homemade dog diet food

Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Choosing Balanced Ingredients

Are you considering switching your dog to a homemade diet? A good place to begin is by discussing it with your veterinarian and/or a veterinary nutritionist. You may think that sounds unnecessary when there are so many recipes for homecooked dog meals available on the internet. However, the experts say that many of those recipes were not reviewed by veterinary nutritionists to make sure they provide a nutritional, well-balanced diet for your dog. This is why some owners prefer to feed pre-made fresh food.

The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) warns that your dogs unique nutritional requirements will depend on the age, size, health, and breed. Also, there are dogs for whom a homemade diet may not be appropriate or might even be damaging. We generally dont recommend homemade diets for a dog less than one-year-old. If young dogs dont receive the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus, significant bone abnormalities may result, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinarian. Pregnant and lactating dogs also have unique dietary requirements that may not be addressed by a recipe found on the internet.

The ABCs of a Balanced Dog Food Diet

Understanding the basics of what makes a homecooked diet balanced for your dog will help when you discuss the options with an expert. Here are important ingredients for the canine diet.

Protein: According to the ACVN, dogs must have protein in their diets that contain 10 specific essential amino acids their bodies cant produce. This is necessary for the creation of glucose, which transforms into energy. Sources of protein include chicken and turkey, after removing bones, fat, and skin; beef and lamb; pork in limited amounts; salmon and some other fish such as whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.

Fats and fatty acids: The most concentrated sources of fats in a dogs diet come from animal fats and plant seed oils. A healthy diet supplies the fatty acids the dogs body doesnt manufacture. Fatty acids support the function and structure of cells, keep skin and coat healthy, and enhance the taste of the food. Sources of fatty acids include plant-based oils, including corn, soybean, canola, and flaxseed oil, as well as fish oil.

Carbohydrates: Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Sources includerice, pasta, oatmeal, and quinoa.

Fiber: Dogs need fiber in their diet to keep their gastrointestinal (GI) system functioning and to help them from becoming overweight. Good sources of fiber for dogs include carrots, pumpkin, apples, dark leafy greens, brown rice, and flaxseed.

Vitamins: Vitamins are required for growth and maintenance. Vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems; however, they can also be dangerous in large quantities.

Vitamins dogs require include A (carrots, pumpkin), B vitamins (liver, green vegetables, whole grains), C (fruits and vegetables, organ meat), D (liver, fish, beef), E (leafy green vegetables, liver, bran, plant oils), K (fish, leafy green vegetables, fish), and choline (liver, fish, meats, egg yolks).

Minerals: There are 12 essential minerals for dogs:

• Calcium (tofu, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower) and phosphorus (meat, eggs) for strong bones and teeth.
• Magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cell signaling.
• Sulfur (meat, fish, molasses) for healthy skin, coat, and nails.
• Iron (red meats, poultry) for supporting red blood cells and the immune system.
• Iodine (dairy, kelp, seafood) for a healthy thyroid.
• Zinc (eggs, lamb, liver, brewers yeast) for the immune system, healthy skin, and coat.
• Selenium (meat, vegetables, seafood, brown rice) to boost the immune system.
• Copper (whole grains, seeds, and seafood) for healthy bone growth.

Water: We sometimes overlook this important ingredient of a healthy dogs diet, but there really is no dog food that contains enough water for your dog. Keep clean, fresh water out always.

Making the Transition

Consult a veterinarian: If youve decided to transition your dog to a homemade diet, your first step should be to consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Those experts will consider your dogs age, size, and health history and help you identify a high-quality recipe that is tailored to meet your dogs specific nutritional needs.

Buying ingredients: When you buy ingredients for your dogs homemade meals, you need to pay as much attention to the source, expiration dates, and labels as you do when you buy food for yourself.

Making the switch gradually: Whenever you change your dogs food, whether to a homemade diet or a new commercial food, a gradual switch is best to avoid upsetting your dogs GI system. For at least five-to-seven days, gradually mix in more and more of the new food with the old food, as you allow your dog to adjust to the change.

Follow the recipe: Be sure to follow the recipe. Tufts Cummings Veterinary Medical Center Clinical Nutrition Service published a study to determine how well owners adhered to homecooked diet recipes a median of one year later. Only 13 percent were still feeding the original nutritionally balanced diet recipe.

