Sherrie Chastain asked:


Dogs have not changed very much in the past couple of hundred years. It is their surroundings and environment that has changed the most, especially their dog foods. All natural dog foods a hundred years ago were the raw kitchen scraps and any table scraps that were left over. Many dogs also hunted their own food.

Wild Dogs and Why Raw Meats are Best for All Natural Dog Foods

Does your dog walk in circles to pack down the tall grass before sleeping even if there is no grass?

Have you noticed your dog’s sharp pointy teeth used for ripping meat? A dog’s neck muscles are still their strongest muscle for ripping and tearing the meat off their prey. Your dog will also eat his food as quickly as he can and protect it from other animals even if there are none.

Your dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times more powerful than a human’s sense of smell, which enables them to hunt.

Your dog’s digestive system has not changed since the wild; it is designed for high protein, fat and moisture meals. Your dogs jaws only go up and down to tear meat or swallow it whole, hence the saying “wolf your food down”, they do not move sideways like cows or horses that grind vegetation.

Warmth and Moisture in Your Homemade Dog Food Recipe for the Best All Natural Dog Foods

If you feed raw meat with normal fat content and hot purified water to make it moist and make it warm (since cold food shuts down the digestive system), you will be giving your dog the same all natural dog foods dogs have eaten since the beginning of time.

Meat should be fed raw because it also helps to stimulate the carnivore’s highly acidic digestive system.

Bones should only be included if they are raw and fresh. Old or cooked bones become brittle and will splinter easily while fresh bones are still pliable.

Do you know of any animals that cook their food before they eat it?

All Natural Dog Foods Dogs Have Eaten for Centuries are Your Best Choice for Dog Foods

Since humans changed the way dogs have eaten since the beginning of time, dogs now get the same diseases humans have. The same diseases humans began to get after they began to eat so much processed food.

Coincidence? I think not. Remember Nobel prize winner Otto Warburg discovered in people that all disease ties back to a mineral deficiency. If we are getting sick because we began to eat processed foods that are nutrient and mineral deficient does it seem so odd that our pets are suffering from the same processed foods?

This alone should be enough to make us question the high grain content commercial dog foods available today and at least look for high quality all natural dog foods or use a good homemade dog food recipe so you will know exactly what is going into your dog. Your dog will Love you for it.

Abhinav Sidana asked:


Most of the dogs are treated as family member rather than a pet by the owners these days. Dog lovers try to ensure every facility possible for their dogs. Healthy dog food recipes are one of major concern for the owners. Proper and healthy food is very much essential for the perfect growth of dog.

A large variety of dogs food available in the market today. Owners sometime get confused whether to feed outside food or homemade food to their dog. But many people suggest to homemade food is better for dogs for their better health and growth. Many of us believe its very complex to make dog food at home. But it can be made very easily in your kitchen.

It’s important to realize that dog needs different kinds of food in different ages. Homemade foods can contain more protein and vitamin which might be missing in outside food. Sometimes the outside food is not safe for dog’s health. As we know protein is very much essential for large dog breeding, homemade food can be perfect for their growth.

Homemade dog foods are safer and healthy for many reasons. Owner has more control on what their dog is eating. They can provide the essential vitamin and protein in the food and ensure proper health care for dog. Also the owner can avoid the chemicals which can cause harmful effects and allergies to dogs. Some experts found that outside dog food contain some of the ingredients which cause dog’s delicate brain and some imperfect behavior. Homemade dog foods taste much better than outside dog food and it keeps dogs teeth and gums clean.

We always believe homemade dog food is best for children. The idea is not different in case of dog. Best healthy dog food recipes can make your dog a happy child for you.

Bonnie Jo Davis asked:


My dog, Spunky, was put on a new diet last fall by our veterinarian who sold us the food. After five days Spunky became very ill. He was vomiting, eating less, became listless and staggered when he tried to walk. His veterinarian refused to admit that the new food was causing his illness. Spunky became so ill that he was hospitalized for five days and came to the point where we were told he was dying.

I insisted that we try to feed him some of his old food before we gave up on him. We visited the animal hospital and fed him small amounts of his old food. Within hours his bloodwork was back to normal and he recovered very quickly. Some damage to his liver, kidneys and gallbladder remained but these are problems that can be monitored. In my anger and despair I decided to publish an all natural cookbook of dog food recipes. Several months later the very food that made Spunky ill was added to the recall list and this only served to make me more aware that pet owners need to consider feeding their pets human grade food.

