Pet owners sometimes worry their pet might not be getting good nutrition, especially if they make their own pet food. There are specific guidelines for commercial pet foods but little on what everyone should feed every dog or every cat at every home, every day. Pets differ in size and weight (and species) and should be given a diet approved by a veterinarian, especially if the pet has allergies.
An allergic pet can be very discouraging to feed. When first being diagnosed it can seem they are allergic to all foods, and breakouts can take months to clear up all the way. There are some likely culprits to start with, such as wheat, barley and anything that contains gluten and corn. Sometimes you can remove all the known potential food allergens just to find out the pet is allergic to pollens or molds in the air. Whatever the struggle, do not give up.
It Might Take Drastic Measures in the Diet
Some consider it a drastic measure, but when commercial hypoallergenic dog foods don't help, it is recommended that the owner begin making the allergic pet’s food to control exactly what goes into the diet. This can be more expensive, but not more than the high-priced designer foods in the store, and it is so well worth it when seeing the relief it can give the pet.
Talk to a vet before adopting this or any change of diet, this one is a good basic start. The fewer the ingredients used reduces the possibility of more allergens in the food.
Diet (along with daily vitamins): Mix one pound of beef, chicken or fish (cooked) with an equal amount of raw or steamed vegetables or fruit, except corn, onions and grapes. Drain off whatever fat and water that remains in the pan. Divide into 2 - 5 smaller meals per day, depending on the severity of the sensitivity. Dogs that are more sensitive will need frequent small meals. Do not use salt.
A Week’s Menu for an Allergic Dog
Here is an example of an allergic large dog’s menu for a week. A large dog would require the whole mixture in one day, where as a smaller dog would take more days to eat it all. For fruit and veggy amounts, try to use about the same amount in volume as the meat, not the same amount in weight.
- Monday: 2 meals from 1 pound of hamburger mixed with cut carrots
- Tuesday: 2 meals from 1 pound of chicken mixed with chopped apples
- Wednesday: 2 meals from 1 pound of fish mixed with 2 cups cooked rice
- Thursday: 2 meals from 1 pound of hamburger mixed with chopped beets (greens and all)
- Friday: 2 meals from 1 pound of chicken mixed with kidney beans
- Saturday: 2 meals from 1 pound of fish mixed with Bartlett Pears
- Sunday: 2 meals from 1 pound of hamburger mixed with previously frozen green peas
Dogs can be fed the same thing every day and they won’t seem to mind a bit. It’s the owners who fret over variety and some pet parents love to lavish their animals with goodies and toys. The animals dance and jump around and look like they’re so happy over it and the parent wants to do it again. With the above diet the dogs will dance for green beans, especially if you make a big deal out of it. Praise works wonders!
Too many treats is a perfect recipe for an obese pet in the future, so try to remember not to give pets too many treats, especially the high-carb ones and especially for pets that aren’t very active.
Give Nutritious Snacks
One idea for a nutritious snack is sweet potatoes. Dogs just love them. Try slicing them thin; about an eighth to a quarter inch thick; and then roast them on a greased baking sheet at 350(f) for 25 minutes. Turn them over and put them back in the oven but turn the oven off and leave them until they’re cool.
Take them out of the oven and remove them from the pan. Some might have turned brown, but don’t worry, they’re not burned and the flavor’s actually better. Go ahead; eat one. Roasting vegetables concentrates their flavors and you’ll find they taste rather good. The brown ones are crispy and dogs love crunch!
These can be made with a food dehydrator but all the test dogs refused to try them when made that way. Most of them actually turned their heads. However, banana chips and apple slices can be made in the dehydrator and many dogs do like those.
Remember, when making dog food for allergic dogs, use as few ingredients as possible and give it time. Breakouts can take weeks or even months to go away. In the meantime, enjoy knowing it’s going to get better and feel good that your pet is getting what‘s best for him. This is something many people will not even try doing, so a little pride is even warranted.
A Couple More Sites About Canine Allergies
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