In recent years, there have emerged an overwhelming number of
companies that produce dog food which they claim to be nutritious and
tasty for all kinds of dogs and also for all conditions associated with
them such as allergies or sensitive stomached dogs. Dog lovers always
want the best for their pets and it’s only natural that they would be
confused as to which product is not only the tastiest but also adds
nutritional value. In actual fact, most of the different brands of dog
foods contain a legion of harmful chemicals and also the meat they use
is not necessarily of high quality or fit for consumption.
Most of the products on perusing the label inform the buyer that one of the ingredients used is ‘meat by-products’. What many unsuspecting dog owners don’t know is that this so called ‘byproducts’ are actually parts of an animal that are not fit for consumption such as bones and entrails. One may argue that the product doesn’t necessarily harm the dog but at the end of the day one should ask, “Is this product really adding any nutritional value to the health of my precious dog?”
However, it is important to note that not all brands are bad. There are quite a number of them when researched in depth one may come to the conclusion that they actually contain nutritious natural foods which are good for the dog. But with all said and done no canned/packed dog food beats good quality homemade dog food prepared with love. There are simple dog food recipes available which are quite affordable and easy to prepare.
There are several benefits when it comes to preparing homemade dog food/ dog treats.
They include:
1. One is ensured that only the most nutritious ingredients will be consumed and all this tailored according to your dog’s taste and preference. This also caters to any dietary restrictions that are given.
2. The dog will have tasty alternatives rather than just have one choice of his favorite dog biscuits.
3. One is assured that the dog is not consuming any unhealthy additives or harmful chemicals.
4. It’s an amazing bonding experience as the owner will be able to enjoy his/her dog barking and dancing as they prepare his favorite ‘dish’. It is said that a dog’s happiness is always contagious and full of the good things in life.
5. For the dogs that have a sensitive stomach such as puppies, they will be able to consume food that is easily digestible and also decrease the volume of stool which is a sign of diarrhea.
It’s important that when deciding on giving your dog homemade food it’s crucial for one to know exactly which ingredients should be included. Below are tips on how to prepare good quality nutritional dog food.
1. Ensure a balanced diet. Ensure that the food is rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium for example is one mineral that should be in plenty since dogs especially pups have a tendency of running into deficiencies quickly.
2. Meat. Either cooked or raw meat is undoubtedly the base ingredient in any dog food. Being carnivores by nature, dogs thrive on any meat based dish. When deciding on any meat ensure that it is fresh and can be consumed by humans. White meat such as fish is okay once in a while but should never be considered as a main staple.
3. Carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes etc. that contain this ingredient should be avoided like a plague. The digestive system of a dog tends to have a difficult time digesting these foods since it lacks the enzymes to break them down. Dogs do not receive any nutritional value from them but rather acquire certain canine diseases, allergies and can overall get obese.
4. Vegetables. When preparing the dog food ensure that 1/4 of the meal has lightly steamed vegetables such as pumpkin, broccoli, yams, carrots, green beans or zucchini. This will ensure that the meal is rich in vital minerals, fiber and vitamins. However, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and leek should be avoided at all cost.
Below is an example of a nutritious homemade dog recipe which is not only tasty, but also full of minerals, fibers and vitamins.
Healthy Pumpkin Meatballs
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
400g Meat (beef, bacon, chicken)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 tbsp water
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
4 tbsp molasses
Directions
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Mix pumpkin, water, vegetable oil and molasses together in a clean bowl
Add the baking powder, baking soda and whole wheat flour to the mixture and stir thoroughly until dough softens.
Scoop out small spoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls using the palm of your hands (ps. wet hands will make the rolling more easier)
Set the balls neatly onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and using a fork flatten them.
Bake the balls for approximately 25 minutes or until the dough is hardened.
Enjoy making your dog super happy!
Most of the products on perusing the label inform the buyer that one of the ingredients used is ‘meat by-products’. What many unsuspecting dog owners don’t know is that this so called ‘byproducts’ are actually parts of an animal that are not fit for consumption such as bones and entrails. One may argue that the product doesn’t necessarily harm the dog but at the end of the day one should ask, “Is this product really adding any nutritional value to the health of my precious dog?”
However, it is important to note that not all brands are bad. There are quite a number of them when researched in depth one may come to the conclusion that they actually contain nutritious natural foods which are good for the dog. But with all said and done no canned/packed dog food beats good quality homemade dog food prepared with love. There are simple dog food recipes available which are quite affordable and easy to prepare.
There are several benefits when it comes to preparing homemade dog food/ dog treats.
They include:
1. One is ensured that only the most nutritious ingredients will be consumed and all this tailored according to your dog’s taste and preference. This also caters to any dietary restrictions that are given.
2. The dog will have tasty alternatives rather than just have one choice of his favorite dog biscuits.
3. One is assured that the dog is not consuming any unhealthy additives or harmful chemicals.
4. It’s an amazing bonding experience as the owner will be able to enjoy his/her dog barking and dancing as they prepare his favorite ‘dish’. It is said that a dog’s happiness is always contagious and full of the good things in life.
5. For the dogs that have a sensitive stomach such as puppies, they will be able to consume food that is easily digestible and also decrease the volume of stool which is a sign of diarrhea.
It’s important that when deciding on giving your dog homemade food it’s crucial for one to know exactly which ingredients should be included. Below are tips on how to prepare good quality nutritional dog food.
1. Ensure a balanced diet. Ensure that the food is rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium for example is one mineral that should be in plenty since dogs especially pups have a tendency of running into deficiencies quickly.
2. Meat. Either cooked or raw meat is undoubtedly the base ingredient in any dog food. Being carnivores by nature, dogs thrive on any meat based dish. When deciding on any meat ensure that it is fresh and can be consumed by humans. White meat such as fish is okay once in a while but should never be considered as a main staple.
3. Carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes etc. that contain this ingredient should be avoided like a plague. The digestive system of a dog tends to have a difficult time digesting these foods since it lacks the enzymes to break them down. Dogs do not receive any nutritional value from them but rather acquire certain canine diseases, allergies and can overall get obese.
4. Vegetables. When preparing the dog food ensure that 1/4 of the meal has lightly steamed vegetables such as pumpkin, broccoli, yams, carrots, green beans or zucchini. This will ensure that the meal is rich in vital minerals, fiber and vitamins. However, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach and leek should be avoided at all cost.
Below is an example of a nutritious homemade dog recipe which is not only tasty, but also full of minerals, fibers and vitamins.
Healthy Pumpkin Meatballs
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
400g Meat (beef, bacon, chicken)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 tbsp water
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
4 tbsp molasses
Directions
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Mix pumpkin, water, vegetable oil and molasses together in a clean bowl
Add the baking powder, baking soda and whole wheat flour to the mixture and stir thoroughly until dough softens.
Scoop out small spoonfuls of the dough and roll into balls using the palm of your hands (ps. wet hands will make the rolling more easier)
Set the balls neatly onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and using a fork flatten them.
Bake the balls for approximately 25 minutes or until the dough is hardened.
Enjoy making your dog super happy!
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