Raw Dog Food: Cooking Handling & Serving Tips
Before we share our homemade raw dog food recipes and get out the apron, is key you apply the following information.
1. Raw pet food and human food should not be store together. Instead, prepare and store raw pet food away from human-grade food as a preventive measure against cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and different cooking utensils to prepare your food and your dogs food.
2. Dont wash raw meat, only produce. Contrary to popular belief, raw meat should not be washed or rinsed because it increases the spread of bacteria and increases the risk of cross-contamination. Meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is not necessary, says the USDA.
3. Freezing and storing. Place raw dog food in a secure package and store it in the freezer. Keeping raw food frozen at a consistent temperature of 0 °F will prevent the growth of microbes and kill parasites if frozen for up two weeks.
4. Raw pet food must never be thawed in water or microwaved. Thawing in water is not recommended nutrients could leach into the surrounding water. Lastly, do not microwave raw food. You will cook the food. Generally, raw dog food should be thawed in the refrigerator or on a countertop. The refrigerators temperature needs to be consistently at or below 40 °F . According to the USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service , bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, the Danger Zone.
Feeding Raw Food Diet For Dogs And Its Potential Drawbacks
Moreover, feeding a raw food diet for dogs isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it can be accomplished with the right information.
This diet has many positive aspects that improve the dog’s health, as witnessed by dog owners, but it’s not without its drawbacks either.
Just as many pet owners are noticing positive health effects from raw feeding in their dogs, there are about just as many people who dislike this diet and after trying it went back to commercial dog foods or simply cooking homemade dog food meals that aren’t raw.
Maggie from OhMyDogBlog.com with raw feeding and why she doesn’t do it, and Meagan from Collared-Scholar.com shares her experience here.
In the majority of cases, it all comes down to a few same reasons:
Easy Dog Food Recipe For Small Dogs
The woman behind Wheres the Frenchie? owns two French bulldogs, and this dog food recipe is specially crafted for small appetites. Get the recipe here.
If you want to feed your dog human-grade food without the hassle of having to prepare the meals yourself, you need to try Spot & Tango.
Their pre-packaged meals full of human-grade ingredients get delivered right to your door, so all you need to do is pop them into your dogs dish!
Ready to get started? Right now, you can save 50% on Spot & Tango HUMAN-GRADE premium dog food by clicking here!
Recommended Reading: How To Copyright A Recipe
Homemade Dog Food For Small Dogs
People are becoming much more aware of the hidden dangers that come in store bought dog food these days. I am definitely one of them. How I started my journey into making my own dog food is because my new three-year-old Lhasa Poo would not eat anything. Well, she did fill up on the cat food when we were not looking. Like so many people, we have a small budget, and I always bought the best food that I could that was the cheapest price.
When What & How Much Should Small Dogs Eat
Experimentally, dogs with unrestricted access to food tend to eat 2 to 3 times a day . Ive found most pet dogs seem to prefer two meals a day, too.
As for the perfect ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrate, there is no perfect ratio that will satisfy every dog. The National Research Councils recommendations for feeding healthy, small adult dogs is as follows:
Scientific research has shown that an adult dogs daily diet can contain up to 50% carbohydrates by weight, including 2.5-4.5% from fiber. A minimum of approximately 5.5% of the diet should come from fats and 10% from protein.
Those are minimums and generalizations. Ive found that midrange popular kibble dog food often has around 24% protein, 33% fat, and 43% carbohydrate.
A healthy, adult 10-pound dog generally needs to eat between 200 and 500 calories a day. Some dogs may need more and some may need less to maintain a healthy body condition.
If your dog is overweight she may need fewer calories to lose weight. Get your vets help creating a weight-loss diet recipe. And dont forget to monitor her weight weekly to see if your plan is working!
Don’t Miss: Spinach Juice Recipe For Weight Loss
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.
Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages
Eggs are an easy addition to your dogs raw food diet. If you can get free-range eggs, even better. Most supermarkets carry them now. But Im still wary. Some egg cartons proudly proclaim Vegetarian Diet. Chickens are not vegetarian. You want eggs from free-range hens allowed to hunt and peck outside for worms and bugs.
