Home-cooked meals absolutely can be nutritionally balanced and complete. While it's true that dogs require a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, this can all easily be included at home. And despite the common belief, changing a dog's diet does not have to be hazardous.
Is One Type of Food Better Than the Other? As long as your pet's nutritional needs are met, it doesn't really matter if he or she eats store-bought or homemade food. Unfortunately, too often, homemade food lacks key nutrients.
So, while you might think that cooking for your dog is better for their health, it can be just as beneficial to purchase pre-prepared food that's made with the same principles in mind. Whichever method you choose, just to make sure you are always catering to your dog's individual health and nutrition needs.
Dogs love home-cooked food, but making homemade dog food is not the same as cooking a meal for yourself or your human family members. There are some important rules to follow in order to keep your dog healthy.
Home-cooked meals absolutely can be nutritionally balanced and complete. While it's true that dogs require a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, this can all easily be included at home. And despite the common belief, changing a dog's diet does not have to be hazardous.
Indeed, the statistical study showed that dogs fed with industrially processed food live an average of 10.4 years, while dogs fed with home-made food can reach an average age of 13.1 years. Increased lifespan is just one advantage of feeding your dog a raw food diet.
Even the best recipes often don't provide enough of certain nutrients, such as calcium. Your pup needs supplements if you're feeding them from scratch. Which ones depend on which nutrients are missing from their meals. A good recipe should include specific supplement instructions.
While popular, vets generally don't recommend making your own raw dog food because of the risk of bacterial contamination or possible public health risks. If your dog has any medical issues, consult with a vet or veterinary nutritionist to make sure the homemade diet works for your pet.
Recommended serving amounts for homemade dog food
As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. Larger breeds may need as little as 1 1/2 percent, and smaller breeds may need as much as 4 percent.
As an electrolyte, salt is an essential part of your dog's health. It helps keep body fluids in balance and plays a role in muscle and nerve function.
Yes! Rice and chicken go great together, and they go great in your dog's diet, too. In general, the amount of grains in your dog's diet should be lower than the amount of protein.
White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes; like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If you do feed your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled, with nothing added to it.
The short answer to the question “can dogs eat bread?” is yes. Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation. Plain white and wheat bread are generally safe for dogs to eat, provided they don't have any allergies, and it usually does not cause any stomach upset.
Each dog needs plenty of protein, easily processed from a high-quality meat source, like muscle tissue. Your pet can also benefit from fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats for body maintenance. The combination of these creates what every pet parent is looking for: a balanced diet for their pet .
Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas are packed with important vitamins, along with potassium, which is good for a dog's muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also help dogs stay regular.
Storing Homemade Dog Food.
Once you've prepared a batch of fresh food, store it in the refrigerator for about four days or freeze it for up to six months in an air-tight container or resealable bag.
But most people don't account for key micronutrients. Most of the recipes Larsen's team reviewed were lacking in zinc, choline, copper, and EPA plus DHA (two key omega-3 fatty acids). That may in part be because folks don't realize you can't make dog food without adding a supplemental multivitamin.
A raw diet usually includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt. Advocates of raw food diets site these benefits: shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.
For dogs who are a healthy weight and aren't having accidents in the house, you may be able to use the free-choice feeding method. This means you leave food out all day and let your dog graze. This can be a good method for highly active dogs that are burning more calories than their couch-potato friends.
Green leafy vegetables or high-quality freeze-dried food are great examples of dog food that makes dogs live longer. Here, the nutrients have not been destroyed in the cooking process.
Dogs should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.