You Want Me to COOK FOR MY DOG????
How many of you remember your parents sitting at the dinner table, insisting you clean up your plate? That was a frequent mantra many kids couldn’t escape if they tried.
Wouldn’t it be a little bit humorous to hear your dog’s mother barking the same demands? If the pup didn’t clean up his plate, she would be happy to gobble up the leftovers.
Cooking for dogs just makes good sense.
“Cooking for dogs? Are you crazy?!” You ask. It may sound crazy; but it is one of the best ways to ensure your dog gets a good meal and one they like as well!
Many people don’t give much thought to what a dog eats. Maybe it’s dry dog food. Maybe it’s wet dog food. Either way, dogs are eating what is given to them. Most people will agree that a store-bought food will keep their dogs well fed and healthy.
DOG FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- Do dogs have the same nutritional requirements as humans?
The answer to this is yes and no. Dogs need many of the same nutritional components as humans. The ratios vary depending on the breed and size of your dog. Dogs do have a different biological system than humans. But they need many of the same types nourishing foods as humans to keep their motors running strong.
For example, like humans, dogs need protein for strong muscles. They need omega fatty acids for brain health.
- What goes into commercial dog food anyway?
The answer to this question may surprise you. Believe it or not, there have been incidents of plastic found in at least one brand of popular dog food. Accidental? You be the judge. Some brands have reported excess moisture which created mold in unopened bags. Other popular brands have discovered both vitamin and mineral excess discrepancies in their recipes. This can wreak potential nutritional havoc on dogs’ health.
Grains, by-products and sugar are not uncommon commercial dog food ingredients either. Unnecessary fillers are very popular in many dog foods. Fillers have little-to-no nutritional value. It isn’t unusual for dogs to exhibit unhealthy reactions from these types of ingredients.
- Are all commercial dog foods bad?
No. But choosing to feed your dog the freshest, whole food ingredients is a definite step up for a healthier dog. Also, do Fido a favor. Explore pet food recalls before feeding any unfamiliar dog food brand to your pooch.
Here are a few undesirable symptoms commercial dog foods may contribute to:
– dull coat
– excess shedding
– excess itching/scratching
– eye discharge
– licking joints
– runny nose
– lethargy
– bowel inconsistencies
- Should I consider making homemade dog food?
Yes! You may want to ask yourself some questions like, does your dog have special needs for his health? Do your dogs exhibit behaviors that may suggest illness or discomfort? Did you know that dog food you make at home can aid in healing?
Feel free to feed your pup home cooked meals and snacks alone. Or, if kibble is desired, mix the two for a hearty bowl of goodness. Just remember to balance the calories as best you can to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
THE REALLY BAD NEWS – THESE FOODS ARE NEVER SAFE FOR YOUR DOG
When making homemade dog food always avoid these toxic foods below. The list of foods your dog should avoid is larger than the list here. But the list below mentions specific foods that have a high toxicity to your dog’s body:
– chocolate
– corn on the cob
– grapes and raisins
– macadamia nuts
– onions/chives
– persimmons, peaches, plums
– mushrooms
– tobacco
– xylitol
– yeast
THE REALLY GOOD NEWS – THESE FOODS ARE SAFE FOR YOUR DOG
Cooking for your fur baby can be easy and fun. To stretch Fido’s meal plan into a healthier experience, you can use organic products when available. The list below is a great start for some fabulous doggie recipes:
– peanut butter (no xylitol or sugar please)
– chicken meat (no bones please)
– turkey
– carrots
– plain yogurt
– pumpkin
– eggs
– green beans
– sweet potatoes
– salmon
– oatmeal
– apples (no seeds please)
– bananas
– oranges
– blueberries
– broccoli
– cucumbers
– celery
SAFE AND EASY DOG FOOD RECIPES
- Snack Time – Peanut Butter Yogurt Popsicle Snacks
Things you need:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
32 ounces of plain yogurt
Plastic ice trays
Directions:
Melt peanut butter to a softer consistency (optional); otherwise, combine peanut butter and yogurt. Drop into ice cube tray slots and freeze. Serve as delicious, frozen treats for your pup on warm days or any time.
- Meal Time – Turkey Goulash
Things you will need:
1 lb. Ground turkey
3 whole carrots
1 celery stalk
1 cup sweet potatoes
2 cups cooked white rice
coconut oil or olive oil
Directions:
Add 1 tablespoon oil and brown ground turkey in a skillet. Dice carrots, celery and sweet potatoes into small pieces and add to turkey in skillet. Cook white rice according to package directions in separate pot. Add cooked rice to turkey mixture. Simmer to a soft consistency for easy swallowing (dogs often don’t chew their food).
- Doggie Dessert Time – Delicious Doggie Birthday Cake
This recipe does include wheat grain flour. Grains eaten only occasionally should be safe for your dog (check with your veterinarian). If your dog experiences any signs of allergy or discomfort, try coconut flour. (Adding more liquid is necessary, as coconut flour absorbs liquid faster than wheat flour). Always feel free to add your favorite liquid if ingredients seem too dry (i.e. chicken stock, honey, water).
Things you will need:
9 x 13 Pyrex baking dish
1 egg
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil (or preferred cooking oil)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine egg, peanut butter and oil. Stir in carrots. Mix well. Sift flour and baking soda. Combine with mixture. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Serve to your pooch who waits with a waggling tail and smile.
Creating easy dog food recipes out of safe foods is perfect anytime. Whether you make homemade goodies for your dog all the time or occasionally, have fun! There’s nothing sweeter than your favorite furry friend becoming a happier, healthier dog.
