homemade dog food recipes for havanese
Homemade Havanese Dog Food: Recipes & Guidelines (2024)
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Looking to provide the best nutrition for your Havanese? Homemade dog food might be the answer youre looking for. By making your own dog food, you have control over what goes into their meals, ensuring they get the healthiest ingredients possible.
In this article, we will guide you through homemade Havanese dog food recipes and provide nutritional guidelines to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade Havanese dog food promotes healthier eating habits and increases their lifespan.
- It allows for ingredient control, reducing the risk of allergies and ensuring quicker nutrient absorption.
- Homemade dog food provides quality ingredient control, is cost-effective, and allows for portion size control.
- It is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, reducing the risk of cancer and ensuring overall health.
Benefits of Homemade Havanese Dog Food
When it comes to feeding your Havanese homemade dog food, there are several benefits that you can enjoy.
First and foremost, homemade dog food promotes healthier eating habits and can increase your Havaneses lifespan.
It also allows you to have better control over the quality of ingredients used and helps prevent allergies.
Additionally, using fresh ingredients in homemade dog food ensures quicker nutrient absorption and reduces the risk of cancer for your beloved pet.
Health benefits of homemade Havanese dog food
If youre considering homemade Havanese dog food, youll be pleased to know that it offers numerous health benefits for your furry friend.
Homemade food allows for ingredient control, ensuring that your Havanese receives fresh and nutritious ingredients.
- Longevity benefits
- A reduced risk of allergies
Additionally, preparing homemade meals can be cost-effective in the long run compared to commercial options.
Take advantage of the health advantages offered by homemade Havanese dog food recipes.
Control benefits of homemade Havanese dog food
You have complete control over the ingredients and portion sizes when preparing homemade Havanese dog food.
- Ensure the quality of the ingredients, making sure theyre fresh and suitable for your Havaneses specific dietary needs.
- Be cost-effective as homemade dog food can be more affordable than commercial options.
- Maintain your dogs weight and overall health by controlling portion sizes.
- Promote better nutrient absorption for optimal nutrition through the use of fresh ingredients.
Ingredient benefits of homemade Havanese dog food
To maximize the nutritional value of homemade Havanese dog food, incorporate fresh ingredients that provide essential nutrients.
Fresh ingredients offer numerous benefits for your Havaneses health and well-being. Theyre packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to their overall nutrition.
These fresh ingredients also have quick absorption rates in your dogs body, ensuring they receive the maximum benefit from their food.
Additionally, using fresh ingredients can help reduce the risk of cancer in your beloved pet.
Risks of Homemade Havanese Dog Food
When considering homemade Havanese dog food, its important to be aware of the potential risks associated with preparing meals at home. These risks include unsafe ingredients, imbalanced recipes, and health risks due to a lack of nutritional understanding.
Here are three key points to keep in mind regarding the risks of homemade Havanese dog food:
- Unsafe Ingredients:
Without proper knowledge and research, you may unintentionally include harmful ingredients in your homemade dog food recipe that could pose health risks for your Havanese.
- Imbalanced Recipes:
Creating a balanced diet for your Havanese requires an understanding of their specific nutritional needs. Without this knowledge, theres a risk of providing an imbalanced meal that can lead to deficiencies or excessive nutrient intake.
- Health Risks:
Ignoring any underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions when preparing homemade dog food can put your Havanese at risk for further complications and adverse reactions.
To ensure recipe safety and minimize these potential hazards, its crucial to educate yourself on proper nutrition guidelines for Havaneses before embarking on making their meals at home.
Nutritional Guidelines for Havanese
For a balanced diet, Havanese dogs require specific essential nutrients based on their weight, health, size, and activity level.
To ensure they receive the necessary nutrition, its important to consider protein sources, carbohydrate options, and fat selections in their homemade dog food.
Here is a table outlining some recommended nutrient needs for Havanese:
Nutrient | Recommendation |
---|---|
Protein | High-quality animal proteins |
Carbohydrates | Whole grains and vegetables |
Fats | Healthy fats like fish oil |
These guidelines can help you create well-rounded meals that meet your Havaneses nutritional requirements. Remember to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to tailor the diet specifically for your dogs needs.
