With all of the uncertainty about food safety today, many dog owners have started making their own dog food. Holistic Dog Food is actually quite easy to make. In fact, dog owners who make their dog’s food usually discover that the process saves them money, while also ensuring their dog is fed a healthy and safe diet.
The breakdown of a healthy dog diet includes 70% carbohydrates, 25% meat, and 5% vegetables and other additions. Dogs being omnivores need a combination of meat and vegetables and some additions that can be added to their food include bone meal, garlic, and certain flours
The carbohydrate component in holistic dog food can consist of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oats, soy flour and barley and sometimes white and brown rice can be used as well. This carbohydrate component should be the base of the diet.
The next major component of the holistic dog food is the meat. The best options for meat are quality products such as lean chicken, beef, fish, and egg whites. These can be then ground up to make the food making process easier.
To ensure your dog receives all the nutrients he needs, many other foods can be added to dog food. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, corn, and spinach are all healthy additions. Dog owners who want to make organic dog food should check to see what organic options for produce are available. It is always a good idea to grind the vegetables to aid in your dog’s digestion process. Small amounts of garlic are also a good option because it can help keep fleas away. Bonemeal or dehydrated milk can be added as a calcium boost.
To make the dog food, just combine all the ingredients with a little bit of water and cook until the protein is done throughout. One recipe includes one cup cornmeal, one-fourth a cup of chicken and one tablespoon of carrots both ground up, and a small amount of bonemeal sprinkled in. Add a half a cup of water and cook and simmer until the chicken is done. Most food can be refrigerated for up to two days.
Certain items must be avoided when making the food for your dog. Caffeine bearing products such as chocolate have been known to cause seizures in dogs. Certain spices may affect dogs who are sensitive as well as grapes, raisins, avocados, and onions which may cause harm to the dog’s health.
By making your own dog food, you can ensure safety and nutrition and make a change in the dogs lifespan, weight, and energy level. A veterinarian should be aware of this process and help assist with any special considerations when making the food. This method of feeding your dog home-made food will keep your dog healthy and your pockets full.
