Satin Ball Recipe
This is a great recipe (also recommended by our reproductive vet) for putting weight on dogs. When I was having trouble keeping weight on one of my girls while she was pregnant, this worked very well. Now I use this recipe for additional supplement for most of my girls prior to and after whelping. They love the treat and it encourages them to eat and gain/maintain weight.
Satin Balls can be used as a treat or for supplemental feedings. I like to mix mine in with their normal dry food. If you're trying to put weight on a dog recovering from illness, consult your veterinarian before adding this to their diet. For dogs on a specialized veterinary diet, it’s best to stick with the prescribed food.
The great thing about Satin Balls is that you can adjust the portion size based on your dog's needs. I typically make them slightly larger than a golf ball and freeze them in batches of six. By preparing large batches and freezing in smaller groups, I can easily defrost the portions as needed.
Directions
Do not cook. This is meant to be a raw diet.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix thoroughly, like your making meat loaf. The mixture should be sticky but manageable.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into balls. Mine are slightly larger than a golf ball. Adjust the size depending on the needs of your dog. Ball size should be a portion you would feed per one feeding.
- Freeze: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. You can portion them out into smaller groups for easy access. Number per freeze bag should be a portion for a couple days time.
- Serve: Defrost the desired number of balls and mix them with your dog’s regular food, or serve them as a treat.
Ingredients - Large Batch
- 10 lbs ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) box Total cereal (or comparable - no raisins)
- 1 (42 ounce) box instant oatmeal
- 1 (12 ounce) jar wheat germ
- 1 1⁄4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1⁄4 cups molasses
- 10 eggs (raw with crushed shells)
- 10 (1⁄4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 pinch salt
Ingredients - Small Batch
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1⁄3 Total cereal (or comparable - no raisins)
- 1 1⁄4 instant oatmeal
- 5 tbsp wheat germ
- 1⁄4 cups vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 cup molasses
- 1 egg (raw with crushed shells)
- 1 (1⁄4 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
- 1 smaller pinch salt
Notes:
- Consult Your Vet: Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement or treat, especially if your dog has health issues or is on a specialized diet.
- Storage: Keep the Satin Balls frozen until ready to use to maintain freshness.
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your dog's specific needs, making it a valuable addition to their diet, especially during pregnancy, recovery, or weight gain efforts.
Quick links
is it safe for puppies
I don’t see why it wouldn’t be safe for a puppy; however, I would still consult with your veterinarian. If you’re having trouble keeping weight on a puppy, more than likely there is an underlying issue. Puppies should grow and gain weight at a steady pace for around the first 6 months. They’ll continue to gain weight until roughly over a year at a slower pace. I could see using a small amount of satin balls as a treat, but it would be best to stick to a puppy food for the first year of life for the main diet.
I see they are frozen, thaw and feed raw
correct ?
Yep, you got it! Just like any meat, keep refrigerated after thawing and use it in a timely manner so it doesn’t spoil. I freeze in small batches so you thaw just what you need.
Can this be made with duck? I have my girl on a grain free duck diet and she has lost weight… she needs to gain about a pound
That’s a great question! I would definitely check with your vet before switching the protein in this recipe. Since it’s formulated specifically with beef, I can’t say for sure that using duck, especially raw, would be balanced or safe without making other adjustments.
It can definitely be tricky when you’re working around both grain-free and a specific protein. Your vet would be the best resource to help you safely increase her calories and make sure she’s still getting everything she needs nutritionally. They may also have some good ideas for healthy weight gain using duck-based options.