How To Make Homemade Dog Food

Learn about how to make homemade dog food and your dog is sure to love his new meals. Dogs are notorious for wanting to eat table scraps and other little goodies from their owners. Thus, most dogs are quite happy to find fresh, homemade dog food in their bowl, as opposed to the hard, dry food or canned mush they may be currently consuming. Just follow a few guidelines to create a healthy and delicious dish for your dog.

1. Make homemade dog food by including protein as the main ingredient. Dogs need approximately 40 percent of their diet to come from protein. Animal sources of protein such as meat are best, providing a wider array of essential amino acids needed by dogs to complete protein synthesis within the body. Other sources of protein found in some dog foods are corn and soy.
2. Include carbohydrates for high energy levels when you make homemade dog food. Avoid milk, which can cause digestive upset in dogs, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Instead, opt for whole grains. High fiber carbohydrates are a good addition to homemade dog food for overweight dogs, adding bulk without the calories. Use rice when you make homemade dog food to provide a good source of starch.
3. Remember to include fat when you make homemade dog food. Overdo the fat in your homemade dog food and you risk having an obese dog on your hands. However, dogs are just like humans in their need for minimal amounts of fat in a healthy diet. Providing no fat in your dog's diet causes problems such as dry skin and dull hair. This happens partly as a result of the dog's inability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A and K.
4. Once you make homemade dog food, store it properly. Keeping homemade dog food in the refrigerator keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make small amounts at one time to avoid wasting homemade dog food which is generally more expensive than commercial counterparts.

References:

Canine Nutrition