Homemade dog food? The sun is setting, your friends are arriving and you’ve just added the final touch to your homemade feast. Wine starts flowing, nibblies are going around and your crowd is mingling, chatting happily. As you approach the laid out table with trays of fragrant dishes, your puppy is drooling, bouncing along under your feet. As dinner is served, he’s jumping into laps, adorable eyes pleading for a piece. Your heart breaks as you carry him away, sneaking him a drumstick and fancy Italian sausage. But really, is indulging your favourite canine buddy with good food such a guilty pleasure? As long as it isn’t vodka or chocolate (or a few other delectables), surely there are some benefits to having a soft spot.
If you need convincing, here are some reasons your pup will actually benefit from your home-cooked deliciousness:
Nutritional benefits of Homemade Dog Food
Prepping your fur baby’s food from scratch presents a tonne of advantages, but most importantly, it is simply the best way to keep your pet happy and healthy. By custom-designing meals with fresh ingredients, you maximize each mouthful’s healthful indulgence sans the nasty additives, preservatives, antibiotics, fillers and bad fats.
Health concerns Homemade Dog Food
Common diet-related diseases that can plague our innocent companions include obesity, kidney stones, pancreatitis, gut/ dental/ skin and coat conditions.
As your pup has unique nutritional needs, please speak to your vet or pet nutrition expert about designing a tailored menu to ensure radiant fur, strong teeth and claws, and lots of tail-wagging.
Homemade puppy food is not only the best way to show some serious love, but its premium deliciousness will manage your pet’s weight and wellness, helping them to have a long, healthy and very happy life.
Nutrition Guidelines of Homemade Dog Food
Personalized nutrition, such as the addition of Turmeric to your dog’s diet, is key, as age, breed, health condition and daily exercise all impact on dietary requirements. However, as a general starting point, ensure the following:
- Water:
As for humans, dog’s bodies are mainly made up of water so it’s important that they stay hydrated throughout the day. On hot days they cool themselves by panting, meaning they need even greater access to cool, clean water.
- Vegetables:
Veggies contain vitamins and minerals critical to your dog’s health. Essential to structurally sound teeth and bones, they also build immunity and skin health. Steamed or pureed vegetables are preferable as dogs struggle to absorb the nutrients from them raw. Stock up on vitamin A-rich carrots and sweet potatoes and iron-rich greens. Please do not ever share your avo toast, grapes, onions or garlic with them, which can cause them serious issues and diseases.
- Fresh animal proteins:
Proteins contribute to the development and repair of muscle and connective tissue, leading to healthy skin, fur, and proper overall functioning. Most breeds enjoy any type of meat or fish, slightly cooked. However, wild boar is strictly off the menu, as it can cause a very dangerous disease.
- Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates provide energy for play and warmth, and fuel your puppy’s active brain. Think sweet potatoes, brown rice (which is high in amidon) and even oats, but not too much. Cook thoroughly and avoid corn, wheat and gluten as dogs can’t digest these very well. Allergies can develop, so speak to your vet in advance, and if you notice any unusual changes.
- Healthy fats:
High quality fats in oils replenish energy levels, insulate internal organs, nourish healthy skin and fur, and can help to relieve symptoms of allergies and arthritis. Include a dash of omega-rich rapeseed, salmon or sardine oils in your repertoire.
For the foodie (aka home chef)
If you’re a bit of a whiz in the kitchen, whipping up delicious doggie dinners is a no-brainer. Just take out some extra carrots, chicken and fruit from the fridge, add them to the pot and tada, dinner for two is served! For some fun recipe ideas which you can both enjoy, read on …
Champagne taste on a beer budget
If you’re watching your wallet’s waistline, you won’t want to miss out on these tips for saving on dinner.
A medium-sized dog can eat approximately $8 of canned food per day. That’s $2,920 per year (if you’re counting). Shop smart and watch your savings grow.
For instance, do your local butcher a favour and make use of their leftovers and scraps. They are usually only too happy to help if you ask, and they would generally only be throwing them out otherwise. Hey, you’re helping save the planet by reducing waste!
Buying brown rice or veggies in bulk can save both time and money. Cook in batches and freeze ~ that way, you can treat your dog to cantaloupe in the middle of summer, which will spice things up nicely 😉
A part of the family
Does your pet have an Insta account? Does she get regular pedicures and blow waves? Do you check him into a luxury kennel when you go away? Do you leave Netflix on to keep your fur baby company when you go to the gym? Do you refer to yourself as a parent (even though you don’t human children)?
If your pup is already like your child, you’ll know how right it feels to feed them well. Homemade food is pawfect for the canine palate 😉
Feeling inspired and informed? You’ve got this!
Let us know if you have any questions, your puppy will love you for it!
