At least three times a week, I scour the refrigerator for food that Lonna and I aren’t likely to eat, and that I know our dogs will. I do this because I believe that truly balanced nutrition can only result from a variety of healthful foods. 
For example, I feed canned Halo’s Spot’s Stew and Royal Canin’s Duck and Potato with healthful oils added, or healthful people food. Two of my dogs don’t do well on most commercial kibble; a long story which I address fully in my book. Even dogs that seem healthy on their daily kibble may feel a bit better, have more energy, or have a better coat with a little variety in their diet. Most people think the addition of people food is a no-no, and I have to admit, I used to be one of them. These days I believe that the best diet depends on the individual dog, but variety, ingredients, moisture, and low carbs are most important.
Today I found chicken that we had defrosted, but were not going to use, due to changed plans. Sure, we could save it, but my dogs love fresh chicken meat. I cut and micro-waved the chunks for two minutes on high to cook it about 50% done. I have found that cooking it a bit help reduce the nausea in dogs with sensitive stomachs, and my Bichon, Reggie has a sensitive stomach.
Tonight we are having guests for dinner, and Lonna bought an 8 lb turkey to cook. I oiled it up with canola and spiced it up with Andy’s Rub, and put it in the oven to cook. I would have used olive oil, but we ran out of it, and I had to use the dogs’ canola oil. (I use oils in rotation with eggs and other ingredients to add healthy omegas to my dogs’ dish diet). 
After we have carved off and used what we want, I think I’ll crock the remaining meat, cartilage, and bones on the carcass with water, green beans, and yams, for the dogs. It will take a few hours on high, then eight or so on low to make everything juicy, and the bones and gristle crumbly. My dogs love my crock pot food, and in fact my cats have started eating it regularly too! 
I usually use 50% chicken (whole fryer) and 50% veggies (green beans, carrots, yams) with enough water to make a thick stew( cats like it thicker than dogs)in my crocking. This kind of variety is great for dogs (and cats)
If you want to learn more simple things you can do to help your dog’s chronic medical conditions, you will find it in the pages of Dog Dish Diet:Sensible: Nutrition for Your Dogs Health
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