How To Make Healthy Homemade Dog Food

Dogs are man’s best friends for a reason. They selflessly give us their love and devotion every day, asking for nothing in return but a bowl of food and a warm bed to sleep in at night. Keeping your dog healthy is not as difficult as you may think; it just requires some time and dedication.

Making homemade dog food is one of the best ways to be sure your dog is receiving the nutrition he needs while avoiding chemicals, additives, preservatives, sugar, and other harmful ingredients that could potentially have long-term negative effects on his health. It’s not only safer for your dog but also cheaper than feeding him pre-made kibble or canned foods with dubious ingredients and unidentifiable meat sources (in many cases). The first step to making homemade dog food is buying an affordable meat grinder and some freezers big enough to store several pounds of raw chicken and ground beef at a time. In this blog post, we will take you through all of the steps needed to prepare wholesome meals that will keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible.

Know Your Dog’s Nutritional Requirements

Starting with the very basics, you will want to know exactly how much of each macro and micronutrient your dog needs to be healthy. It’s best to consult with your vet for this information but, in general, dogs need the following: - Protein: Dogs need about 16 to 24 percent protein in their diet. This is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as for synthesizing hormones. An increase or decrease in protein levels in the diet will cause changes in the amount and quality of hormones produced. - Carbohydrates: Dogs can survive on a low carbohydrate diet, but they probably don’t thrive on it. Some carbohydrate is needed in the diet, especially if energy is needed for intense exercise. A general rule of thumb is that 50% of the diet should be carbohydrates. - Fats: In general, dogs don’t need a lot of fat in their diet because they can oxidize fat stored in their own bodies. But they do need some fat to help synthesize vitamins and to aid in digestion. - Vitamins and Minerals: Dogs require a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in their diet and any homemade diet must provide all of these. A good general rule is that homemade diets for dogs should contain about 10% to 12% minerals and vitamins.

Decide On The Proteins You Will Use

Different types of meat will provide different levels of protein, fat, and other nutrients, so it is best to go with a variety of different proteins. Some good choices include: - Chicken: Chicken is a great source of protein, minerals, and B vitamins. It is also low in fat and easy on the stomach. Chicken is a great choice for most dogs, but some dogs might be allergic to it. If your dog has never eaten chicken before, try giving him just a small amount to test for allergies. - Pork: Pork is another good source of protein and B vitamins, but it also contains high levels of fat. Pig skin and other parts of the pig that most people discard can also be fed to dogs. Just be sure to remove all bones first. - Fish: Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins but low in other nutrients compared to chicken or pork. It is also very low in fat. - Beef: Beef is very high in proteins and minerals and is low in fat. It can be fed in relatively large amounts and is easy on the stomach.

Decide On The Carbohydrates You Will Use

Carbohydrates are important for energy, and dogs will derive energy from the carbohydrates in their food. The best dog food carbohydrates are those that are high in fiber. Some of the best healthy carbohydrates include: - Brown Rice: Brown rice is high in fiber and is a good source of B vitamins. It is not a great source of protein or minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts. - Oatmeal: Oats are high in fiber and also contain B vitamins. They are not a great source of protein or minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts. - Whole Wheat Bread: Whole wheat bread is high in fiber and protein and contains B vitamins. It is not a great source of minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts. - Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and B vitamins. They are not a great source of protein or minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts.

Decide On The Fats You Will Use

Some fats are essential for a dog’s health, and some are not. You don’t want to overfeed fats because they can cause your dog to gain weight, but you don’t want to underfeed them either. Some healthy fats to include in your dog’s diet include: - Avocado: Avocado is a great source of healthy fats and B vitamins. It is not a great source of protein or minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts. - Peanut Butter: Peanut Butter is high in protein and B vitamins. It is not a great source of minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts. - Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is high in fats but mostly medium-chain triglycerides, which are thought to be healthier than other fats. It is not a great source of protein or minerals and can be fed in relatively small amounts.

Mix It Together & freeze it!

Now that you know what your dog needs, you can begin mixing up his meals. A good ratio of protein to carbohydrates to fats is 25:50:25. You will want to mix together the desired amounts of each, and then add a few tablespoons of vitamins and minerals per 10 lbs of dog body weight. Now it’s time to freeze it. Homemade dog food can be frozen just like any other meal. Make sure to let it cool off completely first, then place it in ice cube trays or freezer bags. The best way to feed your dog homemade dog food is to thaw enough in a colander to last a few days and then re-freeze the rest.

A dog’s diet should be made up of mostly proteins, fats, and carbohydrates with vitamins and minerals sprinkled in. Making homemade dog food is a great way to ensure your pup is getting the proper nutrition he needs to stay healthy. Choosing the right proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and adding a few vitamins and minerals to the mix will provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs for long and happy life. Now that you’ve read this article, you know how to make healthy homemade dog food. Dogs are some of the most selfless creatures on the planet. They love unconditionally and ask for nothing in return. Keeping your dog healthy is the least you can do to show your appreciation.