The Abcs Of A Balanced Dog Food Diet
Understanding the basics of what makes a homecooked diet balanced for your dog will help when you discuss the options with an expert. Here are important ingredients for the canine diet.
Protein: According to the ACVN, dogs must have protein in their diets that contain 10 specific essential amino acids their bodies cant produce. This is necessary for the creation of glucose, which transforms into energy. Sources of protein include chicken and turkey, after removing bones, fat, and skin beef and lamb pork in limited amounts salmon and some other fish such as whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.
Fats and fatty acids: The most concentrated sources of fats in a dogs diet come from animal fats and plant seed oils. A healthy diet supplies the fatty acids the dogs body doesnt manufacture. Fatty acids support the function and structure of cells, keep skin and coat healthy, and enhance the taste of the food. Sources of fatty acids include plant-based oils, including corn, soybean, canola, and flaxseed oil, as well as fish oil.
Carbohydrates: Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Sources include rice, pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa.
Fiber: Dogs need fiber in their diet to keep their gastrointestinal system functioning and to help them from becoming overweight. Good sources of fiber for dogs include carrots, pumpkin, apples, dark leafy greens, brown rice, and flaxseed.
What Were Looking For:
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: What to feed your puppy is a question I get almost every single day, says Dr. Karie Anne Johnson, a mobile veterinarian and co-founder of VIP Vet Visit. She and the other vets we spoke to all recommend choosing puppy food that has been thoroughly researched and tested for nutritional adequacy by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and meets AAFCOs nutritional standards. All of the puppy food recommended below meets or exceeds AAFCO standards.
High-quality ingredients: Zacharias also stresses that the ingredients should name the exact type of meat included and they should not contain white flour, preservatives such as BHA or BHT, propylene glycol, or rendered fat. If youre among the people who see their dog more as a member of their family than as a pet, you may want to give them minimally processed food that looks more like your own dinner than traditional kibble or wet food. Richardson says that a growing number of the pet owners she sees are interested in human-grade or fresh pet foods. As this is a relatively new concept in the pet-food world and definitions vary a bit by brand, but generally speaking, something labeled fresh pet food is minimally processed, does not use preservatives, and is gently cooked to retain nutrients and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria present in some raw diets. These foods usually come frozen and need to be thawed before each meal.
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Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Jump to RecipeMy easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs
***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human-grade food diet for your pup. This post was updated with video August 16, 2020, updated with additional recipe links 9/14/2020, updated 1/7/2021 with metric measurements, updated 1/3/2022 with recipe links for hydrating meals.***
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What Nutrition Guidelines Should You Follow
Like humans, every dog is different, so this is not a one-pup-fits-all rule. Serving size, your dogs weight, health conditions, size, and activity level are all factors you should consider when determining whats suitable for your dog.
However, in general, dogs need six basic nutrients to maintain a healthy, balanced diet: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. A mix of these nutrients provides energy for your dogs body to metabolize and grow.
To ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs, you may want to add a fully balanced nutrition blend, like one of these blends from Just Food For Dogs. And in addition to meals, you may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
Check with your vet before adding any type of supplement to your dogs diet because over-supplementation of vitamins and minerals can sometimes have serious health consequences in dogs.
The Digestive Care Diet I/d By Hills
Dogs that have trouble digesting protein can benefit greatly from this prescription-only feed. Prebiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids all contribute to a healthy immune system, skin, and coat, respectively, in this formulation. And as an added benefit to dogs with sensitive digestive systems, weve included ginger in this mix.
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Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Grain
Single-protein kibble thats GMO-free
Single animal protein formula perfect for dogs with digestion issues. A great option for allergy elimination diets.
About: Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey is a GMO-free, grain-free diet catered specifically for dogs with digestion issues. Featuring a single-animal protein source and no eggs, corn, wheat, or soy, its a great sensitive stomach dog food choice for owners who want to avoid common canine allergens.
Features:
- Turkey as single animal protein source fewer animal protein sources mean fewer chances that something will upset your pups tummy .
- 30% crude protein, plus essential nutrients for a diet suitable for both pups and adults.
