How To Prepare Homemade Puppy Food
In general, puppies need about twice as many calories per day than their adult counterparts. According to the Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science, a 10-pound puppy that is expected to weigh 33 pounds at adulthood needs to eat about 990 calories per day. In addition, puppies need more protein, fat, vitamins and minerals than adult dogs.
A homemade puppy diet should contain the proper balance of:
- Protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
- Carbohydrates, like rice, pasta, potatoes
- Vegetables, such as peas, green beans, carrots
- Fat, often in the form of vegetable oil
- Vitamin/mineral supplements
Once you have chosen a recipe, it’s time to prepare it for your dog. Many owners who feed home-prepared diets set up a regular schedule, setting aside time weekly or monthly to prepare and portion the diet. The food can be prepared in bulk and portioned into containers . You can keep meals frozen for several months or refrigerated for about 5 days. When the supply of pre-prepared meals runs low, it’s time to make a new batch. If you like to feed a variety of foods, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals.
Remember to increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows. It’s best to weigh your puppy every week or two to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Homemade Sweet Potato Chews Dog Treats
These Homemade Sweet Potato Chews Dog Treats are so delicious you will want to snack on them yourself. These treats are made without byproducts, additives, or fillers. They are made with only 3 simple and inexpensive ingredients that you can feel great about feeding to your pet. If you are looking for a grain-free treat for your dog this is also a great alternative.
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Keep your dog healthy and fit with this easy peasy homemade recipe its cheaper than store-bought and chockfull of fresh veggies!
I never thought I would be one of those dog owners who made homemade human food for their pups. Not in a million years.
But when Butters recently fell sick with an upset stomach, our vet advised us to feed him a bland diet chicken and rice without any kind of seasoning. So thats what we did we poached a chicken, shredded it in a food processor, and mixed in some white rice and fed him this bland diet for 3 days.
Thats when I started to do some research on homemade dog food, and I have been so amazed as to how many different kinds of vegetables dogs can have. And with the help of Balance IT, you can create so many different recipes for your pup!
Now the best part about making homemade dog food just like making anything at home is that you know exactly what is going into the dog bowl, and not any of that questionable gelatinous gunk from the canned food.
But its important to note that dogs have different nutrient requirements than humans for their proportional body size, such as:
Now this recipe here has a balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains, but the ratios can easily be adjusted to suit your pups breed and/or needs.
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The Abcs Of A Balanced Dog Food Diet
Understanding the basics of what makes a homecooked diet balanced for your dog will help when you discuss the options with an expert. Here are important ingredients for the canine diet.
Protein: According to the ACVN, dogs must have protein in their diets that contain 10 specific essential amino acids their bodies cant produce. This is necessary for the creation of glucose, which transforms into energy. Sources of protein include chicken and turkey, after removing bones, fat, and skin beef and lamb pork in limited amounts salmon and some other fish such as whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.
Fats and fatty acids: The most concentrated sources of fats in a dogs diet come from animal fats and plant seed oils. A healthy diet supplies the fatty acids the dogs body doesnt manufacture. Fatty acids support the function and structure of cells, keep skin and coat healthy, and enhance the taste of the food. Sources of fatty acids include plant-based oils, including corn, soybean, canola, and flaxseed oil, as well as fish oil.
Carbohydrates: Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Sources include rice, pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa.
Fiber: Dogs need fiber in their diet to keep their gastrointestinal system functioning and to help them from becoming overweight. Good sources of fiber for dogs include carrots, pumpkin, apples, dark leafy greens, brown rice, and flaxseed.
A Couple Of Easy Ways To Cook Dog Food
If you’re cooking the meat instead of leaving it raw, I recommend cooking it a couple of different ways.
The first is to simmer it in water in a pot on the stove. Then mix the cooking water with the food and you’ll end up with a stew-like bowl for your puppy.
You’ll always want to overcook the grains you choose so that it is easily digestible. Some veterinarians now feel grains should be limited, so check with your pet on his particular nutritional needs.
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What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food For Small Breed Dogs
The fundamental advantages of homemade dog food are a happy and healthy dog, but here are some of the specific benefits:
We can ensure we utilize quality food and the appropriate quantity for our pets by selecting the components ourselves.
We can ensure that all of the essential amino acids that dogs cant make are available.
