How To Choose A Good Dog Food
There are a bunch of factors that go into choosing the right food for your dog, many of which will be addressed by your vet. If not, we also got expert intel from Dr. Bernal, breaking it down into simple steps trust of the brand, nutrition, ingredients and format. Well get into a lot of this later, but here are a few tips.
- trust in its manufacturing practices, food safety processes and quality assurance programs
- See if the brand has undergone AAFCO testing and meets requirements
- Dry vs. wet food? Neither is the better format, as both have benefits. For example, dry recipes deliver more nutrient dense nutrition while wet recipes have a high moisture content.
Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight $20+
This natural dry food for dogs is specially formulated with reduced calories and lowered total fat to support healthy weight loss and weight maintenance in less active or overweight adult dogs, said Dr. Bernal.
Keeping your pets weight under control is no small feat, which is why the vets recommended this kibble made with nutrient-rich whole foods to fill up your pup.
We Aren’t The Only People That Have Converted To Making Homemade Dog Food And Are Loving The Results Check Out The Links Below For More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth’s sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things – even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal’s sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious||Chungah’s dog Butter’s battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
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Bacterial Contamination Is A Real Concern
Yes, dogs are much more resistant to things such as Salmonella and E. coli germs than we are and bacterial contamination is quite rare for dogs.
Still, it should be mentioned that its a risk with using easy raw dog food recipes and that caution should be used.
That said if you know the source of your meats, and buy USDA certified organic, and prepare it correctly, the chances of contamination are very low.
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 more 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. We were introduced 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 recipes at home. Once we started this all-natural diet the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.
At first, the thought of homemade dog food was so daunting and just downright boujee. 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.
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Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal For A 20 Lb Dog
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.
Are Sweet Potatoes Good For Dogs With Pancreatitis
Sweet potatoes are another good food for canine pancreatitis. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an excellent choice for healthy nutrition. If you combine sweet potato and a white fish like cod, your dog will have a perfect meal that is high in protein and fiber, without increasing his fat consumption.
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My Mother Refuses To Grow Up
If Buddy is barking at you to fill his bowl, listen up.
He may also be speaking up to demand a switch in his daily dinner, or breakfast and lunch too, for that matter.
Since we all love our fur babies as our own, what we feed them matters. Finding the right kibble can be difficult, as there is a sea of choices for pooches of all shapes and sizes with less-than-helpful packaging and guidance.
The first step when choosing a dog food is to consult your local vet, as they know what is best for their favorite, slobbery patients. However, for those that want even more recommended or even a place to start before your annual visit, we have that covered.
We spoke with Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian for Wellness Pet Company as well as Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy about what to look for in a dog food formula, what to avoid and also any tips and tricks for choosing the right chow for your Chihuahua and the best munchies for your Maltese.
Read on for the answers to those questions and more, plus our top picks for pet food brands you can buy online right now.
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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Diy Senior Dog Food Recipes
The dietary needs of canines change as they grow up and you need to make corresponding modifications to your recipes. The basic purpose of all these variations is to maintain the right balance of nutrients to keep your pup healthy. For this reason, we have compiled a list of homemade dog foods that are safe for senior pets. Not only are these recipes nutritious, but they also serve as scrumptious treats for your furry friend.
Turkey Noodle Dog Food
An adorable golden retriever named Rascal inspired this homemade skin allergy-friendly dog food recipe. His owners discovered that he was allergic to beef, the main ingredient in his kibble, and developed this turkey noodle dog food recipe to keep him healthier. Try it on your dog! Get the recipe here.
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Adult Dog Food Formulas
If youre feeding your dogs with commercial pet food, pick dog foods that are meant for adult dogs to help ease Cushings disease, since adult food formulations have the nutritional requirements intended for older dogs, which are prone to Cushings disease.
If you give dog foods that are suited for all life stages in dogs, these may have higher fat and caloric contents that may hinder the improvement of your dogs condition.
Chicken And Veggie Slow Cooker
Contents
The slow cooking process of this recipe extracts every bit offlavor from all the ingredients. Consequently, your dog gets a complete andhealthy meal that is too good to resist. You can also store this dog food inthe freezer for future use.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ boneless chicken thighs and breasts
- 1 large-sized apple, cored and cubed
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cups frozen green beans
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Thank you to The Dog Bakery for this recipe.
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What Else Can You Add
We like to add little bits of leftovers from all kinds of things: cooked duck, roast beef, pot roast, grilled chicken.. even pork. We also sometimes add eggs, beef broth, duck broth, or sometimes even some wild game We supplement her diet with raw shank bones and raw pig’s feet. She loves them in all their disgusting, sloppiness.
Do Dogs Live Longer On Homemade Food
Is it true that dogs who eat the appropriate diet live longer? Canines health and wellness improve when fed with homemade dog food without artificial additions, preservatives, or chemicals.
It also helps people live longer lives by reducing obesity and the prevalence of illnesses .
According to a Purdue University study, replacing just 25% of your dogs food with actual food, such as high-quality freeze-dried kibble or leafy greens, can reduce cancer risk by up to 90%.
