Commercial dog food is usually full of preservatives and additives, and it's hard to know if your dog is getting enough nutrients and enjoying his meals. While preparing dog food at home takes some extra time, it gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your dog's meals are both healthy and mouthwatering. Learn what nutrients dogs need to stay healthy and learn how to prepare meals in two ways: cooked or raw.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Understanding Dog Nutrition
Step 1. Learn what nutrients dogs need
The digestive system of dogs is different than that of humans, and the balance of ingredients in homemade dog food must be tailored to their specific needs. When cooking for your dog, keep the following in mind:
- Dogs are carnivores, so at least 50% of a dog's diet should be made up of protein, which provides dogs with the nutrients and minerals they need to be strong and healthy. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are all acceptable sources of protein for a dog. Dogs can also eat eggs and vegetables that contain protein.
- You should give your dog organ meat, such as the liver and kidneys, several times a week.
- Dogs may also eat grains, tubers and vegetables as long as they are cooked well.
- Feeding dogs a vegetarian or vegan diet can be bad for their digestive system, as it is difficult for dogs to digest large amounts of vegetables.
- Complement your homemade meals with vitamins for dogs to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Talk to your vet about the supplements you can buy. Above all, take care that your dog gets enough calcium, or he may suffer bone damage as he grows and ages.
Step 2. Decide whether to feed your dog cooked or raw meat
Some say that raw is better for dogs, as they are not a victim of the microorganisms that make us humans feel bad if we eat raw meat or chicken. Others think cooked meat is a safer choice.
- Diets based on raw meat often also include bones, which provide the dog with calcium and other necessary nutrients.
- Do some research to decide what kind of meat you want to feed your dog. Ask your vet for more information on the subject.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Prepare Cooked Dog Food
Step 1. Cook 2, 5 cups of meat
You could use ground beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, or any other type your dog likes. Cook it by frying it, boiling it, baking it, sautéing it, or otherwise.
- Add a small amount of organ meat to these recipes every other week to make sure your dog is getting the vitamins he needs.
- Dogs can eat olive oil without any problems, so use it as well to prevent the meat from sticking to pots and pans.
- There is no need to season the meat with salt and pepper. Dogs don't have the same taste buds as humans, and too much spices can damage their stomachs.
Step 2. Prepare two cups of cooked food with a strong presence of starch
Use white or brown rice (brown rice can be used if your dog has digestive problems), mashed potatoes, oatmeal, barley, or pasta. Cook for a few minutes longer than usual to make it more digestible for your dog.
Step 3. Cook 1, 25 cups of plant products
Use fresh or frozen fruits or vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, peas, carrots, bananas, or berries. Boil them until they are completely fluffy, then transfer them to a blender and blend them completely.
- Dogs have problems digesting vegetables, so it's important to make sure they are well blended before feeding them to your dog.
- If you don't have the time or the habit of blending vegetables and fruit, you can replace them with baby food or frozen puree food. Just make sure it's sugar-free.
Step 4. Add calcium
Dogs need a lot of calcium for strong bones, so it's important to add it to their daily diet. Make half a teaspoon of ground eggshell or 1 teaspoon of bone meal, which you can find in pet stores.
Step 5. Mix the ingredients
Arrange the meat, starch, pureed vegetables, and calcium supplements in a large bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then divide the food into portions. Immediately set aside in containers to store the portions you do not need right away and freeze them until ready to serve.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Making Raw Dog Food
Step 1. Buy some raw meat
Go to a supermarket or butcher shop and buy one of the following types of raw meat. Buy it with the bone, as raw bones are soft enough for your dog to chew and eat.
- Chicken legs, thighs, breasts or whole carcasses. Wings are an ideal combination of meat, bone and sinew and a very healthy food for dogs.
- Pork meat, bones, head and tail.
- Cow meat (not the bones, as they are too hard) or veal meat and bones.
- Lamb meat, bones and head.
Step 2. Prepare the rest
Raw meat can be supplemented with other appetizing sources of vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy.
- Liver, heart and tripe.
- Whole eggs.
- Canned or fresh fish.
Step 3. Add some vegetables
Dogs on a raw diet get almost everything they need from meat, but including a few vegetables in the diet is a great way to vary a bit. Puree one or more of the following vegetables with the blender:
- Spinach, carrot, cabbage or parsnip.
- Apples, pears, or other fruits your dog likes.
Step 4. Serve the raw meat
Fill your dog's bowl with the right amount of food based on their weight. It should be mostly raw meat with some supplements and a few bits of vegetables or fruit. Set aside the meat and other remaining dog food in an airtight food container in the freezer.
Advice
- Don't add too many different foods to your dog's diet at once. Meals should be simple, never spicy or greasy.
- Read How to Make Dog Treats for recipes of healthy homemade treats you can make to complement your dog's meals.
Warnings
- Avoid foods that can be bad for your dog, including chocolate, dairy products, macadamia nuts, green potatoes, raisins, grapes, onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, tomato stems or leaves, coffee or tea.
- If your dog needs a special diet, talk to your vet before giving him homemade food.
- Be careful with vegetables like eggplants and peppers. They are fine in small quantities, but can be dangerous if given in abundance.