Recommended Supplements for Havanese
Now that you have a good understanding of the nutritional guidelines for Havanese dogs, its important to consider recommended supplements to ensure their overall health and wellbeing. Supplement selection plays a crucial role in maintaining nutritional balance and supporting your Havaneses specific needs.
- Consultation with a veterinary nutritionist: Seeking professional advice from an expert can help determine which supplements are necessary based on your dogs individual requirements.
- Reference to the book Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: This valuable resource provides guidance on homemade diets and recommends appropriate supplementation.
- Tailored dietary adjustments: Some Havaneses may require additional supplements due to specific health conditions such as joint issues or allergies.
4.Calorie monitoring: Its essential to control calorie intake through portion sizes and carefully monitor any changes when introducing new food or supplementing their diet.
Havanese Homemade Dog Food Recipes
To ensure your Havanese receives a balanced and nutritious diet, its important to incorporate homemade dog food recipes into their meal plan regularly.
- Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats:
These treats combine the antioxidant-rich blueberries with the natural calming effects of CBD oil.
- Chicken & Rice Delight:
This recipe features lean chicken as the protein source, paired with nutrient-dense brown rice for energy.
- Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast:
A flavorful mix of lean turkey meat, wholesome vegetables like carrots and peas, and quinoa for added fiber.
- Beefy & Veggie Medley:
Made with lean beef as the main protein source along with a variety of colorful veggies like sweet potatoes and green beans.
These homemade treats provide your Havanese with all the necessary nutrients they need while satisfying their taste buds at every mealtime!
Foods to Avoid for Havanese
Avoid feeding your Havanese certain foods that can be harmful to their health.
There are several toxic foods and ingredients that should be avoided in a Havanese diet.
Some common dietary hazards for dogs include:
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Alcohol
- Avocadoes
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute)
These foods can lead to serious health issues such as kidney failure or liver damage in dogs.
Additionally, some ingredients commonly found in commercial dog food may also pose risks for Havanese.
Ingredients like artificial preservatives (such as BHA or BHT), artificial colors and flavors, may cause allergic triggers or digestive problems.
Paying attention to the quality of pet food is essential when it comes to ensuring the safety of your beloved Havaneses diet.
Avoiding these unsafe ingredients will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Havanese Raw Diet (BARF)
Feeding your Havanese a raw diet, also known as the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, can provide numerous health benefits.
- Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
- Enhanced immune system function
- Healthier skin and coat
- Increased energy levels
A raw diet for Havanese involves feeding them fresh ingredients like raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. This type of diet provides essential nutrients while avoiding harmful additives found in commercial dog food.
- Protein sources like chicken or beef
- Carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes or quinoa
- Fat sources like salmon oil or coconut oil.
While there are advantages to a havanese raw diet such as better dental health and reduced risk of allergies, the drawbacks include potential bacterial contamination and the need for careful meal planning to avoid nutritional imbalances.
Having said that, homemade recipes using fresh ingredients can be an excellent option for providing optimal nutrition to keep your Havanese healthy and thriving.
Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service
If youre looking for a convenient and reliable way to ensure your Havanese gets balanced homemade meals, consider trying a homemade dog food delivery service.
These services offer various delivery options that cater specifically to small breed dogs like the Havanese.
They provide customized plans based on your dogs nutritional needs and preferences, ensuring that every meal is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients for optimal nutrition.
With a homemade dog food delivery service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is getting the right balance of nutrients without compromising on taste or safety.
It takes away the hassle of preparing meals from scratch while still allowing you to maintain control over what goes into their diet.
So why not give it a try and see the difference it makes in your Havaneses health and happiness?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I feed my Havanese a homemade diet if they have specific health conditions?
If your Havanese has specific health conditions, its important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist for a tailored homemade diet plan.
They can recommend adjustments and ensure that the diet meets your dogs unique needs.
