Cooking for your canine buddy can be fun and rewarding, but make sure you include healthy ingredients and glean info from nutritionally complete recipes.
Just like commercial dog food manufacturers have to meet certain requirements for nutritional balance, you must meet them in homemade environment as well. If you have any additional doubts or questions, feel free to consult your vet to steer you in the right direction.
Here, we will cover the basics when it comes to preparing homemade dog diets.
Sample Recipe
Dark chicken is listed as the primary protein source, however, you can also use turkey, lamb, pork, beef or eggs in the same proportions.
Sources of carbohydrates should be pasta, white or brown rice, sweet potato, barley, peas, corn or oatmeal. Grains and meat should be cooked, rather than baked or roasted.
Fiber comes from carrots, bell peppers, green beans, baby spinach, squash or broccoli, and it should take up more than 10% of the dog’s entire dietary intake. Unlike meat or grains, vegetables can be cooked or uncooked.
Amounts
For a 15-pound pooch – mix 3 ounces of the protein source, 1 1/3 cups of carbohydrates, 1 tablespoon of vegetables, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of a fat source such as vegetable oil.
For a 30-pound dog – use 4.5 ounces of the protein source, 2 cups of carbohydrates, 1.5 tablespoons of vegetables and 2 to 3 teaspoons of a fat source.
For your 60-pound buddy – mix 8 ounces of the protein source, 3.5 cups of carbohydrates, 3 tablespoons of vegetables and 3 to 5 teaspoons of a fat source.