An Apple A Day Dog Treat

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup unbleached flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 apple, chopped or grated

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

3/8 cup water

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water. Mix until well blended. On work surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size.

Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed for 1 hour to make the treats crispy. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer.

Recipe makes 24 servings.

Pet owners who love their pets will no doubt be searching for new food sources. Remember that when changing your dog’s diet (no matter what the food source) that you need to introduce the new food carefully and in small amounts before actually making the switch. If you have any concerns about allergies and food sensitivity please consult your veterinarian before introducing human grade food.

(c) 2007, Davis Virtual Assistance. You may reprint this article so long as you keep it intact with the resource box and make all links live.

Rona Limsy asked:


If you want to know exactly what your cat is being fed each day, then the best way is to prepare a homemade cat food recipe yourself. However, for your cat to remain healthy, it is important to ensure that your homemade cat food recipe includes sufficient animal protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins. This is usually obtained from red meat, liver, kidney, heart, chicken and sometimes milk.

Generally, raw food contains more nutrients as cooking destroys some vitamins, especially vitamin B. If you are squeamish about feeding raw food to your cat and intend to feed your cat cooked food instead, then you may need to provide pet food supplements in your cat’s diet. Your vet will be able to advise you on appropriate pet food supplements, based on your homemade cat food diet.

Here are some important ingredients which you should incorporate into your homemade cat food diet:

INGREDIENT #1 - Meat and Meat By-Products

Both red and white meat contains protein, B-group vitamins, fat and energy. Highest sources of protein are beef, chicken (meat) and liver, followed by heart, chicken skin, lamb, kidney and chicken necks.

All types of meat are deficient in vitamin A therefore, it is good to feed liver to your cat as it is rich in vitamin A. However, liver should not be more than 10% of your cat food diet as too much vitamin A can lead to skeletal problems and other abnormal bone growth. If you are worried about an overdose of vitamin A, feed cooked liver to your cat instead of raw liver. Or as a rough guide, feed raw liver not more than once a week.

INGREDIENT #2 - Fish

It is good to have a mix of the 2 main types of fish: white fish and fatty/oily fish (such as tuna). White fish is leaner but is weak in vitamins A, D, E and K.

Fatty and oily fish on the other hand, contain high levels of vitamins A and D but your cat may suffer a case of steatites (a painful inflammation of fat deposits under the skin) if it is fed too much fatty fish.

In the case of fish, it is advisable to cook the fish first. Raw fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme which destroys thiamine, an important vitamin B. Cooking destroys thiaminase and helps to retain more vitamins in the food.

Whole fish (including the bones) is very nutritional cat food as fish bones contain calcium and phosphorus. However, to prevent fish bones from getting caught in your cat’s teeth or throat, it is good to soften the bones first. You can do this by pressure cooking, boiling or stewing.

INGREDIENT #3 - Eggs

Eggs are high in animal protein, iron, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates and are ideal to include in your homemade cat food. However, too much may be harmful as the egg whites contain avidin which destroys a B vitamin that is essential for good hair and skin health and proper muscle function.

As a general guide, feed raw egg not more than once a week. If you feed the egg yolk only, then you may increase this to no more than 3 times a week.

INGREDIENT #4 - Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt

Dairy products are high in protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and the B vitamins.

Kittens generally like warmed milk and cream. But as they mature, they become lactose-intolerant and may develop diarrhea. You can get low-lactose cat milk which is available in supermarkets. Cream is fattening and too much may result in an obese cat.

Cheese may be a better dairy alternative as it does not contain lactose. However, some cats do not appreciate the taste and will not eat it.

INGREDIENT #5 - Fats and Oils

Fats are essential in your homemade cat food to ensure your cat’s skin doesn’t become itchy, dry and scurfy.

Good sources are safflower or corn oil and fish fats. Safflower is the preferred choice.

INGREDIENT #6 - Vegetables

Vegetables provide vitamin C and some are rich in B vitamins. It also provides fibre which should form about 5% of your homemade cat food diet. Mix vegetables with meat or fish and cook it as a stew. Most cats will eat the vegetables if cooked this way.