How do I ensure that my homemade Havanese dog food is nutritionally balanced?
Want to ensure that your homemade Havanese dog food is nutritionally balanced?
Start by consulting with a veterinary nutritionist and referencing trusted resources like the book Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets for tailored dietary adjustments.
Are there any specific ingredients that I should avoid when preparing homemade dog food for my Havanese?
When preparing homemade dog food for your Havanese, its important to avoid certain ingredients.
These can include toxic foods like chocolate and onions, as well as artificial additives such as preservatives and food dyes.
Can I incorporate raw food into my Havaneses homemade diet?
Incorporating raw food into your Havaneses homemade diet may seem like a great idea for their health, but ironically, it can pose risks such as bacterial contamination.
Consult with a veterinarian to ensure safety and balance in their diet.
Are there any homemade dog food delivery services that cater specifically to Havanese dogs?
Yes, there are homemade dog food delivery services that cater specifically to Havanese dogs.
These services provide customized meals based on your dogs specific needs and deliver them conveniently to your doorstep.
Conclusion
To provide the best nutrition for your Havanese, homemade dog food is a great option.
By making their meals yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients and can ensure theyre getting the healthiest options available.
Homemade Havanese dog food offers numerous benefits, including:
Give your furry friend the love and care they deserve with homemade Havanese dog food.
Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes: 7 Vet-Approved & Nutritionally Complete
Imagine if you had to eat the same food every day of your life. Beyond being painfully dull, wouldnt you question whether youre getting a nutritionally complete and balanced diet? Welcome to a dogs life. Long ago, before commercially produced dog food, dogs ate many of the same foods as humans. Theres a reason our dogs beg for our food theyre meant to eat a variety.Weve cooked up some tips on how to make dog food, nutrition guidelines, and our favorite homemade dog food recipes.
What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Dog Food? 3 Advantages
Homemade dog food can benefit your canine companion in several ways:
- If you have a pet who suffers from allergies, skin problems, or gastrointestinal sensitivity.
- Highly-processed foods also lose nutritional value, whereas making dog food from scratch maintains more vital nutrients during the cooking process.
- With fresh food, you know exactly what your dog is getting versus reading the label and being confused by all the additives and preservatives.
Complete Nutrition From A Veterinarian
That said, homemade dog foods can require a significant amount of time and effort to get right. Homemade dog food needs to contain nutrients dogs need to be healthy. But those nutrients should be right amounts so as not to get too much or too little ofany nutrient.
A veterinary nutritionist has specialized training to help pet parents like yourself make nutritionally balanced meals for your dog. The recipes in this article have all been reviewed by our veterinary consultant with this goal in mind. So you can rest assured these homemade dog food recipes are vet approved.
Its a good idea to have the nutritionally complete homemade dog food recipes in this article handy in case you run out of dog food. Treat your dog like any of your other family members by preparing nutritious food from trusted ingredients.
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What Nutrition Guidelines Should You Follow?
Like humans, every dog is different, so this is not a one-pup-fits-all rule. Serving size, your dogs weight, health conditions, size, and activity level are all factors you should consider when determining whats suitable for your dog.
However, in general, dogs need six basic nutrients to maintain a healthy, balanced diet: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. A mix of these nutrients provides energy for your dogs body to metabolize and grow.
To ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs, you may want to add a fully balanced nutrition blend, like one of these blends from JustFoodForDogs. And in addition to meals, you may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
Check with your vet before adding any type of supplement to your dogs diet because over-supplementation of vitamins and minerals can sometimes have serious health consequences in dogs.
Necessary Nutrients
Here are the benefits of the necessary nutrients and why its essential your pup has adequate amounts of each (listed in order of priority).
- Protein (chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, and cooked eggs) Helps with the growth and maintenance of cells, tissues, organs, antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
- Fat (from oil and meat) Assists with absorbing specific vitamins, protects and insulates internal organs, and promotes good skin and hair growth.
- Carbohydrates (rice, corn, and beans) Keeps intestines healthy and supplies glucose to critical organs, including the brain.
