Cooking Our Way To A Healthier Dog Diet
Ever since I started raising my own dogs, Id always wanted to make their food at home but thought it would be too expensive or too time consuming, or that they wouldnt get the nutrition they needed.
During the month of Bugs doggy depression, I vowed to make her precious life as comfortable as possible.
Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed.
My older one had persistent hot spots and itchiness that no commercial dog food could cure .
Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand.
But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself.
Ive mentioned in my post on homemade whole grain chicken feed that the entire household all share the same whole grains and seeds that we buy in bulk, as well as the bounty that comes from our edible garden.
Everything our animals eat, we can eat.
When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds, greens, and insects.
Dogs, on the other hand, arent bred for a standard function the way chickens are.
Low Protein Homemade Dog Food
Dogs with kidney problems or renal disease need a low protein diet. But its so tricky because theres a thin line between too much protein and not having enough protein.
Thats why vets often recommend commercially made low-protein dog foods. However, youll control your dogs protein intake more if you cook homemade food by yourself.
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Calories To Feed Per Day
WSAVA has provided a quick and easy reference of caloric needs for healthy dogs of ideal weight if you want to skip the calculations.
The Pet Food Alliance has published information that simplifies the process of estimating a dogs MER. The following information is based on this publication and should be used for general purposes only. Consult your vet for help customizing your dogs MER.
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Do Older Dogs Need More Protein Or Less
Despite what you may have heard
An older dog needs more protein in her diet than a younger dog. Thats because , seniors need to replace wasting muscle mass as they age.
Whats more
A dog food rich in meat-based protein will not strain a healthy, older dogs kidneys. However, if your dog has already been diagnosed with kidney disease, be sure to ask your vet about prescribing an appropriate diet.
Although adult dog foods can legally contain as little as 18%, all our recommended senior brands above contain at least 27% protein.
Homemade Dog Food Delivered
In the age of UberEats, DoorDash, and having just about anything you wish delivered, you also have the option to buy fresh, natural dog food for doorstep delivery. It can be a huge time-saver and may be worth the cost after adding all the ingredients youll need to buy to cook a recipe.
The Farmers Dog ships frozen, allowing you to keep it on hand or serve it daily as a regular meal. This food is made with fresh, healthy, and easy-to-pronounce human-grade ingredients. And you can spend your time on more important things, like belly rubs and walks.
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Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Senior Dogs
Homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs and those with medical issues arent as difficult to make as it may seem. If you use the author’s tips it doesnt even take that much time! This recipe was given to the author by her vet to feed her dog that has kidney failure. It is meant to be low protein. Talk to your vet before feeding to your pet.
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound ground beef,
- 2 cups cooked white rice,
- 1 hard cooked egg, , peeled and chopped
- 3 slices white bread, , crumbled
- 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate,
Directions
For the full recipe and instructions check out Pop Sugar
Best For Weight Control: Bones & Co Raw Frozen Dog Food
Paw Naturals
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Keto-approved for healthy weight control
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Contains no antibiotics, added hormones or preservatives
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Exceeds AAFCOs nutritional standards for complete and balanced
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Family-owned and operated
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Limited in-person purchase opportunities
Another great brand recommended by Marshall, Bones & Co. offers its Raw Frozen Dog Food in both patties and miniature forms for smaller breed dogs. Both are made of 95 percent meat, bone, and organs, plus 5 percent organic vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. This formula is designed to adhere to a keto diet, which eliminates as many carbs as possible so that energy is burnt from fat instead.
Their ingredients are sourced from small family farms in the United States, using grass-fed and cage-free protein sources. Their team hand-packs its dog food formula in a human-grade kitchen located in Austin, Texas.
Bones & Co. patties and minis are sold in small, independent pet stores across the United States and are backed by a “keto guarantee,” offering free food if your dog doesn’t show improved metabolic markers, including blood sugar levels, after six weeks of use.
Flavors: Barkin Beef, Kickin Chicken, Dazzlin Duck, Lickin Lamb, Temptin TurkeyCrude Protein Minimum: 12-14.5% depending on flavorCrude Fat Minimum: 12-15% depending on flavorCrude Fiber Max: 2%Moisture Max: 68-69% depending on flavorSizes: 3-pound minis, 6- and 18-pound patties
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We All Want A Dog Food Brand We Can Trust
With confusing labeling, misleading marketing, and a lack of transparency so common in the world of dog food, a brands integrity can sometimes be more telling than the ingredient list.
