The recent deaths due to contaminated pet food has convinced many owners of the benefits to feeding a dog a homemade diet. Dog food manufacturers are at the mercy of the companies that supply the ingredients and the quality of these ingredients can wane from batch to batch.

 

In March 2007, thousands of animals were effected by melamine being added to the ingredients by overseas manufacturers of wheat gluten, a common ingredient in pet food. Melamine causes renal failure in pets, causing thousands of North American pets to become sick and even die. Sadly, this same contaminate was added to baby food in China, causing the same problems as well as many deaths babies before it was discovered.

 

The Benefits of Feeding a Dog a Homemade Diet

 

The obvious benefit to feeding a dog a homemade diet is no longer needing to worry about the quality of the ingredients your dog is eating and whether or not there are any contaminants in the food that could cause your dog to become ill or even die. The reality of that happening is extremely slight but if we are to learn from history, the chance of your pet’s commercial food being contaminated by harmful ingredients is a possibility.

 

A less obvious benefit to feeding a dog a homemade diet is the realization that your dog is no longer ingesting artificial dyes, preservatives, and other additives that could be potentially harmful to our four-legged companions. Although all ingredients are put through rigorous testing before the FDA approves their use in dog food, there is still a chance that these additives could be potentially dangerous over many years of ingestion.

 

 

Homemade dog food can be easily tailored to your dog’s likes, dislikes, and, most important, their needs. Dogs that are a few pounds overweight can benefit from leaner protein, increased fiber and vegetables, and decreased carbohydrates and fillers. Dogs requiring a low-sodium diet can have their food tailor made to include only ingredients that contain less salt. Dogs that suffer from diabetes can have fiber content increased in their homemade diet while sugar and natural sweeteners are decreased. For the dog suffering from cancer or chronic illness, foods rich in anti-oxidants can be added.

 

The biggest benefit of a homemade diet is for dogs that suffer from food allergies. The easiest way to know your dog is not ingesting an allergen is to make their food yourself. This goes for treats as well! Excluding the ingredient from their diet guarantees to limit their exposure to an accident or ‘found’ treat.

 

Lastly, many owners derive pleasure from cooking their dog’s dinner, a benefit not often recognized by veterinarians and commercial dog food manufacturers. The act of making their meals is a form of love and bonding for some owners who enjoy spending time in the kitchen.

 

How to Simplify Making a Homemade Diet for your Dog

 

There is a necessary dedication to making a homemade diet for your dog. It requires time, organization, and some study to not only what are the best ingredients for your dog but also what they like and dislike.

 

To make the transition easier, begin with a basic recipe and gradually increase the amount of homemade diet to old diet per day. This lessens the negative effects on the dog’s digestive system while introducing them to a very different way of eating.

 

A basic recipe includes:

 

• One part lean meat, fish or poultry 
• Three parts cooked vegetables – peas, green beans, broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, kale, swiss chard, and canned pureed pumpkin are all great choices 
• One part carbohydrate – bulgur wheat, brown rice, whole-wheat past, etc

 

Start with the most basic of ingredients and slowly add to the variety of flavors, and textures. Make notes about each recipe and how well your dog enjoyed the meal. If you learn he hates peas, well, do not add them again!

 

To add to the conveyance of making a homemade diet for your dog, make enough for a week at one time and then freeze individual meals to be used as needed. This lessens the necessary time it takes each day to put together their meal while still offering them the highest amount of nutrients per meal.

 

 

Feeding your dog a homemade diet does not have to be a chore or a hassle. The time needed each week to make up the meals is time well spent – homemade diets are a wonderful way to bond with your pet while guaranteeing them a healthy, long life for many years to come!