- Minerals, including calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Give dogs structurally sound bones and teeth, among other benefits.
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K Promotes eye and skin health, immunity, and more.
Water accounts for 60-70% of a dogs body weight, so its critical that your dog stays hydrated and eats a well-balanced diet. Dehydration can lead to some health issues, so give your dog access to plenty of clean, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
Before embarking on a homemade meal plan, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dogs diet sufficiently meets all of his nutritional needs.
Low-Calorie Dog Food Recipes
The recipes listed below are low in calories but should be consumed in moderation (serving sides similar to what they currently eat). Work with your vet to ensure that the amount you feed matches your dogs daily caloric needs.
Homemade Dog Food Delivered
In the age of UberEats, DoorDash, and having just about anything you wish delivered, you also have the option to buy fresh, natural dog food for doorstep delivery. It can be a huge time-saver and may be worth the cost after adding all the ingredients youll need to buy to cook a recipe.
The Farmers Dog ships frozen, allowing you to keep it on hand or serve it daily as a regular meal. This food is made with fresh, healthy, and easy-to-pronounce human-grade ingredients. And you can spend your time on more important things, like belly rubs and walks.
7 Of Our Favorite Homemade Dog Food Recipes
To jump to a recipe youre interested in, click on the link below. We also have some yummy organic dog treat recipes and treats made with Thanksgiving leftovers. You may wish to have a collection of pet food recipes on-hand at all times, making a cookbook an excellent choice. Dinner PAWsible is one of our favorites.
- CBD-Infused Treats
- Beef Stew, Doggie Style
- Turkey, Rice, and Veggie Mix
- Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
- Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
- Grain-Free Chicken Jerky Strips
- Frozen Banana Treats
Note: The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.
CBD-Infused Dog Treats
You can purchase already-made CBD dog treats, but if you want to take a whack at making your own, heres a recipe. Be sure to tell your vet that youre adding CBD to your dogs diet. Check with the manufacturers dosing guidelines of the CBD product you plan on giving your dog to verify youre giving the proper amount.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup oat
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 apple, cored and grated
- 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup water
- dash of sea salt
- 120 mg CBD oil
Total: Makes 24 treats
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan.
- Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe from: Truth Theory
Beef Stew, Doggie Style
This recipe is loaded with iron from fresh protein and can be stored in your fridge for most of the week (or frozen and heated up later).
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Total: Makes approx. 4 cups (32 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 301
- Protein: 36.7 g
- Fat: 8.4 g
- Carbs: 17.4 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the beef into small chunks about the size of a nickel.
- Cook the beef stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the drippings while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool and serve.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe from: Money Crashers
Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix
This is an excellent, low-calorie, and low-fat recipe for pooches who may need to keep the pounds off. With a good balance of lean animal protein, healthy carbs, and veggies, it yields 12 cups of dog food and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 (16 ounces) package of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower
Total: Makes approx. 10 cups
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 11.5 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe from: Allrecipes
Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Rice Meal
We love this recipe for its nutritional value, quick prep time (10 minutes), and easy crockpot cooking. It yields 12 cups and, like the beef stew, can be frozen for future feedings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
Total: Makes approx. 12 cups (or 88 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Info (per 1 cup serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 39.1g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 44.2 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Iron, Potassium, Calcium
Directions
- Stir in all ingredients with 4 cups of water in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or high heat for 2 to 3 hours.
- Stir as needed and cool to room temperature.
Recipe from: Damn Delicious
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Are you looking for a doggiedigestive aid? Pumpkin is easy on sour stomachs and can help alleviate your dogs digestive issues. These homemade dog biscuits are a great way to introduce an all-natural tummy aid into your pups diet.
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain-free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain-free flour)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Total: Makes approx. 24 treats
Nutritional Info (per 1 biscuit serving):
- Calories: 27
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbs: 2.8 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Iron
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour a floured surface and roll the dough to 1/2 thick. Cut out using a cookie cutter.
