Home Made Dog Food For Your Best Friend
More and more people today are realizing the benefits of using home made dog food for their pet?s nutritional requirements. When planned carefully, this alternative is healthier and can be pretty economical for the average dog owner. Read on to find some important points to keep in mind in how to make dog food the proper way.
1. Always consult your veterinarian about your dog?especially when it comes to diet. Your dog may be one with special nutritional requirements or be allergic to certain kinds of food groups. Find out your canine?s present condition and make the necessary preparations in regard to their food plan.
2. Research about food in relation to canines. There are a lot of food that are dangerous when ingested by animals?many of which are found right under our noses. For example we have chocolates, onions, baby food, macadamia nuts, mushrooms, grapes, raisins and all types of caffeine. There are more so read up on toxic substances for dogs so you can keep these stored and locked away.
3. Some advocate the philosophy of feeding their dogs raw and all natural fare but for the purpose of safety, it is advisable to cook all meals thoroughly before serving. You can cook and prepare the food in advance and store them properly in the refrigerator for up to three days. The uncooked ingredients can be frozen until used.
4. Feed the canine the appropriate amount of starch, meats and vegetable. Many recommend a 50% starch, 25% meat and the remaining 25% for vegetable ratio; with some fruits thrown in as a healthy treat. You will need to find out what mix will work best for your dog. Potato and rice are good sources of starch for the dog. Almost all kinds of meat are acceptable for feeding. Keep in mind though that liver and other organ meat will be unsafe if used too much. Tomatoes, carrots, peas and green beans are excellent additions to the canine?s meal.
5. Pets have different lifestyles they adhere to. Usually it?s because of breed or as brought upon by their owner?s own way of life. As such, you will need to determine what the appropriate portion sized meals to give your dogs is. The more active canines would need high protein, frequent meals; and some will have to be monitored carefully because of weight and health issues. Check with your vet regarding this matter.
6. When transitioning the dog from store bought pet food to home made dog food, make sure that you do this slowly. Feed the canine the new dishes little by little and decrease his regular pet food gradually. If there is no adverse reaction to the new food, increase the home made fare until it becomes his standard meal.
It is good practice to change the meal menu frequently to provide your dog the nutrients and vitamins he needs?as well as keep his interest. Learning how to make dog food is not always easy; but seeing the happy wag of the healthy pet always makes it worth it.