If we avoid using processed items or those with additives and preservatives, a homemade diet for dogs can be natural. It results in an overall improvement in a dogs health and the prevention of health problems associated with eating manufactured food.
Commercial food frequently includes nutritious additives, but it also contains synthetic chemicals. The effects of these synthetic compounds on dogs have not been well investigated. We provide a more appealing dish for the dog by including fresh meat, fish, fruit, and veggies.
Food prepared at home is often easier to digest than produce purchased in a supermarket. It implies that nutrients can be assimilated more quickly, which helps to minimize gastrointestinal problems like constipation and diarrhea. It helps us create a complete meal for our dog while allowing for some flexibility. It implies the dog will not become bored with a particular diet and will have a higher quality of life.
Cooking our food helps strengthen the psychological relationship we have with our pets.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Vet Approved And Nutritionally Complete
Dogs, or also known as mans best friend, are loveable, cute, and constantly fill our lives with endless joy. There isnt a better feeling in the world than coming home to a wagging tail and excited leaps. As dog owners, we always search for the best of the best when it comes to our four legged friends. We want them to be happy, healthy, and thriving. Just like with humans, food plays a big part in a dogs life. A good, balanced diet can help minimize health problems and assist them in living a long, fulfilling life. However, store-bought food isnt always cutting it. So, if you are in search for some homemade dog food recipes: vet approved and nutritionally complete, youve come to the right place! Check out these delicious and healthy recipes that will make any cute dog leap with joy.
Dogs fill our lives with endless joy
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Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes For A Thriving Pup
Despite all of the commercially available dog foods that are on the market nowadays, many dog owners are turning to homemade recipes to keep their dogs healthy. Homemade meals offer greater control over what your pup is putting into their body.
Not only can you cater recipes to meet your dog’s particular size, breed, and activity levels, but you can also address unique medical concerns or dietary restrictions. Instead of taking a stab at the dark and hoping that your dried kibble contains good ingredients,
you can make your canine companion’s meals yourself and know for sure.
Before you start whipping together canine meals, there are a few things to know.
First, you should steer clear of table scraps and processed human foods. It’s important to remember that there are many things that dogs are allergic to.
Secondly, the dietary needs of your dog are much different from your own. The goal of homemade dog food recipes is to create a balanced diet that beats what you can get in your local pet food aisle.
There are many vet-approved recipes out there to get you started. These recipes are endorsed by licensed professionals, so you can have peace of mind knowing that they’re a healthy option. You should also consult with your own vet to make sure that your dog’s unique needs are being met.
What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food can benefit your canine companion in a number of ways especially if you have a pet who suffers from allergies, skin problems, or gastrointestinal sensitivity.
Highly-processed foods also tend to lose nutritional value, whereas making dog food from scratch maintains more of the vital nutrients during the cooking process. With fresh food, you know exactly what your dog is getting versus reading the label and being confused by all the included additives and preservatives.
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What Dog Food Recipes Are Good For Your Dog
The concept of well-balanced dog food is crucial when it comes home-cooked meals. What it means is that the meal, with the addition of essential supplements, will cover all of your dog’s nutritional requirements. However, because every dog is different age, breed, daily activities, health conditions, etc. it’s nearly impossible to create a single one size fits all recipe that would be well-balanced for all dogs.
For this reason, it’s crucial that you discuss these recipes with your vet to ensure they’re well-balanced, and if they’re not, make necessary adjustments to make them so. When it comes to recipes in this eBook, it’s unlikely that many of them can be fed for a prolonged period of time without adjustments. Your vet will tell you how and when to do it.
Now, how do you know what the right nutritional balance is for your pet? There are a lot of factors that play into what nutrients and how many calories your dog requires on a daily basis. The five most important variables to consider are:
- Age
- Activity level
- Health conditions
No one expects you to figure all of this out on your own, and in fact, its nearly impossible to figure these numbers out and make an accurate assessment without proper training in canine nutrition. Thats why you always, always need to consult an expert before you switch your dog to a homemade diet.
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Is Homemade Dog Food Good For Dogs
While I am not a vet, and I certainly cant speak for all animals I can tell you that switching to homemade dog food made the world of difference for Rascal. We had a very unique case with him and his food allergies, but we have also seen other positive changes.
