There Are Signs That Indicate Its Time To Switch:
Increased thirst and urination
Stools that are soft or runny
Dry skin and coat condition
Weight loss or gain
An increase in vocalization
What to Look For
When choosing the best dog food for geriatric dogs, first consider what your dogs nutritional needs are. Senior dogs need a variety of nutrients to help them stay healthy and active.
Senior dogs also have a higher risk for developing health problems like osteoarthritis and dental disease. To prevent these issues, look for foods with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which help support joint health.
Dog food for older dogs should also contain antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stressors compounds that damage cells, leading to age-related illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation in joints and promote healthy skin cell regeneration.
Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit both brain and heart health by reducing inflammation throughout the body. These essential fats are found in many fish products like salmon, tuna or mackerel or in plant sources like flaxseed oil or walnuts .
Foods high in protein will help keep your dog feeling full between meals so he doesnt overeat when presented with human food scraps while youre cooking dinner!
Preparation Of Our Homemade Diet
All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time.
First, we cook our complex carbs, whether theyre grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables.
While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. After its cooled a bit, we add chunks of meat to our food processor and pulse until theyre broken down into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.
Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor.
We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs.
Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point.
Since dogs have short digestive tracts, its crucial that you break down the food to increase its bioavailability that is, making all the nutrients in those wholesome ingredients more digestible in a dogs system.
I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Its unbelievably easy, and I like knowing exactly what goes into their food. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat!
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What Is Natures Recipe Dog Food
Natures Recipe Dog Food is a top-rated pet food brand offering various kibble and wet foods. It was founded in 1987 by Big Heart Pet Brands and has produced pet food for 35 years.
Natures Recipe Dog Food uses only natural ingredients that are healthy for your dog and made without artificial flavors or colors.
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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.
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.
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A General Guideline For Preparing Homemade Dog Food
My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. My dogs diet changes the same way ours does, depending on what we do and what we buy or grow.
However, we almost always stay with this basic formula:
- 50 percent cooked protein
- 25 percent cooked complex carbohydrates
- Fats and supplements
Protein is always meat and usually chicken, though weve also used turkey, pork, and beef. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric.
Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems.
Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
We add it to the coconut oil since it is fat-soluble, and use it to support our pugs joint health.
Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. While well remove the skin from poultry and trim off excessive fat from red meat, we dont worry about buying the leanest meat possible for our dogs.
A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet.
They tend to be the leftovers in our produce bin, so we never have to buy, say, a whole head of cauliflower just for the dogs.
Natures Recipe Senior Dog Food
Mature, aka senior dogs, like pups and adults, have different nutritional needs. Generally, that means fewer fats and higher fiber content. Hey, were not so different from our pets after all! Natures Recipe senior dog food is available in wet and dry options: grain-free, grain-inclusive, easy-to-digest, and easy-on-the-teeth stews. We love brands that follow your pets through their lifecycle, from peppy puppies to active adults and all the way to mature mutts.
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First 5 Ingredients Breakdown
The top 5 ingredients included in this Natures Recipe Large Breed Easy to Digest Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dog Food are: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potato Flour, Pea Protein, and Peas. Below you will find a brief explanation of each of these ingredients:
Chicken This is fresh chicken meat that still contains its moisture. Its a good ingredient and provides good nutrients that are easily digestible by most dogs but you should keep in mind that if the moisture is removed it would be lower on the list. Chicken is a good source of animal protein and it is rich in essential amino acids.
Chicken Meal Unlike fresh meat, meat meals like chicken meal have been cooked down to a moisture level around 10% this means that they are a much more highly concentrated source of protein.
Potato Flour Potato flour is a grain-free and gluten-free source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It is also considered to be highly digestible for dogs, though it may not be high in other nutrients.
Pea Protein Pea fiber can make peas hard for dogs to digest and this is supposed to be a food that is easy to digest. The pea protein may be easier for dogs to digest , but the peas may cause some problems. The purpose of pea fiber when it is included is to provide dietary fiber which is important for good health but some dogs seem to have problems with it.
Natures Recipe Dog Food Reviewed: Pros Cons And Ingredient Analysis
- Best Wet Natures Recipe Dog Food: Natures Recipe Prime Blends Wet Dog FoodWith each bite of this delicious wet food, your dog will get the nutrients it needs to live a happy, healthy life.
- Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Large Breeds: Natures Recipe Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog FoodThis recipe is formulated to help promote lean muscle development and weight control in large breed dogs.
- Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Digestive Health:Natures Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog FoodThis wet food is designed to help with digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomachs, and excess gas.
- Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Puppies:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog FoodGrain-free puppy food with essential nutrients and enhanced with beta-carotene-rich pumpkin for eye health.
- Best Grain-Free Natures Recipe Dog Food:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodGrain-free, chicken & venison recipe that is tasty and loaded with dietary fibers and essential omega fatty acids.
- Best Natures Recipe Dog Food for Small Breeds:Natures Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog FoodMade with a high-quality protein source to support healthy skin and coat in small breed dogs with picky appetites.