- The dough will be a little sticky; add a dusting of flour to your hands and the rolling pin to help. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
Recipe from: My Baking Addiction
Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe: Chicken Jerky Strips
Dont trust store-bought rawhides, which often have a ton of additives and preservatives? Homemade chicken jerky strips are a perfect replacement. This grain-free recipe is a much healthier alternative and very easy to make. Store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks (if they last that long!).
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 boneless, 3-oz skinless chicken breasts
- Total: Makes approx. 10-20 strips
Nutritional Info (per 1 stick serving):
- Calories: 33
- Protein: 7.8 g
- Fat: >1g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Vitamin D, Potassium
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Trim all excess fat off the chicken breasts.
- Cut into 1/8 inch thick strips using a paring knife.
- Bake for 2 hours on a baking sheet until the strips are dry and hard.
- Cool completely before presenting to your pup.
Recipe from: Top Dog Tips
Frozen Banana Treats
After a long walk in the hot sun, what pooch wouldnt want a refreshingly cool treat? We love this simple recipe yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Its a frozen smoothie for your dog. Need we say more?
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure its xylitol free)
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled & mashed
Total: Makes approx. 8 1-oz treats
Nutritional Info (per 1 treat serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8.5 g
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbs: 19.5 g
- Minerals & Vitamins: Calcium, Potassium, Iron
Directions
- Blend all ingredients into a puree.
- Pour into 4-ounce plastic cups (ice trays or toddler popsicle trays work well).
- Freeze until firm.
- Can keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe from: Dr. Marty
Best Cooking Practices
Its important not to stray from homemade dog food recipes or substitute ingredients as you might for yourself and your family. Dogs have different nutritional needs that require cooking recipes exactly as instructed. Be sure to cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria, and cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier for your pup to digest.
When in doubt, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternativeby Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. First published in 1999, the book is considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade pet nutrition. For even more cooking options, be sure to check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
We strongly emphasize first discussing your dogs specific nutritional needs with your vet, as every pup is different. And remember that switching your dogs food to homemade from kibble is a slow process, so patience is key.
Cooking For Canines: Online Help
Theres no shortage of homemade dog food recipes you can find online. We found this fun and informative video series that gives you weekly recipe tutorials, tips, and more. Check it out in case you want to subscribe through YouTube.
What About BARF?
You might have heard of a raw diet fad, more commonly known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). The basic idea is to feed your dog raw meats, grains, and veggies like his canine ancestors ate millions of years ago.
BARF has gained popularity among dog owners in recent years. However, the FDA and significant veterinary organizations strongly advocate against raw food diets for dogs. So, we suggest you speak with your vet before starting down this path. Learn more about the benefits and risks and get a raw dog food recipe to try at home in our raw dog food diets article.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe For Dogs?
The FDA has not found a significantlink between grain-free dog food and heart health. However, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet if you have any concerns.
What Foods Should Your Dog Never Eat?
As a dog owner, youve likely come across this essential list before, but its always good to have it on hand as a reminder, especially if youre cooking dog food from scratch. The principal toxic foods include:
- Chocolate
- Onions and garlic
- Avocados
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw bread dough
- Alcohol
For a more extensive list, check out this article on foods not to feed dogs.
Did you know that most pet insurance policies cover accidental injury and poisoning? Find out what else is commonly included inour pet insurance comparison.
Tired Of Cooking?
If all that sounds like a lot of work, but you want yourpup to experience homemade food with the convenience of having it delivered to your doorstep, give The Farmers Dog a shot. With The Farmers Dog, you can have natural, fresh dog food sent right to your house (were big fans and customers ourselves)!
While DIY dog food recipes can be fun to make and a healthy alternative to consuming canned food or kibble, they may still lack all the essential minerals and vitamins needed. In addition to The Farmers Dog fresh food, we encourage you to check out these other dog food delivery options that are specially formulated by dog nutritionists and shipped directly to you for your pup to enjoy. Also, visit our reviews of dog food for all types of diets, ages, and health concerns.
Our Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Tagged With: DIY, Recipes, Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM