If you think homemade dog food as healthy food, well, you are not completely wrong.
There are two possibilities that first, dogs are fed upon the dog food brands, or other, their masters rely on healthy dog food recipes.
As the homemade food is healthy for humans it is healthy for dogs as well but please consider going through the best dog foods because they require different nutrition than what humans require.
Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Before diving into the healthy recipes for your dog, let us take a look at what nutrients does the canines require.
Basic Nutrients Requirement in Homemade Dog Food
Although homemade food recipe is considered to be healthier than dog food brands because you know there is no slightest adulteration or unknown substance in the meal.
But while preparing the meals you should take care of the nutrients that are required for the dogs for their proportional and healthy growth.
Below shown are few of the most important nutrients that your pet might require.
1. Water
Major part body is water, it is invaluably important. A slight decrease in the water to body weight ratio can lead to serious conditions.
A decrease in water content can cause serious illness along with hallucinations and even cause death. Dry dog foods negligible moisture while canned foods have major of moisture.
2. Protein
Protein is the basic source for building the cells in the body as well as repairing the damaged cells and growing of those cells. It can be obtained from the meat, seafood, dairy products, leafy vegetables, eggs etc.
3. Healthy Fats
For energy generation, healthy fats are the primary source. They are more complex than protein and carbs but on the other hand, produces more energy. Meat and oil are the best sources of the fats.
4. Calcium
Calcium is responsible for the growth of bones and teeth, it is the most important mineral when the puppy is growing. But it is required in abundance when your pet is in adulthood.
5. Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates ensure the health of internal organs by providing energy.
While in absence or deficiency of carbs sugar generates energy.
Fibers are sort of carbs. They regulate the metabolism and eases out the bowel movements but make sure don’t feed your pup with excess carbs than protein and fats.
6. Fatty acids
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for managing inflammation in the body. Fatty acids provide the basic structure for your body to form prostaglandins, it increases and decreases burning sensation in the body.
Prepare a balanced meal diet in which the blend of most of these nutrients is present. Although don’t feed the dog with excess calorie meals if it is in the house for the whole day or is a neutered dog.
Prepare a healthy dog food which contains 350 calories per cup, increase it up to 500 calories per cup if your pet is an active one.
In case, if your pet has any allergies or deficiencies in specific, we recommend you to refer Balanced IT and for all nutritional guidance refer this The European Pet Food Industry Federation.
Preparing Homemade Dog Food
Apart from preparing the healthy homemade dog food in the context of the nutritional values, you should also take care of the recipes and hygiene.
Prepare the meal with the ingredients just enough to make the animal feel a bit stuffed and never satisfyingly stuffed.
Below shown are the few tips that will shed some light on the common mistakes you need to take care while preparing the meals.
Do’s
- Feeding unprocessed foods.
- Raw meat, animal fat is among the foods essential for a healthy diet.
- Follow the homemade recipe accurately, from any sources you follow.
- Add supplements if needed, mainly calcium and protein.
- Keep a check on gaining or losing a significant amount of weight. If found gaining or losing, a change is required.
Healthy Food Ingredients for the Dog:-
- Oatmeals
- Green Beans
- Apple Slices
- Eggs
- Pumpkins
- Salmon
- Cooked Meat
- Baby Carrots
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Peanut Butter
Don’ts
- Feeding processed food.
- Switching him into a vegetarian(He is omnivore naturally).
- Giving processed dog treats.
- Always feeding the cooked food.
Unhealthy Food Ingredients for the Dog:-
- Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
- Sugar and synthetic sweeteners
- Avocado
- Macadamia Nuts
- Dairy products
- Onions, Garlic
- Alcohol
- Salty
- Citrus
- Fermented yeast
Pet dogs have evolved to an extent that today they are familiar with the cooked food and can totally digest it.
On the other hand, feeding him with regular raw food is necessary which ensures the diet train and helps him cope with the cooked food diet.
- Homemade dog food is healthier than the canned food.
- Affordable.
- No scope of adulteration.
- All ingredients are up to your knowledge.
- Custom recipes could be made matching your requirement.
- Knowing and delivering what your dog needs is difficult.
- Learning to prepare dog food at home will be hectic.
- Initially, your pet won’t crave for the homemade food.
- Preparing a meal at home is time-consuming.
We Wish the Best for You
This article on homemade dog food recipes explains six types of essential nutrients for any meal as well as the do’s and don’ts while preparing the homemade dog food. And a list of homely foods healthy/unhealthy for your dog.
It is important to have the complete knowledge of what you feed your pet. We have tried our best to let you know everything.
Please leave a comment if any part is left unclear and needs to be explained further. Feel free to reach us if in doubt.
Cheers!