INGREDIENT #7 - Grains

Grains provide carbohydrate, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Good sources are:

Wheatgerm - thiamine, vitamin E

Yeast - B vitamins, minerals, recommended for older cats

Rice - most cats will eat this and it is a good base for mixing with meat and fish

Wheat, oats, barley - higher protein content and less fattening than rice

INGREDIENT #8 - Water

Lastly, and probably more important than any of the above, a fresh clean supply of water must always be available. Generally, your cat will need about 40ml of water per kg of body weight. However, environmental temperature, your cat’s consumption of dry food and ailments may require you to adjust accordingly.

Your cat is an individual and will have its own likes and dislikes. Different pedigrees may also have different requirements. It is always advisable to check with your vet and seek professional advice before preparing your homemade cat food.

Abhinav Sidana asked:


Dog will surely appreciate your love to him and could love you more. It’s important; dogs should be treated like a child. So as like children they should provide homemade food for their better growth. Dog food recipes are very much available in internet, books these days.

Homemade dog food should have a proper mixture of meat, vegetable and starches. Dogs are very fond of meat. So a large number of ingredients should be meat such as beef or chicken, if possible soft chicken bones. A good deal of carbohydrates and vegetable should be mixed in the food. Potatoes or rice can be used as carbohydrates. But should not use pasta, corn, wheat or soy as they are not good for dogs health.

Vegetable is also very much essential for dog’s proper growth. Among the vegetables cabbage, beans, spinach, green beans, yams, sweet potato, carrot, peas are very essential for their growth. So you should feed vegetable along with meats. Also keep in mind the amount you should feed to your dog vary on their age, size, breed etc. less fat means a healthier heart. The same principle is applicable for dog. We can ensure healthier heart for dog by reducing fat contents from dogs food. It also helps the dog to avoid overweight in the future.

There is lots of information about free dog food recipes in the internet. You can easily choose on the one that is best suit for your dog. Also you can visit different forums where you can find opinion of peoples who have dogs. All this help you to make your dog healthy and stronger.

Connie Ragen Green asked:


What kind of food are you feeding to your dog? Do you remember the olden days when we fed our dogs table scraps? Nowadays most people believe it is a bad thing to feed your dog food from the table. Many now believe that this idea was originally encouraged by the makers of commercial dog food, as a way to sell more of their canned and dried pet food.

Lately, especially after the pet food scare of early 2008, when hundreds of cats and dogs died after eating pet food tainted with poison, more and more people have returned to feeding their dogs more foods eaten by humans.

If your dog has special dietary needs, such as being diabetic or obese, the commercial dog foods simply do not offer good choices that are healthy and nutritious and meet the needs of your dog. They tend to be filled with ingredients that are not healthy at all, and also have many preservatives to extend their shelf life. We do not know for sure where the ingredients have come from because the government does not regulate packaged and canned pet food as it does food for human consumption. This alone is a powerful reason to stay away from commercial dog food.

I have been feeding my dogs homemade food for four months now. My dachshund is diabetic, so I was searching for a way to give him a diet higher in fiber and protein. I have now come to the conclusion that it is best to prepare his food myself. I also have three other dogs, a Maltese and two Yorkshire terriers, and they were beginning to put on weight and had become very hyperactive. After eating my homemade food for the past few months their behavior has changed, their weight has stabilized, and my dachshund has not had to have an increase in his daily insulin dosage. I am also saving money at the same time.

I prepare chicken by boiling or baking it, and then combine yams or sweet potatoes. These vegetables have a low glycemic index and are particularly good for diabetes. I also prepare lentil soup each week, and add this to the food as well. Legumes, like lentils and other dried beans, are high in plant protein. Finally, I prepare long grain brown rice, and my homemade food is complete. I only do this once a week, so it is not like I have to prepare my dog food every day.

I encourage you to learn more about preparing healthy and nutritious food for your dog, to reduce the risk of disease and help to extend their lifespan.

Mark Grover asked:


It does not make financial sense for commercial pet food companies to manufacture the best quality food for your discus fish because the ingredients simply cost too much. Therefore, when it comes to discus fish care, preparing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your pets. If you decide to make your own food, you should see a quick improvement in the overall health, color and breeding of your discus fish.

