Description
Nutrient-dense frozen cubes that make even picky eaters beg for more while supporting blood health, energy levels, and immune function
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus cooking time) | Freeze Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Makes: 12-14 cubes
Ingredients
- 8 oz venison spleen, cooked and diced (iron and B-vitamin powerhouse – completely safe for dogs when properly prepared)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (natural flavor enhancer without excess salt)
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots, diced small (beta-carotene for immune support)
- 1/4 cup chopped green beans, diced small (fiber for digestive health)
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa, cooled (complete protein for sustained energy)
Instructions
- Cook venison spleen thoroughly by simmering in plain water for 15-20 minutes until no pink remains, then cool completely and dice.
- Combine cooked spleen and beef broth in a blender and process until completely smooth and creamy (your kitchen will smell like a premium dog food factory).
- Prepare vegetables by dicing carrots and green beans into pieces smaller than your dog’s kibble for safety.
- Cook quinoa according to package directions using plain water, then cool completely for better texture when frozen.
- Stir vegetables and quinoa into the blended spleen mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid – silicone trays make removal easier.
- Remove from trays once frozen and store in airtight freezer containers with proper labeling.
Notes:
- Always source organ meats from reputable suppliers and cook thoroughly for food safety
- Start with smaller portions for dogs new to organ meat to prevent digestive upset
- The rich nutrition means these treats are more potent than regular treats
Storage Tips:
- Store in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months maximum
- Label clearly with contents and date for food safety tracking
- Remove only what you need to prevent repeated thaw-freeze cycles
What Makes This Recipe Special: These cubes provide bioavailable iron from venison spleen that’s more easily absorbed than synthetic supplements, combined with complete proteins from quinoa and antioxidants from vegetables. The frozen format makes portion control effortless while providing enrichment through slow consumption.
Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):
Liver Version: Substitute beef liver for spleen using the same preparation method – equally nutritious with a slightly milder flavor most dogs love.
Digestive Support: Add 1 tablespoon plain pumpkin puree to support nutrient absorption and digestive health from the rich organ meat.
Senior Support: Include 1 tablespoon bone meal powder (pet store grade) for additional calcium and phosphorus to support aging bones and joints.