Brutus’ Best Turmeric Meatloaf Recipe

(Makes 4 servings for a 50-pound dog*)

This recipe is chock full of vitamin-rich ingredients including the spice turmeric. The spice turmeric contains curcumin which has both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.  This should be of special interest for those with dogs who have mobility and/or flexibility issues. Turmeric is also one of the ingredients in DGP, an effective natural supplement for dogs.  This recipe also calls for beef but you can easily substitute any other type of meat you have on hand to vary the recipe.

I named this recipe after my dog Brutus.  He lived most of his life outside tied up with a chain.  As a result, Brutus has collapsed discs, spondylosis, and severe arthritis.  I give him DGP every day now.  The result is he can finally jump off my bed without my help and without wincing in pain.  Thank you DGP!

• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa pasta
• 2 large eggs
• 2 pounds raw ground beef
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 4 tablespoons fish oil
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder

Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Over simmering water, steam the broccoli for 3 minutes. Drain, then puree it in a food processor. You should have about ½ cup of puree.

Prepare the pasta as directed on the package. Set the cooked pasta aside to cool. Puree it in a food processor with a little water, if needed. You should have about 1 cup of puree.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the beef, pureed pasta, and broccoli.Using your hands, mix all the ingredients well. Place the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the coconut evenly on top.

Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, or until the top is browned. Let it cool for 30 minutes before serving. Add 1 tablespoon of the fish oil, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder to each serving. Cover with foil and refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.

Recipe courtesy of Certified Holistic Chef for Animals, Christine Filardi. Find out more about Christine and her wonderful cookbook for pets here.