Discus Fish Food Recipe

1 1/2 lb fresh beef heart

1/2 lb shrimp (shelled)

1 bunch of spinach

1 package of unflavored gelatin powder

1 multivitamin tablets (Centrum)

Take the beef heart and trim away all the veins and fat. Use a food processor to mince the beef harts. Place the beef heart in cheese cloth and rinse under cold water. Try to rinse as much of the blood out of the beef heart as possible and squeeze it when you are done. This will help keep your aquarium water clean.  Chop up the shrimp now as well. Boil or microwave the spinach until and soft and it up. Put everything you have so far in a bowl and add the gelatin powder. The gelatin will act as a binder and help everything stick together. Now, crush the vitamin tablet and add it to the bowl. Mix thoroughly. Put the mixture into zip lock plastic bags, flatten it out, and put in the freezer. When you are ready to feed to your discus, break off small portions and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

By making your own food, you have truly taken responsibility for your discus fish care into your own hands. It is really one of the best things you can do for your fish, and doesn’t take much time, since one batch can last for months. If you take the time to make your own fish food, I think you will quickly see an improvement in the health and vigor of your discus fish.

Carol Carvalho asked:


 If you are concerned about the quality of the food you feed your dogs, you may consider making homemade food for them.

Each of my dogs has lived over 15 years and I attribute their long lives to daily exercise and the quality of the food they had been fed. I am not a cook but for over 20 years, I’ve been cooking for my dogs making homemade food for them and this recipe was developed through trial and error over the years. This recipe is by a regular person - not a veterinarian or nutritionist - but by someone who wants to feed their dogs as well as they feed themselves and their family.

I make a large batch of food and then freeze what I do not need immediately. Each dog receives a good-sized portion of this food along with a bit of commercial kibble. A good multi-vitamin is also supplemented every day. Below is the recipe I use for their homemade food.

5 lb. chicken

1 lb. ground beef

1 can chicken broth

1 package frozen peas and carrots

2 c brown rice, uncooked

1/2 c barley, uncooked

1/2 c lentils, uncooked

1/4 c oatmeal, uncooked

1/4 c Cream of Wheat, uncooked

1/2 t oregano

1/2 c parsley, dried

4 eggs

1/4 c oil (flax or fish)

1. Place chicken and beef in an ovenproof dish.

2. Cook chicken and ground beef in oven for about 1 hour at 350 degrees or until the meat is cooked through.

3. Drain the fat off the meat, remove the skin and bones, and break up the meat into bite size pieces.

4. Place all ingredients into a large crock-pot and add enough water to cover.

5. Cook 4 hours on high.

6. Place the food in freezer type containers and freeze what you do not need immediately.

7. Serve with a little commercial kibble if desired.

(copyright) © 2007, Pampered Pets". This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

 

Lizzie Novotny asked:


My two Vizsla hunting dogs get homemade dog food twice each day. I mix an adjusted amount with good quality dry kibble.

Homemade dog food can be better than some commercial products. We don’t realize what’s in the food we give our pets. Always inspect the ingredients.

Commercial dog foods can contain preservatives, and are altered by chemical processes that can be unhealthy for dogs. They can also contain processed unknown animal products and fillers that do nothing to contribute to your pet’s health.

To avoid your dogs ingesting unknown dog food ingredients, make your own. Control not only the content, but the quality as well.

Reasons To Consider A Homemade Dog Food

- dog has allergies to food

- persistent skin problems

- gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea or constipation

- competes in sporting events or working stock and needs strength for endurance

- control of quality and freshness

- nothing processed so food retains all the vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes

Observe your dog to see he is getting his required dog food nutrition.

- shiny coat, illustrious feel

- sparkling eyes

- alert, good energy and activity

- maintain weight without getting fat

- stool firm and consistent

An appropriately balanced dog food recipe contains roughly 40% meat, 30% starch and 30% vegetables.

1. Meat: Any type can be included. Organ meat, such as liver, is particularly healthy for dogs. Bones should be removed as they are a choking hazard. Cook the meat - uncooked meat can contain unhealthy bacteria and possibly parasites.

2. Starch: Most forms are okay - cooked pasta, potatoes, and rice are common choices for homemade dog food.

3. Vegetables: Most types can be used. Do not use onions as they can be toxic. Cook the vegetables - raw veggies can pose a choking hazard.

