How to Make Healthy Homemade Dog Food/treats

Dogs need protein, carbohydrates and fat in their daily diet.
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You eat healthy, homemade meals, so why treat your dog any differently? With careful planning, cooking up food for Fido in your own kitchen can be a good alternative to commercial brand kibble and treats. The key to a good recipe is to include wholesome ingredients that provide the proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats for your furry friend.

Homemade Dog Food

Choose a protein source. Chicken, lamb or lean cuts of beef are all good choices. Cut the meat into small pieces or grind it down. You will need 1/3 pound. Cook the meat thoroughly - either on a grill or in a frying pan on your stove. Cook all meats to well done. Raw meat can expose your dog to diseases such as salmonella or E. coli.

Select a carbohydrate. Cook 2 cups of either rice, macaroni or potatoes. Carbohydrates will provide energy for your pup and are relatively inexpensive.

Puree 1 cup of cooked vegetables. Choose a variety. Carrots and green beans are both good choices. Avoid onions as they may be toxic to your dog.

Add vitamins and supplements to your dog's homemade food. Calcium and other vitamins and minerals are necessary for your pet's health. The amount and type will vary from dog to dog.

Mix all ingredients together. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days and serve to your dog throughout the day at meal and snack times. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for those who wish to make the food ahead of time for storing in the freezer.

Homemade Dog Treats

Mash two large bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add in 3 tablespoons of soy milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup, 2 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of flour. Stir until well combined.

Drop the batter on a lightly greased cookie sheet using a teaspoon.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until treats are a light golden color.

Tips

  • Dog food recipe yields more than 2 cups. It is equivalent to a day's worth of food for a 30-pound dog.

Warnings

  • Avoid feeding your dog grapes, raisins, macademia nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate and raw meat. These foods may wind up being toxic to your pet and/or may cause infection.

    Talk with your veterinarian about specific vitamins and supplements, as well as dosage, to include in your dog's homemade food and treats.

    Check with your veterinarian before making drastic changes to your dog's diet.

    Remember, treats are not meant to replace a balanced diet.

Warnings

  • Avoid feeding your dog grapes, raisins, macademia nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate and raw meat. These foods may wind up being toxic to your pet and/or may cause infection.

  • Talk with your veterinarian about specific vitamins and supplements, as well as dosage, to include in your dog's homemade food and treats.

  • Check with your veterinarian before making drastic changes to your dog's diet.

  • Remember, treats are not meant to replace a balanced diet.

Tips

  • Dog food recipe yields more than 2 cups. It is equivalent to a day's worth of food for a 30-pound dog.

Items You Will Need

  • Dog Food:
  • 1/3 pound beef, chicken or lamb
  • 2 cups cooked rice, macaroni or potatoes
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • Vitamin supplement
  • Dog Treats:
  • 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
  • Two ripe bananas
  • 3 tablespoons soy milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar free maple syrup
  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup Flour