According to the Humane Society of the United States, “the best way to ensure that your dog is eating a balanced diet is to cook for him yourself.” Making your own dog food can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to follow a few guidelines to make sure your pup gets the nutrients he needs.
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Preparing Homemade Food for Your Dog
While a good, proprietary dog food certified by the Association of American Feed Controls should provide all your dog’s nutritional needs, you might want to make your dog’s meals from scratch. Many dog owners enjoy preparing their pet’s food and find it to be a rewarding experience. If you choose to make your own dog food, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re including all the necessary nutrients.
A homemade diet should include :
- Protein
- fat
- carbohydrates
- vitamins
- minerals
You can work with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to develop a recipe that meets your dog’s specific needs.
Remember that dogs have different nutritional requirements at different life stages, so you’ll need to adjust the recipe as your pet grows. With a little planning and care, you can create healthy, delicious meals that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy for years to come.
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1). Use a Recipe From a Certified Pet Nutritionist
A recent study 1conducted by the California University School of Veterinary Medicine showed that a high percentage of dog food recipes available in books and online were nutritionally deficient.
The study evaluated 50 popular dog food recipes and found that only 12% met the minimum requirements for protein, fat, and essential nutrients set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
In addition, the majority of the recipes lacked key ingredients such as vitamins A and D, calcium, and phosphorus. While some owners may believe that they are providing their dogs with a healthy diet by cooking at home, the reality is that most homemade dog food recipes fall short of meeting their nutritional needs.
Reference
1 California University School of Veterinary Medicine. “Nutritional Deficiencies Common in Homemade Dog Foods.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 October 2017.
2). Where’s the Best Place to Get Ingredients for Homemade Dog Food?
If you’re interested in making your own dog food, it’s important to source the right ingredients. The best place to buy ingredients for homemade dog food depends on the recipe you’re following.
For example, if you’re using a commercial dry food mix as a base, you’ll need to purchase meat and vegetables to add to the mix. These can be sourced from your local grocery store or butcher.
If you’re following a raw food diet, however, you’ll need to purchase all of your ingredients from a pet store or online retailer that specializes in raw dog food. In either case, it’s important to make sure that you’re using fresh, high-quality ingredients in order to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrition they need.
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3). Follow the Recipe Carefully
Once you’ve sourced the ingredients for your homemade dog food, it’s important to follow the recipe carefully in order to avoid any nutritional deficiencies.
This means measuring out the proper amount of each ingredient and ensuring that all of the ingredients are thoroughly cooked before feeding them to your dog.
If you’re unsure about how to properly measure or cook the ingredients, it’s best to consult with a pet nutritionist or veterinarian before proceeding.
4). Check Your Dog Food Recipe’s Measures
When you make homemade dog food recipes, be sure to use proper measures. This is important because too much or too little of an ingredient can make the recipe unbalanced and could lead to nutritional deficiencies in your dog.
For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of cooked rice, but you only have half a cup on hand, you should not double the amount of meat in order to make up for the lack of rice.
This will throw off the recipe’s nutrient ratios and could cause your dog to become sick.
It’s always better to either find a different recipe that doesn’t require as much of a particular ingredient or to purchase the correct amount of ingredients before starting to cook.
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5). Consider Adding Supplements to Your Dog’s Diet
Even if you’re feeding your dog a homemade diet that meets all of their nutritional needs, there are some additional supplements that can help to keep them healthy.
For example, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy coat and skin, and they can also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
These fatty acids are found in fish oils, and they can be purchased as a supplement from most pet stores.
Another supplement that’s often recommended for dogs is glucosamine, which helps to support healthy joint function.
This is especially important for older dogs or dogs who are susceptible to joint problems. Glucosamine supplements can be found at most pet stores or online retailers.
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Monitor Your Dog’s Health Closely
When switching your dog to a homemade diet, it’s important to monitor their health closely. This means paying attention to their energy levels, appetite, bowel movements, and overall demeanor.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s health that are concerning, be sure to consult with a veterinarian right away.
They will be able to determine if the changes are due to the homemade diet or if there’s another underlying problem.
Making the switch to a homemade diet can be a great way to improve your dog’s health, but it’s important to do so carefully and with the guidance of a professional.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