Recipe For Quick Adult Homemade Dog Food

This recipe will feed a 50 pound adult dog for one day. If your dog in smaller or larger then the 50 pounds, adjust the amount of ingredients. You can cook enough for many days, divide accordingly and freeze the rest. This food has No preservatives, so refrigerate the fresh food for 3 days maximum. The human vitamin supplement Theragran-M Advanced and calcium carbonate (example: Tums) can be found in any pharmacy.

- 5 oz. dark meat chicken or turkey beef or fish

- 2 1/8 cups cooked brown rice

- 1 tsp. corn oil

- 1/2 tsp. salt

- 2 pills Theragran-M Advanced (crushed)

- 2100 milligrams calcium carbonate (crushed)

Directions:

1. Cook rice until done.

2. Bake your meat, poultry, or fish choice 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

3. Crush human vitamins and “Tums”.

4. Mix all ingredients.

Pay attention to your dog’s response to the new dog food recipes you use. There may be items they refuse to eat or have reactions to a particular food. Try something else in their place, such as substitute chicken for turkey or rice for potatoes. Be aware for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially things such as excessive scratching. This could indicate an allergy to one of the foods you are using.

Homemade dog food recipes generally cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial brands. Plus, by making dog food recipes at home, you can control the proportion of different ingredients. This can be very important to working and sporting breeds that may require more nutrients for their active lifestyles.

While in the kitchen, why not whip up some dog biscuits. Recipes can be found on the Internet, or try your library. Here is an easy dog biscuit recipe, use it for training or a treat. I have never met a dog who didn’t love his cheese!

Any Cheese Biscuits

- 1 cup all purpose flour

- 1 cup whole wheat flour

- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or any cheese in the fridge)… dogs Love any type of cheese!

- 2 tbsp. butter

- 3/4 cup milk, lowfat

- grated parmesan for topping (if you have it on hand)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix all flours and cheese together in a food processor (or by hand, mix well).

3. Add softened butter and milk, mix well.

4. Roll out on a surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.

5. Cut into shapes, squares is fine.

6. Place on greased baking surface.

7. Bake for 15 to 29 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Cool and store in refrigerator.

Always check with your Veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. For any type of dog, homemade dog food is a good choice to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Garry Neale asked:


Before you start making your own homemade dog food, you need to know a couple of things. You need to find out what foods are toxic to your dog. You also should understand that preparing home made dog food may not be as easy as it sounds because it’s very much like to preparing food for your children. Making homemade dog food is not the same thing as gathering up your leftovers and scraps and throwing them in a dog bowl. Keep in mind, your reason for preparing home made dog food is provide you dog with a healthy diet. On the bright side, making homemade dog food can be cheaper since you can include your dog’s dietary requirements in your normal food shopping expenses. Dogs are omnivores just like people. This means they can eat vegetables and grains as well as meat.

Though people and dogs have different physiologies, there are a few things in common when it comes to diet. So many times, you’ll be able to make your homemade dog food while making your people food. For example, most home made dog food recipes will consist of a ratio of two thirds meat to one third vegetables. It’s all a matter of healthy cooking for both you and your dog, and making homemade dog food is a great way to start.

When you start preparing homemade food, pay careful attention to your dog’s reaction to the new recipes you use. There will probably be some items that they just refuse to eat. Try to substitute something else in the recipe next time, such as substitute turkey for chicken or potatoes for rice. Be on the lookout for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially such things such as scratching excessively. This may be an indication of an allergic reaction to one or more of the foods you’re using. Generally, homemade dog foods usually cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial dog foods.

By making your own dog food, you have complete control over what your dog is eating. It also allows you to make certain their food is fresh and of the good quality. Ensuring that your dog is getting the best possible food and nutrition is worth the investment in both time and energy. So why not take the time to find some homemade dog food recipes that use good quality ingredients and let your dog try it for a few days. You might be amazed at the changes you’ll witness in both your dog’s health and vitality.

The easiest place to find some good healthy homemade dog food recipes is online. There you’ll find cookbooks and recipes of all types. Just go to one of the Internet search engines and type in “homemade dog food recipes” and you have more than enough sites to visit. But watch out because some recipes are not as nutritious as others. You may want to take any recipes you download to your local vet and get their recommendations before you start feeding it to your pet. If you’re at all concerned about your dog’s health, try switching to homemade food today.