Each serving is for 2 days, at 2 servings per day ( eg. separate the finished product into 4 equal servings, and give your dog one portion for breakfast and once again at supper, and this is enough for two full days meals):
Simply find your dog’s weight on the left.
Don’t forget the importance of the addidtion of a vitamin/mineral and bonemeal supplement.
**Dog Vitamins And Supplements are ESSENTIAL when feeding a homemade dog food diet.**
* NOTE – The Homemade Dog Food Recipes here are for an adult healthy dog.
| DOG’S WEIGHT | MEAT (Chicken) | CARBO HYDRATES (Rice) | VEGGIE FRUIT COMBO (cooked and pureed) | SALT (iodized) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 pounds → → | 1 cup | 3/4 cup | 1/3 cup | pinch |
| 10 pounds → → | 1 1/2 cups | 1 1/3 cups | 1/2 cup | 1/8 teaspoon |
| 15 pounds → → | 2 cups | 1 1/2 cups | 1 cup | 1/8 teaspoon |
| 20 pounds → → | 2 ½ cups | 2 cups | 1 1/4 cup | 1/4 teaspoon |
| 30 pounds → → | 3 1/4 cups | 2 1/2 cups | 1 2/3 cup | 1/4 teaspoon |
| 40 pounds → → | 4 cups | 3 cups | 2 ¼ cups | 1/4 teaspoon |
| 50 pounds → → | 5 cups | 3 1/2 cups | 2 3/4 cup | 1/2 teaspoon |
| 60 pounds → → | 5 1/2 cups | 4 cups | 3 1/4 cups | 1/2 teaspoon |
| 70 pounds → → | 6 1/4 cups | 4 1/2 cups | 3 3/4 cups | 3/4 teaspoon |
| 80 pounds → → | 7 cups | 5 cups | 4 cups | 3/4 teaspoon |
| 90 pounds → → | 7 3/4 cups | 5 1/4 cups | 4 3/4 cup | 3/4 teaspoon |
| 100 pounds → → | 8 1/4 cups | 5 3/4 cups | 5 1/4 cups | 1 teaspoon |
| 120 pounds → → | 9 1/2 cups | 6 1/2 cups | 6 1/4 cups | 1 teaspoon |
| 130 pounds → → | 10 cups | 6 3/4 cups | 6 1/2 cups | 1 teaspoon |
| 140 pounds → → | 10 1/2 cups | 7 cups | 7 cups | 1 teaspoon |
| 150 pounds → → | 11 1/4 cups | 7 1/2 cups | 7 1/4 cups | 1 teaspoon |
The above chart is an example of amounts you should make for different sized dogs when you are feeding a homemade dog food diet.
Each recipe is to be divided into 4 servings.
Feed 2 servings per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
This dog food recipe in the chart above makes a two day supply for one dog, but you can double the recipe, which is what I do.
This can be kept refrigerated for up to four days, or make big batches and freeze in serving size portions for easy meals. Ready to thaw and serve.
Mix all the ingredients well and serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Never serve hot food to your dog.
Always introduce new foods one at a time. If it isn’t tolerated well, then discontinue. My dogs can eat most human grade foods I prepare, but I have learned which ones upset their tummies.
Dogs with special medical needs or illnesses are not candidates for home prepared dog food unless specifically ordered by your veterinarian.
Also puppies under the age of 12 months should receive special premium chemical free and additive free PUPPY FOOD.
Be aware of foods that are known to be toxic to dogs before making your own dog food.