Clear instructions: Instructions about preparation and quantities are important. The way you cook the ingredients for example, steam, roast, or boil can impact the nutrition of the diet. Substituting or adding ingredients can also cause nutritional deficiencies. A study reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that a lack of clear instructions in many recipes forces pet owners to make assumptions that can result in food that is nutritionally inadequate and can even be harmful if fed to your dog on a long-term basis.

Follow-up:Once youve made the transition, pay attention to any digestive changes your dog may have. If his stool softens, he vomits, or has diarrhea, check in with the veterinarian. Whenever you change your dogs diet, you also need to monitor his weight. It may take a while to determine the correct portions for his size, age, and energy level.

Resources for the Chef

• Your best resource and first stop is your dogs veterinarian, who knows your dog and has a thorough understanding of his health history and current condition.
• A good resource to help find a veterinary nutritionist for a homemade diet consultation is the Diplomate directory at www.acvn.org. If there isnt a nutritionist in your area, you can consult with one remotely.
• An alternative option is to use the online consulting service called BalanceIT, a site operated by a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a basic, nutritionally balanced recipe.

• Another site that provides answers to your questions is: Ask the Nutritionist
• ChefPaw is the latest way to provide your pup with nutritious and delicious meals, giving you a more efficient way to prepare homemade dog food. VisitChefPaw.comto learn more

ChefPaw by Innovet Pet Products is helping you take full control of your dogs diet with the first countertop Dog Food Maker of its kind. Striving to save you time and money while maximizing your dogs nutrition, ChefPaw can make fresh, homemade food for your dog in 40 minutes. At ChefPaw, your pets happiness and well-being take center stage.

50 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Whenever you read or hear about homemade dog food recipes, always check with your veterinarian and canine nutritionist for some homemade dog food with some top dog tips.

DIY Dog food recipes are great when they are well-balanced and done correctly, but they can lead to malnutrition and health problems in your dog when the recipe isnt up to par.

Its also crucial to consult your vet before doing so, especially if you have adopted a new dog and want homemade puppy food.

Today, Im listing 50 of my favorite best homemade dog food recipes, which your dog will enjoy.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes and its Benefits

Cooking for your dog have more benefits than you expect, especially if your pet is allergic or has a sensitive stomach.

Its also important to know that some highly processed food loses nutritional value while making your fresh dog food preserve nutrition.

You know precisely what your dog is getting with fresh dog food than just reading them from the labels; that could be a hoax.

Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Ive broken my top 50 list of best homemade dog food recipes into five separate categories, with ten recipes in each section. Let me start with my recommendations for what I consider some of the overall best dog food recipes.

These are the ten recipes Id recommend more than all others for standard, non-specific situations.

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes, broccoli)
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• frying oil

Directions: Cook the chicken, rice, and veggies separately. Once they are ready, pour them into a large bowl and stir till ready.

2. Doggie Meat Loaf:

• 3 cups of meat
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of chopped or grated vegetables
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats

Directions: Mix everything and roll into a loaf. Put it in a roasting pan with potatoes and bake it for 80 minutes at 175 degrees.

3. Chicken and Rice:

• 1/4 pound of cooked, skinless chicken
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 cup of peas and carrots
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

4. Turkey and Vegetable Dinner

• 1 pound turkey meat
• 1 cup of cooked brown or white rice
• 1/2 cup of green beans
• 1/2 cup of carrots
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

5. Simple Raw Dog Food

• 1.5 cups of raw meat (whichever your dog prefers)
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, romaine lettuce, squash, Brussel sprouts, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil
• 1 tablet supplement
• 2 tablespoons of bone meal or another calcium supplement

Directions: Simply mix the ingredients and serve.

6. Raw Fish Dinner

• 2 pounds of fish fillets
• 1 can of pink salmon
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of parsley
• 2 tablespoons of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of bone meal
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice

Directions: Simply mix and serve.

7. Doggie Beef Stew

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 small potato
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1/2cup of chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white flour
• 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

8. Homemade Veggie Smoothie

**Note: this is not an ordinary main course since dogs cant live on an all-veggie diet. Its an excellent recipe for once every other day, however.

