Slow-simmered chicken with carrots, parsnip, turnip and green beans in a warming, clear broth. France's oldest comfort dish — rich in nutrients, gentle on digestion, and loved by dogs of every breed.
Place the chicken thighs and broth (or water) in a large, heavy pot. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. As the liquid heats, a grey foam will rise to the surface — skim it off with a spoon and discard. This traditional French step gives you a cleaner, clearer broth. Don't skip it.
Once skimmed, add the chopped carrots, parsnip, turnip and the thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to a gentle, steady simmer — small bubbles, not a vigorous boil. Simmer uncovered for 35 minutes, until the vegetables are completely tender and the broth is golden and fragrant.
Add the green beans and roughly torn parsley in the last 5–8 minutes of cooking. Green beans don't need long — just enough to soften slightly while keeping their nutrients. The parsley releases its chlorophyll and vitamins into the broth in the final minutes.
Lift the chicken thighs out of the pot. They should be completely tender and falling apart after the long simmer. Shred into small, dog-sized pieces using two forks. Return all the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir through. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.
Remove from heat. Add ¼ tsp eggshell calcium powder per serving. Cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, stir in the salmon or sardine oil — never heat fish oil as it oxidises and loses its benefits. Serve with a generous ladle of the broth over the chicken and vegetables. The broth is as nutritious as the solids — serve it all together.
In France, Pot-au-Feu is eaten in two stages: first the broth as a soup, then the meat and vegetables as the main course. For your dog, combine everything — they get the nutrients from both the broth and the solids in one bowl. The broth alone is extraordinarily hydrating and mineral-rich.
The Poodle — France's most iconic dog breed — is a natural match for Pot-au-Feu. Beyond the cultural connection, this recipe is nutritionally well-suited to Poodles' specific health needs:
Approx. per serving (4 servings total)
This is a broth-heavy meal — serve a generous portion including the liquid. Adjust quantity based on your dog's size using the calorie calculator.
All breeds · Senior dogs · Poodles · Post-surgery recovery · Dogs prone to bloat · Picky eaters · Hydration boost
Stir in ½–1 tsp salmon or sardine oil cold, after cooking. Essential for Poodle coats, eye health and anti-inflammation.
Protein (chicken) · Vitamin A (carrot/parsnip) · Vitamin K (parsley/green beans) · Vitamin C (parsnip/turnip/parsley) · Calcium (eggshell) · Hydration (broth) · Gut support (thyme)
➕ Add: Salmon oil (omega-3) · For sole-diet use, add a canine multivitamin for vitamin D and iodine.
Keeps in the fridge for 4 days. The broth gels when cold — this is natural and a sign it's rich in gelatin (collagen). Reheat gently with a splash of water. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
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