Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food

Recipe Variations: What Natural Foods Can I Feed My Dog

Home-cooked dog food diets can be one of the best ways to keep your best friend happy and healthy. As always, check with your vet before testing a new dog diet, but here are some of my best recommendations:

• Protein: Rascal digests ground turkey really well but you can try ground beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and Rascals personal favorite: venison. If you dont have a meat grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind it for you or cut it up super fine before cooking.
• Vegetables: Spinach, butternut squash, cranberries, cauliflower, apples, green beans. Here is an entire list of AKC approved fruits and vegetables you can give your dog.
• Grains & Carbs: Rice, quinoa, barley, whole grain pasta, and potatoes can be great options. If you can believe it, Rascal is actually allergic to rice. I wish I were kidding.

How To Store Reheat And Freeze

This homemade dog food will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. We usually make a weeks worth of food at a time and store it in the refrigerator. We store all of the meals in simple Tupperware containers and we ALWAYS save our plastic take-out containers and re-use them for Rascals Dog Food.

When eating time rolls around, simply nuke it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds and cool slightly before serving.

For freezing, I recommend freezer-safe containers or freezer zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before feeding and reheat as directed.

Is Homemade Dog Food Good For Dogs

While I am not a vet, and I certainly cant speak for all animals , I can tell you that switching to homemade dog food made the world of difference for Rascal. We had a very unique case with him and his food allergies, but we have also seen other positive changes.

On traditional dog food, Rascal was lethargic, he shed in abundance and his appetite was mediocre. He was also low in his weight class, weighing in at just 64 pounds for a full-sized male Golden Retriever.

Since the dog food switch, he has been energetic, focused, and calmer. He has also put on about 15 pounds in just one year after switching to homemade food. On a traditional diet, were vacuuming at least once a day but now only 1-2x a week. We no longer have to coax Rascal into mealtime and have finally developed a great eating schedule.

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Ingredients For Rascals Homemade Dog Food:

• All-Natural chicken stock or water
• Macaroni noodles

Note: We add in a supplement nutrient blend from a company called Just Food For Dogs very similar to dog vitamins as well as Omega oil to make sure he is getting enough healthy fats. I highly recommend adding both of these into your dog food so you can rest assure that they are getting proper nutrients.

The Results From Feeding Our Diy Dog Food

Back to the story of Bug

After only a couple of weeks of feeding her a homemade diet, the hubby and I were blown away by how much her mental and physical health improved. And we wholeheartedly believe she was able to bounce back because of her new food.

She went from an ailing, exhausted, incontinent, tail-down dog to a happy, energetic, curious, communicative pup. While she isnt miraculously walking again, her hip dysplasia also hasnt progressed or caused her any pain.

Weve learned to watch for signs that she needs to relieve herself as weve realized she knows when she has to go, she just cant get there without our help.

We feed both of our pugs the same food, with the hope that we can stave off any potential health problems for our older one.

When we travel, well bring their homemade food on the road in a cooler. On occasion, weve even ordered their dinner from a restaurant when we ran out of food .

If were camping, well usually just feed them whatever were cooking in camp they love corn on the cob, hobo packs , and the whole assortment of tri-tip, sausages, and ribs that weve usually got going on.

As you might imagine they lovecamping trips!

Homemade dog food gives us the flexibility to fine-tune their diet as needed. Im forever grateful for the extra time we were given with our beloved Bug as a result of the food we chose to feed her.

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Tools Needed For Cooking Dog Food At Home

• Food Processor: Before I start cooking a batch of homemade dog food, I blend up all the vegetables in my food processor. This Cuisinart food processor is my go-to. Its a bit smaller than traditional food processors but works just as well as a larger model. Blending up the veggies nice and fine will speed up the cooking process.
• Dutch Oven: I make the entire batch in my large Le Creuset round Dutch oven. I love using a Dutch oven because I can ground the meat first, and then finish off the batch right in the same pot. The process is very similar to making chili except for dogs. Ya knowDog Chili. .
• Measuring Cups: Rascal has his own set of measuring cups now because it makes measuring out food ingredients and the finished batch WAY easier.
• Meal Prep Containers: This is basically meal prepping for your dog, so you will need some great Tupperware.

