Why You Should Feed Your Dog Homemade Dog Food

Feeding your dog a meal that looks similar to what you have for dinner might be an appealing alternative to offering commercial dog foods. However, it’s vital to your dog’s health to remember that the nutritional needs of a canine are different than your own.

Why You Should Feed Your Dog Homemade Dog Food

Nutrition At a time when dogs are prone to many food allergies and are already at risk of gastrointestinal damage if you feed them from the same dishes you use for meals at home, the last thing you want to do is feed them “homemade food.” Your dog’s health is more important than a few fewer calories in his food. Disease Prevention Many commercial pet foods have been found to have carcinogens, which can cause cancer, in many of their ingredients. By feeding your dog “homemade food,” you are exposing your dog to potentially harmful ingredients that, if he consumes them, could kill him. Vitamins and Minerals In a commercial product, the ratio of vitamins and minerals in a food is carefully determined to ensure that your dog is getting the vitamins and minerals he needs to be healthy.

How to Cook Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients

Homemade dog food is certainly a unique meal for your dog to eat, so be sure to check to make sure you have all of the ingredients you need to feed your dog.

Over the years I’ve tried many recipes and I’m going to admit I made a couple that was rather interesting in their own way. But I found a simple formula that worked very well for us. The ingredients for homemade dog food are simple and familiar. I mean, this isn’t the type of recipe you have to worry about that has hidden ingredients in it. Not only that, but you don’t have to remember to buy ingredients when you’re out at the grocery store. Plus, the ingredients are pretty much right there in your pantry, fridge, and garage. So no shopping or stress for you! The Ingredients You don’t need a ton of ingredients for homemade dog food, but you will need a few things. I’ll list some things you’ll need to start with.

How to Store Homemade Dog Food

You might have your own methods for storing homemade dog food, but it’s always best to follow the directions to the letter. If your dog is used to eating commercial foods, it might take them a little while to learn that the homemade meal tastes and smells different than what they are used to. On a more positive note, it’s also important to keep the mixture cool. The best thing you can do to keep homemade dog food fresh is to store it in the refrigerator. This allows it to stay at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This also prevents excess moisture, which is what can cause dog food to dry out and be unsafe to consume. Healthier, more appealing meals for your dog are always a good thing.

Conclusion

All dogs are different. Which dog food options will suit your dog best? Each dog’s nutritional needs are different so there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every dog! Try finding a favorite dog food brand that works for you and your dog, so you can get the most value for your money. The great news is that it’s really no trouble to put together a homemade dog food recipe. Here are some tips that we suggest you use when you start creating your own dog food recipes. Your dog needs to be fed every day. Bland or “white” or “brown” meat is not ideal for dogs. Slow-cooked, soft, and slightly sweet meat is best. High-protein foods are good, but low-protein foods are best. Low-iron, high-fiber foods are the best choice for dogs with kidney disease.