Cooking Our Way To A Healthier Dog Diet
Ever since I started raising my own dogs, Id always wanted to make their food at home but thought it would be too expensive or too time consuming, or that they wouldnt get the nutrition they needed.
During the month of Bugs doggy depression, I vowed to make her precious life as comfortable as possible.
Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed.
My older one had persistent hot spots and itchiness that no commercial dog food could cure .
Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand.
But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself.
Ive mentioned in my post on homemade whole grain chicken feed that the entire household all share the same whole grains and seeds that we buy in bulk, as well as the bounty that comes from our edible garden.
Everything our animals eat, we can eat.
When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds, greens, and insects.
Dogs, on the other hand, arent bred for a standard function the way chickens are.
Nulo Freestyle Dry Puppy Food Grain Free Kibble Recipe With Dha For Brain Development
Nulo produces some of the most trusted and nutritional puppy food available. Whats more, with a great blend of natural ingredients and flavors your dog will find this a tasty treat. Nulo takes the no-grain concept very seriously. They have a long list of ingredients they will not use in order to keep your dogs digestion optimal. Furthermore, with 80% animal-based protein on their ingredient list, this is a great choice. That means more amino acids and fewer carbs.
Nulo takes things a step further than most. With DHA added for your puppys cognitive development, theyve thought of everything. Health is the name of the game here, and theyve gone the extra mile. Added Calcium and Phosphorous ensure that your puppys skeletal system will mature nicely. And, perhaps the most important, dogs love the taste of this food. This is one of our top choices for providing valuable nutrients for your puppy.
True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal
This True Acre kibble is formulated for the adult stage of your pups life and is guaranteed to be free of any grains or gluten. The primary protein source is chicken raised in the U.S.A., followed by real fruits and veggies like cranberries, carrots, and peas.
The dry dog food is nutritionally balanced and includes fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a good-looking and good-feeling coat. This recipe also contains digestion assistance via natural fibers incorporated into the yummy tasting kibble.
There are no fillers in this formula, so you will not see corn, wheat, or any artificial colors on the ingredient list. You have a couple of product sizes to choose from with this chicken and veggie recipe: 15-lb, 30-lb, and a 40-lb bag.
Also Check: Who Sells Blue Wilderness Dog Food
Farmina N& d Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis:
Product Reviews:
Farmina Ancestral Grain Chicken and Pomegranate Adult Dry Dog Food is made with the best of ingredients and has the perfect proportion and balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals for a healthy and long life. The high protein ancestral grain formula has 60% animal ingredients which is very essential in a dogs meal.
The food also has 20% organic spelt and organic oats along with 20% veggies, fruits for providing adequate vitamins and minerals. Alongside it has a low glycemic index which is a great option for pets who are prone to diabetes.
The food has natural omega fatty acids and no artificial fillers or ingredients like corn, soy, wheat, legumes, etc. The natural omega fatty acids in the dog food provide good skin and coat health and the antioxidant keeps the toxic radicals of the body away.
- Users complain that the food is adulterated
- The quality of the food has deteriorated over time
About Farmina
Farmina understands that dogs and cats need to thrive on a diet that resembles that of the wild and curates recipes with added nutraceuticals for 10 times the more benefits they would receive from their natural diet.
From their advanced production technologies, their twin-screw extrusion procedures, and added long life vitamins guarantee a perfect development of the feed by preserving the raw materials from production stress.
Personal Opinion:
Taste Of The Wild Ancient Prairie Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison Recipe
Made with ancient whole grains, this high-protein dry food delivers real meat ingredients like roasted bison and roasted venison for a rich, meaty flavor your dog wont be able to resist.
While bison and venison are the top ingredients, this recipe also includes ancient grains like sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seed, which are naturally higher in protein.
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison Recipe
A nutrient-rich dog food made in the U.S. by a family-run company.rnrn
Supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, this trout and sweet potato recipe delivers complete and balanced nutrition formulated for your senior Goldendoodles unique needs.
Nulo Senior Grain-Free Recipe Dry Food
Nulos seafood blend is made with senior dogs in mind.rnrn
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Top 10 Best Food For Goldendoodles With Allergies
Want to know the best food for Goldendoodles with allergies? Then, youre in the right place.
In this ultimate guide, well show you everything including the types of allergy common in Goldendoodles, its symptoms, common questions about it, and more.
Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Canned Dog Food
Brand: Wellness Pet Foods
Cost: $34
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Whitefish, Ground Barley, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Ground Flaxseed, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement.
Why Buy? Premium ingredients for optimal health, an affordable price, and flavors dogs love.
Read Also: Dog Allergic Reaction To Food
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain
Brand: Taste of the Wild
Cost: $48.99
Main Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat , Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine.
