How to Make Dog Food

As many people grow older, they start becoming more conscious of what they put in their bodies. What they eat, what they drink, supplements they take. Many people find that there are certain foods that don’t agree with them.

The same can be said about your dog. As they grow older, you might discover that the food they have always been eating just might not be working for them. Or you’ve possibly had conversations with your vet about your dog’s dietary needs.

Today, we talk about how to make dog food at home. This simple process can be like a new lifeline for an aging dog, or it can be the building blocks for a lifetime of good health for a young dog.

Just remember, always speak to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Why Make Dog Food at Home?

When people learn how to make dog food at home, it’s mostly because they either want to be sure of what their dog is eating or because their dog has specific nutritional needs. But there are a lot of pluses to making your own dog food at home.

One benefit is that you get to choose the quality of food you use. When you buy all the produce and protein, you get to choose whether you use organic, free range or conventional. Whichever products you decide to use, you can feel good knowing that you’re giving your dog the best food they can have.

Another plus is that cooking dog food at home can be extremely cost effective. If you buy the food in bulk, or even when things go on sale, you can get the price of their food way down. If you do buy bulk, you can even freeze a large batch of dog food. This will save you time and money!

Often, we get food or treats for our dogs and find that they really don’t care much for them. Sometimes the food sits in their bowl without them wanting anything to do with it. If this is the case with your dog, you may find your dog wants homemade food more. Many dogs will eat homemade food, especially after watching you prepare it for them.

Dog’s Nutritional Needs

When people eat a meal, they might not be getting every nutrient they need that day. Therefore, people usually eat three squares a day and maybe even take vitamin supplements. The variety we eat is what ensures we are getting all the nutrients our bodies need.

The same can be said for dogs. You might make them a meal, but it could be lacking in one or two important nutrients. Therefore, it’s important to know what food groups a dog needs and how to supplement their meals.

In general, a dog’s food needs break down as follows:

• Muscles meat or fish should make up about half of what your dog eats. Your dog’s ancestors were used to hunting, stalking, and eating their prey. It only makes sense that your dog today would still have a taste for protein rich meat.
• Organ meat is a specific class of meat that your dog does also still need. Kidneys and livers are rich in nutrients that your dog’s body will be craving. You should look to make about 10% of your dog’s food from organ meat.
• Vegetables should be about a quarter of your dog’s food. This includes starchy veggies, legumes, and grains if you chose to include them. If you choose to include grains, remember that grains like brown rice and quinoa are better choices rather than regular white rice. Also remember to not include onion or garlic in their food.
• Dairy can make about 10-15% of your dog’s diet.
• Eggs and fruit should be included, but most likely as a kind of supplement. You can scramble an egg a few times a week for your pooch if you don’t want to include it in their “everyday” food. Also, consider cutting them a slice off your apple as a treat. Your dog doesn’t really need the sugar that can be found in fruit, but there are good nutrients in there too.

How To Make Dog Food

When learning how to make dog food, it’s important to follow recipes to the letter. Dogs have very specific nutritional needs and if you do not follow a recipe, your food might be lacking.

Because homemade dog food has store bought meat in it, you should also be sure you cook all food thoroughly. Many recipes can be made in a regular skillet on your stove top. Or you can choose to make your dog’s food in a crock pot as well. The crock pot will save you lots of time and can be done while you’re out of the house as well. Some people find the high percentage of meats and fats to be somewhat objectionable, but your dog will love it.

Also keep in mind that your dog has high calcium needs. If you are feeding your dog meat with bones included, then you’ll most likely not have to worry about this. But if you’re using boneless meat, you should add a calcium supplement. You can either grind eggshells into their food or buy a calcium supplement specifically meant for dogs. They need about 8-10 hundred mg of calcium a day.

Foods You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog

While making dog at home can be great for a dog who needs a special diet or if you just want to really take charge of what your dog consumes, remember that there are some foods that you should never feed your dog.

These foods include:

• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Raisins or grapes
• Avocado
• Onions or garlic
• Raw bread dough

There are more foods that a dog shouldn’t eat, but they are not as common in everyday cooking.

Also remember that cooking for your dog, or family for that matter, can be an act of kindness and love. It’s very important that you get the proportions right. If you are considering making any changes to your dog’s diet, speak to your veterinarian first. They will have the best idea of what is right for you and your dog.