Digestive problems in dogs can range from mild issues to life threatening conditions. It may be as simple as your dog having eaten something that he shouldn't have or it could be a parasite, bacteria or virus that is causing the problem. Before switching your pup to a homemade dog food for digestive health, it's best to ask your veterinarian for advice.
Dogs are known for getting into things that they shouldn't. From trash to the feces of other animals, it's no secret that dogs will eat some pretty disgusting things! More often than not, eating these things will lead to digestive upset.
Signs of digestive problems in dogs include:
- abdominal pain
- excessive drooling
- constipation and/or diarrhea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
You shouldn't switch your pet to this homemade dog food for digestive health without consulting your vet first. They will examine your pet to determine the cause of his GI upset. They can also help you to determine if this recipe will provide your dog with balanced nutrition.
Homemade Dog Food for Digestive Health
Like humans, some dogs just have a more sensitive digestive tract than others. If your dog has food sensitivities or mild digestive problems, making homemade food may be the easiest way to treat the issue. You can easily substitute ingredients if you need to.
Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Digestive Health
Before switching your pup to homemade dog food for digestive health, it's best to ask your veterinarian for advice. They will evaluate your dog to decide if this recipe will provide the balanced nutrition that he needs. They may recommend a slight change in ingredients or the addition of supplements.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: about 36 meatballs 1x
- Category: Digestive Health
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup oat bran
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 large carrot (shredded)
- 1/2 cup kale (chopped)
- 1 slice of bread (cubed small)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400˚F.
Combine all of the ingredients, except the flour, in a large bowl. Use your hands to mash it all together and ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Divide the mixture into meatballs appropriately sized for your dog. Roll the meatballs in the flour, and shake off the excess. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and bake in the 400˚ oven for 25 minutes.
Depending on the size of your dog, add 1-3 meatballs to his regular meals. Cut the meal portion in order to compensate for the added calories.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 62
- Sugar: .4 grams
- Sodium: 22 mg
- Fat: 1.8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.2 grams
- Fiber: .5 grams
- Protein: 8.3 grams
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
How to store: You can store the leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze them and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that this recipe includes no preservatives, so the food won't last nearly as long as commercial dog food.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treat recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips, and advice, see our “Recipes” section. If you're new to home-cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