Why Buy? Taste of the Wild uses only premium natural ingredients like water buffalo meat for a taste your doggo cant ignore. Fortified with proteins, fiber, and other crucial nutrients for your pups growth.
When Should I Switch My Goldendoodle Puppy To Adult Food
Puppy foods are high in protein, calories, and fat to meet a pups developmental needs. But, bittersweet as it may be, all puppies grow out of the need for this type of food, just as human babies make the shift from milk or formula to solid foods.
As with most considerations regarding your dogs food, her size is the biggest factor in determining when to make the shift from puppy food to food. As weve mentioned, Goldendoodles take their size cues from the Poodle side of the family, and they can range in size from toy to standard.
In general, you want to begin feeding your puppy food when theyre near their height. In toy breeds, this could be as young as 7-9 months, while bigger dogs reach this point at about 10-12 months of age.
Your vet can help you estimate how large they expect your Goldendoodle to grow, and if you know the parentage history of your dog, that can help in that determination. But its important to remember that its generally better to keep an dog on puppy food than to switch a puppy to food before shes ready.
Also Check: Out Of Dog Food What Can I Feed My Dog
Ingredients That Puppies Need
Protein
This is essential for healthy development and growth. Dog foods should contain one to three main protein sources and be the first ingredients on the label. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content of the food.
Fiber
Fiber helps promote healthy digestion. In dog food, this is usually provided with fruits and vegetables. Rice and oats are also added for fiber.
Fat
Fat provides energy. Healthy sources of fat in dog food are flaxseed, canola oil, and omega fatty acids. Good skin and coat conditions and brain and eye development depend on the proper amount of fat in your dogs diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Dog food with a balance of vitamins and minerals will keep your puppy healthy as they grow. If they get their essential nutrients, they wont need added supplements to their food. High-quality foods have a mixed blend of vitamins and minerals that will support your puppys growth and keep them healthy.
If you notice that your puppy is having diarrhea, scratching themselves incessantly, chewing their paws, or vomiting, they may have an intolerance to something in their food. This could be an allergy or sensitivity, but switching foods may help. Try a different brand with a different protein source to see if the issue clears up.
- Related Reading: 11 Best Puppy Foods Reviews & Top Picks!
Whats The Best Puppy Food For Goldendoodles
Since they are genetically related to Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles should be considered great breed dogs.
This means that the Goldendoodle puppies have an increased risk of developing a form of the crippling and permanent hip disease if they feed on dog food. It contains too much calcium while they are still growing.
For this reason, most veterinary experts and professional breeders recommend feeding the Goldendoodle puppies, food for dogs that is safe for large puppies, in addition to the brands listed in this article.
Also Check: Can My Dog Be Allergic To Dog Food
Eukanuba Adult Dog Food For Medium Dogs Rich In Fresh Chicken
This would be my first choice for an adult dog. What I like is that there is an added ingredient for reducing tooth decay.
This dog food is tailormade to suit your dog. It tastes of chicken and contains an ingredient called DentaDefense which reduces tartar build-up and helps keep teeth clean.
You will notice right away that the food is shaped differently from other kibble pieces. This is hexagon-shaped which makes it easier to chew and swallow.
The formula which is used in this dog food is designed to improve digestion and to keep your adult dog in good health.
Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe 30 Lb Bag
The Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food Puppy is formulated to support a healthy immune system and overall growth for puppies.
This puppy food uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and strong teeth in young dogs.
To help your growing dogs brain and eye development, this puppy food made with natural ingredients contains DHA from fish oil, as well as quality protein for lean muscle growth.
Pros:
- Clinically proven antioxidants To support a healthy immune system and to ensure your puppy is getting the right nutrition for their digestive health.
- #1 veterinarian recommended So you can rest assured knowing that your puppy is getting the right balance of nutrients with this puppy food.
- Natural ingredients Make this food easily digestible for your pups stomach.
Cons:
Read Also: Best Food For Chihuahua Puppy
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Puppy Food
The perfect food for Goldendoodles is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness puppy formula. This tasty recipe has real chicken as its main source of protein, which promotes muscle growth and gives your pup something theyll absolutely love to eat!
Goldendoodles need the right puppy food to ensure their health and development. This is why we make sure our pups eat a special diet with DHA, ARA vitamins which are crucial for brain function as well as eyesight growth! It also has been specially formulated so its easy-to-digest while being small enough not to be too big or long-lasting in mouth size.
Our innovative, meat-based formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your dog during every stage in life. Made with natural ingredients like wholesome grains and legumes our food will enrich their immune system while also supporting healthy digestion!
This nutritious pups dish contains no artificial preservatives or byproducts so it tastes great too.
Pros
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food
Nutro Wholesome essentials puppy food for a Goldendoodle is made with all-natural ingredients and includes minerals, vitamins to help keep your pup healthy!
The best part about this high protein diet? It doesnt contain any fillers so you can feel good about giving them something their system needs.
