie laden mayo, it’s totally dog friendly. Plus, it’s so versatile! This creamy, yummy salad goes great on a light bed of salad greens, stuffed into a tasty pita, smeared over bread for a meaty sandwich or spread on crackers for a snack. The dogs love to help me clean up the kitchen by licking the leftover chicken and veggies out of the bowl.
1/3 cup diced sweet bell peppers
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup shredded carrot
Optional: 1/8 c. shredded cheese, I like to use asiago
Combine all salad ingredients in a medium bowl and toss.
Dressing
¼ cup plain, low-fat yogurt
½ tsp. lime or lemon juice
½ tsp. – 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill, parsley or cilantro, to taste
Optional: pinch garlic powder (or small dot of garlic paste)
salt & pepper
Whip together avocado, yogurt & lemon juice. Add in fresh herbs, garlic, a dash each of salt & pepper and mix well. Pour over chicken salad and toss until the chicken and veggies are coated. Serve in a wrap, pita or sandwich or with cracker or over a bed of salad greens.
Don’t forget to share a taste of your new healthy chicken salad with your furry friends! They would love some too!
****Many people believe that avocados are bad for dogs due to a toxic chemical called persin. Persin is found in the leaves, stems, bark, skin and pits of the avocado – as long as you feed the flesh only, avocado is a great treat that is not only safe, but delicious and healthy for your dog.****
Meet our Cooking for Dogs Contributor Jodi and her dogs Kolchak and Felix
Jodi is a canine nutrition and small animal naturopathy student hailing from beautiful Vancouver, BC. (That’s in Canada, eh?) She loves to experiment in the kitchen, creating tasty (and healthy) treats for her two dogs, Felix & Kolchak and the rest of her family. Jodi’s blog, Kol’s Notes follows the antics of the irrepressible Kolchak as he celebrates good food, good friends and the good life.
I’m so trying this! It sounds delish. We’re having rotisserie chicken one day this week and I’ll make it with the leftovers. I even have an avocado – don’t have to pick one up at the store!
Yum sounds yummy and its one of my favorite meals I love chicken salad sandwhiches or wraps.
looks good enough for me!
This sounds incredible! It looks so good too!
Honestly I’d love to be a canine to try this out!
That sounds really awesome and sounds yummy.
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