Commercial dog food usually contains a variety of preservatives and additives, and it can be difficult to know if your dog is getting adequate nutrition and enjoying the food. While making homemade dog food can take some time, it will give you satisfaction knowing that your dog's food is healthy and tasty. Learn what kind of nutrition your dog needs to stay healthy and how to prepare daily food in two ways: cooked or raw.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Understanding Dog Nutrition
Step 1. Know what kind of nutrition your dog needs
A dog's digestive system is a different digestive system from that of humans and the balance of ingredients in homemade dog food needs to be tailored to your dog's particular needs. When you cook for your dog, keep the following in mind:
- Dogs are carnivores, so at least half of a dog's diet should contain protein, which provides dogs with the nutrients and minerals they need to be strong and healthy. Chicken, turkey, beef, goat, and fish are all good food sources for dogs. Dogs can also be given eggs and vegetables that contain protein.
- Organ meats, such as liver and kidneys, should be given to your dog only a few times a week.
- Dogs are also allowed to eat wheat, tubers and leafy greens, as long as they are thoroughly cooked.
- Feeding your dog a vegetarian or vegan diet can hurt your dog's digestive system, as it is difficult for dogs to digest large amounts of vegetables.
- Add dog vitamins to your homemade dog food, to ensure that your dog gets everything he needs. Talk to your vet about supplements you can buy. You need to be careful to make sure that your dog is getting enough calcium, or he could suffer bone injuries as he develops and gets older.
Step 2. Decide whether you want to give your dog raw or cooked meat
Some people say that raw meat is better for dogs, because dogs are less susceptible to organisms that make humans sick if they eat raw beef or chicken. Other sources say that cooked meat is a safer option.
- Bones are included in the raw meat diet, because they provide calcium and other important nutrients for dogs.
- Gather research to decide what kind of meat you want to give your dog. Ask your veterinarian if you would like more information on this.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing Cooked Dog Food
Step 1. ‘“Cook 2.5 cups of meat’”
You can use ground beef, chicken, mutton, turkey, or whatever type of meat your dog likes. Cook it by frying, boiling, grilling, sautéing, or heating it thoroughly.
- Add a little organ meat to this recipe every week, to ensure your dog is getting the vitamins he needs.
- Olive oil is perfectly safe for your dog to eat, so you can use it to prevent the meat you're using from sticking to the pan.
- You don't need to salt and pepper the meat. Dogs don't have the same taste buds on the tongue as humans, and too much spice can give your dog an upset stomach.
Step 2. Prepare 2 cups of cooked starch
Use plain or brown rice (brown rice may help if your dog has digestive problems), oatmeal, barley, or cooked pasta. Cook the starch a few minutes longer than your usual time for cooking so your dog can digest it more easily.
Step 3. ‘“Cook 1.25 cups of produce.’”
Use fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables, such as green beans, pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, peas, carrots, bananas, or berries. Boil until completely smooth, then put in a blender until smooth.
- Dogs have trouble digesting vegetables, so it's important to make sure the vegetables you cook are completely tender before you serve them to your dog.
- If you don't have the time or desire to grind your vegetables and fruit into a blender, you can substitute baby food or frozen soft foods. Just make sure the food is sugar free.
Step 4. Add calcium
Dogs need a lot of calcium to strengthen their bones, so it is very important to add it to your dog's diet. Prepare teaspoon of crushed eggshell or one teaspoon of bone meal. The food is available at pet stores.
Step 5. Mix the ingredients
Place the meat, starch, softened vegetables, and calcium supplements in a large bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then divide the dog food into serving portions. Place leftovers that you haven't served in an airtight food container and refrigerate until you serve them to your dog.
Method 3 of 3: Preparing Raw Dog Food
Step 1. Buy raw meat
Go to the grocery or butcher shop and buy one of the following types of raw meat. Buy them with the bones, as uncooked bones will be smooth enough for your dog to chew and eat.
- Boneless chicken. Poultry bones are very fragile, they can get stuck in your dog's throat and therefore can be very dangerous for your dog to eat.
- Pork, bones, head and tail.
- Beef (not the bone, because the beef bone is too tough) or beef shank and calf bone.
- Goat meat, bones and head.
Step 2. Prepare more
Raw meat can be supplemented with a delicious source of vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to be healthy.
- Heart, heart and tripe.
- Whole eggs.
- Canned fish or whole fresh fish.
Step 3. Add vegetables
A dog on a raw meat diet gets almost everything he needs from meat, but incorporating vegetables into his diet is a great way to add variety. Puree one or more of the following vegetables in a blender:
- Spinach, carrots, mustard greens, or radishes.
- Apples, pears, or any other fruit your dog likes.
Step 4. Serve raw food
Pour an appropriate amount of food for your dog's weight into the bowl. The bowl should have contained more raw meat with a little extra fruit or vegetables. Place leftover meat and other dog food in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Tips
- Don't introduce your dog to too many different foods at once. This dish should be simple, and not have too much seasoning or oil.
- Read an article on how to make healthy dog treats that you can make at home.
Warning
- If your dog has special dietary needs, talk to your veterinarian before giving him homemade food.
- Avoid foods that may be harmful to your dog, including chocolate, milk, nuts, potatoes, raisins, grapes, onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes, coffee, or tea.
- Be careful with nightshade foods like eggplant and peppers (potatoes and tomatoes are also nightshade foods!). Dogs cannot digest these foods at all, and they can harm your dog in any amount.
