Dogs Are Motivated By The Smell Of Food
Dogs and humans experience food differently. Many dog parents wonder if their dog will grow tired of their existing food. The answer is simple because dogs have fewer taste buds in their mouths than humans! They are not hoping for the varied textures and unexpected flavor combinations humans enjoy.
Your dogs nose, however, is a thousand timesmoresensitive than yours! Fresh, whole food ingredients will smell aromatic to your dog when served at room temperature. Food that smells good to a dog will taste good.
What Other Foods Can You Use In Homemade Dog Food
- You can interchange all the ingredients.
- I buy the meat that is on sale such as hamburger, turkey, and chicken. Whatever you choose, choose very lean cuts and no skin. Your dog cannot eat very fatty protein.
- You change out the vegetables from time to time also. I sometime switch out the butternut squash with pumpkin or sweet potato.
- You can add in apples or apple sauce for a variety in flavor.
- Instead of the kidney beans, you can use lentils or pinto beans.
- You can also add in chicken livers. Chicken livers are really good for your dog, but also very rich. You want to add in small amounts.
- The egg shells are also very good for dogs. This adds in calcium. Most dogs won’t eat the shells unless they are really broken up or crushed. You can crush the shells in a coffee grinder, food processor, or with a mortar and pestle.
- Salmon, salmon oil, and fish oil also helps with skin allergies and inflammation.
- I use white rice because it is easier on sensitive stomachs than brown rice. You can use brown rice if your dog does not have a sensitive stomach.
Homemade Dog Food: Overview
1. Feed your dog a wide variety of foods from different food groups.
2. Make sure you supplement your dogs homemade diet with calcium unless you feed raw meaty bones.
3. Stick to lean meats and remove skin from the poultry you feed unless your dog is highly active.
4. Keep in mind that the less variety of foods you feed, the more important supplements become.
5. Review your homemade dog food diet plan with a veterinarian for approval.
In the past few issues of Whole Dog Journal, I have offered critiques on homemade dog food diets in order to address the dogs health concerns or simply to optimize the dogs diet plan. To do this, I analyzed the cooked and raw homemade dog food diets and compared them to the National Research Councils guidelines for canine nutrition. I want to be clear, though: I dont believe this is a requirement for feeding home-cooked dog food. Just as with the diet you feed yourself and your family, feeding a wide variety of healthy foods in appropriate proportions should meet the needs of most healthy dogs. The best diet for dogs, in effect, is a diverse diet.
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Chicken And Rice Dog Food For Upset Stomach
A diet change is a quick and easy way to help a dog with an upset stomach. Chicken and Rice Dog Food is one of the most widely recommended recipes for ill dogs. This recipe is made with three ingredients that are easy to digest and help to soothe an irritated digest tract.
- 1 cup dry white rice
- 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken
- 1 tbsp. canned pumpkin
- 1 3/4 cup water
Turkey And Vegetable Dinner
This is a dish that should give your dog the protein and vitamins that he needs. Turkey, if you havent known by now, is rich in protein. It also has less fat than beef, so this is a good recipe to follow for pet owners who have dogs that can afford to lose a few pounds.
The vegetables in this food carrots and green beanswill provide your dog with the vitamins and minerals he needs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of brown rice
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped green beans
- 1 tablespoon of fish oil
You should not use heavy oil for this as it can lead to your dog having an upset stomach.
Step by step guide
- In a non-stick skillet placed over medium heat, cook the ground turkey. It should take around 5 minutes for the meat to get cooked.
- Add the brown rice and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and cook for an extra 5 to 10 minutes or until the rice has become soft and tender.
- Add the carrots and green beans. Cook for 5 to 10 more minutes or until the vegetables have become tender.
- Add the carrots and green beans. Cook for 5 to 10 more minutes or until the vegetables have become tender.
- Cool before serving.
This recipe should last for 4-5 days.
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Making Homemade Food With Chicken For Your Dog
Before making these recipes, check if your dog has an allergy to chicken or any of the ingredients listed. If symptoms exist, your vet may advise you to do a food elimination diet to determine the allergen.
Moreover, each recipe can be adapted: chicken can be replaced with other proteins and the ingredients can be tweaked based on your pets nutritional needs. You can also opt to get hypoallergenic dog food products.
Making a homemade nutritious meal for your dog gives you full knowledge of what youre feeding him. Check out our homemade dog ice cream recipes as well!