To be sure, I get mine from farmers markets or directly from the farm. Ill take a drive through the countryside looking for farms. Those with laying hens often have a simple sign saying Eggs For Sale. Drive in, leave your money and take your eggs.
Now youre ready for this easy combination of turkey, organs and eggs.
Heres the full recipe: Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Raw Dog Food Recipe: all life stages
Read Also: Pumpkin Pie Recipe With Oat Milk
The Basic Formula For Raw Dog Food
When making a raw diet for dogs keep in mind the ratio 5:1:1:1 which is 5 parts fresh meat muscle, 1 part fresh bone , 1 part fresh organ meat and 1 part veg .
The ratio can vary up to 8:1:1 where the 8 refers to meat, 1 part organ meat and 1 part bone . However, we find a little more organ meat is beneficial, as is some veg .
Meat. Meat on the bone is ideal for dogs, they love chewing and breaking it down, and, its good for them. However, it can be messy and cause people to worry, so it is initially best to buy the meat in mince form, ideally with an approximate 10-12% bone content. Anything with a face is good chicken, turkey, duck, pork, beef, whole sardines. Fish is good too but its the only meat whereby you should freeze it first before either including it in your mix or giving to your dog as fish can contain worms that can populate your dog. Tripe and heart is an organ BUT we use them as meat as they are purely muscle. You will find a lot of raw dog foods are bulked with these as theyre cheaper than say chicken breast or beef mince. As the other organs store and produce all sorts and thus should be fed in moderation.
Organ. Think of organ meat like green vegetables to humans. Liver, kidney and heart is nutritionally very important for the dog, with liver possibly being the most important. Spleen is brilliant too, when you can get it. Use any organs .
Is Affordable Food Unhealthy And Expensive Food Healthy
One day I was visiting a friend who works with animals on a regular basis, and I asked her if the brand I was trying to feed my dog was ok. The ingredients did not seem like there was anything I should not be feeding her. My friend let me know that that kind of food was the worst food I could feed her. I felt so bad. She explained to me that it had red dyes in it, and ground chicken meal, as well as a lot of fillers. No wonder why my new little dog did not like it. She could probably smell all the bad ingredients in it.
So after that, I went shopping and bought a holistic brand that was a good price. I was very excited to get home and let her try out the new healthier food. She did not eat it! I was not about to go out and spend $50 on vet food . There was no way I could spend that much just to feed my dog, with a family and household to take care of, so I started researching how to make my own tasty dog food.
Also Check: Best Sugar Cookie Recipe For Decorating
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.
Fruits And Veggies For Raw Food Diet
Some people find it surprising, but dogs arent obligatory carnivores they are omnivorous.
Even in the wild, canines dont just eat meat and will munch on things like berries.
Being a long-lost relative of bears with a close DNA sequence, it’s not surprising.
Veggies and fruits provide vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, and fibers.
However, this doesnt mean they should be the main part of your dogs diet.
Muscle meat, meaty bones, organs, and fat are essential.
Fruits and veggies are welcomed, but moderation is key.
Recommended Reading: Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
What To Say To Your Butcher
It is definitely worth finding a good butcher as it will save you a great deal of time and money. Also, if you live anywhere near a slaughterhouse then it is well worth seeing if they can supply you.
Either way, it is much, much easier if you have plenty of freezer space.
When searching for a butcher, explain what you are doing and ask for:
With regard to the scraps and the mince, it is fine for it to have some fat in it, but it shouldnt be too fatty .
So far as inexpensive cuts are concerned, every butcher has their own ideas what these might be. Take skirt, which is the diaphragm under the ribs. Some butchers sell this for next to nothing others know that there is good, lean meat to be had there and charge quite a bit for it. An efficient butcher will find you inexpensive ways to feed your dog.
Note that raw chicken carcasses and backs are perfect for dogs and some people feed their dogs almost nothing else. Chicken wings are also great, a perfect parcel of meat and bone.
Some people feel it is important that the meat they buy for their dogs is suitable for human consumption. Others dont. The truth is the dogs are unlikely to mind if it is a bit smelly and you shouldnt be too obsessed with the best before date.
If youre looking for a convenient supply of ethically sourced meat and bones remember Honeys can supply you. We estimate that our DIY customers save about 33% compared to our complete food customers.
