Chicken and Greens

Makes 12 servings

As I have said before, cats do need some greens in their diet. Just remember that they need a smaller amount than dogs do. Cats are true carnivores, whereas dogs are omnivores. This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week and freezes beautifully for up to a month in an airtight container. I like to freeze it in single-serving portions.

3-pound roasting chicken, quartered
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 celery stalks with leaves
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 2 2/3 tablespoons parsley flakes
1/2 cup uncooked barley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 teaspoon brewer's yeast
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup chopped fresh green beans

1. Place the chicken, water, salt, and leaves from the celery in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
    (Reserve the celery stalks.) Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for P/2 hours or until the
    chicken is tender.

2. Remove the chicken, strain the broth into a bowl, and chill the broth in the refrigerator until the fat sets on
    top. Skim off the fat.

3. Remove the fat, skin, and bones from the chicken and discard.
    Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

4. Return the broth to the pot. Chop the reserved celery stalks and add them to the broth with the carrots,
    parsley, barley, lemon juice, and brewer's yeast. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Add the spinach, green beans, and chicken. Continue cooking for 15 minutes or until the green beans are
    tender. Let cool and serve.

Barley

Barley is a good source of carbohydrates, which give your pet energy.