The Chef's Note - Sunny Gandara

After two decades in professional kitchens and years as a canine nutritionist, I've created this deeply nourishing broth that bridges my culinary heritage with my passion for cancer prevention. More than a bone broth, I look at it as a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting ingredients that taste as good as they make your dog feel.

This scaled-up version is specifically crafted for mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and other gentle giants who need more of everything—especially cancer-fighting nutrition. When you're feeding a 150+ lb dog, convenience meets potency in this recipe.

The Giant Breed Recipe

Yield: Approximately 16-20 cups | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6-8 hours

Ingredients:

Mushroom Medley (doubled for big impact):

·         2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced

·         1 cup maitake (hen of the woods)

·         1 cup oyster mushrooms

·         ¼ cup dried reishi (optional, but powerful)

Aromatic Base:

·         20 cups filtered water (5 quarts)

·         5-6 lbs organic chicken bones/feet OR beef knuckle bones

·         2 whole garlic cloves

·         4-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

·         3-inch piece fresh turmeric root (or 1½ tsp powder)

Herb Garden:

·         6 sprigs fresh parsley

·         4 sprigs fresh thyme

·         2 teaspoons dried astragalus root

·         1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

Optional Additions:

·         2 strips kombu seaweed

·         4 carrots, roughly chopped

·         4 celery stalks with leaves

·         1 small bunch of kale including stems (extra minerals)

Method:

1.      Roast bones at 400°F for 35-40 minutes

2.      Use large stockpot (12+ quart) or slow cooker

3.      Combine all ingredients

4.      Bring to gentle boil, reduce to bare simmer

5.      Skim foam in first hour

6.      Simmer 6-8 hours (slow cooker: 10-14 hours on low for maximum gelatin extraction)

7.      Strain through fine mesh, pressing solids

8.   Cool quickly in ice bath, then refrigerate/freeze

Giant Breed Serving Guide:

Daily Wellness Portions:

·         Mastiffs/Great Danes (150-200+ lbs): 8-12 oz per meal (1-1½ cups)

·         Mix 50/50 with their regular food initially

·         Build up to using as primary liquid in home-cooked meals

Batch Prep Strategy:

Freeze Smart:

·         Use 4-cup mason jars (2-day supply)

·         Or freeze in muffin tins (½ cup portions) for flexibility

·         Label with date—good for 6 months frozen

 Elevated Giant Breed Meal Ideas:

🦴 The Mastiff's Power Bowl (Single Meal)

·         1 cup Nordic Vitality Broth (warmed)

·         1½ lbs cooked protein (beef, turkey, or salmon)

·         2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans)

·         1 cup cooked sweet potato or quinoa

·         2 tablespoons hemp or sardine oil

·         Small sprinkle of dulse flakes

🧊 Mega Hydration Popsicles

·         Fill large silicone molds or muffin cups

·         Add blueberries, small meat cubes, or pumpkin puree

·         Perfect for hot summer days or post-exercise

Weekly Meal Prep for Giant Breeds:

Make 2 batches weekly:

·         Batch 1: Days 1-3 (fresh in fridge)

·         Batch 2: Frozen reserves

Cost-effective tip: Buy bones in bulk from butcher, portion mushrooms from Asian markets

Why Giant Breeds Need This:

✓ Cancer Prevention: Large/giant breeds have higher cancer rates—proactive nutrition is critical
✓ Joint Support: That gelatin-rich broth = liquid glucosamine for heavy frames
✓ Gentle Digestion: Easy on sensitive giant breed stomachs, especially bloat-prone dogs
✓ Hydration Boost: Many giants don't drink enough—this makes water irresistible
✓ Immune Resilience: Mushroom beta-glucans scaled for bigger immune systems

Giant Breed Pro Tips:

·         Feed warm/room temperature, not hot (reduces bloat risk)

·         Split into 2-3 smaller meals rather than one giant serving

·         Add to slow-feeders to prevent gulping

·         Keep some frozen for emergency gut support during upset stomach episodes