A Meal For You And Your Dog
Love cooking for your dog but never have the time? Rocky Kanaka from The CWs SAVE our SHELTER, Dog’s Day Out and founder of The Dog Bakery, has a solution. This easy to make salmon meal for yourself can also be made for your dog.
This recipe is designed for those who want to eat healthy and want their dogs to eat healthy as well but are always on the go. This is also one of the most eco friendly recipes we have seen. Instead of tossing things we would usually not eat such as broccoli stems, the recipe uses these as a key part to the dogs delicious meal.
This recipe also has a bonus tip on what to do with that salmon skin that is usually thrown in the trash. I get asked a lot if salmon skin is okay for dogs. While it is not safe if consumed raw, due to unwanted parasites, cooking in the oven for 20 minutes to make a crunchy, healthy, limited ingredient, organic, high omega dog snack that may help with heart health and give them a great skin and coat is a big win! says Rocky.
And there is more, when you cook for your dog you are more conscious of what you put in your body. For all of those reasons and more we give this recipe four paws up!
Healthy meals are important for you and your dog but the best thing about this recipe from Rocky Kanaka is it allows you to take time out of your day to spend time with your family two and four legged! Read on to find out how to do it or watch Rocky has he demonstrates!
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Faqs With Our Vet Nutritionist
How do I serve this chicken recipe to my pup?
You can serve this recipe right away while its still warm, or cool it in the fridge first. If your pup prefers wet food, you can also thin out the recipe with some chicken broth. Serving size will vary depending on your dogs size we recommend serving about a ½ cup for every 20-25 pounds of body weight.
How do I store this recipe?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days you can also freeze this recipe and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What if my dog doesnt like this recipe?
Similar to humans, some dogs are just picky eaters! Keep trying out recipes to find one your pup loves. Keep in mind that its also common for dogs to be allergic to chicken. If you notice any gastrointestinal issues or skin infections, talk to your vet. You may need to opt for an alternative protein thats gentler on the tummy, such as lamb.
Can I feed chicken to my dog every day?
Chicken is a fantastic ingredient to feed your dog, but its also important that your pup gets a balanced diet! While many of the homemade dog food recipes you can find are easy to cook, studies have shown that most DIY recipes still lack all the necessary nutrients that would make it an adequate everyday meal.
To ensure your pup is getting everything they need to stay healthy and happy, we recommend working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Easy Diy Dog Food You Can Make In Your Instant Pot
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There are many reasons that making homemade food for your dog is a bright ideafrom the undeniable health benefits to the amount of money it can save you. Theres just the pesky problem of the time commitment. Well, weve got your solution. Bust out your crockpot or that Instant Pot you got for the holidays because these healthy dog food recipes couldnt be easier. Unless, you know, you got your dog to make them.
Keep in mind that if switching from commercial to homemade dog food, its important to make sure your dog gets all their needed nutrients. Consult with your vet before going entirely homemade. These recipes are healthy, safe, and nutritious for dogs, but they are not intended as a complete diet for your dog. For more information, you cant beat the advice of Dr. Gary Richter, member of Rovers Dog People Panel of experts and holistic veterinarian. His book The Ultimate Pet Health Guide contains 50 recipes for homemade dog food, in fact!
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How To Cook Chicken For Dog Food
For every 10 pieces, you should pour about an inch of cool water.I have a labrador, so the pieces seen in my recipe video and photos may be much too big for your small breed.If we want to cook it on the outside and leave it almost raw on the inside.If you dont want your dog to feed exclusively on chicken or end up rejecting other types of food, limit their chicken meals to once or twice per week.
If youre looking to give your pup a special treat, this healthy source of protein is sure to leave your furry friend licking their whiskers.Next, it is up to you if you want to chop the liver or not, but in most cases, it is not necessary.Once your dog has had normal bowel movements for a day or two, you can start to gradually add her regular food into the chicken and rice mixture.One minute will be more than enough.
Place the cubes in a stockpot, cover.Pound chicken breast to about 1 thick, peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1 pieces, peel and slice carrot into 1 pieces, cook rice and set aside.Prepare the pot that youre going to cook in.Remove one of the chicken breasts from the pot and cut into it to make sure it is thoroughly cooked.
Then, continue to cook the chicken for approximately 12 minutes.Then, put the cleaned liver in a bowl.To cook it completely we will need about three minutes.To prepare chicken and rice for dogs, buy high quality chicken and short or long grain white rice.
