Before You Start Cooking: Homemade Dog Food Needs To Be Balanced
Your homemade meal must contain protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Puppies require about 25 percent protein in their meals, while 18 percent is sufficient for adults. However, protein needs change according to your dogs age and vary according to breed, so check with your vet regarding the right amount for your dog. You might have noticed that commercial dog foods often dont list the percentage of carbohydrates. Thats because the proper percentage of carbs in the dogs diet is still not set in stone by the veterinary community and regulators. If youre making Fidos meals yourself, you have the freedom to purchase the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Make sure you weigh your dog frequently to verify he stays a healthy weight. Take your dog to the vet before starting the homemade diet so your vet can determine Fidos ideal weight.
Here Is A Little Bonus5 Birthday Cake Doggie Style Homemade Dog Cake
You can celebrate your pets birthday with a healthy and hazard-free homemade dog birthday cake. It is a pet-friendly, sugar-free, and lactose-free recipe. Time for you to host a canine birthday party and carelessly give this your doggie and his friends this cake to lick off.
A. Ingredients:
2. Cake Frosting
B. Directions
2. Making the Frosting
3. Frosting
There you are, a perfect cake for a barking birthday party.
Health Dietary Changes In Dobermans
Food-related health conditions can be managed by modifying your pups diet.
This is a list of nutritional adjustments that can be added to your dogs fresh homemade diet to help with the following health conditions caused by bad nutrition.
| Condition | |
|---|---|
| Increase amino acids which can be found in protein | |
| Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil add a dog probiotic try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet try a food that has added zinc |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
Doberman Pinschers are known to have skin conditions and itchy, dull coats. If your Dobie has skin allergies or joint pain, adding dog fish oil may be a good idea. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other important effects include promoting improved immunity while strengthening heart health in dogs.
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Ella’s Vegan Homemade Dog Food
If you’re looking for plant-based homemade dog food, this recipe from ella_the_vegan_doggo is perfect!
Cook chopped potatoes and sweet potatoes for 25 minutes. Add carrots and brussels sprouts and cook for another 10 minutes. For the sauce, soak lupin beans in water overnight, then cook them for at least 90 minutes. Add some frozen green peas. Then, blend with some flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, strawberries, fresh herbs, and water.
Select A Wholesome Recipe
Many dog food recipes lack certain requirements like calcium, zinc, and manganese. A lot of homemade dog food recipes vet approved also fall short of these necessary nutrients. The best way to do so is to take the guidance of a dog nutritionist. Your dog not only needs proteins, fats, and vitamins, he also needs certain fatty acids and oil. Additionally, if your dog as health issues, he may need a different diet altogether.
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Frozen Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Dog Treat
Since Goldendoodles have such high energy and yours probably loves to play nonstop, this classic strawberry banana smoothie recipe is going to help cool them down as they enjoy a treat! This treat is easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes. After the first bite, your Goldendoodle will expect them after every run you go on!
All the ingredients are human-grade and will make them roll-over. They are perfect hot weather, but your Goldendoodle will enjoy them all year round. Its one of our fave dog treats to make because our pups love it so much.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients For Homemade Dog Food:
1. Muscle meat2. Raw meaty bones and offal 3. Vegetables
Whole Dog Journal steers away from providing dog guardians with step-by-step recipes for dog food, raw or cooked. We can share expert dog companions personal protocols for feeding their dogs home-prepared, but quickly you will realize not only that the perfect dog food recipe does not exist, but that in order for your dog to receive all necessary nutrients, you really need many recipes that include many different whole food ingredients.
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Should You Cook Your Dogs Food
Is cooking dog food at home really better for your pup? While there may be claims made to that effect, theres no hard scientific evidence to support it.
Owners are told by many sources that homemade food is superior to commercial products. However, there is no proof to support this claim, says Dr. Larsen.
Larsen cautions dog owners to be aware of fearmongering within the pet food industry. This is often driven by myths about ingredient quality. 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.
Think of it as eating the same highly processed food for every meal, day after day, for years, he affirms.
Put that way, feeding your dogs a variety of whole foods makes a lot of sense. In fact, there are a multitude of reasons why you might want to prepare homemade foods for your dog, according to Dr. Larsen and Dr. Bartges.
These include gaining control over your dogs diet, appeasing picky eaters, combatting food intolerance issues, concern over food recalls, or simply for the bond-building joy of preparing a home-cooked meal for your dog.
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Senior, puppy, large breed, small breed, whitefish and sweet potato, lamb and barley, turkey and oatmeal and more
- Price: $$
- See all 14 available recipes
This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI have three dogs, all different breeds and sizes. They all love this food it has caused absolutely no stomach issues After discussing this with our awesome Veterinarian she recommended Wellness and our Goldendoodle hasnt had any stomach issues in 5 years. The stomach issues brought us to Wellness, but the quality ingredients kept us loyal.
This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
With multiple flavor options, Instinct makes an ideal choice for feeding picky eaters. Highly recommended.