According to a study published in Belgium titled Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay, dogs fed a high-quality, homemade diet lived 32 months longer.
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How Many Cups Of Homemade Food Should I Feed My Dog
This will vary from dog to dog, but a basic rule of thumb is that for every 10 pounds your dog weighs, 1 cup of prepared homemade dog food should be provided.
That implies two meals a day, each including four cups of food for our 80-pound Hooch. Its worth noting that dogs with renal difficulties generally feel better if theyre eaten multiple little meals throughout the day rather than just one or two large meals.
So, you may need to change your feeding plan as time goes on to keep your pup comfortable!
Why We Switched To Homemade Dog Food
Recently, I shared a blog post about our dog’s health issues and why we decided to make the switch to a diet that is made up of 100% human grade food.
In our experience, the switch was easy, cost effective, and so much healthier for our dogs than a traditional doggie diet of processed kibble! The homemade dog food recipe that I make for our dogs combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs. This healthy, vibrant alternative to traditional dog food has given our 11 year old dog, Hooch, a new lease on life!
Since making the switch 8 months ago I have been so inspired by the improvements we have seen in Hooch! It’s pushed me to continue to research different ingredients that might help even more. I’m excited to share my first Homemade Dog Food Seasoning blend with you and your pup! I really hope you will benefit as much as we have.
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How To Transition To Homemade Dog Food
If your dog has spent their entire life eating kibble, make this transition slowly as they could end up with diarrhea. For dogs that eat a lot of table scraps, you could get away with replacing about ¼ of their food with this food for 3 – 4 days, then switch to half and half for 3 – 4 days, then ¾ new food + ¼ old food for 3 – 4 days, then 100% new food!
If your dog is really sensitive, I would do a week to two weeks at each stage. Melly has no problem with these transitions because I constantly add weird new things to her homemade food, but if your dog has eaten the same kibble their entire life, you should go slowly.
Signs Your Dog Is Not Digesting Food Well
As a dog owner, you must monitor your dog for any signs of digestive issues once you start feeding him one of the above recipes. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact your vet right away for answers. Your vet will offer the best treatment for your dogs condition and will help you learn to manage it well.
- Throwing up undigested food
- Failure to thrive
- Excessive thirst and urination
Do not ignore the above symptoms. Your dog needs you to be his advocate. If the recipes above are not working, further intervention from the vet may become necessary.
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Make Ground Beef And Veggies
Brown and crumble 3 lbs of ground beef in a large skillet. Place in a large bowl with the drippings.
Chop, shred, or process all the veggies. My dog is a small dog and prefers the veggies finely shredded in a food processor. You can use a knife or a box grater works too.
In a large pot , briefly saute carrots, broccoli, and sweet potato until just soft for a few minutes on medium. Place into the large bowl. In a large bowl, add the cooked ground beef, warm rice, warm sauteed veggies, and fresh spinach. Mix well with a large spatula.
What Is Cushings Disease
Cushings disease, which is named after Harvey W. Cushing, who in 1932 discovered 12 human patients with a serious metabolic disorder stemming from tumors in the pituitary gland, affects humans and animals alike, including dogs and cats.
Cushing’s disease is no laughing matter. It’s caused by the overproduction of a chemical called cortisol , by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol helps respond to stress, fight infections, manage body weight, and control blood sugar levels. It is a very helpful chemical to the dogs body. But too much or too little of it brings significant health complications to dogs, as it does to humans.
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In the case of Cushings syndrome, the excess cortisol can result in many potential severe health issues such as hypertension, kidney damage, blood clots, and diabetes, which can put the dogs life at risk.
Cushings disease is more common among older dogs, usually starting at seven years old. While it can affect any dog breed, some dog breeds are found to be more commonly affected by Cushings syndrome.
Among these dog breeds are small breed dogs like the Boston Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshunds, Beagles, and Poodles, and larger breeds like the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Boxers.
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How To Make It
Here’s how to make homemade dog food on the stove.
First, heat up a medium or large-sized pot on the stove and cook your ground meat. Drain off any fat and once cooled, discard it.
Next, add your drained meat back to your pot and add your coconut oil and frozen vegetables. Stir to combine and let the coconut oil melt.
Mix well then add your bone broth and oats.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until most of the liquid cooks off and the oats soften.
Remove your pot from heat and let your dog food cool before serving or storing. You can divide the food into portions depending on your needs – I usually split it in half and freeze one batch. I use a measuring cup when I serve the food, so I don’t take the time to split it into individual portions.
What Kind Of Snacks Can I Feed A Dog With Kidney Disease
Our dogs seriously LOVE snack time, but snack time has had to seriously change! Dogs with kidney disease should avoid meat based chews/treats that are high in phosphorus, so you may find that you need to explore new types of treats for your dog instead. My probiotic rich Pumpkin & Yogurt Bowlsare our dog’s favorite treat these days! They also really enjoy thin apple slices, blueberries, and fresh banana chunks. When it comes to crunchy chews they both are SUPER into dehydrated banana chips, pumpkin, and sweet potato. I swear, our dog’s drool for them like they are the jerky chews we used to treat them with!
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