My TWO Finally Arrived!!

Jjsmom-
The cherry peppers are NOT hot. They just add a nice flavor to the meat, and they ARE edible.
And, did I tell you that I have not raised Ella from a pup? If not, I didn't. I just adopted her 2 months ago from a shelter in Chicago.


Ella had raw steak for dinner tonight!
I made some for us humans and had more than extra left, so I gave Ell's some. I think we all can pretty much guess how THAT went over. Let's just say, an hour later and she's STILL sniffing around.[]

I bought a crock-pot a few months ago, and have used it for us people a few times, but I have to admit, after reading about you guys crock-potting for your dogs, I threw some chicken in for these two, and they've been quite happy with it. My cat even loves it!

But I'll tell ya, next time I'm using boneless meat, or at least only parts with big bones that are easy to fish out. I used a package of pre-cut up whole chicken, and spent an hour picking out little teeny back and rib bones.

Chelsea. . .I am so happy someone else is now crockpotting for their pups!  My cats like it too! []

I have been down the 'whole chicken" road before and that is NO fun! I stopped getting anything but boneless breasts because it was such a huge hassle!   Now when I find good deals on bags of frozen breasts I pick up 1 or 2 and keep them in the freezer so that when fresh chicken isn't on a super deal, I use the frozen ones.  I also like using beef but have never done lamb. .  .I might have to wait for Twin to try it to see how it goes first! [] 

Did you put any seasonings or anything in the crockpot with the chicky?? I am always curious to see what other use. []

Jjsmom-
The cherry peppers are NOT hot. They just add a nice flavor to the meat, and they ARE edible.
And, did I tell you that I have not raised Ella from a pup? If not, I didn't. I just adopted her 2 months ago from a shelter in Chicago.


Ella had raw steak for dinner tonight!
I made some for us humans and had more than extra left, so I gave Ell's some. I think we all can pretty much guess how THAT went over. Let's just say, an hour later and she's STILL sniffing around.

I didn't realize you had just recently gotten Ella. . . you got her about the same time I got Prudence then!  I have had JJ for about 5 months and Pru for 2.  How old is Ella?

Mine LOVE when we cook steak too  .. they go nuts!  We don't give it raw, but I make DH serve it very rare.

OK good. . .I don't like things really hot so I would definately like to try the recipe!  What do you like to serve with the meat??  I want to try it next week.[]

Quick question:

I wanted to start the crock-pot tonight. I have the beef in the freezer...is there anything I need to do to it before I start the crock-pot? Defrost it or anything? The instructions to the crock-pot says to put in 1 cup warm water so that the temperature changes don't drastically affect the frozen meat.

jjsmom- I know you use frozen chicken. Do you do anything different to it versus the refrigerated chicken when you put it in the pot?

THANKS!! []

OK, so what I do is this:
I highlight the part of the other persons text that I want to copy...I right click my mouse and hit "copy." Then I go to my post and click on the little quote button that looks like a little bubble with lines in it, I hit that and it brings the quote brackets up by itself. Then I just "paste" what I have copied in between the quotes. And I just keep doing that for all the different things I want address or answer from the other persons thread!  Let me know if that was too confusing...it is kinda hard to explain via typing.

I think I did it! []   Thanks so much!!!

Wonderful news! That is great because it is awesome for their coat! For some reason that fish digests extremely well...which is good because for some reason the smell always makes me think he is going to get gas!  Luckily, it is very rare for my pup to fart...good for mom!    

LUCKY MOMMY!! tomorrow I will post some of the things I like most about greyhounds. . .and that WON'T be on the list. . .greyhounds definatly have lots of gas![:'(]

  Here's what I think:
1. Not many people follow this thread because its mainly just us 2 talking.
2. There are a lot of people reading this thread, either idog members, or outside members who actually really find this information we discuss insightful.
3. There probably are a LOT of other people going threw this type of thing too, and DO enjoy listening to the poop reports!
4. People think we are nuts and spend way too much time analyzing poop and TWO.
5. Others have now learned how to use a crock-pot!
 

[sm=rotfl.gif]
I love the crockpot line!  And aparently you are correct since Chelsea is now using one for Cherokee! []

I also think if I was considering staring TWO, I would be following this thread a lot and finding it very helpful.