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How Much And When Should You Feed Your Dog
This will vary from dog to dog, but a general rule of thumb is for every 10 lbs your dog weighs they should be fed roughly 1 cup of prepared food.
For our 80 lb Hooch, that means 2 meals a day each containing 4 cups of food. It is important to note that, dogs with kidney problems often feel better when fed several small meals throughout the dayrather than just one or two large meals, so you may find that you need to adjust your feeding schedule as time goes on accordingly to keep your pup comfy!
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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Why Is Mashed Potatoes Bad For Dogs
Like any other treat, too much of a good thing can be bad for your pup. Keep potatoes as a special treat and do not overfeed your dog. Like any other treat, too much can upset your dogs stomach and lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Over time too many mashed potatoes can also lead to weight gain in your pup
Choosing The Right Diet For Your Pet
The diet that you ultimately decide on for your pet will, of course, depend largely on your pet , your budget, and your schedule.
There are meals that can help with diabetes, healthy coats, arthritis, allergies, weight loss, and diarrhea.
There are also recipes specific to puppies or senior dogs.
Here are a few resources:
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The 10 Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health: Reviews And Recommendations
Urinary tract problems can be painful and possibly lead to more serious infections, like kidney infections and blockages of the urethra. Looking after your dogs urinary health is crucial as it affects their internal functions.
Some dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise are more prone to urinary problems than others. These dogs may benefit from a specific diet formulated to support the urinary tract.
Luckily, there are a number of dog foods formulated just for dogs suffering from urinary health issues.
Check out our top picks of the best dog foods for puppies, adults, and seniors who tend to have more urinary problems.
What Medicines Can You Give Your Dog For Better Urinary Health
Sadly, there arent many medications to help prevent most urinary problems. And before administering any medication, you need to check with your vet first.
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for your pet if they already have UTI. However, diet and lifestyle changes are going to be the most important and practical.
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Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Dog Will Love
- May 24, 2021 at 12:04pm
123RF
It isnt uncommon for a dog owner to decide to make homemade dog food. Whether you just want to save money or you want to make sure that you know what type of ingredients are going into your dogs meals, it isnt that difficult to do. The most important thing is to make sure they get foods that contain protein, calcium and other nutrients they need for energy. Below, find five great homemade dog food recipes that your furry friend is sure to enjoy.
Dont feel like meal-prepping for your dog? Check out The Farmers Dog the fresh human-grade dog food delivery service.
When Fresh Herbs Are Not An Option
This easy to make custom spice blend combines dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, and oregano. I sprinkle on a little of the seasoning blend at every feeding for added nutrition. I know I’m contributing to fresh breath, happy tummies, and better long term health benefits for both of our dogs!
***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. POST UPDATE 9/25/20 to add more information on ingredients. The original recipe is still the same***
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How Do You Get Your Dog To Switch To A Homemade Dog Food
Most dogs will gladly give up their kibble or canned food if given the option of eating real food.
But some dogs do initially withdraw from a bowl full of chicken, rice, and vegetables, and owners must occasionally jump through a few hoops to get their dog to make the switch.
One good way to start is by simply providing your dog with his normal kibble or canned food, but with a bit of real, home-cooked food on top.
For example, you may want to scatter some shredded chicken or a drizzle of olive oil on top. Slowly, over the course of about a week or two, youll want to gradually replace some of his kibble with a little more natural food.
And this is also a good idea for dogs who will willingly switch.
If you go from a 100% kibble diet to a 100% home-cooked diet abruptly, you are probably going to stress out your dogs digestive system, causing diarrhea and gas.
But again, most dogs love home-cooked, all-natural dog foods, and quickly and readily make the switch.
How To Make Your Own Dog Food
Making your own dog food really isnt difficult as long as you follow a few simple rules.
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Second, be sure to know what foods dogs can and cant eat. Ill go into this more later.
Lastly, add supplements to their meals to make up for nutrients that they arent getting from the food alone. There are 6 essential nutrients that every dog needs.
The National Academies of Sciences has put together an amazing resource detailing which vitamins and minerals dogs must have and the exact amount to feed them daily based on age.
But dont start worrying that youll need to take a science class to feed your dog, weve compiled a collection of over 80 recipes below that cover almost every type of diet.
Resources
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Goldendoodle Homemade Dog Food Risks
Making homemade dog food may sound as easy as making a home cooked meal for you and your family, but thats not always the case.
Here are just some of the risks:
- Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
- Not preparing a balanced meal.
- Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
- Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
- Not understanding the nutritional needs of your Goldendoodle
A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary found that most homemade dog food recipes are lacking key essential nutrients that dogs need in order to grow properly.
Further research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded 48% of dog homemade diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal.
Although we know you would never knowingly not give your dog all of the nutrients they need, we do highly recommend checking with a veterinary nutritionist to guide you on what proper Goldendoodle nutrition. Your vet should also provide you with trusted recipes or recommend a homemade dog food delivery service. This can help prevent future malnutrition in your Goldendoodle.
How To Make Homemade Dog Food
- 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 know Dog 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. I love using these stainless steal Tupperware bins made just for pups.
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