Homemade dog food is a great diet for most dogs, as long as you do it properly. Before deciding that you want to make your own dog food, you'll need to have a talk with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist. This diet isn't for everyone, and your vet will be able to explain the best option for your dog based on his health history.
If the homemade dog food diet is a good option for your pet, you need to be sure to prepare recipes that give him the balanced nutrition that his body requires. Nutritional requirements will vary based on many factors including your pet's size, weight, age and any special dietary restrictions that he may have.
Your vet will be able to tell you the correct amount of protein, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and other dietary requirements that you need to incorporate into your pet's food. For example, puppies need more protein to foster their steadily growing bodies. Senior dogs may require additional supplements for joint health or your dog may benefit from added ingredients for skin and coat health.
If you've decided that the homemade dog food diet is a good option for your Fido, give this recipe a try. Of course, you can adjust it to meet your pet's needs. I made it with chicken, but you could substitute a different protein source if your dog has a sensitive stomach. You could also substitute different dog-friendly vegetables.
Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 tbsp. fish oil
Instructions
As far as homemade dog food goes, this is a fairly simple recipe. I start by cubing the raw chicken breast and cooking it fully in a skillet. I add a bit of canola oil to the skillet to keep the chicken from sticking. Whenever I use lean proteins, like chicken, I add a bit of oil to thee pan while cooking.
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, boil the 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add the chicken and 2 cups of brown rice. Bring it to a boil and then cover it and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the rice is soft.
Once the rice is soft, add the chopped carrots and chopped green beans to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Once the chicken, rice and vegetable homemade dog food is finished, you can add the tablespoon of fish oil if you choose. I add it because our Labrador has dry skin.
Possible substitutions
As I mentioned, you don't need to add the fish oil, but you can add any additional supplements that your dog may need. This is why it is so important to work with a nutritionist or veterinary professional before switching your dog to a homemade diet.
You can substitute many different protein sources for the chicken, too. If your dog is sensitive or just prefers a certain protein source, feel free to substitute it. Alternatives could include:
- Beef
- Fish
- Duck
- Venison
- Bison
- Goat
You can also add additional vegetables or just substitute for the two that I chose. Along with carrots and green beans, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, sweet potatoes and peas are wonderful additions to your dog's diet. You could also add fruit including apples, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and pineapples