Also I love that instead of just pming each other with our daily reports, we get some others who have some great suggestions and advice (everything from how to add in the quotes in sections, to great recipes for human consumption![]  Also, some other folks that just have questions relating to poop or food and Carol can tell us about the upcoming TWO canned food or help us with our shipping problems. . .Truly a great thread IMO. []

Either way, I absolutely love this thread.  It is so great that we are going threw the same things at the same time with TWO and so forth. Also, I would have never even thought about crock-potting and you wouldn't have brought stinky fish back into your home. I love it!

I feel the same way []  I look forward to the daily poop reports and seeing how things are going on the different formulas and also with the special add in's we do with the food each meal. []   I definately wouldn't have brought in the fish. . .so I think that JJ and Pru-bear want to thank you for that. . .as well as the kitties Barnaby and Quincey!  [8D]

Time to go to bed. . .gotta work early tomorrow [:'(]

Quick question:

I wanted to start the crock-pot tonight. I have the beef in the freezer...is there anything I need to do to it before I start the crock-pot? Defrost it or anything? The instructions to the crock-pot says to put in 1 cup warm water so that the temperature changes don't drastically affect the frozen meat.

jjsmom- I know you use frozen chicken. Do you do anything different to it versus the refrigerated chicken when you put it in the pot?

THANKS!!

Nope. . .whether I am using frozen beef or frozen chicken, I just put it in the crockpot, sprinkle on some seasonings (maybe a teaspoon or two) and then put enough water (you can use warm) to cover the meat. I like having enough water to use as broth with each meal. I turn it on low (if it is a BIG roast that is frozen you could do high) and let it cook for about 8 -9 hours while I sleep.

in the morning you will have great meat to give Max!!   If you are adding veggies, just put it in the pot with the meat and let it cook the whole time too.

Good luck!![]

Did you put any seasonings or anything in the crockpot with the chicky?? I am always curious to see what other use.

 
I ut in two chopped cloves of garlic, and a handful or two of baby carrots. Cherokee, miss won't touch most vegetables unless they're quite thoroughly ureed and mixed in with meat, was eating the chicken, and spit out a carrot, then picked it back up and ate it! I was quite shocked. Guess it tasted enough like chicken after cooking with it all night. []

jjsmom-
I usually just serve chips or something minor with it because really, you're getting your veggies with the peppers, your protein with the meat, your grains with the sandwich buns, Ok, fine, perhaps you can toss in a fruit on the side[]

Enjoy! It's DELICIOUS.

I was quite shocked. Guess it tasted enough like chicken after cooking with it all night.

 
[sm=lol.gif] good way to hide Cherokees veggies!! []

jjsmom-
I usually just serve chips or something minor with it because really, you're getting your veggies with the peppers, your protein with the meat, your grains with the sandwich buns, Ok, fine, perhaps you can toss in a fruit on the side

Enjoy! It's DELICIOUS.

 
THANKS!! I am gonna make french dips tonight (sooo easy) but next week I plan to make this recipe...can't wait! 
Any roast will do??

Quick question:

I wanted to start the crock-pot tonight. I have the beef in the freezer...is there anything I need to do to it before I start the crock-pot? Defrost it or anything? The instructions to the crock-pot says to put in 1 cup warm water so that the temperature changes don't drastically affect the frozen meat.

jjsmom- I know you use frozen chicken. Do you do anything different to it versus the refrigerated chicken when you put it in the pot?

THANKS!!

 
TWIN- did you crockpot last night?? I gotta know how Max liked it!! []
 
Poop report...soft today after they both devoured 16 inches worth of bully sticks in LESS than 20 minutes last night. . .and SUPER smelly today [:'(]

I would try to get a roast that is a little fattier than, say, a sirloin tip.
I usually get a rump roast.[]

CROCK-POT WAS A SUCCESS!! [sm=wink2.gif]
 
I am so excited. I put in the two pieces of beef with some carrots and beans, added water, put a splash of seasoning, and set it on Low. This morning it was all done! OK, so here's the thing...I wasn't able to cut off the fat from the beef because it came out of the freezer, so there were little pieces of fat/skin floating around...ewww. I took out the meat and it was so nicely cooked...fell apart in pieces and was so tender. I cut off the fat then. Boy was it bland, though! Just smelled like meat and water...kinda not the best yummiest smell in the world, but I am sure Max won't mind! [] I definitely think if I cook this way for myself I will need to add onions or garlic or way more seasoning!
 
