Bandit's Beef Casserole

Makes 6 servings

My good friend and dog trainer, Mary E. Disney (yes, a real Disney, second cousin once removed, as she always replies when asked) has a dog named Bandit who is one of the funniest dogs I know. Bandit is an Australian Sheepdog who doesn't go anywhere without his red bandana. I named this casserole in honor of Mary Disney and her little bandito, who ate this entire casserole in one sitting when Mary tested this recipe. I guess it got his seal of approval. You can store this casserole for 4 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer in an airtight container.

1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
8-ounce can corn, drained
16-ounce can sliced carrots, drained, or 1 pound fresh carrots, cooked and sliced
8-ounce can condensed tomato soup
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or VA tablespoons parsley flakes
1 tablespoon plain wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon brewer's yeast
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Mix together all the ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese and place in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the
    Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool and serve.

Feeding Tips

Most dogs eat twice a day. However, this can vary. Puppies are usually fed three times a day— morning, noon, and night—until they are 6 months old. Some adult dogs are fed only once a day, and others have access to a constant supply of food and can eat whenever they are hungry (known as free-feeding). I suggest feeding twice a day.

The problem with feeding once a day or free-feeding is that you are not able to monitor what your dog is eating as well. If you feed twice a day, you are less apt to end up with an overweight dog, and because he is eating more often, he is less likely to raid your garbage can out of hunger.

I also suggest putting the food bowl down for 20 to 30 minutes and picking it up after that if your dog hasn't eaten. Not only does he get put on a schedule, but he is less apt to become a picky eater.

If possible, serve food and water to your pets in stainless-steel bowls, which are virtually break-proof, dishwasher safe, and easy to keep clean. I am not a fan of glass or ceramic bowls for this simple reason: Glass and ceramic can chip, get into your pet's intestines, and cause a big problem. And plastic bowls can release toxins into food and water that sit in them all day.

Remember, too, that fresh water should be made available to your pet 24 hours a day.