May 2009
By Lizzie Novotny
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DIGGING IN: Dogs will enjoy homemade dog food and snacks.
Shutterstock.com/Monika Wisniewska
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My two Vizsla hunting dogs get homemade dog food twice each day. I mix an adjusted amount with good quality dry kibble.
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Homemade dog food can be better than some commercial products. We don’t realize what’s in the food we give our pets. Always inspect the ingredients.
Commercial dog foods can contain preservatives, and are altered by chemical processes that can be unhealthy for dogs. They can also contain processed unknown animal products and fillers that do nothing to contribute to your pet’s health.
To avoid your dogs ingesting unknown dog food ingredients, make your own. Control not only the content, but the quality as well.
Reasons To Consider A Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food, your hunting dog will love you
* dog has allergies to food
* persistent skin problems
* gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea or constipation
* competes in sporting events or working stock and needs strength for endurance
* control of quality and freshness
* nothing processed so food retains all the vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes
Observe your dog to see he is getting his required dog food nutrition.
* shiny coat, illustrious feel
* sparkling eyes
* alert, good energy and activity
* maintain weight without getting fat
* stool firm and consistent
An appropriately balanced dog food recipe contains roughly 40% meat, 30% starch and 30% vegetables.
1. Meat: Any type can be included. Organ meat, such as liver, is particularly healthy for dogs. Bones should be removed as they are a choking hazard. Cook the meat – uncooked meat can contain unhealthy bacteria and possibly parasites.
2. Starch: Most forms are okay – cooked pasta, potatoes, and rice are common choices for homemade dog food.
3. Vegetables: Most types can be used. Do not use onions as they can be toxic. Cook the vegetables – raw veggies can pose a choking hazard.
Recipe For Quick Adult Homemade Dog Food
This recipe will feed a 50 pound adult dog for one day. If your dog is smaller or larger than the 50 pounds, adjust the amount of ingredients. You can cook enough for many days, divide accordingly and freeze the rest. This food has no preservatives, so refrigerate the fresh food for 3 days maximum. The human vitamin supplement Theragran-M Advanced and calcium carbonate (example: Tums) can be found in any pharmacy. Always consult with your veterinarian.
* 5 oz. dark meat chicken or turkey beef or fish
* 2 1/8 cups cooked brown rice
* 1 tsp. corn oil
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 2 pills Theragran-M Advanced (crushed)