Almost Curried Turkey Noodle Casserole for Dogs

We have a very old Lhasa Apso that continues to become fussier and fussier about what he will and won't eat, meanwhile, his health deteriorating. I created this with turkey, to use some of the leftovers after Thanksgiving, with some ingredients that have become standard to all his meals, to improve his health. Some of the ingredients may sound odd, but they have helped to improve his health a lot, along with some high quality vitamin supplements. Measurements are approximate, use the amounts you have available and substitute another meat, if needed. Turkey, btw, is one of the least inflammatory of all meats, so it is preferred for aiding arthritic dogs and other health conditions. Besides that, CoCo just licks the bowl absolutely clean, loves that turkey.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 3-6

Ingredients

• 2  cups  cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1  cup cooked pasta, such as small macaroni
• 1⁄3 cup turkey broth or 1⁄3 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup plain yogurt
• 1⁄2 cup cottage cheese
• 1⁄3 cup flax seed meal, freshly ground
• 1⁄4 cup wheat germ
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  tablespoon raw honey
• 1⁄4 cup peas, lightly steamed
• 1⁄4 cup carrot, finely diced, lightly steamed
• 2  teaspoons turmeric
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients, except spices, until blended, adding more broth as needed to have a texture similar to very thick oatmeal. If your dog has some issues with not being able to chew easily, make sure to cut or shred the turkey very finely and add a little more broth to thin it out to make swallowing it easier.
2. Immediately before serving only, add spices, directly into their serving dish, if you won't be serving it all right away, and blend well. This is important to not add them long before serving, if making ahead, as it may become somewhat spicy or more strongly flavored. These spices are important for health, as they are potent antioxidants, so don't leave them out if you can help it. Vary the veggie selection according to what you think your dog will eat. Hint, try simmering veggies in broth to charge them with meaty flavor if your dog seems to avoid veggies. I had mine fighting over broccoli the other night, lol.
3. I know a lot of these ingredients seem "fancy" for a dog, but I spent a lot of time researching the dietary needs of dogs with issues like arthritis and canine cognitive dysfunction disorder (doggy Alzheimer's) and the dreaded picky eater syndrome. Flax and wheat germ add some vital nutrients as well. I never thought CoCo would like "curry", but he just licks the bowl clean, and so do the other two dogs, even when I spike it with their crushed vitamin and glucosamine pills they otherwise won't eat, lol. Hope this works for your dog's tastebuds too. It's never too early to start watching their health and preparing for their middle and senior years.
4. Store any unseasoned leftovers refrigerated for up to three days.
5. Reheat lightly in the microwave or bring to room temp before serving next meal, as aroma whets a dogs appetite.