So you're cooking for your dog. How do you decide on the best diet for your best friend?
In the wake of the recent pet food recall, many pet owners are searching for nutritional guidelines for homemade dog food.
Ideas about dog nutrition continue to change. Years ago many believed that canines were carnivores but after many dogs fell ill from eating an all-meat diet, it’s been decided that they are omnivores, meaning that they need both meat and plant-based foods. Pet food companies formulated the perfect nutritional balance and turned it into a $15 billion dollar industry. However, there is much controversy on the optimal diet for our dogs. It seems there is a minimum of research in canine nutritional requirements..
Diets ranging from raw to premium meat-based kibble with everything in between including cheap corn-based kibble, canned dog food, and homemade diets containing all meat, or vegetarian, and even vegan are claimed by various ‘experts’ to be the best. Perhaps the best gauge is the dog’s health. If your dog gets good veterinarian health reports, is full of energy, and maintains the proper weight with a shiny coat and bright eyes, then his diet is probably sufficient.
Dogs require protein containing ten amino acids. Many commercial dog foods have a corn base which, even though it is protein, contains only four of these amino acids. The most popular diet, at present, seems to be one that is meat based and supplies a good quality protein such as egg white, chicken, beef, lamb, or fish with some carbohydrate such as wheat, corn, oats, rice, barley, or soy, including vegetables for energy, and vitamins, minerals, and fats. These ingredients can be found in premium commercial foods or can be easily made at home using human quality foods. When preparing homemade dog food, it is best to vary the recipes so that your dog gets an array of nutrients. If you want to try different dog food recipes, the recipe below may be a nice treat.
There are a few foods that can create serious problems for your dog. These should be avoided and include cooked as well as uncooked bones, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocados, mushrooms, grapes, raisins, and any spicy or greasy foods.
Since dogs have different nutritional requirements due to health issues and life stages, it is best to ask your veterinarian about the best food for your dog.
Doggy Fish Dinner
1 can of salmon (bones removed)
1 egg beaten
3 Tbsp cornmeal
1 potato
1 carrot
1 stick celery
1 Tbsp peanut butter
Combine salmon, egg, and cornmeal and mix well, form into patties, and coat them with a little more cornmeal. Fry in a tiny amount of canola oil until brown on both sides. Chop patties into small bites and stir together with chopped and boiled vegetables. A spoonful of cottage cheese may be stirred in for moisture if desired. Finish off dinner with peanut butter as dessert.
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