A Guide to Healthy Homemade Dog Food

Recently, many pet foods were recalled from the market because of dangerous ingredients contained in them. There has always been some controversy around ready made pet food. Many people believe that they don't contain sufficient nutrients for a pet's good health. As well, it is believed by many that commercial dog food is unhealthy for dogs as the meat used in those foods is considered unfit for human consumption.

These factors have led a lot of pet owners to look for guidelines for preparing healthy homemade dog food. However, homemade dog food ingredients must be chosen carefully so as to provide a well-balanced diet.

For many years, it was believed that canines were carnivores. However, at one time many dogs fell ill from eating an all meat diet. It is now believed that canines are omnivores. This means that they need both plant-based food and meat in their diet to remain healthy.

It's important to keep in mind that dogs need a source of protein containing ten amino acids. Corn is the main ingredient of most commercial pet foods, but though it is a protein, it has only four of these amino acids.

A healthy homemade dog food must be meat-based, along with good quality proteins such as chicken, beef, egg white and fish, and some carbohydrates such as oats, corn, rice, wheat, soy and barley. It is also important to add some vegetables for energy, minerals, fats and vitamins. Grind up some eggshells, and add them to the dog’s food as well.

Your dog’s diet must consist of 40% meat, 30% vegetables and 30% starch. Such a diet can be easily prepared at home using human quality foods. And the ingredients can be varied so that the dogs get an array of nutrients. Following this formula will ensure that your canine is getting a well balanced diet.

There are a few foods that can cause some serious health problems in your dog, and hence must be avoided. These foods include chocolates, macadamia nuts, avocados, garlic, grapes, mushrooms, onions, and all kind of spicy and greasy foods.

Always cook meat before giving it to your dog. Organ meat such as kidney, liver and eggs are very good for the health of your dog. Refrigerate after preparing and don't keep it for more than three days.

If you have been feeding your dog commercially prepared food, you are advised to check with your vet before switching over to homemade dog food. Most veterinarians agree that healthy homemade dog food is ideal for your pet in the long run.