What Should I Put In Homemade Dog Food

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Ingredients

For the full recipe and instructions check out Allrecipes

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
• Eggshells

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.

Also Check: Where To Buy Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dog Food

A Raw Homemade Dog Food Diet Is Better Than A Cooked Diet

Both raw food and cooked diets for dogs have their associated pros and cons. Raw food diets tend to preserve more of the natural nutrient content of the ingredients but it puts your dog at a greater risk for food-borne illness. Cooked dog foods might have a slightly lower nutritional value but they may also have a longer shelf-life and they are sometimes safer, especially for young dogs. Before you choose the type of homemade dog food diet you want to use, consult your veterinarian.

Now that youve learned the basics about homemade dog food diets you should have a better idea whether or not it is the right choice for your dog. If you do decide to make your own dog food at home, be sure to do your research to determine your dogs individual nutritional needs and then select a recipe that will meet those needs. Ideally, you should use a recipe that has been created or approved by an animal nutritionist and you should follow the formula careful to prevent any nutritional deficiencies in your dogs diet.

Is Homemade Dog Food Better

While there are no scientifically-supported benefits to homemade diets, whole ingredient-based diets are better in the long term. Commercial foods are made to be complete and balanced, adds Dr. Bartges, albeit not the most exciting of meals.

In many respects homemade dog food is healthier and safer for dogs than any commercially manufactured dog food. However feeding your dog with home prepared food may hide a lot of risks. Here are some guidelines to help you learn when and why home cooking for dogs can be dangerous and how to prepare safe, nutritional and healthy dog food at home.

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I Should Use A Lot Of Vegetables In My Homemade Dog Food So My Dog Gets The Nutrients He Needs

Fresh vegetables are an important part of a homemade dog food diet, but they should not make up the majority of the formula. Protein is more important than carbohydrate for dogs and that protein should come from animal-based sources, not plant-based sources. There is a great deal of debate regarding how much carbohydrate a dogs diet should include and certain vegetables are better than others for dogs. In fact, some vegetables actually interfere with your dogs absorption of nutrients. Some vegetables are also too high in certain nutrients and others are too starchy.

Choose A Dog Food Recipe

Before you begin deciding on ingredients for your dog food, you first need to find a recommended recipe. Youll find homemade dog food recipes online, but not all of them are as nourishing as your pet needs.

There are plenty of examples that fall short of essentials, like iron, calcium, zinc, and copper. The best way to determine if a dog food recipe is healthy is to see whos creating it.

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Making Homemade Dog Food

Making a homemade dog food healthy and nutritious is not a piece of cake. It takes a lot of patience and research to fulfill the bodily requirement of your dog. Though homemade dog food is cheaper than the store brought food but you will have to consider a lot of points while changing your dogs diet.

Store Brought Dog Food Drawbacks:

• Chances of tainted food.
• Can contain certain allergens that your dog may be sensitive to.
• Sometimes uses adulterants and fillers.
• May not address unique health requirements. Though there are customized dog foods produced commercially to suit your dogs health needs like diabetic dog food brands, but it induces anxiety in the minds of dog parents.
• It may not always be convenient to pick it up from the store.

Also Check: Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Plus Dog Food

Yummy Thats Delicious Ground Turkey And Veggies Mix

We call this recipe Yummy, thats delicious! because itll become one of your dogs favourite. This dog food recipe has 50% protein, 25% veggies, and 25% grains. If you wish, you can make alterations to the ratios. Prepare your batch and divide it into smaller portions before putting them in the freezer. When your dog is ready to eat some homemade dog food, simply defrost one serving in the fridge overnight and heat it for 30 seconds. Pretty simple, right?

total time:45 min

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1.3 kilos ground turkey
• 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

Dietary Supplements For Home

Some supplements are required in addition to natural food for dogs. Others may be needed if you are not able to feed a variety of foods, or if you leave out one or more of the food groups above. In addition, the longer food is cooked or frozen, the more nutrients are lost. Here are some dog supplements to consider:

Calcium

Unless you feed RMBs, all homemade diets must be supplemented with calcium. The amount found in multivitamin and mineral supplements is not enough. Give 800 to 1,000 mg calcium per pound of food . You can use any form of plain calcium, including eggshells ground to powder in a clean coffee grinder . Animal Essentials Seaweed Calcium provides additional minerals, as well. And here is a good list of calcium-rich foods your dog may like. Just please note this list is for humans and includes orange juice, which is not a good thing to give your dog as the acidity can cause stomach upset.

Oils

Most homemade diets require added oils for fat, calories, and to supply particular nutrients. Its important to use the right types of oils, as each supplies different nutrients.

Fish Oil: Fish oil for dogs provides EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Give an amount that provides about 300 mg EPA and DHA combined per 20 to 30 pounds of body weight on days you dont feed fish. Note that liquid fish oil supplements often tell you to give much more than this, which can result in too many calories from fat.

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What Is The Best Homemade Puppy Food

Boneless chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, pork, or duck deboned fish, especially salmon and eggs which can be cooked with their crushed shells included for extra calcium.

Organ meats are very healthy as well, but typically should not make up more than 15% of the diet.

Carrots, blueberries, peas and more.