Q& a: Is My Dog Limping Because Of Nerve Damage
Weight of your dog x 16 oz = _______
Take that number and x by .02 to find out the minimum daily amount or x by .03 to find the maximum daily amount.
For example: If your dog’s weight was 11 pounds, the formula would look like this:
11 x 16 oz = 176176 x .02 = 3.52 oz min daily176 x .03 = 5.28 oz max daily
Recommended Reading: 1800 Coconut Tequila Margarita Recipes
The Best Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes
Making your own dog food by using a well-constructed homemade raw dog food recipe does take a little time, but you can make large batches and freeze them for future use.
Remember to supplement your dog’s food/diet with necessary vitamins to avoid malnutrition.
The benefits are that feeding your dog quality homemade raw dog food recipes can boost their immune system, help reduce their risk of allergies, improve their digestive system, and give them more energy.
Take a look at some guides on holistic dog care where we discussed more of these benefits and a list of sensitive stomach dog foods for more examples. The Whole Dog Journal also has a great article on preparing homemade meals for your pet.
Here are six excellent homemade raw dog food recipe examples that your canine is sure to enjoy. These may not look too appetizing to you, but your dog would surely disagree.
Damn Delicious has an excellent homemade raw dog food recipe for anybody looking to cook up their very first meal. With a balance of 50 percent protein, 25 percent veggies and 25 percent grains, this is a healthy choice for most canines and it even looks delicious.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Want to try your hand and learn how to make homemade dog food? The classic proportions are 50% protein , 25% vegetables, and 25% carbohydrates . But which ingredients should you use, and how can you make sure your dog food recipe is healthy?
To help you find the best recipes, weve put together this list of 10 healthy dog food recipes to try today. Making dog food at home can save you money and give you more control over what your dog eats. Scroll down to try one of our favorite homemade dog food recipes! And if you have questions, take a look at our recipe tips at the end.
Recommended Reading: Low Carb Diabetic Chicken Recipes
How Can I Make Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Small Dogs
Making homemade dog food recipes for small dogs is not an easy task. It involves a lot of research and understanding of your pets nutritional needs. But it is not impossible to do.
The first thing you need to do is find out the nutritional requirements of your pet and then find the ingredients that are needed to make those recipes. You can consult a veterinarian if you are unsure about what your pet needs or you can use a website like PetMD that has some general guidelines on what most pets need .
Next, you will need to decide which recipe suits your needs best. You can choose from a variety of recipes like homemade dog food recipes for puppies, homemade dog food recipes for seniors, or other kinds like vegetarian or vegan dog food recipes.
After you have selected your recipe, you will need to find or make the ingredients that are needed for that recipe. You can get most of these from any grocery store but it is best to use locally sourced ingredients if you have access to them.
After all the work is done, make sure your pet enjoys the new food and pay attention to their bowel movements in case they arent taking too well to their new food. Introduce the new food in small amounts first to avoid any unsanitary messes.
Mix And Portion Homemade Food For Dogs
The best way to store fresh food for your doggie is to use freezer bags. I have a small dog, so using this recipe I calculated the calories she needs per day. Measure a few day supply based on your dogs caloric needs. And portion it into a 5 day supply, so it is food safe after it defrosts.
Simply pull out a frozen bag of new food and let it defrost in the fridge every 5 days. I give her â of the baggie daily. The bags compress flat in the freezer or you can place them in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container or larger zip-top bag in the freezer.
Also Check: Anti Inflammatory Meal Prep Recipes
Few Things To Consider In Making Easy Raw Dog Food
Lastly, there are more aspects of the raw food diet for dogs and homemade dog food recipes in general that you’ll need to consider.
Two of our writers have previously reasons why you should feed raw and why you shouldn’t, many of which are very valid.
Finally, Kimberly from KeepTheTailWagging.com, a proponent of raw feeding and a great source of information on this subject, gives five more important reasons that you should consider.
With everything above considered, if youve decided to feed your dog with homemade raw food, make sure you inform yourself about all the specifics this includes vitamins, minerals, calcium, etc.
Also, make sure you consult with not one, but at least several different vets once youve chosen a particular diet.