• 1/4 cup of combined carrots, squash, zucchini, green beans, spinach, collards
• 1/4 cup of apples, peaches, pears, bananas
• 1/4 cup of fruit juice (not grape juice)
• 4 tablespoons of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese

Directions: Simply mix like a regular smoothie.

9. Fish Patty Dinner

• 1 can of salmon
• 1 carrot
• 1 potato
• 1 egg
• 1 stalk of celery
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• frying oil

Directions: Drain and fry the salmon with flour and the egg. Once the patties are done, remove them from the oil and stir the veggies in them for 5-8 minutes. Mix, let it cool off, and serve.

10. Basic Dog Food Recipe

• 1 cup ground meat
• 1/4 cup of the liver (chicken or beef)
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice
• 1/4 cup of vegetables
• 1 hard-boiled egg
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10 Best Homemade Dog Treats

Because dogs love treats, and its an essential part of training and living with your dog, I also include these among my best homemade dog food recipes. A homemade dog treat may be more nutritious and healthy for a Fido.

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour (or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• <1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of beef or chicken broth or bouillon
• 1/2 cup of hot water

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll it and cut it into pieces. Cook for 30 minutes.

2. Cheesy Dog Biscuits

• 2.5 cups of wheat or oat flour
• 1/2 cup of chicken or beef stock
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese and bacon bits

Directions: Mix into a dough, cut into biscuit forms, and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Leftovers Trail Mix

• 1 pound of meat (turkey, chicken, lamb not seasoned)
• 1 pound of potatoes
• 1 pound of other vegetables (no onions)
• 1/2 pound of fruit (no grapes or raisins)

Directions: Cut everything into pieces and dry them in a dehydrator or a 200-degree oven.

4. Bacon Cookies

• 1 pound of uncured bacon
• 1-2 tablespoons of low-sodium chicken or Beef broth or bouillon
• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll it, cut it into pieces/cookies, and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Healthy Pumpkin Balls

• 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
• 4 tablespoons of molasses
• 4 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1/4 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, roll into small balls, and bake for 25 minutes.

6. Elvis Biscuit

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 pound of bananas
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into bone-shaped pieces, and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Dog Treats

• 32 ounces of vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Directions: Melt the peanut butter and combine it with the yogurt. Pour the mixture into cupcake forms and put it in the freezer.

8. Meaty Cheese Bones

• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese
• 1 pound of meat (not seasoned, turkey, lamb, chicken, or other)
• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, cut into pieces and shape them like bones, bake for 25 minutes.

9. Apple Crunch Cupcake

• 2-3 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of applesauce (non-sweetened)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/8 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 medium-sized egg
• 4 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1 cup of dried apple chips (non-sweetened)
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

Directions: Mix everything into a dough, cut into pieces and shape them like bones, bake for 25 minutes.

10. Carrot Chia Pet Treats

• 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour or oats
• 1/2 pound of carrots, beef, or chicken bouillon
• 2 tablespoons of Chia

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into bone-shaped pieces and bake for 25 minutes.

10 Best Homemade Low-fat Dog Food Recipes

Regular dog food recipes are not always applicable. Your dog often needs to go on a low-fat diet due to various possible health complications. Here are my Top 10 low-fat best homemade dog food recipes.

• 5 pounds of ground beef (cut the fat)
• 2.5 cups of cooked brown rice (or lentils, oatmeal, or quinoa)
• 3 cups of mixed vegetables

Directions: Cook the meat and rice together and add the veggies just before the meat is done.

2. Homemade Chicken Dinner

• 5 pounds chicken (cut the fat)
• 2 cups of red cabbage
• 2 skinned apples
• 2 cups of spinach
• 5 cooked eggs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions: Can be either cooked together or mixed raw. If the meat has bones, it should be raw.

3. Ground Beef Recipe

• 1 cup of lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup of the beef kidney (trim the fat)
• 1/4 cup of kale
• 1/2 cup of yellow crookneck squash

Directions: Boil separately and combine. Add a cup of uncooked oatmeal.