|
ABOUT THE PROTEIN The protein choices are any cooked lean meat, poultry, or game. Your dog will appreciate a variety such as:
Remove fat and drippings from the meat after cooking. Chop the meat into small bite sized cubes for serving, or use ground meat. |
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ABOUT THE CARBOHYDRATES
You can use unprocessed oatmeal, brown rice, bulgur, millet, whole wheat couscous, barley, pasta or potatoes as the starch requirement. I slightly overcook this ingredient, as raw grains are not properly digested by dogs. Brown rice is the best choice for dogs with digestive issues (gas or diarrhea). Slightly overcook pasta or grains, to make them easier to digest. |
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ABOUT THE VEGETABLE AND FRUITS Vegetables must always be cooked. Puree vegetables and fruits together so they will be easily digested by your dog. You can use a combination of fresh, frozen or canned veggies and fruits. I usually use more veggies in the mix, but always add some fruit for sweetness. An example of one of my girls favorite veggie/fruit puree is this: (makes one cup) ½ cup cooked and pureed carrots; 1/4 cup cooked green beans and ¼ cup canned pears. Make your own variations. Some excellent choices of fruits and vegetables are: peas, green beans, carrots, celery, apples, bananas, pears, blueberries. Add new flavours and combinations slowly, to ensure your dog can tolerate the new food. Over time you will be able to give your companion a wide variety of tolerated foods. |
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ABOUT THE SALT
Dogs need sodium just as we do. Homemade dog food will not contain enough natural salt, so a little needs to be added. Too much is harmful, so make sure you don’t overdo it, and follow recipes correctly. |
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ABOUT THE FAT
Fat in the form of canola or safflower oil should be added to each meal. Either of these oils provide linoleic acid, which is also known as Omega-6 fatty acid. This helps improve their skin and coat. Too much causes obesity as it is high in calories. The wrong kind of fat (butter, animal fat) can be dangerous and cause obesity and/or pancreatitis Amounts per day:
I drizzle the oil over my girls prepared meals just before serving. Adjust according to your dog’s weight. |
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ABOUT THE CALCIUM
In addition, dogs absolutely need calcium in their diets. More than we do. A calcium supplement is essential when feeding homemade dog food. I recommend DR. JONES ULTIMATE CANINE HEALTH FORMULA |
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ABOUT THE MULTIVITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
A good Natural Multi-Vitamin is essential when feeding homemade dog food. |
Always check with your vet, or purchase an excellent dog food recipe book that is focused on canine nutrition. You will find so many excellent books, with choices for variation of recipes that sometimes you will think you are reading a human cookbook.
Your dog can quickly become deficient in certain areas if not given the proper balance of food, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and supplements.
Research, read and follow the advice of someone who is a professional.
My guideline above is just that. I am not a specialist or expert, although I have spent a lot of time reading, reviewing and looking into what is needed to feed homemade dog food.
I also give my two healthy Labradors a wide variety of commercial dog foods, (Orijen is my # 1 pick as the best dog food), and sometimes dehydrated pre-mixes, which are usually made from organic ingredients and you add your own meat. These foods have all been introduced slowly to Lady and Lola over the years, so I know which ones can be tolerated, and some that are off the menu.
Also be aware of the worst dog food ingredients to avoid and dangerous people foods that are toxic to your companions.
There are also a wide variety of commercial organic dog foods available that are recommended.
As you can see, your dog’s diet is not limited to one dry, tasteless, chemical filled kibble as we have been so brain washed to believe.
Enjoying a wide variety of food is natural in wild dogs, from rabbits, to venison, wild berries, and grasses, so it not so far fetched that the domesticated companion animal should also enjoy a varied diet.
The above formula in the chart is what I have used for many years and my “girls” are healthy, happy, bright eyed and bushy tailed. My vet and staff, and even strangers are always commenting on how healthy and shiny coated my Labs are.
Just eliminating chemical, preservatives, processed foods, mystery meat, unhealthy additives and whatever else is in cheap commercial dog food will make an extremely noticeable difference in your dog.
* Note * Not all dog foods marked natural are healthy, and are still full of chemicals, additives, artificial colors and dyes, harmful preservatives, by-products, and allergy causing corn as a main ingredient. Remember to check the label!
There are so many healthy nutritious choices now available for feeding your dog that it can be overwhelming, but having a choice is much better than what we had years ago.
You really shouldn’t “cook” the veggies as that cooks out a few of the health benefits; instead steam them. Also, over-ripe fruits and veggies are easier to digest by dogs – so don’t throw those rotting fruits out; serve ‘em to Fido; we steam yams or sweet potatoes, carrots and boil a cup of Lentils. We also server Chicken thighs from Costco, bone and skin included. Chicken bones are only bad if they’ve been cooked. We have four very healthy dogs!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been going crazy trying to figure out what to feed my sensitive-tummied dog. Your site is VERY helpful (and perhaps the first one that has given me real resources I can use)!!
I have been looking for good homemade food recipe, I have been hit n miss with prep for my 80 lb 12 yr old choc lab with chronic pancreatitis – what I really need too, was the amount to feed her for the size. When you love your friend – you want to do the best for them – Thanks for your help….. Nancy and Tia Maria
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