How to Make Homemade Dog Food That's Good for the Liver

Keep your dog happy and healthy with homemade dog food that's also good for the liver.

Some studies suggest that liver disease in dogs is caused by preservatives, toxins and additives in dog food, as well as toxins in the dog's environment. Although it may not be possible to eliminate all of the toxins in the environment, it's possible to make a homemade dog food that's free of ingredients that can harm the liver. This food can also include nutritional support that's good for the liver. If possible, use all organic ingredients, which helps eliminate any pesticides or hormones that may exist in the fresh ingredients. This recipe is for a 20-lb. dog.

Things You'll Need

• Ground beef
• Brown rice
• Egg
• Carrot
• Garlic
• Liquid vitamin B complex
• Calcium powder
• Liquid canine multi-vitamin complex
• Grater or food processor
• 2 mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients. Cut off the top of one small carrot and, using a vegetable grater or food processor, finely grate the carrot. Peel the skin from one clove of garlic and discard the skin. Finely chop or grate the clove and divide the chopped garlic in half. Set one half aside for use in the dog food, and put the other in a small airtight container or plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for the next batch of homemade dog food. Cook 1 1/3 cups brown rice, boiling it in 2 cups water, or according to package directions. Let the rice cool.

2. Blend the dog food. Combine 1/8 lb. raw ground beef with one egg. Add in the brown rice, grated carrot and chopped garlic, and mix well. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine 10 mg of vitamin B complex, 300 mg of calcium supplement powder and the amount of liquid vitamin complex recommended as a daily dose for your dog. Mix the vitamins well and then add them to the ground beef mixture. Mix this well again.

3. Feed your dog. The dog food should be fed raw and cold. Divide the dog food into two portions; feed one in the morning and one in the evening. Keep the unused portion refrigerated until it's served. Remove any uneaten portions from the dog bowl and refrigerate it for later use, or dispose of it if it has been sitting out for more than 30 minutes. This recipe is designed to feed a 20-lb. dog for one day. You can make larger batches in advance, but the food should be used within 3 days or frozen.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a little flax oil to the food to improve your dog's coat. You can also substitute other vegetables for the carrot.

• Don't overfeed your dog. Liver problems can be caused by overfeeding and by obesity.

Resources

• All Recipes - Dog Treat Recipes