4. Doggie low-fat dessert

• 2 pounds of chopped up cooked chicken (cut the fat)
• 3 cups of mixed fruit
• 3 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)

Directions: Simply mix and serve

5. Homemade Fish Dinner

• 2 pounds of fish fillets
• 1 or 2 cans of pink salmon
• 3 cups of diced vegetables
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, quinoa, or lentils)

Directions: Cook fish and veggies separately and then mix and cool.

6. Doggie Chili

• 4 cooked chicken breasts (remove the fat)
• 1 cup of drained kidney beans
• 1 cup of drained black beans
• 1 cup of carrots
• 1/2 cup of tomato paste
• 4 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Mix and cook for 10 minutes.

7. Mixed Meat Goodness

• 3 pounds of cooked whole wheat macaroni
• 2 pounds of chicken thighs (remove fat)
• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 pound of broccoli stalks
• 1 pound of red leaf lettuce
• 1/2 pound of chicken liver
• 1/2 pound of beef heart
• Egg white from 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons of eggshell powder
• 1 tablespoon of kelp meal
• 10+ drops of vitamin E

Directions: Cook together with the veggies added last 10 minutes before the meat is ready.

8. Cheesy Beef with Rice

• 1 cup of cooked lean ground beef (remove the fat)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• 1 cup of non-fat cheese
• 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli
• 1/2 cup of cooked squash

Directions: Cook separately and then mix.

9. Chicken with Broccoli and Rice

• 5 pounds of diced chicken (cut the fat)
• 5 cups of cooked brown rice or oatmeal, lentils or quinoa
• 3 cups of chopped broccoli
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions: Cook the meat separately and then add the broccoli in the end.

10. Raw Chicken Dinner

• 6 ounces of chicken necks and thighs (remove the fat)
• 1 pound of baked sweet potato
• 1/2 pound of broccoli stalks
• 3 ounces of chicken liver
• 1/4 tablespoon of iodized salt
• 2 to 5 drops of vitamin E

Directions: Cook together with the veggies added last 10 minutes before the meat is ready.

10 Best Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Food Recipes

Certain ingredients in both commercial and homemade dog foods are known to risk an allergic reaction. Things such as gluten, soy, corn, and even beef should be avoided if youre afraid of an allergic reaction in your dog. Here are some of the best homemade dog food recipes for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs:

1. Basic Chicken plus Rice recipe

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables (broccoli or cauliflower, for example)
• 1/2 cup of brown rice
• 3 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

2. Sweet Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken
• 1 cup of red cabbage
• 1 skinned apple
• 1 cup of spinach
• 2 cooked eggs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions: Can be cooked or raw (if the chicken is with bones).

3. Chicken and Potato Recipe

• 1/2 cup of cooked chicken breast
• 6 cups of boiled potatoes
• 4 tablespoons chicken fat
• 3 calcium carbonate tablets
• 1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablets

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

4. Turkey With Veggies

• 2 pounds of turkey meat
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)
• 1 cup of green beans
• 1 cup of carrots
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

5. Eggs and Cheese Mild Homemade Recipe

• 6 scrambled eggs
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice

Directions: Mix and cook together.

6. Fish-Veggie Patty

• 2 cans of Salmon
• 2 potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 2 cooked eggs
• 2 stalks of celery
• 5 tablespoons of flour

Directions: Drain and fry the salmon with flour and the egg. Once the patties are done, remove them from the oil and stir the veggies in them for 5-8 minutes. Mix, let it cool off, and serve.

7. Homemade Kibble Recipe

• 4 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 cup of cooked cream of whole wheat

Directions: Mix and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes, let it cool off, and freeze it.

8. Ground Round Dog Food

• 2 pounds of ground round meat, sauted in olive oil
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• 4 boiled eggs
• 1 package of cauliflower
• 1 package of chopped carrots
• 4 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons of bone meal

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

9. Cheese and Chicken Dinner

• 3 cups of cooked chicken meat (remove the fat)
• 3 cups of cooked brown rice (or oatmeal, quinoa, or lentils)
• 3 cups of cream cheese
• 1.5 cups of cooked broccoli
• 1.5 cups of cooked squash

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10. Doggie Peanut Butter Delight:

• 1.5 of water
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of cornflour
• 1/2 cup of oats

Directions: Roll into a dough, cut into cookie pieces, bake for 20 minutes.

