Nutritionally Complete Homemade Dog Food Recipes

You Must Provide A Nutritionally Balanced Diet

Dogs nutritional needs are different from our own, so its important to provide a diet that is balanced with the appropriate nutrients needed to optimize your dogs health.

These nutrients include calories to maintain weight or encourage weight gain or loss protein fat vitamins and minerals. Not enough or too many of any given nutrient can lead to diseases, malnutrition, obesity, and even death.

Steamed Veggie Broth Recipes

Image Credit:www.eatingwell.com

This is another tasty dish that you can make in large batches and feed your dog over the week. And it will stay delicious as ever. The recipe only takes around fifteen minutes of preparation time and approximately five to eight hours in a slow cooker to achieve that stew consistency perfect for the winters!

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced sweet potato
• 2 big breasts of chicken
• 2 pounds frozen mixed frozen vegetables of your choosing

Instructions

Benefits

• Stew consistency easy on your dogs stomach.
• Easy to find ingredients contains items like brown rice, sweet potato, and chicken breasts, which can be found at your nearest grocery store.
• Includes frozen vegetables that are already cut up and diced, reducing preparation time.
• Made as a one-time meal for the whole week.

Recipes For Occasional Feeding

Its generally recommended that you feed no more than 25% of your dogs diet from unbalanced foods. That means you can make your dog an unbalanced homemade meal once a week without causing problems. If you want to feed homemade dog food for every mealplease, please, please follow the advice for the complete and balanced diet recipes I mentioned earlier!

Here is a recipe I created for occasional feeding. It has several ingredients that may enhance a dogs health when fed fresh.

This recipe is meant for occasional use only! It has not been analyzed by a veterinary nutritionist. Please dont feed it for more than one meal per week.

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Complete And Balanced Dog Food Diets

Its important homemade dog food is complete and balanced, meaning it meets all of the dogs nutritional needs. It is not important, however, that every meal be complete and balanced, unless you feed the same meal every day with little or no variation.

Home-prepared dog diets that include a wide variety of foods fed at different meals rely on balance over time, not at every meal. Similar to the way humans eat, as long as your dog gets everything he needs spread out over each week or two, his diet will be complete and balanced.

A human nutritionist would never expect someone to follow a single recipe with no variation, as veterinary nutritionists routinely do. Instead, a human would be given guidelines in terms of food groups and portion sizes. As long as your dog doesnt have a health problem that requires a very specific diet, homemade dog food should be the same way.

For more on homemade dog treats, see DIY Gifts for Dogs: Homemade Dog Treats & Healthy Recipes.

Keep in mind that puppies are more susceptible to problems caused by nutritional deficiencies or excesses than adult dogs are. Large-breed puppies are particularly at risk from too much calcium prior to puberty. See Puppy Food: Nutritional Guidelines to Maximize Health, for more on puppy nutrition.

Chicken And Veggies Instant Pot Diy Dog Food Recipe

If you have an instant pot, this recipe if for you and your pup!

Ingredients:

Directions:

1). To your instant pot, add the rice, and place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Add the rest of the ingredients.

2). Next, add the water.

3). Cool on manual high pressure for 25 minutes.

4). Natural release for 10 minutes.

5). Manual high pressure for 25 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes.

6). Allow to cool and then serve to your dog. This meal can be divided up into individual servings and stored in the fridge or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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The Ultimate Dog Food Formula

* Gizzards and hearts are considered muscle and organ meats. They have many benefits for your dog, but should be supplemented with strict organ meats like liver and kidney. ** Recent trends show that some dog owners are choosing to feed grain-free diets, and youve probably even seen some commercial foods advertised this way. According to the AKC, most dogs do just fine eating wheat and other grains but, as always, figure out what works best for your individual dog, including whether he or she has a gluten intolerance.

Senior Dogs Picky Dogs

One tip I can share is you can use riced frozen vegetables. I have used packages of riced cauliflower, sweet potato, and broccoli. All work great, save time and are convenient, but they are a little more expensive. These will work great for dogs that can’t chew well, are picky, don’t each much food, or won’t eat larger pieces of dog food.

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Nutritionally Complete Homemade Dog Food

A DIY dog food diet can be an excellent choice for your dog, but you may need to add supplements to the food or give your dog vitamins to make sure hes getting all the nutrients he needs each day. Homemade meals may not always have the nutrients your dog needs in a 24 hour period. If you have a question about this, be sure to check with your veterinarian for their advice on making sure your dog gets all the nutrients he needs.

Also, be sure to check with your vet for the proper portion size to give your pup! This will vary from commercially manufactured pet food. Your vet will have the best advice on how much to serve your dog to keep him happy and healthy.

Now, were ready to look at some homemade dog food recipes!

Fats For Nutritionally Complete Homemade Dog Food

Fats are complex mixtures of fatty acids called glycerides, and all animals need a lot of fat in their diet for the proper development of their bodies. Certain fatty acids are essential for energy storage, help absorb vitamins, protect internal organs, and regulate body temperature.

The category of fats also includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, which we find in fish, fish oil, flax, or hemp vegetable oils, all necessary for good growth and health.

Fats contain twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates. But when an animal is fed too many calories, fat can be stored indefinitely, and the quadruped can gain weight if we do not check its diet. These fats can affect your pets pancreas and gastrointestinal system.

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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.

How To Safely Add People Food To Your Dogs Diet

Many dogs are very sensitive to any food change. Its often because theyve been eating only one kind of food for a very long time and their gut microbiome has become accustomed to only those specific ingredients. The good bugs kind of freak out when theyre presented with things they dont expect.