Transitioning To Homemade Dog Food

Most dogs dont have a problem making the switch to homemade food. If yours is prone to digestive issues, start slowly by mixing a little bit of the homemade food with the commercial food.

Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the commercial food.

If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, try introducing only a couple of new ingredients at a time until their systems are well adjusted to the fresh diet.

For dogs with health issues, please consult with a veterinarian if you arent sure what kind of supplements are needed. Use your best judgment, the way you would when feeding yourself or your family.

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Our Backstory: Common Food Allergies For Dogs

After Rascal turned a year old or so, he started developing really strange eating habits. He wasnt finishing his food, had loud intense stomachaches and frequently threw up. We went through a number of blood tests. He had been diagnosed with things like pancreatitis, anxiety and one vet even thought he had parvo. We were stressed and at a loss at how to move forward. That is until we did an allergy test.

We uncovered that Rascal was allergic to a dozen different food items, one being beef, the main ingredient in his traditional dry dog food. Our vet introduced us to an all-natural human-grade dog food company called Just Food for Dogs. The company sells premade food and teaches people how to make a homemade dog food recipe at home. Once we started this all-natural diet, the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.

Diy Dog Food Seasoning

While dogs cant have all of the same aromatics as humans can they can have a small variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices that contain great nutrients and help flavor their meals. Use a few teaspoons sprinkled on top or mixed into the food. These are some easily digestible herbs and spices to try:

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A General Guideline For Preparing Homemade Dog Food

My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. My dogs diet changes the same way ours does, depending on what we do and what we buy or grow.

However, we almost always stay with this basic formula:

• 50 percent cooked protein
• 25 percent cooked complex carbohydrates
• Fats and supplements

Protein is always meat and usually chicken, though weve also used turkey, pork, and beef. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric.

Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems.

Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

We add it to the coconut oil since it is fat-soluble, and use it to support our pugs joint health.

Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. While well remove the skin from poultry and trim off excessive fat from red meat, we dont worry about buying the leanest meat possible for our dogs.

A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet.

They tend to be the leftovers in our produce bin, so we never have to buy, say, a whole head of cauliflower just for the dogs.

Our Rating Of Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food

Natures Recipe Grain Free is a dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Highly recommended.

However, its unfortunate the company chose to include menadione in its recipes. Without this controversial ingredient, we may have been compelled to award this line a higher rating.

• Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food Review

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Homemade Dog Food Sources

• Meats: chicken, turkey, beef, bison, pork, lamb, venison
• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, zucchini, summer squash, spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, thawed frozen peas
• Complex carbohydrates: brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, lentils, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, winter squash

Recommended Serving Amounts

• 2 pounds of food per day for a 100-pound dog
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of food per day for a 50-pound dog
• 1/2 to 3/4 pound of food per day for a 25-pound dog
• 5 to 6 1/2 ounces of food per day for a 10-pound dog

This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Every dog’s dietary needs are different. Please consult with your veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your own dog’s diet.

Snacks To Pair With Home Cooked Dog Food

• Peanut butter: Rascal has his own dedicated jar of peanut butter. He loves a traditional kong but you can also mold and freeze peanut butter in any shape for a quick frozen treat. When the jar is almost finished I break out my peanut butter spoon.
• Greek Yogurt Ice Cream: In the summer we blend up unflavored Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and peanut butter. Place a spoonful or two into a silicone cupcake pan and freeze for a few hours. These make for a great dog ice cream.
• Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes: Rascals favorite easy treat. We love bringing these over to family and friends houses so Rascal always has a healthy treat on hand.

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Is Natures Recipe Food Good For Dogs

Yes, Natures Recipe Dog Food is good. Its a great food choice for your dog because its made with real chicken as the first ingredient and has no meat by-products, artificial colors, or flavors.

Natures Recipe Dog Food also offers a variety of formulas with different protein sources, like beef or lamb meal, so that you can find the right one for your dog.

