Cheap Pet Insurance

October 16th, 2008 by Jolie Mitchel

The concern over food safety has led to the movement of dog owners to make their own home-made dog food. By making their own dog food known as holistic dog food, not only do they save money and are giving their dogs a nutritious and safe food source, but it is also easy to make.

The breakdown of a healthy dog diet includes 70% carbohydrates, 25% meat, and 5% vegetables and other additions. Dogs being omnivores need a combination of meat and vegetables and some additions that can be added to their food include bonemeal, garlic, and certain flours

The carbohydrates in holistic dog food can come from various sources. Whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oats, soy flour and barley are all good choices for your dog’s diet. White rice and brown rice are also popular with many dog owners. These carbohydrates should be the base of the dog’s diet.

Meats are the next component of Holistic Dog Food. Try to choose healthy, quality proteins like lean chicken, fish, beef, or even egg whites. Many dog owners who make their own Holistic Dog Food find that grinding the meat makes the process much easier.

Certain additions can be included to give overall nutrition to the dog. Such vegetables as carrots, potatoes, celery, corn, and spinach are good suggestions. Organic produce can be used so check for the availability of certain products. Grinding the vegetables helps digestion in the dog. A little bit of garlic helps keep the fleas away and some bonemeal or dehydrated milk can be added for extra calcium.

By combining the components with a little bit of water and cooking until the protein is done throughout, your dog food can be made at home. An easy to make recipe takes one cup cornmeal, one fourth of a cup of ground chicken, a tablespoon of ground carrots, and a little sprinkle of bonemeal combined and cooked in a saucepan with a half a cup of water. Most dog food recipes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When making your own dog food, certain foods must be avoided. Chocolate and other products containing caffeine have been known to cause seizures in some dogs. Other foods, like grapes, raisins, avocados, and onions, can also cause various health problems and should not be included in a dog’s diet. Many dogs are sensitive to spices, so these should be avoided as well.

Making your own dog food is the best way to monitor what foods are part of your dog’s diet. A balanced, nutritional diet can definitely have an impact on a dog’s energy level, weight, and lifespan. Of course, you should ask your veterinarian if any special considerations are necessary when making the dog food. Overall, this is a great way to save money and, more importantly, keep your dog healthy for years to come.