Finding the best dog food is a process that requires attention to all details. Its a delicate balance of being conscious of the brand while not allowing what looks like a great brand history, reputation, and production process to supersede awareness of ingredients and the foods appropriateness for your dogs unique needs.
Read on as we list what are the healthiest dog food brands in the market today.
Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.
Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.
Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!
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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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.
The Healthiest Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Are you looking to feed your dog more nutritionally complete meals, while avoiding harmful ingredients? Are you looking to save money on your fur babys food? Or is your pet on a special diet? If youve answered yes to any of these questions, then youve come to the right spot! Were here to help you create the healthiest homemade meals for your pet!
In this article, well take a look at the reasons some pet parents choose to make homemade dog food, and help you start out with some recipes weve put together. First, lets move on to the reasons for making homemade dog food.
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Recipe Variations: What Natural Foods Can I Feed My Dog
Home-cooked dog food diets can be one of the best ways to keep your best friend happy and healthy. As always, check with your vet before testing a new dog diet, but here are some of my best recommendations:
- Protein: Rascal digests ground turkey really well but you can try ground beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and Rascals personal favorite: venison. If you dont have a meat grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind it for you or cut it up super fine before cooking.
- Vegetables: Spinach, butternut squash, cranberries, cauliflower, apples, green beans. Here is an entire list of AKC approved fruits and vegetables you can give your dog.
- Grains & Carbs: Rice, quinoa, barley, whole grain pasta, and potatoes can be great options. If you can believe it, Rascal is actually allergic to rice. I wish I were kidding.
Use Up Extra Freezer Meat Or Leftovers
The last tip I have is to use up meat that has been in the freezer a while and is not something you want for dinner but still safe for your dog. I often buy too much quantity when recipe testing ingredients, and use up extra steak meat or pork I have on hand for homemade dog food. Nothing goes to waste around here, but I don’t feed her bones, fatty meats, etc.
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Northwest Holistic Pet Care Recipe
In this dog food recipe, you have to Blanch the vegetables and set them aside. Cook the ground turkey thigh and organ meat gently over medium-low heat.
Ingredients
- One teaspoon raw sunflower seeds, ground
- 12 tsp coconut oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate
How to cook it?
When most of the heart has gone white but some remains pinkish, remove it from the heat. Pulse the blanched vegetables in a food processor or a clean coffee grinder until they look finely shredded. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and serve after the mixture has cooled enough to consume.
Check Recipe Here: NWHolisticPetCare
Finely Chopped Dog Food
If your dog is picky or will only eat finely chopped dog food , you can either run the vegetables through a food processor or finely chop them on a cutting board. Hand held boxed graters work but take a lot of time. I use the shredder blade on my processor and buzz everything through. Also, try frozen riced vegetables, they are a great option and work great!
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Turmeric Root Ok In Small Amountsraw Or Cooked
Turmeric has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Scientists confirmed turmeric is a natural antibiotic in 1949. In addition, it has also been clinically proven to have anti-parasitical properties. Read on to learn more about Turmeric benefits.
Because turmeric can slow blood clotting it should not be given in the 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgery
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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.
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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.
What To Watch For When Feeding Homemade Dog Food
It’s important to monitor your dog closely when changing to homemade dog food. Stay in contact with your veterinarian regarding any changes you notice, whether good or bad. For best results, keep a record of your dog’s weight and body condition over time. Weigh your dog at least once per week and contact your vet if you notice unintended weight loss or gain. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea that may occur if your dog is sensitive to one or more ingredients. Note and report these or any other signs of illness to your veterinarian.
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Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.
Diabetic Home Made Dog Food
If your dog has a diabetes problem, this recipe may be a lifesaver. The author has made this diabetic dog food recipe for seven years now and has run through her vet for approval. With the main ingredient consisting of a beautiful yellow bean from India called chana dal that ranks incredibly low on the GI chart, its a good complement to your pet’s diet.
Ingredients
- 1 can Libbys 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 2 bags frozen broccoli cuts
- 2 bags frozen crinkle cut carrots
- 2 bags frozen green beans
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach
Directions
For the full recipe and instructions check out Myuntangledlife
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