Doggy Dinnertime Recipes: Nyonya Dumpling with Master Bowie

Master Bowie's Doggy Nyonya Dumpling shares the human version's distinctive blue colour. It contains superfoods for dogs such as blue spirulina, beef gelatin, blueberries, beef organs and the mouthwatering SPD Slow Cooked Beef & Carrot.

Blue spirulina, derived from certain species of blue-green algae, is a nutritional powerhouse offering a wide range of health benefits for dogs, from aiding allergies to improving digestion. Gelatin contains collagen for skin and bone health. It helps fight inflammation and aids digestion. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins C and K, supporting the immune system and preventing cell damage.

Additionally, the dumpling includes a variety of beef organs such as liver, kidney and heart. Liver is a great source of vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper and zinc. Kidney is rich in selenium and DAO (diamine oxidase), an enzyme that breaks down histamine in the body. Heart is packed with B vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a naturally occurring antioxidant that can protect the body from free radical damage and support heart health.

Note: This recipe uses beef as the single source of protein and makes 2–3 Doggy Nyonya Dumplings. It is suitable to feed as a treat or supplementary meal for a 20kg dog. If you use a different protein, please follow the feeding guidelines specified on the product packaging.

What you'll need (makes 2–3 dumplings)

• 1 pack (354g) Prime100 SPD Slow Cooked Beef & Carrot
• 20g beef liver (raw or cooked, roughly chopped)
• 20g beef kidney (raw or cooked, roughly chopped)
• 20g beef heart (raw or cooked, roughly chopped)
• 20g blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp organic grass-fed and finished beef gelatin
• 2 tbsp boiling water
• 1⁄8 – 1⁄4 tsp blue spirulina* (always source from reputable brands)
• 6 dried bamboo leaves to wrap the dumplings (or baking paper and aluminium foil)
• String to tie the dumplings

* You can substitute blue spirulina with butterfly pea powder, or use green spirulina, beetroot powder or turmeric to make different coloured dumplings.

How to make Master Bowie's Nyonya Dumplings

1. If using bamboo leaves, soak them overnight to soften. The next day, wash and rinse each leaf front and back, keeping them in a large bowl of water until wrapping time so they don't dry out. Alternatively, you can use a combination of baking paper and aluminium foil to wrap the dumplings. Please look at the video for step-by-step directions.

2. In a small bowl, add the gelatin and the boiling water. Stir until the gelatin fully dissolves.

3. In a large bowl, place the SPD Slow Cooked Beef & Carrot. Add the liquid gelatin and combine well.

4. Take a quarter of the SPD Slow Cooked and gelatin mixture and place it into another bowl. Add the blue spirulina and mix well.

5. Prepare the other ingredients for assembly.

6. Take two pieces of bamboo leaves and dry both sides. Make sure they're not torn! Place the bamboo leaves with the smooth sides facing up, overlapping them slightly at the ends, ensuring that the two wider ends are on opposite sides.

7. Visually divide bamboo leaves lengthwise into three. At the one-third section, fold the leaves upward and twist to form a triangular cone.

8. Hold the cone firmly in one hand and add the SPD Slow Cook Cooked and gelatin mixture with blue spirulina to the bottom of the cone. Gently pack it. Then add the SPD Slow Cooked and gelatin mixture, followed by the chopped beef liver, kidney, heart and blueberries.

9. Cover them with more of the SPD Slow Cooked and gelatin mixture and a little bit of the SPD and gelatin mixture with blue spirulina in the corners. Do not overfill. Gently pack the mixture, leaving some space at the top.

10. Fold the sides of the leaves inward, covering the filling. Fold the top of the leaves over to enclose the filling completely. You should have a triangular or pyramid-shaped dumpling. 

11. Loop the string around the triangle 2–3 times and tie a quick-release knot. Repeat the process to make the other dumpling. If you're using baking paper and aluminium foil, you don't need a string to tie the dumpling. The aluminium foil will hold its triangle shape.

12. Place the dumplings in the fridge to set. Once the gelatin is set, unwrap the dumplings and serve them to your pooch!

Note: Introduce new ingredients slowly and monitor your dog's reaction. If you are unsure, please consult with your veterinarian. Always have fresh water available.

About the author, Master Bowie. 

Master Bowie comprises Riesa Renata, a canine nutritionist, dog chef and author of two recipe books, and her 8-year-old Labrador connoisseur, Bowie.

Riesa creates bespoke Master Chef meals for Bowie and other dogs using species-appropriate and healthy whole food ingredients. She believes that good health starts with good food, which should taste good, look good and make both dogs and their owners feel good. Riesa and Bowie are on a mission to inspire and empower dog parents to nourish their dogs with a nutritious whole foods diet, one bowl at a time.

You can explore Master Bowie’s recipe books and packs at www.masterbowie.com and follow their food adventures on Instagram.

Hungry for more Master Bowie recipes? Check out how to make Cantonese-style Dumplings, Black Forest Birthday Cake, and even a Poke Bowl!