Dog Food Recipes

Is your dog not eating like they normally would? Maybe it’s the food? Perhaps your pooch just doesn’t like it or maybe they’re simply longing for a change? And to be honest, do you really know what that can of ‘Dog Food’ contains? Many dog owners are nowadays skeptical about the ingredients in supermarket bought dog food and are making their own. If you would like to try it yourself, just consult your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional requirements. Also, please keep in mind that any major switch in a dog’s diet is best done slowly so as not to upset their digestive systems. Furthermore, contrary to what many believe, bones and then especially cooked bones should always be avoided! They can get lodged in the intestines and cause serious damage. Dogs in the wild that eat bones eat the bones with flesh, hair and hide and this have been found to ‘soften’ the passage through the system. Some other foods are also potentially harmful to your dog and should be avoided such as chocolate, avocados, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.

As a general rule, dog food should comprise: 1/3 protein from meat, eggs, or dairy products; and 2/3 grains and vegetables. Here are some recipes to get your started:

Divine Doggy Dinner
The pet community suggests this tasty dinner for your dog:

• 1/2 pound of ground beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb
• 1/4 cup of cooked rice
• One small potato
• 1/4 cup of green beans

Preparing and Cooking a Homemade Divine Doggy Dinner

1. Begin to prepare this homemade dog food dish by cooking the meat, which should be browned in a pan on the stovetop. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, drain away the fat.
2. Next, cook the rice. You can substitute rice with wild rice for added nutrition. Once cooked, add the rice to the cooked meat and set these ingredients aside.
3. Cut the potato and beans into bite sized pieces and place inside a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes and beans are tender. Once cooked, drain away the excess water.
4. Add the potato and beans to the mixture of meat and rice and allow the meal to cool before serving. This recipe will make two medium sized meals.

Vicki S. Shavis from www.dog-care.com has this great recipe for doggy stew:

Beef or Lamb Stew for Dogs
Ingredients:

• 1 lb low fat beef or lamb
• 3 potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 2 Tblsp Olive Oil
• 2 celery sticks
• 2 pints chicken or beef broth

Directions:

1. Brown meat in saute pan in 2 Tblsp oil. Cook till brown.
2. Stew the meat in broth for 45 mins. Add vegetables. Cover.
3. Simmer for 45 mins. until all are softened.
4. Cool and serve.

At  www.allrecipes.com we can learn how to make home-made dog-biscuits!

Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 240 g whole wheat flour
• 140 g cornmeal
• 20 g salt
• 80 ml vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 235 ml water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal and salt. Mix in the oil, egg and water to make a soft dough that is not too sticky. You may add more flour if needed. Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until nicely browned and firm. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Further reading:
www.HealthyRecipesforPets.com

http://dog-care.suite101.com

www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-food-recipes.html

www.healthierdogs.com/dog_food/home-made-dog-food-raw-dog-food-recipe

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Homemade-Pet-Food/Detail.aspx

Feature Image by direz