More Homemade Dog Food Recipes Here. |
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The following 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. Each recipe in the chart below 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.
| DOG’S WEIGHT | MEAT (Lamb, Venison, Turkey, etc.) | CARBOHYDRATES (Rice, Pasta, Potato, Barley) | VEGGIE/FRUIT COMBO (cooked and pureed) | SALT (iodized) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 pounds → → | 2 ½ cups | 2 cups | 1 ¼ cup | ¼ teaspoon |
| 40 pounds → → | 4 cups | 3 cups | 2 ¼ cups | ¼ teaspoon |
| 60 pounds → → | 5 ½ cups | 4 cups | 3 ¼ cups | ½ teaspoon |
| 80 pounds → → | 7 cups | 5 cups | 4 cups | ¾ teaspoon |
| 100 pounds → → | 8 ¼ cups | 5 ¾ cups | 5 ¼ cups | 1 teaspoon |
PROTEIN
The protein choices are any meat, poultry, fish, and eggs (occasionally), organ meats and for a treat sometimes add cottage cheese or yoghurt, which are good protein sources.
Remove fat and drippings from the meat after cooking. Chop the meat into small bite sized cubes for serving, or use ground meat.
CARBOHYDRATES
You can use brown rice, barley, whole-grain pasta, potatoes or oatmeal as choices for the carbohydrate portion. Brown rice is the best choice for dogs with digestive issues (gas or diarrhea). Slightly overcook grains, to make them easier to digest.
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.
Be aware of foods that are known to be toxic to dogs before making your own dog food. Check out the short list of foods to avoid I have here.
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.
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.
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. A 20 pound dog should not have more than 1/2 tsp. per meal. A 40 pound dog should get about 3/4 tsp per meal. Give a 60 pound dog 1 tsp. per meal and an 80 pound dog gets approx. 1 1/4 tsp. per meal. I drizzle the oil over my girls prepared meals just before serving. Adjust according to your dog’s weight.
CALCIUM:
In addition, dogs absolutely need calcium in their diets. More than we do. A calcium supplement is essential when feeding homemade dog food. Find a good calcium supplement at pet supply stores. Here is a good example: Only Natural Pet Store – Everything Natural for Dogs & Cats
MULTIVITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS:
A good multivitamin 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.
These specialty dog food cookbooks should be written by specialist in nutrition for animals and/or veterinarians (D.V.M).
I started making my girls homemade dog food using Dr. Pitcairns advice, from his book titled Natural Health For Dogs and Cats. It is still my favorite guide to refer back to and it has extensive information on dog’s nutritional needs, and is easy to understand.
If you are just starting out making homemade dog food, this is the book I would always recommend first.
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 feed my two Labs homemade dog food, interspersed with premium organic dog food and lately have been using the dehydrated pre-mix shown below.
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.
The other choices which are also good for your dog are organic dog food, HERE.
There are also many exellent natural dog foods available which are chemical free HERE.
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.
Here is the excellent alternative to serving organic kibble or canned food or home made dog food made fresh for your pets.
I started using dehydrated dog food recently and am thrilled and highly recommend this for someone who wants both the best premium manufactured organic dog food and freshly homemade natural dog food.
Check these out – All you need to do is rehydrate the food and add your own protein source. Fresh cooked meat from your own kitchen, with all the proper and well balanced nutrients. Couldn’t be easier.