10 Best Dog Food Recipes for Senior Dogs

Just like puppies, older dogs need a change in their diet to lead the healthiest possible lives. These 10 best homemade dog food recipes for senior dogs will help you out with that:

• 5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
• 5 ounces of chicken livers
• 5 ounces of chicken gizzards
• 5 pounds of carrots
• 1 pound of green beans
• 1/2 pound of pumpkin
• .5-1 pound apples
• 1-2 big sweet potatoes

Directions: Cook together at 250 degrees and process with a hand blender.

2. Scaled-down Doggies Stew

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
• 1 pound of whiting or catfish
• 1/4 pound of chicken livers and/or gizzards
• 1/2 pound of carrots
• 1/2 ounce of green beans
• 1/2 cup of pumpkin
• 1 apple
• 1 small sweet potato

Directions: Cook together at 250 degrees and process with a hand blender.

3. Chili Goodness

• 2 cooked chicken breasts (without the fat)
• 1/2 cup of drained kidney beans
• 1/2 cup of drained black beans
• 1/4 of a cup of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of carrots
• 2 cups of chicken broth

Directions: Mix and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Dried Sweet Potato Chews

This is not only one of the best homemade dog food recipes. Its also one of the simplest! Just cut some sweet potatoes into pieces, place them on baking paper and dry/bake them!

5. Chicken Soup Cookies

• 1 cup of ground high-quality dry dog food kibble
• 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix
• 1 18.8 ounces can of chicken soup

Directions: Mix, put into cookie sheets, and bake.

6. Beef Delight

• 2 pounds of ground beef (cut the fat)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice (or lentils, oatmeal, or quinoa)
• 1 and a half cups of mixed vegetables

Directions: Cook together with the veggies added last.

7. Veggies and Chicken

• 2 pounds of chicken (without the fat)
• 2 cups of cooked rice (or oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa)
• 1 cup of chopped broccoli
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions: Cook together, with the veggies added last.

8. Frosty Paws

• 32 ounces of vanilla yogurt
• 1 large mashed banana
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Directions: Blend together and freeze in small portions.

9. Oldie but Goldie

• 2 cups of ground chicken meat
• 1/2 cup of chicken liver
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1/2 cup of vegetables
• 2 cooked eggs
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil

Directions: Cook together, adding the vegetables last, before the meat is ready.

10. Raw Fish Delight

• 4 pounds of fish fillets
• 2 cans of pink salmon
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of oregano
• 8 tablespoons of parsley
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice

Directions: Mix and serve together.

Homemade Puppy Food

Puppies need twice as many calories than what an adult dog needs per day. This means that they need more fat, minerals, proteins, and vitamins.

A portion of homemade puppy food should contain the proper balance of:

• Protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
• Carbohydrates, like rice, pasta, potatoes
• Vegetables, such as peas, green beans, carrots
• Fat, often in the form of vegetable oil
• Vitamin/mineral supplements (purchased from a reputable company)

Once you have chosen a recipe, its time to make your own dog food. DIY dog food helps owners in setting a feeding schedule for their dogs.

This homemade puppy food can be made in bulk and portioned, and kept in the fridge for five days.

When to Make Your Own Dog Food

Many owners worry if commercial dog foods are enough when providing their dog with some well-balanced dog food.

This worry is valid since some dog food is made from low-quality ingredients, although this isnt the case for all dog foods.

If you are one of these people, its best if you switch your dog to homemade dog food. There are many available homemade dog food recipes online that you can follow when making your own dog food.

DIY Dog Food: Buying Tips

Many health benefits come when you make your own dog food at home. Homemade dog food reassures you that whatever your dog is consuming is giving them the nutrients they need.

Here are the 5 DIY dog food tips for making homemade dog food:

#1: Balance their diet

When a diet isnt well-balanced, it becomes less than optimal and can lead to various inadequacies. Dogs can quickly develop health issues if their food is deficient in vitamins or minerals (particularly calcium).

It can happen in a matter of months, especially in pups. Veterinarians are reluctant to homemade dog food for this reason; they are the ones who see all of the flaws firsthand.