Homemade Chicken Dog Food Recipes
Chicken is a classic dog food ingredient, so if youre interested in making homemade dog food, its a great choice! But if youre not sure where to start, youll need a vet-approved recipe that will keep your dog nourished and full.
To help you cook healthy homemade dog food, weve gathered the 10 best recipes to teach you how to make chicken dog food with ease. Scroll down to get started!
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How To Make Healthy Homemade Dog Food With Chicken
Chicken is one of the easiest proteins to cook, and its incredibly healthy for your pupits no wonder its part of so many homemade dog food recipes! Chock full of omega-6 fatty acids for your dogs skin and coat, as well as healthy amino acids and lean protein, its the perfect ingredient to include in your dogs diet.
If youre looking for a homemade dog food recipe that features chicken as the main protein, weve got you covered. Check out the recipe below, which combines boneless chicken with tasty sweet potatoes, carrots, and brown rice.
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
Does My Dog Need Vitamins
Yes. Your fur baby needs them more than you may know.
An excellent vitamin and mineral supplement is actually ESSENTIAL for dogs eating homemade dog food, because even the highest quality, human grade food won’t deliver the exact blend of vitamins and minerals canines need to thrive.
Our homemade dog food recipes with vitamins and supplements have been scientifically developed to meet AFFCOs standards, make your homemade dog food nutritionally complete, and will provide your dogs body with the nourishment s/he craves, so you can live your best life together!
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How To Make Homemade Dog Food:
Making homemade dog food is a cinch! Heres a quick rundown of the process:
- Brown the turkey. Heat a large skillet or pot over a medium-high heat. Add in the coconut oil and turkey and sauté until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the veggies. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the zucchini, spinach, carrots and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the egg. Turn off the heat and and crack in the egg. Let the egg cook in the hot food, mix it around to ensure it mixed through and cooked through.
- Stir in the rice. Add the rice and stir it in with the other ingredients until everything is well combined. Cool and serve!
How To Use Homemade Chicken Broth For Your Dog
Youll find many ways to use the homemade chicken broth in your dogs meals!
If you have a picky eater, ladle some warm broth over your dogs normal meal to add a flavorful and alluring touch to an everyday meal. Using broth as gravy is far cheaper than the bottled toppings sold for picky dogs and youll know just what youre feeding your dog.
Broth is also an excellent way to soften dry dog food, perfect for older dogs and dogs with dental issues.
Boiled chicken for dogs as well as the broth is also a great dog treat, frozen in a Kong® dog toy. Place the Kong upside down in a coffee mug, using a soft treat or bit of chicken to plug the small end of the toy.
Pour the boiled chicken and broth into the Kong then place it in your freezer for a long-lasting, healthy dog treat once frozen.
Homemade chicken broth is also an excellent addition to chicken and rice, a dish recommended by many veterinarians when your dog is having tummy troubles.
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What To Watch For When Feeding Homemade Dog Food
It’s important to monitor your dog closely when changing to homemade dog food. Stay in contact with your veterinarian regarding any changes you notice, whether good or bad. For best results, keep a record of your dog’s weight and body condition over time. Weigh your dog at least once per week and contact your vet if you notice unintended weight loss or gain. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea that may occur if your dog is sensitive to one or more ingredients. Note and report these or any other signs of illness to your veterinarian.
Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food
This delightful chicken and sweet potato dish from The Tasting Buds is exactly what the doctor ordered. Even picky eaters adore the flavor, and youll love how simple the ingredients are frozen chicken breasts, veggies, and rice. Throw everything together in your Instant Pot and voilà. A youthful, happy pup is in your future.
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Understand What Your Dogs Body Shape Means
One of the easiest ways to determine if your pet should slim down , is to study his/her body shape.
Ideal Dog Weight
If your dogs ribs, spine and pelvic bones are visible, and its easy to feel a well-proportioned waist, your pet is at his/her ideal weight, with a silhouette similar to this:
Underweight Dog
The dog’s ribs, spine and pelvic bones are more visible with an obvious tuck under tummy.
Very Thin Dog
The dog’s ribs, spine and pelvic bone are highly visible and jutting out with a severe tuck under the tummy.
Chicken And Yogurt Dog Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups of chopped and cooked chicken
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 5.3 oz of zero-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
Instructions
Store in refrigerator or freezer.
Treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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