To avoid the digestive upset caused by new food, introduce it very gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days. If youre feeding commercial dog food with a homemade dog food topper, start with a teaspoon for small dogs and a tablespoon for large dogs. Feed that amount for a few days and watch for signs of digestive upset. If you notice changes for the worse, stop the food for a few days and start again more slowly after digestion returns to normal.

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The Best Vitamin Supplements For Homemade Dog Food

In a 2013 study from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, 200 homemade dog food recipes were evaluated. The recipes came from 34 different sources, including pet care books, websites, and even veterinary textbooks.

Researchers evaluated the ingredients used in these recipes and the instructions for preparing the food. They found that only 9 of the recipes provided the essential nutrients in adequate concentrations to meet the minimum standards set for adult dogs by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . And of those 9 recipes that met AAFCO minimum standards, only 5 recipes provided the essential nutrients in adequate concentrations set for adult dogs by the National Research Council.

This means that only 2.5% of the recipes out of 200 evaluated provided adequate nutrients for adult dogs according to the AAFCO and the NRC.

• Multivitamin supplements

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Homemade Dog Food

If you are considering starting your dog on a homemade diet, it is important to understand what makes a diet species-appropriate and nutritionally-balanced. The National Research Council has developed nutrient requirements for dogs and cats. These guidelines can help provide a general guideline for dog owners to understand the dietary needs of their dog.

The number one mistake of people who feed homemade dog food diets is not adding in supplemental micronutrients to balance out the diet or only feeding chicken and rice and vegetables without making a specific recipe.

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Our Favorite Homemade Dog Food Recipes

To jump to a recipe youre interested in, click on the link below. We also have some yummy organic dog treat recipes and treats made with Thanksgiving leftovers. You may wish to have a collection of pet food recipes on-hand at all times, making a cookbook an excellent choice. Dinner PAWsible is one of our favorites.

• Frozen Banana Treats

Note: The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

Can My Dog Eat Faq

So many readers are asking if these vegetables for dogs safe? So let’s go through some of the most asked questions.

Can dogs eat bell peppers?

Yes. Bell peppers are loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants beneficial to a dogâs health. Rich in vitamins A, E, B6, and lutein and are great sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Red bell peppers actually start out green and mature to red. They pack the most nutrition because they’ve been on the vine longest.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

Yes. Cooked potatoes in moderation are fine. Boil, steamed, or baked without seasoning are fine. They contain a number of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium. Raw potatoes should never be fed to your dog. Like other vegetables belonging to the nightshade family , raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat broccoli?

Yes. Broccoli is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus. Chop up the broccoli for your pet.

Sassy girl, is happy. Okay, she didn’t like the spinach and pulled it out! But loves the rice and beef.

The trick I learned was to chop it finer than seen here and she gobbled it all…

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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.

Is Homemade Dog Food Better

Homemade crockpot dog food can be better, but that is not always the case. You will have to put more effort into choosing ingredients and ensuring the food is balanced.

You may need to talk to your own veterinarian and look at various food recipe ideas for your furry best friend to meet his nutritional needs.

That being said, homemade dog food can be better, especially if your pup is on a restricted diet or has allergies.

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Essential Fatty Acids In Cat And Dog Food

Both dogs and cats require omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet because they cannot produce these essential fatty acids on their own. For those of you interested in the scientific nitty-gritty, essential fatty acids and their numeric formulas are listed in the table below.

Deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids can cause skin and coat abnormalities, reproductive problems, and failure to thrive. The omega-3 essential fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid , eicosapentaenoic acid , and docosahexaenoic acid . EPA and DHA are found primarily in marine sources, including fish oil as well as phytoplankton and other marine plants.

Kafkas Organic includes Omega-3 Fish Oil naturally derived from Anchovies, as well as Organic Flaxseed Oil rich in Omega-3 levels. Safflower Oil contains high levels of Omega-6 Oils.

Ingredients Needed For This Homemade Dog Food Recipe:

This DIY dog food made at home is filled with rich protein, vegetables, and healthy grains. Heres what youll need:

• Coconut oil provides a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, and reducing allergic reactions, just to name a few. And just like us, your dog needs healthy fats in their diet.
• Ground turkey will add necessary protein to your dogs diet, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
• Veggies this homemade dog food recipe uses a mix of zucchini, spinach and carrots. All are safe for dogs and will provide your baby with a variety of nutrients.
• Turmeric a dog-safe seasoning that also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Egg for extra protein and nutrients.
• Rice a complex carb that provides energy and aids in gastrointestinal function.

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Mix And Portion Homemade Food For Dogs

The best way to store fresh food for your doggie is to use freezer bags. I have a small dog, so using this recipe I calculated the calories she needs per day. Measure a few day supply based on your dogs caloric needs. And portion it into a 5 day supply, so it is food safe after it defrosts.

Simply pull out a frozen bag of new food and let it defrost in the fridge every 5 days. I give her â of the baggie daily. The bags compress flat in the freezer or you can place them in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container or larger zip-top bag in the freezer.

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IMPORTANT: Before making any changes to your dogâs diet, please consult with your holistic veterinarian to ensure the changes are compatible with your dogâs current health status. Weigh your dog before making diet changes. Having a baseline tracking their weight will help you in adjusting quantities should they lose or gain too much. The amount of food a dog requires will vary based on activity level, age, and overall health status.

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