I had one last piece of sirloin I gave him with breakfast, but tonight's meal he gets the crock-potted beef! I gave him a bite of it already and he loved it, of course. I had sooooo much broth though because I had to practically fill the pot to the top with water just to cover the meat. The instructions say that if you aren't cooking veggies or anything but the meat, that you don't need water!? Have you guys heard this, it sounded kinda odd?! [8|]
 
I am thinking of maybe adding in a carrot and bean mushed up with his beef tonight with the Elk kibble. I am so happy guys...it was my first time ever with the crock-pot. Shelly-I think you will need to give me some hints on adding flavor (at least when I cook for myself!). []
 
I am so excited also because I heard from the other lady at TWO today and she said my replacement bags are shippping out tomorrow morning (10.10.06) YES! So, I get a 4lb bag and a 16.5lb bag of Wilderness Elk. Looks like I can hold off on placing my order. They have been very helpful and I really hope I do not get any more bags with holes! [&:] Still can't wait for the canned food also!
 
POOP REPORT!! []
 
I am so happy to report that now beings off of the canned food my pups poops have been much more consistent! You were right Shelly, they are more consistent when he is not eating canned food. Yay! [] He is digesting that sirloin and Elk kibble wonderfully. His stools have even gotten smaller, not as wide, and firm/dark! So happy for that. What are bully sticks? So sorry to hear that your pups got some softies...but hey at least you know it was the bully sticks and not the TWO!

I would try to get a roast that is a little fattier than, say, a sirloin tip.
I usually get a rump roast.

perfect...thanks!![]

  CROCK-POT WAS A SUCCESS!!  

[]

I am sooo glad!!
With some cuts it is easier to get the fat off AFTER it cooks, just depends on the cut.  Also, if you have a removable crock, then you can put it in the fridge to let it cool and the fat in the broth will float to the top and make a nasty fatty layer over the top that you can spoon off.

I really think Max is gonna love the meat!   Did you add in at least 1/4 a teaspoon of seasonings??   You may need to add more if you have a lot of water and NO I have NEVER cooked it without water. . .I would be afraid it would burn!  Also, my pups and cats like the broth too much!

I am so happy guys...it was my first time ever with the crock-pot. Shelly-I think you will need to give me some hints on adding flavor (at least when I cook for myself!).

I think this was fantastic and mom will be so proud of you!    Yes, if you want to cook for yourself, you will have to get more info on the rights spices!   I am planning to try Rebecca's meat next week so I will let you know how it goes. It is a super easy one so it might be good for you to start with! []    I don't do a whole lot of human cooking in the crockpot, but I have a few soups (curried pumpkin) and also a totally out of this world corned beef recipe that is actually a lighter version.

I am so excited also because I heard from the other lady at TWO today and she said my replacement bags are shippping out tomorrow morning (10.10.06) YES! So, I get a 4lb bag and a 16.5lb bag of Wilderness Elk. Looks like I can hold off on placing my order. They have been very helpful and I really hope I do not get any more bags with holes!  Still can't wait for the canned food also!
 

 

this is absolutely wonderful news...now you don't have to worry about placing the order and have way too much come all at once AND you saved some money![]   I am glad you have found them to be so helpful.

  I am so happy to report that now beings off of the canned food my pups poops have been much more consistent! You were right Shelly, they are more consistent when he is not eating canned food. Yay!  He is digesting that sirloin and Elk kibble wonderfully. His stools have even gotten smaller, not as wide, and firm/dark! So happy for that.

I really think it makes a big difference too.They are much better in terms of firmness on the whole foods than on canned. I hope Max does well with the crockpotted foods too.

What are bully sticks? So sorry to hear that your pups got some softies...but hey at least you know it was the bully sticks and not the TWO!

Bully sticks are actually bull penis[:'(]
They are pretty smelly when they eat them, but my guys teeth look so much better when they chew them and they absolutely love them.  they are safer than rawhide too (although I still always watch them when they consume them).
I buy the full length ones and then have DH cut them in 1/2.  The full size ones are about 32 inches so when they get cut they get about 16 inches to chew on and NORMALLY it takes them about 3 evenings to devour them. This one must have been easier to chew or else I don't think they would have been able to eat them in 20 minutes

If you can handle what they are...you should get one for Max. He would go NUTS over it and it is good for their teeth.   It isn't as good for their teeth as the raw meat bones, but much less messy and  Pru won't eat her raw bones, she just hoards them for later and won't touch them. Then JJ tries to get them from her. At least with the bully's they both eat them at the same time.