Introduction
Ever since the pet food scares of 2007, many dog owners have turned to alternative diets for their pets. In many cases, this involves looking into natural and homemade nutrition. With the proliferation of so much related content on the Internet, I thought it useful to provide some essential homemade dog food recipes information, a check list if you will, for those pet owners who are contemplating or have chosen a diet of homemade recipes for their dogs.
1) Do your research
While I believe strongly in feeding your pet only a fresh and natural diet, you cannot simply take my word for it. As I've mentioned already, there is a ton of information on the Internet, some excellent, some not quite. Thus, it is imperative that you become an informed dog owner.
Learn about the dog food industry (it will scare you!); read up on different types of diets (raw vs. cooked, organic brands vs. homemade diets, etc.); talk to other dog owners and pick up a few books on homemade dog food recipes (if you don't want to pay for them, go to your local library).
Your dog loves you with an unconditional loyalty. Thus, you owe it to your pet to understand as much as you can about his / her nutrition. Your dog's health and quality of life (as well as your enjoyment) depend on it!
2) Variety is the key
The pet food industry and their able veterinarian helpers have created an entire myth regarding the complexity of feeding our pets. Only trained scientists, working in white lab coats, running multiple tastes tests and seeking out the exact combination of nutrients, can concoct the right formula for feeding your dog. "Don't you dare try to feed your dog on your own! They suggest, "At best he will be undernourished, if he doesn't starve altogether by your efforts."
This of course is an entirely false narrative. Leaving aside the dubious ingredients that go into most dog foods, much less their claims of "complete" nutrition, it is entirely possible to feed your pet a balanced diet using homemade dog food recipes.
The key, however, is to provide a variety of food for your pet (mixing between beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, pork and fish) plus a mixture of good vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, carrot, sweet potato, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage or yellow squash) plus dairy of some kind (yogurt, cheese or egg).
To this you might have to add calcium supplements (since calcium is found in very few foods (egg shells and bones for example)) and perhaps fish oil supplements for those Omega 3 fatty acids.
One more thing, feeding your pet a variety of foods will please your dog to no end. Imagine if you had to eat the same meal every day, 365 days a year for your entire life.
It's a sad testament to the pet food industry that they have convinced us this is the only way to go. Mix it up, and your dog's feeding times will turn into a virtual feast for him / her.
3) Remember, no one knows your dog as well as you do!
This might seem strange advice in an article on homemade dog food, however, the point is this. There are no one size fits all nutrition plans, and no one can tell you that you should be feeding your dog in a certain way.
Only you know when your dog is happy, unresponsive, sensitive, energized, etc. and you must adjust your feeding schedule and variety to respond to your dog's state.
Some dogs switch easily (overnight) to a diet of natural dog food recipes, others require some time. Others require that you mix natural recipes with some processed kibble. Some dogs take to certain meats as if it were their first meal in days. Other dogs require that you be more creative at feeding time (perhaps placing a dab of honey on certain meats or bacon grease to make them more appealing.)
Ultimately, it is YOU that should be in control of your dog's nutrition.
Unlike the pet food companies, I have complete faith in your desire and ability to properly feed your dog in a way that provides additional health, vitality and vigor to your beloved pet.
Enjoy!
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