Essentials to Consider When Making Dog Food At Home

Being a dog owner can be challenging at times. When you aren't spending time training them or worrying about separation anxiety when you go out, you need to figure out what is best to feed them. There are so many different dog food options on the market these days. From traditional kibble to raw food diets and complete natural solutions such as those provided by Earthborn Holistic pet food, the choices can be overwhelming.

However, there is now a growing trend of people choosing to create homemade dog food for their pups. The main advantage here is that you'll know exactly what is going into your dog's dinner. However, you must be sure that you include everything that is necessary to keep your pup in optimal health.

If you are keen to get busy in the kitchen and prepare a special homemade treat for your dog, here are a few essential things you'll have to bear in mind :

Maintain Balance

Just like for us humans, ensuring your dog eats a well-balanced diet is important. If there is any key nutrient missing, it can lead to a deficiency in your dog over time. Any lack of vitamins and minerals in the dog's diet (particularly calcium) can result in health issues. This can be especially problematic for puppies. It's important to do your research when looking for recipes, along with speaking to your vet before transitioning your dog to a homemade diet. The vet will likely know about any particular health conditions that your dog has, and can advise you accordingly.

Use Quality Meat

Although some people opt to feed their dogs vegan food, most of us generally consider our dogs to be carnivores. This is why raw or cooked meat forms the basis of most dog foods, since protein helps dogs thrive. When it comes to creating your own dog food, dogs generally enjoy beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, and you can even give them ostrich or buffalo if you are feeling exotic. Regardless of your choice, it needs to be fresh and fit for consumption, so don't skimp on cheaper offcuts.

Be Mindful About Vegetables

Around a quarter of your dog's diet can consist of veggies. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, be sure not to overcook your vegetables, as this leads to a loss of nutrients. Popular options worth giving your dog include carrots, pumpkin, green beans, and peas. However, some vegetables must be avoided, such as potato, chard, and spinach. Garlic and onion can also be toxic, so be sure to avoid feeding your dog from your plate.

Limit Carbs

Some dogs have a scavenger mentality, and will eat almost anything you put in front of them. Unfortunately, dogs lack the digestive enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates. Furthermore, carbohydrates have virtually no nutritional value for dogs, and can be harmful, since they can contribute towards obesity, kidney disease, and various allergies.

While making homemade dog food may seem like a fun idea that could save you money, it is by no means an easy way out. Making homemade dog food requires a lot of research and forethought. It is also important to realize each dog has different needs and preferences, so be sure to speak to a vet about your dog's diet before making any drastic changes.