How to Make Nutritious Homemade Dog Food
Since pet food is not regulated as strictly as human food, some people have decided to turn to making their own dog food to ensure a better quality. This way the owner is sure of what ingredients are being put in and can avoid any harmful substances while creating the ideal nutritious meal for their pet. According to Paula Terifaj, D.V.M., a nutritious homemade dog food consists of a balance between protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. If your dog has any health problems, is a puppy or an older dog, you may want to consult a vet to see if there are any special nutrients that will make a good addition to your homemade food.
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Things You'll Need
- Cooking pots and utensils
- Protein food sources
- Carbohydrates
- Vegetables
- Vitamin supplements
Instructions
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Choose a lean ground meat such as turkey, chicken, extra lean beef, or lamb. Use 1/4 to 1/3 lbs.of meat for a 20-pound. dog. Cook the meat thoroughly to ensure all parasites and bacteria are killed but do not season, since some seasonings can be harmful to dogs. You may wish to feed your dog an organic meat product. You can also use a deboned fish such as salmon.
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Choose another protein source such as eggs, cottage cheese, or yogurt using 1/2 to 3/4 c. for a 20-pound dog. Cook the eggs as desired, again without seasoning.
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Prepare 1 to 2 c. of a carbohydrate for your 20-pound dog such as oatmeal, barley, different rice, pastas, or potatoes.
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Vegetables are a good source of fiber Add an additional 1/2 to 1 c. cooked vegetable from either a frozen or fresh source. Be sure to avoid any vegetables that are poisonous to dogs such as onions and garlic. Suggestions from Terifaj include green beans, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and carrots.
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Avoid a calcium deficiency with the addition of bone meal powder or calcium citrate, says Terifaj. She recommends 1/2 tsp. or 250 mg for a 20-pound dog. Besides this, there should also be a vet approved vitamin and mineral supplement in or with the food. Other supplements that Dr. Tracy Lord, D.V.M. suggests for a 25-pound dog include: 1 tbsp. olive oil, one capsule fish oil (if not feeding the dog an oily fish like salmon), 500 mg vitamin C and 400 iu vitamin E. Mix all ingredients for your nutritious dog food.
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Tips & Warnings
The amounts of food can be doubled or halved to fit the size of your dog. The food should be adjusted to achieve a steady weight.
All ingredients combined will be enough for an entire day of food.
Not all vets agree that you should feed your dog homemade food. Make sure this is the right choice for your dog beforehand. Mistakes can be life threatening.
Some human foods are very poisonous to pets, so be very careful what you feed them.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Close up of dogfood and rewards. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com carrots and peas image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
