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About the Author: Forrest Webber is a dog expert and writes for ‘Canine Weekly‘.
Nothing is better than cooking homemade food for your pet dog to maintain optimal health. Many vets vouch for feeding homemade recipes to the dogs to improve their health.
However, just like you may need clarification about the market food, there may be doubts about homemade recipes. For example, some ingredients are unsuitable for dogs, and many of us may need to be aware of such components.
Also, some points must be considered while preparing recipes at home. In addition, you need a good collection of homemade dog food recipes that can help you please your friend’s tastebuds while keeping them healthy.
Essential Things to Consider While Cooking Homemade Dog Food
Let us review some essential dos and don’ts to consider while preparing homemade food for your dog.
Dog Food Should be Gently Cooked
The first rule of preparing dog food is to be fresh, not processed, and not well-cooked. Dog food can be divided into raw and gently cooked food.
As the name suggests, raw food refers to recipes made using uncooked or natural ingredients. On the other hand, gently cooked food implies heated recipes to kill E. coli bacteria and other pathogens.
Food Should Take Care of Dog’s Nutritional Needs
Another essential aspect is that the recipe should meet the dog’s nutritional needs. Remember, each breed has different dietary needs, which should be considered while preparing food.
This implies that if you have more than one dog, you may have to prepare more than one recipe. As per experts, each dog requires around 40 nutrients; if any nutrient is missed, it can eventually lead to illness.
Thus, while seeking homemade recipes for your dog, please pay attention to their fats, minerals, and protein quotient.
Remember, your responsibility is to serve a balanced diet to your pet. Thus, you must pay attention to maintaining its nutritional value.
Prepare the Recipe Correctly
If picking up the recipe from the Internet, pay attention to every smallest detail. Also, if you prepare it for the first time, there is no room for experimentation.
Altering the recipes may have hazardous effects on your pet’s health and thus should be avoided at all costs.
Also, some of us habitually swap the ingredients if they seem unfamiliar. Though your intentions may be good to replace the components with something healthier, it can make your dog food unbalanced.
In addition, it is advisable to buy a food scale to correctly measure the ingredients to be used in preparing the recipes.
Avoid Unsafe Ingredients
Most people have a myth that they can also serve the food they eat to their dogs. However, this is incorrect, as what is good for humans can be toxic for dogs. Thus, it is advisable to follow a veterinarian doctor who can advise you on what ingredients are safe and unsafe for your dog.
For example, dogs should not be served grapes, chocolates, avocados, macadamia nuts, or garlic.
Also, research properly and ask experts if you are unsure about any ingredient before including it in your dog food.
Also, as per experts, including food items high in fibre or legume-based in your dog’s diet is not good. However, though they are omnivorous, dogs need diets rich in proteins.
Ensure the Diet is Working
Once you start feeding homemade food to your dog, it is advisable to take it to your vet for a health checkup. This would help you gauge whether the dog gains or loses weight after consuming homemade food.
If there are any unfavourable changes in its weight, do consult the vet for any healthy changes you can make to the recipes. Also, the vet can help you identify any mistakes you are making in the recipe.
FAQs on Homemade Dog Food
Is homemade dog food better than commercial dog food?
Homemade dog food can be a healthier option than commercial dog food as you control the quality and type of ingredients used.
What ingredients should I avoid using in homemade dog food?
Avoid using foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions.
How often should I feed my dog homemade food?
The frequency of feeding your dog homemade food will depend on their age, breed, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations.
Final Words
Dogs are the most loved pets for humans, and thus, many pet parents try to show their love while cooking homemade dog food.
However, the task is more complex than it seems, as many essential aspects need to be taken care of while cooking. Happy cooking!
Don’t forget to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet to ensure they get the proper nutrients.
I am a pet expert dealing with Cats, Dogs, Birds, Rabbits and Aquarium fish for the last 10 years. Now it is time to share my knowledge with you. I am very passionate about sharing everything that I learned so far about pet care. Watch my Youtube channel Petfather
