January 1st, 2025 marks the first day of the new year, and our family began the day with a warm bowl of traditional tteokguk. Of course, our 16-month-old Yorkshire Terrier Louie couldn't be left out! Using the homemade tapioca rice cakes prepared yesterday, I cooked a special dog-friendly tteokguk for Louie. Although I was worried since he didn’t love the chewy texture of the cakes yesterday, would today’s dish win him over?
1. Ingredients
120ml water
1/2 egg yolk
Small amount of beef
Small amount of chicken breast
Homemade dog-friendly rice cakes
When making this dish, you may use the whole egg if preferred. Here are some nutritional pointers:
Egg yolk: High in vitamins and omega-3s, great for coat health, but also high in protein and fat.
Egg white: Low in fat, good for weight control. Always cook thoroughly before feeding.
Louie is currently recovering, so I used only half a yolk. For his weight (3.04kg), about 1/4 egg per day is suitable. Please adjust based on your own dog’s dietary needs.
2. Broth Preparation
Bring water to a boil. Add chicken breast and beef (pre-washed in vinegar water and prepped). As the meat cooks, skim off any impurities.
Once the meat is cooked, shred into small bite-sized pieces. I used only one piece of chicken breast.
3. Cooking the Soup
Add the homemade rice cakes and optional dog-friendly dumplings into the broth. Since Louie didn’t like the chewy texture, I cut most of them into smaller pieces. The tapioca-based cakes turn translucent when cooked.
Beat the egg yolk and drizzle it into the soup. Let everything come together and remove from heat.
4. Serving
After plating the soup, allow it to cool to a safe temperature. Louie eagerly devoured every piece, even licking his bowl clean—a rare sight! He even bounced with excitement afterward, full of joy and satisfaction.
Reflections
How was this homemade tteokguk recipe for dogs?
I accidentally forgot to add the heart-shaped rice cake when serving Louie, but he didn’t seem to mind. My family’s tteokguk contained green onions, white rice cakes, and beef broth, while Louie’s was free of all that—yet it still felt like we were sharing a special New Year’s meal together.
If you usually reserve tteokguk for Lunar New Year, why not make a small, safe version for your furry companion too?
About Eggs for Dogs:
Always cook eggs thoroughly.
Test for allergies the first time.
Yolk: Nutritious and rich in flavor but calorie-dense. Great for most dogs, but serve in moderation.
White: Lower fat, suitable for dogs with pancreatitis or weight issues. Easier to digest, especially for senior dogs, but lacks the rich nutrients of the yolk. Ensure it’s fully cooked to avoid digestive problems.
This dog-friendly tteokguk wouldn't be the same without the yolk's golden color and nutrition. Adjust as needed for your pup's health!