- Contains GanebenBC30 that aid in gut health.
- Low carb, with chickpeas and sweet potatoes but no potatoes or tapioca.
- No chicken, eggs, peas, pea protein, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
PROS
We love seeing two single-animal protein sources as the first ingredients, making it a great choice for owners trying to avoid allergens to aid in their pups healthy digestion.
CONS
There isnt a ton of feedback or reviews on this dry dog food, so its difficult to get an objective view on what owners think.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil ,
The Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Reviewed
With so many stomach formulas available on the market, finding the right one can be tricky. To help owners pick the right one, we have reviewed some of the best dog food for sensitive stomach recipes.
Summary: This recipe by The Honest Kitchen is the perfect option for sensitive dogs in need of a limited ingredient diet. Made with six simple and nutritious ingredients, the recipe is easily digestible and healthy. Plus, it comes in an easy-to-use dehydrated form that needs to be quickly rehydrated before use. The brand offers six different flavor options with limited ingredients, so there is an option for every dogs taste preference. Customers can also get 30% off on their first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30.
Type: Dehydrated dog food
Flavor Options: Turkey & Parsnip Fish & Coconut Duck & Sweet Potato Chicken & Quinoa Beef & Chickpea
Price: $14.99/pound
- Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
- Can be used on its own or as a dog food topper
- Available in a variety of unique flavors
Cons
- Needs to be rehydrated before serving
Ingredient Analysis
Review: Amazon customers give this food 4.3 out of 5 stars. They say this is a great formula for dogs in need of a limited ingredient diet. Some pet owners describe the food as a pupper essential. Most reviewers agree the food has helped with their dogs allergies.
Type: Fresh Cooked Dog Food
Best for: Adult Dogs
Price:$80.65/7.8lbs
Ingredient Analysis
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Homemade Dog Food For The Sensitive Stomach
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you know how frustrating trying various types of store-bought foods can be. Rather than waste your time and money on store-bought foods for your sensitive dog, and further risk your dogs health, consider making your own food for your dog.
Making your own dog food eliminates the guessing games when it comes to your dogs food ingredients and allows you to ensure your dog is getting the treatment it deserves.
Variation On Dog’s Diarrhea Recipe
There are several variations for a dog’s diarrhea recipe. Pumpkin is great for helping a dog with diarrhea.
Pumpkin is a great natural remedy for diarrhea in dogs. Pumpkin is a natural laxative and helps dogs with frequent diarrhea.
It soothes the digestive tract and promotes bile flow, which helps break down fats and proteins.
Pumpkin fiber helps with regular bowel movements by absorbing water in the colon.
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Are Scrambled Eggs Good For A Dogs Upset Stomach
When dogs have an upset tummy, getting food on their stomachs is challenging. You may be wondering if scrambled eggs are good for dogs with upset stomachs. The answer to this question is yes.
Scrambled eggs provide a good source of protein and are ideal for dogs with upset stomachs and diarrhea. When feeding scrambled eggs to a dog, make sure they are well cooked.
Homemade Dog Treat Recipes For Sensitive Stomachs: The Best 8 Benefits
Homemade dog treat recipes for sensitive stomachs We have all heard about homemade dog treats being responsible for causing our animals to develop hyperactivity, obesity, and other real health complications.
But what if we could prevent this from happening without sacrificing the quality of the food we feed our dogs?
To keep your pets healthy while easing some of their stomach problems, you need to give them homemade organic dog treats. The only problem is that these treats can cost a lot of money to make and are hard to find in stores.
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Symptoms Of Sensitive Stomachs In Dogs:
- Occasional vomiting
Your dog can have one or all of these symptoms, but if any of the symptoms is severe then you should talk to your vet immediately. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of many serious illnesses and even flatulence can be a sign of a disease or condition that requires veterinary attention.
Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food Sensitive Digestion: The Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs For Everyday Use
Price: £34 |
While it isnt grain-free, it doesnt contain wheat or gluten, while other ingredients are easy to digest. In addition, it also includes natural sources of omega 6 and 3 for a healthy coat and skin, as well as calcium to support and maintain strong bones. Even the kibble shape has been designed to be of benefit for teeth its hardness helps to keep your dogs teeth clean.
