Create Dog Food at Home | Dogs are labeled ‘man’s best friend’ for a reason! They make the most loyal and trusted companions one could ask for. Both dogs and humans share a special bond and friendship that befits them both.
Dogs also serve as stress and depression alleviators and can reduce loneliness and isolation in humans. When one decides to keep a dog, good food, a comfortable home, and medical care are prerequisites for these affectionate creatures. In return, they provide with heaps of love and entertainment. Adopting a dog means getting another family member. Its care and wellbeing become a priority for the household.
Providing your dog with a healthy diet is crucial. A balanced diet ensures a well-fed and happy dog that will be a lovable companion for a long time. Here is some information about how to create dog food at home.
Dog nutrition poses a very big question. Should you feed your dog commercial dog food or home-cooked food? Commercial dog food usually covers most of the necessary dietary requirements. But it can also be difficult for some dogs to digest, causing allergies, dietary problems, and a sensitive stomach. Sometimes commercial dog food is also prepared in large quantities; therefore, its quality may also be compromised.
Many dog owners prefer preparing their dog’s meals themselves. In this way, they can be sure about managing all their dog’s necessary dietary requirements. This also helps owners satisfy dogs that are picky eaters. Owners can personally regulate their dog’s diet, create different varieties of food and make mealtimes an enjoyable experience for their pooch!
If you want to switch your dog’s diet from a commercial brand dog food to home-cooked meals, you should consider these important points.
When preparing a home-cooked meal, your goal should be to cook a well-balanced meal that can provide your dog with all the nutritional requirements it needs. If you do not create well-balanced meals, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies such as malnutrition, obesity, and other diseases that can be fatal for your dog. Similarly, using excessive nutrients in the meal can cause health hazards too. Sometimes these problems are so mild that they cannot be noticed, but in the long run, they adversely affect the health of the dog.
At times, dog owners might not follow dog food recipes properly and try to substitute ingredients with alternatives if they are not readily available. This should not be done on a regular basis, and if you wish to substitute ingredients, do consult with your veterinary nutritionist about the ingredients you can replace. It is best to get guidance from your vet, as they can consider your dog’s history, weight, and other health-related issues and give recommendations regarding meals accordingly.
Chicken is an important source of protein that is liked and readily consumed by dogs. Many dog owners prefer to include chicken in their dog’s food because of its economical price and its easy-to-cook nature. Chicken is also easy to digest for dogs.
Fish is also a popular option if consumed in moderation and is usually included in the form of croquettes. Beef also provides vital nutrients and is a great source of protein for dogs.
Eggs should also be included in your dog’s meals as they are a tasty addition and add to protein levels.
Vegetables provide a substantial health value by regulating the digestive system because of their high water content. Vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes can be added to the dog food mixture and provide important nutrients for dogs. But be careful not to include potatoes and onions as they can damage your dog’s stomach.
Food such as rice, oats, barley, and millet have a very high nutritional value but should be included in their natural form. Do not include highly processed versions of these foods that might be mixed with other substances such as chocolate.
Foods that should be avoided include Nuts such as Almonds, Macadamia nuts, and raisins. Vegetables such as Avocados, Garlic, Onions, and Mushrooms should also be avoided. Some fruits, such as grapes, can also be harmful to dogs. Ingredients such as raw yeast dough, Xylitol, and artificial sweeteners, Chocolate, Coffee, Cinnamon, and Mushrooms should not be included in your dog’s diet as well.
When preparing dog food at home, try not to use a large number of ingredients. Dog’s digestive systems work differently from humans. Usually, four to five ingredients are enough.
Do take all your dog’s dietary needs, caloric requirements, and essential vitamins into account before preparing the meal. Try and stick to as many natural ingredients as possible that you can also freeze for a few days and use when required. Prepare your dog’s food for a couple of days in advance and divide it into packets according to daily requirements. You can freeze the packets and use them when needed.
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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