Preparation Of Our Homemade Diet
All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time.
First, we cook our complex carbs, whether theyre grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables.
While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. After its cooled a bit, we add chunks of meat to our food processor and pulse until theyre broken down into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.
Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor.
We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs.
Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point.
Since dogs have short digestive tracts, its crucial that you break down the food to increase its bioavailability that is, making all the nutrients in those wholesome ingredients more digestible in a dogs system.
I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Its unbelievably easy, and I like knowing exactly what goes into their food. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat!
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.
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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 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.
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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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.
Is Natures Recipe Dog Food Worth It
Yes, Natures Recipe Dog Food is worth it.
Natures Recipe Dog Food is a good choice for dogs. It contains all the nutrients your dog needs and is reasonably priced.
Natures Recipe Dog Food has been around for more than 30 years, so it has had plenty of time to develop into a high-quality brand. It also has various formulas for different ages, sizes, and conditions.
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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.
Natures Recipe Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food
Dog Food, Grain Free, Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, Adult
Feeding Instructions: Your dogs 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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Natures Recipe Dry Products
The Natures Recipe brand of dog food offers a wide variety of different product choices for dry dog food. There are two product lines for Natures Recipe dry food, though their products can really be divided into numerous categories.
The classic lineup includes life stages, special needs, and grain-free formulas. The Pure Essentials product line includes limited ingredient recipes that are grain-free. Here is a list of Natures Recipe dry dog food recipes:
Life Stages Dry Food Recipes:
- Puppy Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
- Puppy Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
- Small Bites Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
- Large Breed Puppy Recipe
- Adult Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
- Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
- Small Bites Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
- Large Breed Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
- Senior Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
Special Needs Dry Food Recipes:
- Healthy Skin Venison Meal & Rice Recipe
- Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe
- Easy to Digest Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe
- Easy to Digest Fish Meal & Potato Recipe
- Terrier Breed Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe
- Toy Breed Chicken, Barley & Rice Recipe
- Healthy Weight Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe
- High Protein Chicken Meal & Lamb Meal Recipe
- Joint Health Fish Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe
Grain-Free Dry Food Recipes:
- Grain-Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
- Small Breed Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
- Large Breed Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
Pure Essentials Dry Food Recipes:
Is Natures Recipe Dog Food Good For Small Dogs
Natures Recipe produces a number of dog foods that are safe for smaller dogs. In fact, the company also offers 2 recipes specifically designed for small and toy dogs Natures Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free and Natures Recipe Original Small Bites. Small Bites is grain-inclusive and contains rice, barley and oatmeal. Each meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines for adult maintenance. However, they are not suitable for puppies. View The Advisors best dog foods for small dogs here.
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Is Natures Recipe Recall
Picture source: pinimg.com
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the recall process for natures recipes will vary depending on the specific ingredients and circumstances involved. However, some tips for successfully recalling a nature recipe may include paying close attention to the ingredients and proportions used, as well as taking detailed notes or even photographing the steps involved in the recipe. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a physical or mental map of the recipe, so that you can easily visualize the steps involved.
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.
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What Is The Best Natural Dog Food
An inexpensive,natural food that most dogs love is cheese. This can easily be integrated into your dogs diet as something tasty as well as a good source of calcium and many other essential nutrients. Vegetables can also be a nice change. Fiber,such as oat bran,will help in preventing some glandular problems.
What Do Others Say About Natures Recipe
As of the time of this update
Chewy customers rate Natures Recipe 4.7 out of 5 stars and 99% say they would recommend it to others.
Heres an actual user review
Sample buyer reviewBoth of my dogs absolutely love this brand and these ingredients. Daisy, a mix breed would throw up every once in a while and have stomach issues. But ever since I switched to this brand we have never had an issue. I read in the comments that a lot of people were complaining about the smell, it is salmon flavor. so it will smell fishy ahaha also I did read that some dogs did have diarrhea. Its probably because it contains pumpkin and sweet potato which help your dogs digestive System in the long run. Zoey, the Chihuahua would have trouble using the bathroom before switching to this brand. Both of my dogs have long hair and theyve never had skin issues. 100% recommend. Ive never read or experienced anything bad while using this brand. Ive used it for more than 2 years.
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Pure Balance Dog Food Is Still A Good Choice Amid Recalls
It has not been recalled by Pure Balance since the article was written. Although high levels of vitamin D have been discovered in animal products, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition LLC voluntarily recalled five Rachel Ray pet food formulas. Walmarts Pure Balance pet food has also been redesigned and extended with ingredients and packaging cues that are consistent with the trend of humanizing pet products. Pure Balance Dog Food meets or exceeds high standards for quality, with all of the ingredients sourced from local sources and free of artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers.
Who Owns Natures Recipe
Natures Recipe is a pet food company that was founded in 1985. The company is based in the United States and offers a variety of pet food products, including dog food, cat food, and bird food. Natures Recipe is owned by Petco, a pet retailer that was founded in 1965.
Both Natures Recipe and Natures Variety are made in the United States. Natures Recipe, owned by the J. M. Smucker Company of Orville, Ohio, and Natures Variety, owned by Barcelona, Spain-based Agrolimen, are the two major brands owned by the company. Both companies take pride in their products quality and the use of natural ingredients. Natures Recipe also provides raw and grain-free dry food options. Natures Variety has grain-free and raw canned foods as well as convenience foods. They cater to the needs of both dogs and cats in addition to offering a wide range of flavors and sizes. Natures Recipe and Natures Variety have excellent pet foods at an affordable price, making them an excellent choice for anyone who cares about their pets. You and your pets can enjoy Natures Recipe and Natures Variety, both of which are dry and wet foods.
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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.
What Dog Foods Are Killing Dogs
A pet food recall is widening after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating Sportmix brand dry kibble. The statement issued on Monday said that the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold Aspergillus flavus, which at high levels can kill pets.
The Top Ten of Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands
- Hills Science Diet. 5,978 Reviews.
- Royal Canin. 6,727 Reviews.
- Wellness Natural Food for Dogs. Sale.
- Castor & Pollux. 1,400 Reviews.
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Why We Love The Switch
Now, our golden retriever Rascaleats a 100% human-grade dog food diet! Jared and I always joke that we could eat Rascals food with enough sriracha. Let me preface by saying that I NEVER thought I would be the type of person that made their dogs food homemade.
At first, the thought of homemade dog food was so daunting and just downright boogie. I can honestly say that making his food doesnt cost much more than the prescription diet he was on beforehand.
After watching the documentary Pet Fooled we realized just how unregulated the dog food industry was and started to feel stronger about our homemade switch.