The Goldendoodle is a perfect match for Nutros premium puppy food because it has all the nutrients your pup needs to grow up healthy and strong. With added vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids , non-GMO ingredients without artificial flavors or colors galore in every bitethe list goes on!you cant go wrong when feeding this high-quality brand!
Pros
Also Check: Do Dogs Have Food Allergies
Food For Overweight Goldendoodles
If there ever comes a time when your Goldendoodle becomes slightly overweight, whether through too much food consumption or lack of exercise due to an injury, be sure to switch him to a weight management kibble. Being overweight will only increase the pressure on his joints, as well as increase the chances of other weight related health concerns, so be sure to take it seriously. Thankfully, the below recommendations are just as tasty so he will be none the wiser about his new diet.
Why Do Goldendoodles Throw Up
Its certainly unpleasant to find piles of puke in your house, but all dogs vomit from time to time. In most cases, theres nothing to be concerned about, as dogs can vomit from things like eating something that disagreed with their stomachs to eating food too quickly.
However, Goldendoodles are prone to a condition called bloat, which if not treated right away can be fatal. Its scientific term is gastric dilatation volvulus, or GVD, and it occurs when the dogs stomach becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply and sending the dog into shock.
One of the most common signs of bloat is retching, which is when a dog attempts to vomit but little to nothing is expelled. Another key sign is abdominal swelling and pain, so if you notice your Goldendoodle exhibiting both signs, an emergency vet visit is probably in order.
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Nutro Hearty Stew Adult Chunky Beef Tomato Carrot & Pea Canned Dog Food
Brand: Nutro
Cost: $27
Main Ingredients: Beef, Pork Broth, Chicken Broth, Beef Liver, Tomatoes, Carrots, Peas, Dried Egg Product, Pork Plasma, Dried Peas, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil , Calcium Carbonate, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Xanthan Gum.
Why Buy? This hearty stew is made with premium beef and pork broth for a delicious flavor and prime nutritional value.
Choosing The Correct Calorie Count For Goldendoodle Puppies
Goldendoodle puppies have very high energy levels and thus require a diet that can help the dog to have the nutrition it needs to enjoy a busy lifestyle. In addition to this, Goldendoodles are a breed in their infancy, and thus, determining precisely how much of the best dog food for Goldendoodle puppies to feed a dog can be very challenging.
Thankfully, AAFCO requires all dog foods to list suggested serving sizes on their packaging. These measurements can serve as effective starting points. Amounts can be adjusted with the puppys weight, activity level, and appetite helping to point the path to the correct meal portion.
Goldendoodle puppies are not prone to weight gain. However, free feeding is strongly discouraged in part, because the breed can be predisposed to developing bloat. Though it is not known what factors must combine to cause bloat to occur, experts agree that overeating and eating too rapidly may play roles. A large breed puppy food contains pieces of kibble big enough to discourage a puppy from eating too much or too quickly.
The Goldendoodle puppy will reach full maturity between 18-24 months. However, at 12 months of age, this pup should be transitioned to an appropriate adult food.
Read Also: When Should Dogs Eat Senior Food
Blue Buffalo Senior Large Breed
- Real meat is the first ingredient.
- Glucosamine for joint support.
Deboned Chicken and Chicken meal are the main protein sources in this recipe, which keep him energized but without the extra calories, and you can be sure that they also keep his joints and bones supple, as well as nourishing his skin and coat.
Just like the previous recommendations, this kibble includes their LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of nutrients that senior large breeds need for their slowing body and weaker immune system.
We love that this has the highest fiber content on this list, which will ensure that his digestive system is well cared for as it begins to slow down.
Best Food For Senior Goldendoodles
Like Golden Retrievers and other Golden Retriever mixes, the Goldendoodle will likely be risk to certain hereditary issues as they age. The most common issue you are likely to see is Hip dysplasia. In order to combat this issue early on, we recommend moving to a senior dog food formula at around age 6 that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin. This will help your senior get the nutrients they need and keep their joints healthy longer term.
Some seniors also have sensitive stomachs as they age. While Goldendoodles arent really notorious for being choosy when it comes to their food, you are still better off getting a brand/formula that your pup will love once its been proven it agrees with their digestive tract. Below are our favorite foods for a Senior Goldendoodle.
This recipe completes the Science Diet set, so if he has done well on their previous kibbles he should do well on this option. Chicken meal is the first ingredient that helps to support his muscles and joints, as well as his coat.
It has an optimum blend of easy-to-digest ingredients such as brown rice and oats, and extra added vitamins and supplements to support his aging body and immune system. Science Diet brands are almost always an excellent choice, no matter who they are up against.
We love that this recipe is formulated by scientists and canine nutritionists who have studied the needs of the large breed senior, and put it all into one kibble.
Also Check: How To Switch Dog Food