Turkey, Pasta, and Sweet Potato Dinner

Makes 8 servings

Try vegetable pasta when making this recipe—my dogs love spinach pasta. When the meatballs are done, I like to turn off the oven and let them sit in the oven awhile to dry out. Make sure not to burn them, but the longer you let them dry, the more intense the flavor becomes, and having less moisture in the food helps to preserve it. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2 cups cubed and boiled sweet potatoes
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 large eggs
2 turkey breasts, cooked and pureed
1 cup cooked pasta, any small shape
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 2 2/3 tablespoons parsley flakes
1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple
4 tablespoons plain wheat germ
1 cup cooked millet (can be found at any health food store)
1 cup cooked and drained spinach (I use frozen chopped spinach and drain all the liquid by squeezing it in a paper towel)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Mix together all the ingredients; the mixture should be a bit sticky.

3. Take a tablespoon of dough, roll it between your hands to make two balls, and place each ball on the cookie
    sheet.

4. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork. Continue until all the mixture has been formed into balls.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool, and
serve.

Dr. Kevin Says

Sweet potatoes, like pumpkin, are a great source of insoluble fiber to help firm up the stool in dogs who frequently have loose stools.