Homemade Dog Food Recipes
As pet food quality came under serious question in the 2007 pet food recall many of us decided to go it on our own making foods for our pooch in own kitchens. Read about ups and downs sides of pet food making, find recipes and helpful links.
Making Your Own Dog Food At Home
We've have been accumulating Dog Treat Recipes for the last several years and perhaps many of you may have visited us in the past. Given the massive pet food recall in 2007 we are now providing our readers with some healthful pet food alternatives for their furry family members.
The nutritional information and recipes provided are a good starting place to begin your culinary journey into proper cooking for your pet. Our article includes some good books we recommend. Most of these books can be found at your public library, your local bookstore, or you can buy them online from our website GourmetSleuth.com
Important! - Your pet may have special nutritional needs based on breed, age or general health. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to making significant changes to your pets diet.
Where To Start - What Dogs
Need
It is imperative that you select foods that are healthful for your pet. Starting with fresh, natural ingredients will result in great tasting, safe pet food. Dogs, just like humans are omnivorous and need a balance of protein, grains and some vegetables. While our dog's ancestors ate a basic diet of raw meats their meals included grasses and grains which constituted the diet of their prey.
Dogs fed only protein are susceptible to imbalances in their phosphorous and calcium ratios which can lead to joint problems, bone disease as well as other health issues. (Suzan Anson, Bone Appetit, Gourmet Cooking for your dog).
Basic Nutritional Needs
Here is a chart which breaks down the basic nutritional needs for dogs. Remember proteins (primarily) come from animal sources, meats, fish, poultry dairy. Fats can be found in animal products as well as whole-grains. The main sources of carbohydrates are vegetables and grains.
Recommended Content of Dog Foods |
|
| | Non-working
Adult | Young Adult
Pregnant Bitch
Working or Stressed Adult | Puppy or Lactating Bitch |
| Protein | 16% | 20% | 24% |
| Fat | 10% | 12% | 14% |
| Carbohydrate | 44% | 38% | 32% |
| Calories from protein | 20% | 24% | 28% |
| Vitamins and minerals | A | B | C |
A - Values recommended by the National Research Council
B - Values for "A" plus 10%
C - Values for "A" plus 10%
Chart from Dr. Ben E. Sheffy, James A Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University |
There are some ingredients which have been shown to cause illness (or death) in some dogs. Included in that list are:
Grapes
Raisins
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Artificial sweeteners or artificial fats
Raw meat*
Some of these foods may be fine in small "seasoning" quantities but to be sure, always consult with your pet's veterinarian and follow his/her advise. You can also visit our ASPCA link for a list of foods you may be concerned about.
*Raw Meat - Raw meats and poultry can contain bacteria, salmonella, or parasites or viruses. Your dog can suffer from food poisoning just as humans can. Only cooking will make these foods safe for consumption.
Toxic/Safe Foods Resource
ASPCA - American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals has a good resource for learning about foods that are toxic (or not) for your pets.
View Safe/Toxic Food Lists >>Nutritious Foods For Your Dog
These are a list of some basic healthful foods to include in your pets diet. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to making significant changes to your pets diet.
Meats
Poultry
Organ meats, liver (don't overuse)
Eggs
Cultured dairy products such as yogurt, buttermilk, cheese
Complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, beans, legumes
Fiber sources such as bran, fresh vegetables, whole-grains.