How to Make Homemade Dog Food

Making your own dog food requires a simple mix of meat, vegetables and starches.
Instructions

STEP 1: Know that it is wise to check with your vet before switching to homemade dog food.

STEP 2: Understand that dogs need a diet that consists of 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Follow this formula to ensure that your dog has a well-balanced diet.

STEP 3: Cook meat before feeding it to your dog.

STEP 4: Realize that organ meat (such as liver, kidneys, etc.) and eggs are very good for your dog.

STEP 5: Consider the fact that many experts believe commercial dog food is actually unhealthy for dogs. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans.

STEP 6: Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot for your own dog food. Meals made of ground beef, brown rice, brewer's yeast and carrots are also popular.

STEP 7: Rotate the foods you feed your dog so that the dog gets a variety of foods.

STEP 8: Add garlic to your dog food. Dogs enjoy the flavor and garlic is a natural flea repellent.

STEP 9: Use oatmeal, pasta, rice or potatoes for your dog's starch requirement.

STEP 10: Grind eggshells and add this to your dog's meal. Eggshells have a lot of nutrients.

STEP 11: Keep cooked dog food in the refrigerator no longer than three days.

Tips & Warnings

When you first switch to homemade dog food, try mixing commercial dog food to the food you have prepared to help your dog make the transition. Do not feed your dog chocolate.

There are foods that are dangerous for dogs, such as: Chocolate, Onions, Raisins Macadamia nuts, Fruit pits (cherries, apricots, peaches, plums), Grapes or Avocado.

Rice and oats should be cooked. Raw rice and oats will expand in the animal's stomach. Wheat or corn flour may aggravate dog allergies. Eggshell provides much needed calcium and flaxseed provides a good source of omega 3s. Dogs need variety. Do not feed your pet the same recipe every day.