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When To Switch Your Dogs Food
While many dog owners use a certain brand of food for their entire lives, this isnt necessarily the best approach. As your dog ages, his nutritional needs change, and so should your choice of food.
Its important to monitor your dogs weight and activity level as he ages. With some basic monitoring and adjustment of his diet, you can ensure that he stays healthy and happy well into old age.
When To Switch To Senior Dog Food
If youre a fan of our blog and have been reading for some time, youve probably noticed that we write about dog food quite a bit. We do this because we love dogs and want to make sure that they get the best nutrition possible.
We also know that when it comes to dog food, theres a lot of misinformation out there. This can lead to your dog getting sick or just not feeling as good as they could be. Thats why we are here to help you make sure your dog is getting the right nutrition every day.
One of the most common questions we get is when should I switch my puppy over to adult formula?
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Natures Recipe Dog Food Recalls
According to our research, neither Natures Recipe canned dog food nor dry foods have ever been recalled.
However, in 2012, Natures Recipe recalled their Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken due to possible Salmonella contamination. Like in humans, Salmonella can wreak havoc on the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. While the risk of death is low in Salmonella infections, it was still enough of a concern to recall the products officially.
Since 2012, there have been no recalls issued on any Natures Recipe products, and the recalled product we mentioned above was discontinued.
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When Should I Switch My Dog To Senior Dog Food
If youre already feeding an adult-formulated dry dog food, there is no need to switch if your dog is still healthy and active. There are some specialized formulas that will support older dogs joints and bones but they are not necessary unless your dog has joint problems. If youre feeding a puppy food or an adult formula, consider switching at about 8 years of age .
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Natures Recipe Small Breed Grain Free Easy To Digest Chicken Sweet Po
Dog Food, Grain Free, Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, Small Breed, Adult
Natural dog food with added vitamins minerals & nutrients. Est. 1982. Every ingredient counts. Easy to digest. No corn, wheat or poultry by-product meal. For adult dogs. Since the very first recipe we made over 35 years ago, we’ve been committed to carefully crafting delicious, high quality food for pets. Our natural recipes with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients use purposeful ingredients so that pets everywhere can get the most out of every day. No soy protein, artificial flavors or preservatives. Free of grains. Nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources contain fiber to help support healthy digestion. Healthy digestion. Fiber helps support digestion and immune system health. Active nutrients & antioxidants in every bite support your dog’s overall health. Strong muscles. Protein rich chicken helps maintain optimal muscle strength and endurance. Strong bones. Calcium and phosphorous help support strong bones and teeth. Joint health. Glucosamine helps support joint function and mobility naturesrecipe.com. For more information about Nature’s Recipe dog food products, call 800-237-3856 weekdays or visit us online at naturesrecipe.com. When contacting us, please provide information in best if used by box.
Diy Dog Food Seasoning
While dogs cant have all of the same aromatics as humans can they can have a small variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices that contain great nutrients and help flavor their meals. Use a few teaspoons sprinkled on top or mixed into the food. These are some easily digestible herbs and spices to try:
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Is Natures Recipe Dog Food Safe For Seniors
Many Natures Recipe formulas that contain quality protein levels and are below average in calorie and fat content can be considered safe for seniors provided they meet AAFCO nutrient standards for adult maintenance. Natures Recipe Senior Lamb Meal and Rice Recipe can make a healthy option for older animals. View The Advisors best senior dog foods here.
Our Backstory: 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 move 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. Our vet introduced us 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 a homemade dog food recipe at home. Once we started this all-natural diet, the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.
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Is Natures Recipe Food Good For Dogs
Yes, Natures Recipe Dog Food is good. Its a great food choice for your dog because its made with real chicken as the first ingredient and has no meat by-products, artificial colors, or flavors.
Natures Recipe Dog Food also offers a variety of formulas with different protein sources, like beef or lamb meal, so that you can find the right one for your dog.
The Answer Depends On Many Factors Including:
Age Puppies usually start eating adult formula at 6 months old. This allows their digestive systems time to mature so they can handle more nutrients in their diet.
Weight You dont want to put too much pressure on an underweight puppy by switching them prematurely from puppy food to adult formula. If your puppy is still growing or has an active lifestyle, then its best to continue feeding them puppy food until about 12 months old or when they reach their desired weight goal
Senior dogs need to eat a special diet. Senior dog food is made with senior dogs in mind, so its easier on their stomachs and has fewer calories.
Senior dogs are at risk for a number of health problems, including diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Most senior dog food brands contain lower amounts of calories and fat than regular adult dog food, which can help prevent obesity and keep your dogs weight in check. Many senior dog foods also contain more fiber than other formulas, which helps prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion.
The best time to switch your dog over to senior formula is when he hits his first birthday.
If youre concerned about your older dogs weight or digestive problems, talk to your veterinarian about switching her over to senior formula food as soon as possible after she turns one year old. Dont wait until shes overweight or has digestive issues these problems could become worse if left untreated for too long.
Senior dogs need a different diet than younger dogs.
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