The Best Ingredients To Use In Homemade Dog Food Are Many Most Whole Food Ingredients Humans Eat Are Good For Dogs Too And Including A Variety Of Foods In Your Dog’s Diet Is The Key To Stellar Health
Whether you want to try feeding your dog raw food or youre looking for home-cooked dog food ideas, the components of a good homemade dog food plan are not complicated, but do require diligence and dedication from you the dog guardian.
Calcium levels in your dogs diet are important: you cant feed too little or too much. A balance of nutrients over time is also essential: mixing and matching different types of vegetables and meat over the weeks and years. So how do you make sure your dogs homemade diet is complete and balanced enough? You need to feed a high variety of foods.
What Does The Aafco Oil Requirement For Dog Food Mean
Firstly, it would be extremely useful if they defined oil requirements for regular adult dogs, but they dont, so we have to review the Growth & Reproduction Minimum
This should be the most important question, since most people feed their dog commercial dog food and trust it completely, and its completely based on this volunteer American table
8.5% crude fat, means that if you feed your dog 300g of pellets, then there has to be a minimum of 3 x 8.5 grams of crude fat in it, 25.5 grams of fat from ANY source that is.
So, the only specific sub requirements for a puppy or pregnant dog are that 0.08% must be Linoleic acid and 0.05% must be
This is where the age-old question of Salmon Oil (animal source perfect for a carnivore-based species like a domestic dog, versus flax seed oil comes into focus and will be discussed further below.
Essentially linoleic Acid = OMEGA 6, and this must be at least 0.08% of the dogs diet. If you feed your dog commercial dog food, they will sometimes use sunflower oil or another source of Omega 6 to provide this. Only a portion of any oil is Omega 3 or Omega 6 and usually not a lot of it .
For 300g of dry weight dog food pellets, that means that 0.08% x 300g of Omega 6 is required which is 0.24g of Omega 3 oil. This can be achieved from quite a few sources .
The maximum ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is 30:1. While most commercial dog foods do about 7:1 . So in reality the ratio can be near the max ratio or worse.
How To Know If Fish Oil Is Good For Dogs
Fish Oil For Dogs 1 Fish oil is a dietary supplement that helps supports dogs hearts, joints, coats, skin, and immune systems. 2 High in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can either be part of a long-term plan or a momentary dietary boost. 3 Always consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on fish oil or any other supplements.
Don’t Miss: Iams Prostora Max Gi
Omega 3 Overdose Signs
There are very few dangerous side effects to Omega 3 over dosing. Since the amount of oil given is small it will not affect their weight however giving more than recommended doses can cause flatulence and loose stools which obviously will affect the comfort level of your dog. Essentially your dogs body will use what it requires and expel the excess. A very serious but rare complication of extremely high doses is pancreatitis.
So providing higher doses than recommended in the hope of speeding up recovery will usually only result in waste and discomfort to your dog.
How Long Before You See Results
It is suggested that cats and dogs will gain immediate benefits from Omega 3 inclusion in their diet, however you may not notice an external change to their coat for three to four months. The reason for this is that Omega 3 will work first where it is most needed – in repairing cell damage, before making major repairs to the tissue and organs. The final benefits will be in your pets coat and skin health. Ref 5
Many pet foods have plenty of Omega 6 fatty acids included in them. Therefore, it is ONLY necessary to supplement your dogs diet with Omega 3 fatty acid.
Many dry dog foods boast of their Omega 3 contents. However most contain flax seeds and flax seed oil meaning they have Alpha-linolenic Acid, ALA, which still needs to be converted to EPA or DHA Omega 3 versions. This puts extra burden on an already highly taxed dog immune system. Also anytime that the flax seed oil comes into contact with the air it will turn rancid and destroy any of the potential benefits of this wrong form of Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of EPA or DHA only last hours at room temperatures before they go rancid but in the unlikely event that Omega 3 survives in dry pet food, you should be aware that many dogs don´t have the enzymes to convert ALA to EPA and DHA anyway.
Article by Bruce Dwyer. If you wish to use any of this information please refer to the article as a reference and provide a link to http://www.dogwalkersmelbourne.com.au
Read Also: Is Crave Dog Food Good
What Are Omegas For Dogs
Omegas is short for omega fatty acids and refers to certain types of fat. There are different types of omega fatty acids for dogs: omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. Our bodies and the bodies of our pets can turn other fats into omega-9s, but some omega 3s and omega 6s cannot be synthesized by the body. Those types of omegas have to come from the diet and are therefore called essential fatty acids.
Fish Oil Has Unexpected Side Effects
While fish oil can offer great health benefits for your dog, there can be some risks too. These are often due to too much EPA in the diet. And that can happen with high fish oil doses, so dont overdo the amount you give your dog.
