Dogs, being energetic creatures, need enough nourishment to stay active. Dog food comes as their primary source of energy. Ideally, it should contain a balance of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates. You can purchase dog food at all pet stores, but making homemade dog food is much better. By creating your own doggie chow, you are assured that your pooch gets the right amount of nutrition, plus it is cheaper. Your dogs will also have better appetites, making them healthier and more playful.
What You Should Know
When feeding dogs, you should be aware of their nutritional requirements. You can’t just feed them any pile of leftovers. For all you know, the stuff found in their bowls may not be giving them enough nourishment. Remember, a balanced meal for humans does not necessarily yield the same effects for dogs. You should base their meals from these facts:
A dog’s meal should be protein-based. Harmless as your pooch is, he or she is still an omnivore that prefers meat.
Fresh meat is always better than its canned or processed counterparts. Some processed meats are even harmful to your dog’s health.
Adding vegetables to your dog food is a good idea. Ideally, your dog’s diet should consists of 30% vegetables.
Avoid these items when making your pooch’s meal - chocolates, grapes, raisins, broccoli, peaches, beans, apples and tomatoes. They may give your dog stomach problems.
Garlic is harmful to your dog, when served in large amounts.
You should let your dogs exercise a few hours after a meal. Just like humans, they will become sluggish and lazy, making them prone to diseases.
For dogs, cooked vegetables are more healthy than raw ones.
Carrots are healthy for your dogs. It strengthens their teeth and gives them a good supply of vitamin A. Some dog owners even believe that carrots are better chew toys than artificial bones.
A balanced meal for dogs consists of 50% meat, 10% carbohydrates and 40% vegetables.
A dog’s nutritional requirements are relative to his or her breed. Do some research on the type and ideal amount of food served for your dog’s breed. (Tips on how to choose a dog breed)
After reading these info, you are ready to make homemade dog food. Mix the right components on your concoction and your dogs will truly love it. You should also make more than one type of dog food, so your pet will have variety in his or her meals.
Rice and Beef Medley
The combination of rice and beef, which is pretty filling, not only boosts the health of your pooch, but it also stuffs your pet after consuming a decent amount. The meal clearly saves you cash and effort, without sacrificing your dog’s satisfaction. It is tasty and easy to create, making it a good initial choice for homemade dog food.
Ingredients:
1 lb beef (thin slabs)
rice
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 cup frozen vegetables (chopped)
1/2 tsp yeast
1 tbsp flax seed oil
water
Materials Used:
mixing bowl
pan
knife
oven
chopping board
airtight container
food processor (optional)
Procedure:
Set the meat on a chopping board.
Separate the meat from the bones then cut them into small cubes.
Place the beef cubes, rice, carrots, vegetables yeast and flax oil in a mixing bowl.
Add some water then mix the ingredients thoroughly. If you have a food processor, you can use it to produce a balanced mixture.
Once done, Place the mixture in a pan and set the oven to medium heat.
Cook the dog food for 15 minutes.
When the Rice and Beef Medley has been cooked, you can serve it to your pets or store it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate the container when not feeding your dog.
You can interchange beef with chicken after serving the meal for a few days. It gives your dog a different flavor, which he or she will truly appreciate.
Beef and Spinach Surprise
Spinach, whether eaten by dogs or humans, is a delectable treat. In addition, it is rich in vitamin A, which strengthens your dog’s eyesight and immune system. Mix the vegetable with ground beef and eggs, and you’ll get a meal that your dogs will surely love.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
2 cups spinach
chicken egg
rice
sliced bread
water
Materials Used:
grinder/food processor
airtight container
Procedure:
Toss the ingredients in a grinder or food processor.
Add some water.
Blend the ingredients until they thoroughly mixed.
Serve a generous portion in your dog’s feeding bowl. Store the remaining supply in an airtight container.
Refrigerate the container.
When you’re running low on funds, you can use ground bones and meat scraps instead of ground beef. Many dog owners actually believe that their pets prefer the meat excesses, so you shouldn’t worry about serving them to your pooch.
Chopped Liver Special
If humans have delightful snacks such as sandwiches and tuna turnovers, dogs have the Chopped Liver Special. The dish can be served as a formal meal or a snack in-between meals. Remarkably, your dogs will lineup like hungry little kids, upon serving this wonderful dish.
Ingredients:
1/4 lb beef liver
1 tsp corn oil
1/2 cup water
Materials Used:
pan
oven
bowl
chopping board
knife
airtight container
Procedure:
Spread corn oil in a pan, evenly.
Set the oven in medium heat.
Place the liver in the pan and cook it until it is lightly fried.
Scrape the pan for fried liver bits then place them in a bowl. Add water.
Once done, put the fried liver on the chopping board.
Chop the liver into small cubes.
When the liver cools, serve them to your pooch.
Place the remaining liver in an airtight container then refrigerate.
Serve the Chopped Liver Special to your pooches and you’ll see them wag their tails in delight. Just by looking at their reactions, you’ll feel like a a culinary expert on dog food.
Steamed Chicken and Vegetables
Some dogs prefer chicken if it’s slightly cooked, which means steaming appears as a sound option. The smoke will enhance the chicken’s flavor while maintaining the meat’s tenderness. In steaming, the nutrients are also preserved, giving a boost to your pet’s health.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken
1 cup frozen vegetables
1 cup chopped carrots
rice
water
Materials Used:
pot with steam basket
mixing bowl
chopping board
knife
oven
airtight container
Procedure:
Fill the 1-inch of the pot with water.
Heat the pot until the water boils.
Set the chicken on the steam basket then close the pot’s lid.
Once done, turn the oven to high heat. Steam the chicken for 20 minutes or until its temperature reaches 165 F. Thaw the frozen vegetables while waiting.
Place the chicken on the chopping board then shred it with your knife.
Toss the shredded chicken, vegetables, chopped carrots, rice and 1/2 cup of water into the mixing bowl.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well-blended.
Serve the meal to your pets. As for the remaining portion, store it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate the container.
Alternate the Steamed Chicken and Vegetables with the Rice and Beef Medley. Your dogs will love the distinct flavors of both meals. In addition, they won’t get tired of eating the same things over and over.
Watch how a true dog lover ekes out a winning recipe.
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From Your Hands Come the Best Doggie Meals
Homemade dog food is your pet’s healthiest and most delectable dining option. As the owner, you will carefully prepare each meal, as if you’re cooking for a member of the family. The dog, after all, is man’s best friend. For more dog food ideas, read The Guide to Dog Food Recipes.