Natures Recipe Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food

Dog Food, Grain Free, Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, Adult

Feeding Instructions: Your dog’s food requirements vary depending upon breed, size, age, level of activity and environment. Use the chart as a guideline and adjust as needed to maintain optimum body weight. Older and less active dogs may require less food than is indicated in the chart. Daily total recommended can be divided into multiple smaller feedings. This product is not recommended for puppies less than one year of age or pregnant or lactating dogs. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times. Daily Feeding Guidelines: Weight of Dog : 3-10 Adults Over 12 Months Cups Per Day: 1/2 – 1. Weight of Dog : 10-20 Adults Over 12 Months Cups Per Day: 1 to 1-1/2. Weight of Dog : 20-50 Adults Over 12 Months Cups Per Day: 1-1/2 to 3-1/4. Weight of Dog : 50-100 Adults Over 12 Months Cups Per Day: 3-1/4 to 5-1/2. Weight of Dog : Over 100 Adults Over 12 Months Cups Per Day: Add 1/2 cup per every 10 lb of body weight over 100 lb.

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How Do You Make Homemade Dog Food

How Is Natures Recipe Dog Food Made

Natures Recipe Dog Food is made with human-grade deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It contains no artificial colors or flavors and has no added corn, wheat, or soy. This means that dogs with allergies to wheat or corn can still enjoy Natures Recipe without worrying about getting sick after eating their food.

Some of Natures Recipe products are formulated for specific life stages, like the puppy and senior formulas. These formulas contain added vitamins and minerals that help meet your dogs needs at those stages of his life.

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What Is Natures Recipe Dog Food

Natures Recipe Dog Food is a top-rated pet food brand offering various kibble and wet foods. It was founded in 1987 by Big Heart Pet Brands and has produced pet food for 35 years.

Natures Recipe Dog Food uses only natural ingredients that are healthy for your dog and made without artificial flavors or colors.

Natures Recipe Dog Food Summary

• Best Wet Natures Recipe Dog Food: Natures Recipe Prime Blends Wet Dog FoodWith each bite of this delicious wet food, your dog will get the nutrients it needs to live a happy, healthy life.
• Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Large Breeds: Natures Recipe Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog FoodThis recipe is formulated to help promote lean muscle development and weight control in large breed dogs.
• Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Digestive Health:Natures Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog FoodThis wet food is designed to help with digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomachs, and excess gas.
• Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Puppies:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog FoodGrain-free puppy food with essential nutrients and enhanced with beta-carotene-rich pumpkin for eye health.
• Best Grain-Free Natures Recipe Dog Food:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodGrain-free, chicken & venison recipe that is tasty and loaded with dietary fibers and essential omega fatty acids.
• Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Small Breeds:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog FoodMade with a high-quality protein source to support healthy skin and coat in small breed dogs with picky appetites.

• Easy-to-digest recipe, with nutrient-dense, healthy sweet potatoes and pumpkins
• Formulated for all breeds and lifestages, from puppies to senior dogs
• No corn, wheat, or poultry by-product meal. No soy protein, artificial flavors, or preservatives

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Recommended Serving Amounts For Homemade Dog Food

As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. Larger breeds may need as little as 1 1/2 percent, and smaller breeds may need as much as 4 percent.

This works out to be approximately:

• 2 pounds of food per day for a 100-pound dog
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of food per day for a 50-pound dog
• 1/2 to 3/4 pound of food per day for a 25-pound dog
• 5 to 6 1/2 ounces of food per day for a 10-pound dog

There is much variation in what the ideal amount should be as it depends on how much your dog weighs and how active she is.

I feel that the best approach is to feed and watch if your dog is losing weight, give more, and if your dog is gaining weight, give less.

For our pugs, we feed a scoop each in the morning and a scoop each in the evening, plus all their supplements.

We have an easy system for this: homemade food is refrigerated in a sealed container with a measuring cup , and all the supplements are lined up together in a cupboard in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients organized and accessible will make feeding time fast and smooth.

Compared to feeding commercial food, where you might scoop out kibbles or open up a can, feeding homemade food with all the supplements takes maybe 10 seconds more. And even if it took 10 minutes more, fresh wholesome food for our furbabies is worth it.

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