High Blood SugarBe careful with fish oil if your dogs diabetic. Omega-3 fatty acids are often said to support healthy blood sugar levels. But theres now research showing high doses can increase blood glucose.
BleedingFish oil can thin the blood and can cause bleeding. Some people experience bleeding gums or nosebleeds. It may interact with medications like blood thinners. This bleeding risk also means increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. And if you give fish oil, stop dosing a few days before any surgery.
Low Blood PressureFish oils well known to lower blood pressure. And that can be a good thing if your dog has high blood pressure. But not if your dogs pressure is normal! And it can increase the effects of blood pressure medication too.
DiarrheaSome dogs dont tolerate fish oil well, especially at high doses. It could cause diarrhea or other digestive upset in your dog. If this happens, youll want to find an alternative source of omega-3s.
Heart HealthOmega-3 supplements are usually touted as heart-healthy. But researchers recently looked at 5 other clinical studies with surprising results. Heart patients receiving fish oil supplements experienced higher incidence of atrial fibrillation .
Read Also: Dr.pol Dog Treats
Dog Food Nutrition 101
Did you know that aafco provides minimum requirements that ALL Australian dog food must reach to be called dog food? For dogs they give values for growth and reproduction and adult maintenance minimums .
If you are interested in getting the right absolute dose levels and ratio for Omega 6 to Omega 3 we have a whole article devoted to that.
We Aren’t The Only People That Have Converted To Making Homemade Dog Food And Are Loving The Results Check Out The Links Below For More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth’s sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things – even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal’s sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious||Chungah’s dog Butter’s battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
Read Also: Can You Buy Dog Food With Food Stamps In Florida
Fish Oil Is Missing Important Anti
There are some other important anti-inflammatory fats but they arent in fish oil.
ETA is another omega-3 anti-inflammatory fatty acid. It can also help regenerate cartilage in a dog with arthritis. Your dog can convert ETA to EPA but not the other way around. So if theres no ETA in his diet, hes missing out.
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps with hormone balance and supports your dogs coat and skin. But GLA only comes from plants. Fish oil doesnt have it.
RELATED:Inflammation can shorten your dogs life
What Kind Of Snacks Can I Feed A Dog With Kidney Disease
Our dogs seriously LOVE snack time, but snack time has had to seriously change! Dogs with kidney disease should avoid meat based chews/treats that are high in phosphorus, so you may find that you need to explore new types of treats for your dog instead. My probiotic rich Pumpkin & Yogurt Bowlsare our dog’s favorite treat these days! They also really enjoy thin apple slices, blueberries, and fresh banana chunks. When it comes to crunchy chews they both are SUPER into dehydrated banana chips, pumpkin, and sweet potato. I swear, our dog’s drool for them like they are the jerky chews we used to treat them with!
Also Check: Iams Woof Delights
The Best Diy Dog Food With Turkey And Veggies
Ever since we published our first Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe we have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have told us that they have already made the leap and are preparing fresh meals for their pups at home! Ditching processed kibble once and for all is one of the best things you can do for your dog. We learned this ourselves this last year after our 11-year old dog had an incredibly positive change to his health once we moved to a healthy dog food! Recently, I developed a new 100% human grade homemade dog food recipe that utilizes some of the best fall produce for your dog like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage! Our dogs love it so much I decided to share it here too so you and your pup can celebrate the best the season has to offer.
***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 veterinarians 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.*** Updated with video 9/4/2021
Boost Pet Health With Omega
Omega-3 supplements for dogs and cats are widely used by pet owners who want to address the symptoms or causes of a variety of conditions. Omega-3 fish oils are the superheroes of natural pet supplements, supporting good health from nose to tail in both cats and dogs. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that your pet cant produce naturally, and its a simple way to provide your cat or dog the omega-3s theyre missing. If youre looking for a vet-approved way to address the symptoms of kidney disease, allergies, and other maladies, turn to SeaPets Omega-3 Fusion Fish Oil. Our fish oil offers all the support your pet needs to fight heart disease, increase cognitive function, and relieve inflammation exacerbated by kidney disease and arthritis. To learn more about the best omega-3 for dogs and cats, read on.
Don’t Miss: Can I Get Dog Food With Food Stamps
Human And Pharmaceutical Grade
Neither human grade nor pharmaceutical grade hold any legal meaning whatsoever. Weve put human grade on our label to indicate the quality of our oil, and that our product is actually made from an oil that was intended for humans. The term pharmaceutical grade is in very gray ethical territory in our opinion, as it suggests that a product has a drug component or effect.