Suitable for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds, this is a great all-rounder for most dogs with sensitive tummies.
Key features Ingredients : Dried chicken and turkey, rice, maize, sorghum, pork fat Dog age: Adult Other flavours: No Grain-free?: No Form: Dry
Price: £38 |
If your dog is recovering from a gastric upset, or perhaps youre not sure what might be causing an issue in the first place, then this food from Royal Canin is worth having in your cupboard ready to go when you need it.
Its unlikely youd use this product as your everyday food, and its advised that you speak to your vet before feeding it to your pet.
Key features Ingredients : Chicken meat, chicken liver, rice, fish oil, sunflower oil Dog age: Adult Other Flavours: DuckGrain-free?: No Form: Wet
Price: £38 |
This range comprises a choice of flavours, so its perfect for fussy eaters, as well as for those dogs suffering from a specific allergy to, say, chicken you can simply switch to one of the other options.
Price: £23 |
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Also Are Scrambled Eggs Easy On A Dogs Stomach
A small amount of scrambled eggs served plain and cooked without oil or butter every now and again wont cause your dog any serious harm, but be mindful of how youre cooking them. Eggs, well cooked, can even help settle a dogs upset stomach, and they can make a surprisingly good training treat.
a good option for dogs with diarrhea
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Venison And Vegetable Stew
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
Instructions:
Recipe via topdogtips.com
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Tip: Give Your Dog Supplements
My vet said this recipe was very well balanced.
However to assure me that my dog was getting all the proper vitamins that my dog might need, he suggested I give my dog VetriScience Canine Multi Pro – Extra Vitamins, Minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, and Probiotics – Important for Homemade and Raw Diets – 60 Soft Bite-Sized Chews
He would suggest this supplement for my dog if he was eating store bought food as well.
You can find cheaper supplements if you do some research. This is just the brand we use.
My dog is also older. He is at the age where he needs joint supplements.
He is a picky eater and has snubbed his nose at several different joint supplements that I have tried to offer him.
I buy the beef flavor. It is all natural with great ingredients.
He thinks he is eating a treat when I give him his little square chew!
What Can I Give My Dog For Diarrhea: Supplements That Help
Besides a bland diet, supplements added to your dog’s food can aide in correcting your dog’s diarrhea. Supplements can also help to harden your dog’s stool.
Slippery elm is one of the most popular herbal treatments for dogs with diarrhea.
Some dog owners mix slippery elm tea with food and feed it to their pets, others use slippery elm tea bags.
As an alternative, there is something called slippery elm capsules, which may be more appealing to dog owners.
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How Much Homemade Dog Food Should You Feed Your Dog
You can calculate how much to feed your dog here. It is a great resource to tell you how many calories your dog needs based on it’s size.
The calories in the recipe box are an estimate based on lean chicken.
If you are making your homemade dog food for the first time,introduce the new food a little at a time. You don’t want your dog to get sick from a fast transition.
You may want to start off with half of the homemade food and half of the regular food for a couple of days.
Consult your veterinarian on how to do that best.
When you make this homemade dog food, please tell me what you think in the comment section! It would mean the world to me to hear back. My readers will appreciate the information also.
Also post your picture of your dog’s food on or , and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
What Should I Look For In Sensitive Stomach Dog Food
While it is best to consult a veterinary nutritionist, pet parents can do their own research to decide on a good brand that makes food for sensitive stomachs. Your vet might place your dog on a limited ingredient diet or a prescription diet depending on their problems. However, it is still advised to reach the label of the product.
The most common factors that one needs to consider in a sensitive stomach diet include
- Low Fat and Carbs. If your dog food contains low amounts of fat and carbs, then you can consider using that brand of dog food. This will prevent unnecessary weight gain and keep your dogs GI tract functioning well.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics. Probiotics and prebiotics help improve the quality of gut flora. These are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion.
- Single Protein Source. Often, a single source of protein can reduce the chance of an allergic reaction in most dogs. Make sure that the protein is present without any meat by-products.
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