Creating homemade dog food allows you to control exactly what your furry friend eats, ensuring they receive a balanced and nutritious diet. This guide, inspired by a veterinarian-recommended recipe, will show you How To Make Nutritious Dog Food that your dog will love, promoting a healthy and happy life.
Why Choose Homemade Dog Food?
Besides the obvious benefit of knowing exactly what your dog is consuming, preparing dog food at home offers several advantages. It’s ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, allowing you to eliminate potential triggers. It can also be more cost-effective in the long run compared to specialized commercial diets, and many owners report improvements in their dog’s coat, energy levels, and overall health. You can also prepare it in bulk and save time!
Key Considerations Before You Start
Before diving into the recipe, it’s crucial to understand your dog’s individual needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and ensure the recipe meets your dog’s specific dietary requirements, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. Remember that puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs may have different nutritional needs.
The Ultimate Nutritious Dog Food Recipe
This recipe focuses on balance, variety, and high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog receives a complete and wholesome diet.
Ingredients:
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Lean Ground Beef or Poultry (7 lbs): The primary protein source. Opt for 90% lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. If using poultry, increase the beef liver amount to compensate for lower iron and zinc levels.
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Hemp Seeds (1.5 cups): A fantastic source of essential fatty acids, omega-3, and omega-6, balancing the overall fat content. Hempseed oil (1/3 cup) can be used, but avoid high heat during cooking.
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Sardines (16 oz canned in water): Provides essential Vitamin E & D requirements. Make sure the sardines are canned in water and not oil. You can also substitute with cod liver oil (4 tsp).
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Ground Ginger (4 tsp): Rich in manganese, supporting connective tissue health and benefiting ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles.
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Kelp Powder (4 tsp): A nutritional powerhouse packed with iodine, promoting excellent teeth and coat health.
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Eggs (8 pasture-raised): A great source of folic acid and vitamin B12.
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Eggshells (4): A natural calcium source for adult dogs, but not suitable for puppies.
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Pumpkin Puree (15 oz): Supports digestive health (optional but recommended). Ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie mix.
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Beef Liver (8 oz): Provides essential copper, zinc, and iron. If using poultry instead of beef, use 12 oz beef liver.
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Broccoli (8 oz), Red Bell Pepper (8 oz), & Spinach (8 oz): Vegetables provide antioxidants, phytonutrients, enzymes, and fiber. Omit spinach for senior dogs with kidney issues due to its oxalate and sodium content.
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef (or poultry), eggs, kelp powder, ground ginger, hemp seeds (or hempseed oil), sardines (drained), and pumpkin puree (if using). Break up the sardines to ensure even distribution.
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Prepare Eggshells: Save half of the eggshells and set aside.
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Process Vegetables and Liver: In a food processor, combine the broccoli, red bell pepper, spinach, eggshells, and beef liver. Blend until finely chopped.
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Mix Everything Together: Add the processed vegetable and liver mixture to the meat mixture and combine thoroughly.
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Portion and Store: Divide the food into appropriate portions based on your dog’s daily intake requirements. Store in reusable freezer bags or containers.
Cooking Instructions (Optional)
While this recipe can be served raw, gently cooking it may be preferable for some dogs.
- Cooking Method: Cook the food on a non-stick pan over low heat without any oil. Gently cook until just done. Avoid searing the meat.
- Hempseed Oil Note: If using hempseed oil, avoid high heat for prolonged periods as it can make the oil taste unpleasant to dogs.
Feeding Guidelines and Storage
- Portion Size: Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily portion size for your dog based on their weight, age, breed, and activity level.
- Storage: Uncooked food can be stored in the freezer for several weeks. Cooked dog food can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serving: Serve the food raw or gently cooked. Ensure the food is at room temperature before serving.
Meet the Pups!
Incorporating this recipe has greatly improved our furry family’s diet and health.
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Consider complementing this nutritious dog food with healthy, homemade treats. Green-lipped mussels are a great option, packed with nutrients and particularly effective in relieving joint pain in dogs.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make nutritious dog food at home is a rewarding way to ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrition. By following this guide and consulting with your veterinarian, you can create a balanced and delicious diet that will contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Remember to always prioritize your dog’s individual needs and adjust the recipe accordingly.