Why Pomeranians Need Canine Omega 3 Supplements
Posted on Last updated:
- Pin
Do you like seeing your Pomeranian in pain? How about shedding hair, having hot spots, ear infections, flaky, dry skin and excessive itchiness? As a caring owner, you certainly dont want your Pom to suffer in any way. The answer is simple if youre not already doing so, add Omega oil for dogs diet to keep him healthy.
Read Also: Is Natural Balance Dog Food Made In China
Raw Meaty Bones And Other Animal Parts
Here is the trickiest component of homemade dog food. Raw meaty bones refer to a specific type of animal bone that is for eating, not just for chewing . RMBs are fed to dogs unprocessed, with muscle meat and tendons still adhered. They arent dried and therefore are not brittle, and usually are big enough not to be swallowed whole. Raw meaty bones are an essential source of calcium for dogs if for whatever reason your dog cant handle RMBs, alternatives like ground bones, or ground eggshells, in their food can supply the calcium.
Organ meats like liver, kidney, hearts, and necks are required for home-fed dogs as well. For raw-fed dogs, organs should make up about 10% of their overall diet, which may be a challenge for some dog guardians. Offal meats contain all the rich vitamins and minerals that make your dog glow, but since they arent widely eaten , they arent widely available.
How Do I Choose A Good Fish Oil For My Dog
There are three types of fish oil on the market:
- Natural triglyceride oil, which is the most natural and easiest to absorb. However, because it isnt purified, it may contain contaminants
- Ethyl ester oil is concentrated and distilled, removing impurities. Think of it as semi-natural with high levels of important components of omega-3: docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid
- Synthetic triglyceride oil, which as the name says, is synthetic and absorbs the least easily of the three
Before choosing which type of fish oil to feed your dog, consider their breed, size, weight, and overall health. Speak with your veterinarian first as well. Over the long term, using fish oil as a supplement to a grain-based diet may deplete vitamin E, so some dogs may also ultimately require that supplement too.
Don’t Miss: Rachael Ray Dog Food Petsmart
Omega 3 To Omega 6 Ratio In Raw Dog Food
I came across a chart on PaleoZoneNutrition.com that lists the amount of Omega 6s in various proteins. Below is data from that chart however, I only listed the proteins I feed to my dogs.
| Meat & Protein Foods per 100 Grams | Omega 6 |
Update: Keep on reading, I learned about another natural source of Omega 3s that shows how amazing a species appropriate diet of raw food is for dogs AND it means that a raw fed dog isn’t getting too many Omega 6s.
Why Is It Important To Add Omega
Most dog foods, especially kibble, are manufactured at very high temperatures. This is detrimental to the temperature sensitive omega-3 fatty acids. Even if you feed your dog a raw diet, there is a high likelihood that you are missing out on omega-3 fatty acids if you are not consciously adding seafood or marine oils to your pets diet.
Don’t Miss: Iams Veterinary Formula Skin And Coat Ko Dry Dog Food
Other Benefits Of Canine Omega 3 Supplement For Pomeranians:
- A glistening coat and healthy skin.
- More stamina.
- An increased appetite due to the fishy flavour.
- Less pain in joints.
- Lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Management of triglycerides.
- Antioxidants that reduce risk of Cancer and fights free radicals.
- Easing flea allergies.
- Reduce incidents of bowel diseases.
- Controls cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
At The End Of 2019 During Our Yearly Vet Check We Received The Horrible News That Our Dog Was In Stage 4 Kidney Failure
Honestly, I was in total shock, how did we miss this?! He is with me all day, every day!! He just seemed like he was dealing with some symptoms of old age frequent urination, sometimes excessive water drinking, and I would notice occasionally that he would have a mild case of diarrhea. It definitely didnt feel like life threatening symptoms to us! As much as the diagnosis was a shock, the price tag of the prescription diet that we were told he would need to eat for the remainder of his life was pretty horrifying too! When I asked our vet how long we had left with him the prognosis wasn’t good, 3-6 months maybe 9 if we were lucky. We had to wait 6 weeks for a follow up blood panel to really know what kind of timeline we were looking at.
Also Check: Where To Buy Darwin’s Dog Food
How To Maintain A Proper Ratio Of Omega
A healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 would be around 5:1, and no way should exceed beyond 10:1. Too much or too little consumption can lead to sickness for your dog.
If your dog has been feeding on processed or packaged food like kibble then you should make sure you add omega-3 rich food to their diet to complete their meal.
Fish like salmon is good for your furry pal and have the potential to complete their meal of omega-3 rich diet. Krill has more EPA as compared to the commercial fish oils and are rich in vitamin A and E that can shield your dog from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Before feeding your dog any packaged source or natural source of omega-3 and 6, ensure that you check it with one of our team and only then proceed. You should also read the labels of the packs well before purchasing. Consult us about the health of your dog and when youre satisfied, get your pup his or her dose of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids today.