On traditional dog food Rascal was lethargic, he shed in abundance and his appetite was mediocre. He was also low in his weight class, weighing in at just 64 pounds for a full sized male Golden Retriever.
Since the dog food switch he has been energetic, focused, and calmer. He has also put on about 15 pounds in just one year after switching to homemade food. On a traditional diet were vacuuming at least once a day but now 1-2 a week. We no longer have to coax Rascal into mealtime and have finally developed a great eating schedule.
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Dietary Requirement Of A Puppy
Young Puppies spend almost 50% of the energy obtained through food into growth. So the diet for a puppy should be higher in calories in order to meet the energy required for growth.
Protein
Young puppies need the maximum amount of proteins and the need will reduce as it grows older. Puppy meal should contain at least 20% 30% raw protein content in it.
Fat
Fat is an essential macronutrient that every growing puppy needs at least 10% 25% of total nutrition in each meal. Fats provide a considerable energy boost to puppies and also aids in bone development.
Vitamins and Minerals
Calcium and Phosphorous are two important minerals required at the growing stage. Puppies need the most calcium until the age of three months. Multivitamins tablets can be substituted for dietary vitamin daily requirements.
Diy Homemade Dog Food
We often see brown rice in homemade dog food, but quinoa? Yep, this high-protein grain is dog-friendly and a great substitute for kibble. Use red quinoa for a firmer texture and feel free to experiment with vet-approved add-ins, like blueberries, apples, and squash .
And as always, make sure to consult your vet before changing your pups routine. Even the good stufflike protein and veggiesrequires a smart transition! Your pupper and their stomach will thank you.
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Is It Worth It To Make Your Own Dog Food
While there arent a lot of scientifically-supported benefits to homemade diets, whole ingredient-based diets are better in the long term. While commercial dog foods are made to be balanced and complete, there arent of the most exciting and tasty meals. And as we mentioned dogs do enjoy variety in their diets. Eating only commercial food would be the same as if we were eating highly processes food for every meal, every day, for years and years.
Watermelon is a great snack for dogs
Feeding your dog a variety of complete meals makes a lot of sense. By preparing the meals yourself you can ensure variety, gain control over your dogs diet, appease to picky eaters, and combat intolerance issues. You also know for sure what goes into the food, and you are building a bond by preparing a home-cooked meal for your dog. They appreciate it just as much as we would.
Some dogs tend to be picky eaters
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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Best For Large Dogs: Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Life Stage: Adult | Available Flavors: Chicken | Nutritional Specs: 24.0% min crude protein, 15.0% min crude fat, 10.0% max moisture
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No artificial colors or preservatives
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Large-size kibble
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Formulated for bones and joint health
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Only comes in large bags
This large-breed recipe is formulated for adult dogs between the ages of 15 months and 5 years old who weigh 56 to 100 pounds. But there are similar formulas before and after for large-breed puppies and seniors. The food is large-sized for large mouths and the recipe is formulated to help support bones and joint health in large breed dogs.
The food is fortified with antioxidants and omega-3s to support a healthy skin and coat.It contains lots of dietary fiber to help with digestibility. There are no artificial colors or preservatives in the kibble.
Balanced Homemade Dog Food
Making a healthy homemade dog food-diet for your pet-friend can be tough, but its important. It isnt something you should take lightly. At all times you do not offer the pet the same food you use, because the meals you enjoy having might not be so healthy for your pet-companion. So, when preparing the meals for the furry friend never forget to include the following ingredients:
- High quality proteins such as beef, poultry and fish
- Fats use in small amounts
- Veggies and additions like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and folic acid
Furthermore, when including these elements into the animal diet it is important to have in mind following aspects such as dogs age, breed, weight, and genetics. Additionally, puppies and adult dogs get various nutritional needs, so the balanced food should be formulated for their life stage. For example, milk is good for puppies up to 4 months of age, but it is not good for adult dogs as milk affects their digestive system. But, in any case the vets would always help to make the perfect and healthy diet for your dog.
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Homemade Food For A 3
The food for a 3-month old puppy is easy to prepare!
First, in non-fat broth, broiled the chicken with no spices, mix with cooked carrots, peas, string beans, and brown rice. Then, blend the ingredients in a food processor. And you’re all set!
Give about 3/4 cups each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When your puppy reaches one year old, cut down to only two meals per day. Also, mix wet and dry food when feeding him.