#2: Meat Selection

The main ingredient of homemade dog food is meat, either raw or cooked. Dogs are obligate carnivores who thrive on a diet high in protein.

Beef, lamb, hog, turkey, chicken, venison, ostrich, buffalo, and other meats are available. Check to see if the meat is fresh and safe to consume.

A fat percentage of no more than 15-20% is recommended. Fish can be eaten on occasion, but not as a primary source of nutrition.

#3: Vegetables

Vegetables may account for around a quarter of a meals calories and supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables that have been briefly cooked, diced, or pureed provide extra nutrients to dogs.

Squash, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, peas, beets, yams, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and sweet potato are some vegetables to use.

Onion, potato, tomato, bell peppers, spinach, raw beans, garlic, leek, chard, and beet greens are all vegetables to avoid.

#4: Avoid Feeding Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are difficult to break down and metabolize in dogs due to a lack of digestive enzymes. They have little nutritional benefit for dogs and just pass through their digestive system.

Many canine disorders like obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, renal disease, and allergies are caused by carbohydrates. They are added to commercial pet food to reduce the cost of manufacture.

#5: Have fun and enjoy the results

Experiment with various meat or vegetable combos. Find out which meats and veggies your dog prefers.

Is Homemade Dog Food Better For Dogs?

Isnt it true that homemade dog chow is better? Do we understand that eating a home-cooked meal is preferable to fast food, but is this true for pets?

Youve certainly tried a variety of foods for your dog, including the best dry dog food, the best-wet dog food, and even some pre-packaged best raw dog food.

But maybe youre wondering if cooking your dogs food from scratch at home makes a significant impact. There are many reasons and benefits for cooking your dogs meals at home, whether because they require a special diet or theyre just picky eaters.

When it comes to dog food, theres a lot of information out there. Still, only you can know whats best for your dog, which comes with a lot of trial and error, especially if youre a rookie dog parent.

Its OK to experiment with different foods to see what they enjoy and doesnt like, and the same applies to your homemade dog food.

One of the most significant advantages of cooking your dogs meals yourself is knowing exactly what ingredients are used.

Homemade dog food is excellent since its a quick and easy method to guarantee your pet gets all the nutrients they require, but you might not have found a brand you enjoy.

Maybe one has too much salt, and the other doesnt have enough protein. When it comes to ingredients, homemade dog food allows you to completely control every tiny detail.

Is it Cheaper To Make Homemade Dog Food?

The cost of homemade dog food may be a bit pricey compared to cheap dog food, but its just the same price if you compare it to those high-quality dog foods.

How Many Cups of Homemade Food Should I Feed My Dog?

This will vary from dog to dog, but a basic rule of thumb is that for every 10 pounds your dog weighs, 1 cup of prepared homemade dog food should be provided.

That implies two meals a day, each including four cups of food for our 80-pound Hooch. Its worth noting that dogs with renal difficulties generally feel better if theyre eaten multiple little meals throughout the day rather than just one or two large meals.

So, you may need to change your feeding plan as time goes on to keep your pup comfortable!

Do Dogs Live Longer on Homemade Food?

Is it true that dogs who eat the appropriate diet live longer? Canines health and wellness improve when fed with homemade dog food without artificial additions, preservatives, or chemicals.

It also helps people live longer lives by reducing obesity and the prevalence of illnesses (such as diabetes).

According to a Purdue University study, replacing just 25% of your dogs food with actual food, such as high-quality freeze-dried kibble or leafy greens, can reduce cancer risk by up to 90%.

According to a study published in Belgium titled Relation Between the Domestic Dogs: Well-Being and Life Expectancy, A Statistical Essay, dogs fed a high-quality, homemade diet (rather than table scraps or industrial, commercial pet food) lived 32 months longer.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Closing Thoughts

There you have them the 50 best homemade dog food recipes for all dogs and many situations. Whether it be for adult dogs or you want to make homemade puppy food, please consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist for approval.

Its also just as important to make sure you ask them for the exact food supplements you can add to these DIY dog food recipes.

Remember to look at our Homemade Dog Food Recipes section for some of every recipe, video, and more.

READ NEXT:12 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies

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