Start with around 2 pounds of food a day for a 100-pound dog , 1 to 1½ pounds of food for a 50-pound dog , ½ to ¾ of a pound of food for a 25-pound dog , and 5 to 6½ ounces of food for a 10 pound dog (3 to 4

Always Get Your Vets Approval

If your dog suffers from medical issues, you might need to adjust certain veterinary-endorsed diets. Ask your own vet about your dogs specific nutritional needs as well as for a recommendation for a certified veterinary nutritionist. The three of you can find a homemade diet that meets your pups dietary requirements. Whether your dog has specific medical problems or not, you should always tell your vet that your dog eats a homemade diet. You should also add veterinarian-recommended supplements to the homemade diets basic components.

Want to learn more about your dog and his diet? Check out the differences between Hard and Soft Dog Food, Dog Food Ingredients Explained, and Why Some Dogs Rub and Roll In Their Food at Cuteness.com!

This article is provided by Cutenessthe go-to destination for passionate pet parents. Cuteness has answers to all of your health, training, and behavior questions as well as the cutest, funniest, and most inspiring pet stories from all over the world.

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Tools Of The Homemade Dog Food Trade

Since I committed to the task of cooking for my dogs almost five years ago, I have been asked many questions about not just the recipes and vitamin formulations I use, but also, about my favorite kitchen tools. While you can make any of the recipes weve published using the simplest of tools, if youre dedicated to home cooking pet food on steady basis, it does help to have equipment that makes meal prep easiereven foolproof. And of course, all of my tools do double duty, since I use them to make our meals as well.

Do keep in mind thataside from a digital scaleyou really dont need any of these products to make delicious and nutritious dog food. The most important thing is to set aside the time it takes to learn how to make complete and balanced meals for your dog and then to do it on a regular basis.

Heres a list of utensils, tools and appliances I have found to be most helpful and reliable as Ive navigated my own path to better nutrition for our dogs and ourselves.

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Mortar and PestleFox Run Marble Among the myriad uses for your kitchen, I rely on this mortar and pestle to grind up some of the vitamins, such as the multi-vitamins, called for in recipes.

NutriBullet or a high-speed blender Nutri-Bullet 900 Hi-Speed Blender/MixerI use my NutriBullet to grind seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower and flax, and to make great smoothies for the dogs and myself.

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.

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Dog Food Made Fresh Daily

So if youre making your dogs food on a daily basis and enjoy the same vegetables as your dog, you could just make life easy and eat the same veggies on a daily basis as long as they are not covered in butter or other unnecessary fats.

Most dogs prefer their vegetables roasted in the oven with a tiny bit of coconut oil or olive oil just as you would make for yourself.

When roasting you have a lot more options because the vegetables become easier for your dog to digest.

• Brussel Sprouts

Can Dogs Eat Canned Or Frozen Vegetables

Its best to avoid giving canned vegetables to a dog because canned vegetables could contain way too much sodium for your dog to safely handle. Frozen vegetables are a great option when preparing a dogs meal, just make sure they are plain, frozen vegetables and not in a spicy or oily, buttery sauce.

I make homemade dog food in large quantities and freeze it on a monthly basis. I shop the sales and of course try to buy in season when vegetables are in abundance.

However, when shopping out of season, frozen bagged vegetables are a solid back up plan when making my dogs meals.

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Commercial Food Vs Homemade Dog Food

Some people still consider the option of buying food to feed their animals more appropriate and effective. It is always faster to go to the pet store, select food, and take it home.

But have you stopped to think if this type of food really has a complete nutritional contribution?

There are many arguments that we could give you so that you decide to prepare yourself snacks, prizes, treats and food in general for your pet:

You Should Use Safe High

Many foods, like chocolate, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts, just to name a few, are unsafe or toxic for your dog. When preparing meals, you should be aware of and avoid these ingredients.

Additionally, you should buy the same quality ingredients that you would buy for yourself. You should also be aware of the source. For example, ingredients purchased online may come from different manufacturers or locations, which may vary the quality of the product. Be consistent with where you get the ingredients for your dogs food as much as possible.

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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.

Precautions For Raw Fresh Veggies

Dont give carrots or celery stalks to gulpers. Aside from the choking hazard, raw vegetables are harder to digest. A dog who gulps his food without chewing could experience extreme gastro-intestinal upset if they have to digest a whole carrot.

Always make sure you are present and paying attention while your chewer dog enjoys his carrot.

When giving a celery stalk as a dog treat, peel the tough, stringy layer of the outer portion so your dog can chew right through the stalk without the fibrous strings. Those strings can tickle the throat or cause irritation and/or gagging.

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Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes

“Why make dog food at home when you can just buy it at the store?”

The #1 reason is simply this: Control. You have full control over every single ingredient with no surprises.

Dog’s with allergies, sensitivities, or intolerance can live a happy life and you can live worry free. Which is why we like making grain free treats at home too.

The second reason is money savings! When it comes to healthy dog food the top brands are quite expensive, but you can simply use the same ingredients at home and save an absolute ton.

Of course, the next biggest concern is your time investment.

But surprisingly this isn’t as bad as it looks, and with just an hour or less per week you can make enough food to last for several days. We recommend you make use of a some big ziplock bags or containers and freeze what you’re not immediately using.

Each recipe allows for customization based on your dog’s individual nutritional requirements and tastes. But, before you get started you must speak with a Vet to see what your dog should and should not eat, as each dog’s diet will vary.