5 ingredients for making your own dog food

If you happen to be a dog owner, you know that giving your dog the best food is a priority. More people are becoming aware that the traditional, store-bought dog food we are used to buying has little to no benefits for our beloved pets. Organic meals are natural and healthy options, but more often than not, they are costly.

The good news is, making your dog food at home is a great way to save money and ensure that your dog is as healthy as possible. It’s also a fun way to expand your cooking skills and bond with your animal.

Keep reading for some great options to help you begin making homemade dog food.

1) Quality Meats

An essential part of any dog’s diet is protein. If you’re looking for the absolute best quality meat, opt for the freshest grass-fed beef. Ground beef, lean chicken or turkey, and liver are great options.

Whatever you choose, make sure that the meat is both skinless and boneless, as well as appropriately cooked. You can feed your dog raw liver, but it’s best to do so no more than once a week to avoid too much vitamin A.

Fish like salmon or tuna are also great options. Like with other meats, make sure that it is adequately cooked. You also don’t want to use any extra ingredients like spices or oils that you would typically when cooking these foods – plain food for your dog is best. Anything too rich, and it could result in stomach problems.

2) Healthy Grains

As with meats, keeping grains and starches plain and unseasoned is essential. Dogs enjoy:

• Brown rice
• Plain pasta
• Quinoa
• Oatmeal
• Couscous

It’s also vital to make sure these are whole grains that haven’t been chemically treated. For example, it’s best to avoid white rice and opt for brown rice instead. Feed grains in small amounts only.

3) Assorted Vegetables and Fruits

Dogs can consume certain vegetables and fruits, which ensures they are receiving proper nutrients in their diet. Almost any raw or steamed vegetable will do, including:

• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Peas
• Brussel sprouts

You also can include boiled potatoes. All varieties will work, but keep in mind that red and brown potatoes tend to be slightly harder for dogs to digest. Both gold and purple potatoes are best, and sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A.

Fruit also is a great option. You can utilize apples, pears, and bananas. Keep the amount of fruit small, however, since too much has the potential to cause an upset stomach.

While doing this research, it’s also essential to keep in mind things that your dog can’t have. For example, while most vegetables and fruits are beneficial, you should avoid foods like onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, as these are toxic to dogs.

4) Eggs

Eggs in any form are great for dogs, although they should only be served a few times a week. Scrambled, poached, and hardboiled are all great options. There are differing opinions, however, about the safety of feeding your dog raw eggs, so it’s better to be safe and avoid raw eggs altogether.

5) Dairy

Again, dairy is one of those options that should only be given to your dog in small quantities. Foods like milk, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are all great options. You can also feed your dog cheese, so long as it’s not flavored or spicy.

Final Thoughts

All in all, making your dog food and feeding your dog nutritious, “home-cooked” meals or homemade dog food is easier than you might think. Simply stick to the approved list and stay away from extras like spices and oils; your dog will be healthier and happier than ever.