Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe

In past blogs, we discuss what fruits, vegetables, and foods are safe to feed your dog. And, we gave a great recipe for homemade senior dog food. So, we thought we would revisit many of our pets favorite activities – eating!

Before you start putting together homemade doggy meals, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, steer clear of table scraps and processed human foods. It’s also important to remember that there are many things that dogs may be allergic to. Secondly, the dietary needs of your dog are much different from your own. The goal of a homemade dog food recipe is to create a well-balanced meal that beats what you can get in your local pet food aisle.

If you search online, there are many vet-approved recipes out there to get you started. These types of recipes are endorsed by veterinary professionals. Therefore, you can have peace of mind knowing that they’re a healthy option. You should also consult with your own vet to make sure that your dog’s unique dietary needs are being met.

Protein

Proteins are lean animal meats, seafood, eggs or dairy. Protein is, by far, the most important nutrient for your dog. Dogs need protein to develop their muscles and keep their organs in check. Typically, adult dogs do very well with a diet that’s made up of about 18 percent protein. Puppies, on the other hand, are still growing. They need as much as 25 percent protein in their meals. Your dog’s diet needs may change depending on their age and activity levels. Furthermore, certain athletic breeds require significantly more protein in their diet.

You’ll need to keep track of your dog’s health and make adjustments accordingly. It’s also a good idea to speak with your vet to get a better idea of how much your particular pet needs.

Fiber

Dietary fiber is essential for your pet’s overall gastrointestinal health. Dogs don’t get energy from fiber, but it can help in other areas. A healthy dose of fiber can keep your dog regular, prevent constipation, and help avoid unnecessary weight gain.

The great thing about fiber is that it’s found in a wide range of ingredients. The most common source of fiber is fruits and vegetables. Oftentimes, owners create fiber-rich diets while also introducing essential vitamins and minerals. Overall, fiber should make up just less than 10 percent of the entire recipe.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are going to be your dog’s main source of energy. They are broken down and absorbed by your dog’s digestive system to create energy. Figuring out how many carbs your dog should be consuming is difficult.

There is not an agreed-upon percentage or figure to model recipes after. Some believe that dogs need a lot of carbs while others feel that consumption should be limited. With that being said, there is one thing that all veterinarians agree on. That is the type of carbohydrates you provide. There are two types of carbohydrates. These include simple carbs and complex carbs.

Simple carbohydrates should be avoided because they are absorbed by the body quickly. This leads to spikes in energy and an eventual crash. Complex carbs are absorbed slowly, providing your pooch with a more steady energy supply. You can find complex carbs in ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, oats, and more.

Portion size will be based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. The recipe yield is about 12 cups of food.

Ingrediensts:

• 3 pounds organic unseasoned ground lean turkey or chicken
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups of vegetables – this can be a mix of carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, zucchini, baby spinach. (For example: 2 cups of chopped baby spinach, 2 cups of shredded carrots, 2 cups chopped green beans)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan boil 3 cups of water, cook brown rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground protein and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks.
3. Stir in vegetables and rice and continue to cook until veggies have softened. (4-5 minutes).
4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

This recipe can be refrigerated for up to a week. It can also be frozen in portioned Ziploc bags or containers, and thawed each day.

At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets. We want to help you keep them as healthy as possible. Our Flexpet joint care supplements are highly reviewed and they are made in the USA from human-grade US sourced ingredients. Not only do they repair joints, but they also boost pets’ energy levels. We have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer any of your questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, or contact us by phone at 1-800-505-0575.

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