Homemade Dog Food

Did you ever think of making homemade dog food? Do you think your canine's skin could be improved if you fixed his/her food yourself? Let me ask you this one: Would you like to eat something out of a can day in and day out? How about eating nothing but kibble type food? While these methods of feeding your pet can be convenient maybe your pet would thrive on something a little more thought was put into. What about the dog food recall? Can we really feed our pets this stuff anymore? You have got to admit that we are a pet obsessed society and what could be more fun than doting on our companions in this manner? Not to mention the money you could save. Just a few things that need to be covered before we get to those natural dog food recipes.

The Big DON'TS of making homemade dog food:

--raw garlic

--xylitol sweetener. Sure you probably wouldn't add this to your dog's food but recently a dog in our area was poisoned to death by getting into its owner's purse and eating some chewing gum. Never let your precious pet accidentally get a hold of this.

--onions and onion powder

--mushrooms

--yeast dough

--nuts

--raisins

--avocados

--coffee grounds

--tea

--chocolate

--grapes

--spicy foods

--salty foods

In addition please DO:

Talk with your dogs veterinarian about changing his/her diet.

Feed your dog food that has been brought to room temperature to avoid stomach upset.

Slowly change from your regular to home cooked dog food diet gradually. Mix in new food while decreasing the old slowly.

40% meat, 30% starch, 30% vegetable is usually the recommended balance.

Keep food in the refrigerator no longer than 3 days or freeze it for later use.

Check with your pets veterinarian about the proper amount of dog food to feed your pet daily.

Check with your pets veterinarian about adding supplements to whatever diet you are feeding your pet.

Please note: Starches are: oatmeal, pasta, rice, or potatoes.Vegetables are: carrots, squash, peas, yams (no broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower). Meats are: Liver, kidneys, heart, ground chicken, beef, and turkey, as well as chopped up leftover beef, chicken, and turkey.

Recipes for homemade dog foods

3 lb. cooked minced chicken, beef, turkey

2 1/2 cups frozen veggie blend (without onions or garlic) chopped

4 cups minced potatoes, rice, or brown rice

6 1/2 cups water or broth

Bring to a boil in a large kettle. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Cool completely before serving. Store in fridge. You could add 1 Tablespoon of bone meal, or 3 Tums (yes, Tums) to this recipe for the calcium. You could also add some cottage cheese just before serving.


Also try adding to any homemade dog food:

Whole fat plain yogurt.

A teaspoon of olive oil. Dogs need more fat in their diet than we humans need.

Supplements recommended by your veterinarian.

A little wheat germ.

A chopped up hard boiled egg.


Wellness dog food:

2 pieces of cooked chicken

1 cup of cooked brown rice

1 lb. cooked ground beef

2/3 cup of cooked oats

1 package of spinach chopped, thawed and squeezed dry then cooked

2 carrots, cooked and mashed

1 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

1 15 oz. can kidney beans

Mix all these items together. Serve at room temperature.


Doggy casserole

1 cup cooked poultry chopped

1/2 cup brown rice

1/2 cup mixed vegetables

3 to 4 Tbs. chicken broth (unsalted)

After cooking the rice and veggies mix all together and serve at room temperature. If your dog has teeth problems or missing teeth put this through the food processor for easier digestion.

Special Treats

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup corn meal

Mix the above together. In another bowl mix:

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 cup water

After mixing add to flour/corn meal mixture. Rolls into balls of about a teaspoon. Place on cookie sheet. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Bacon flavored biscuits

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup water

10 Tbs. bacon fat melted

5 cups whole wheat flour

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add milk, water, and bacon fat. Mix until well blended. gradually stir in flour. Flour will be stiff. Roll this dough out and use a biscuit cutter or any shape cookie cutter you like. Place on greased cookie sheet.Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on racks and store in fridge. This makes a great gift for other pet lovers to share with their pets.

IN ADDITION