I have always been considered a health nut. And though not the popular opinion in the medical industry I began my career in, it has always been common sense to me that nutrition had to be taken into account when considering health and disease. But it was not and that was just one of the things so frustrating to me about the medical industry.
Because of my strong opinion regarding nutrition when I had my children, I followed what I observed in nature which always provides exactly what is needed with out help from mankind. Thus mother's milk is the obvious answer. Animals do what is natural which works out quite well. When the babies were ready for solid food I blended fruits and vegetables, many from our own garden so I could ensure there were no pesticides but also to save money. And I began introducing foods slowly.
I felt my dogs deserved nothing less and in 1974 researched what historically dogs thrived on. There was not a lot of information available. Yes, kids there was no computer or internet. So I combined facts with instincts. I began with chicken, grilled, roasted or boiled. Then I slowly added steamed vegetables and some grains. And then monitored BMs carefully. If I noticed an unwanted reaction I backed off of that new ingredient.
Initially chicken was the only ingredient and then slowly, very slowly I added one ingredient at a time. Once I determined what they tolerated and thrived on and you know how much they should eat, you have your diet for that dog. I learned the hard way what was too much because some if not most dogs will overeat and dog lovers know what happens when they overeat.
At that time, I really didn't know if dogs should have grains or vegetables but I focused on high complex carbohydrates. And then found that I could add vitamins and minerals by adding fruits/berries and blend them into the vegetables and grains. You know when your dog loves a recipe so you learn their favorites quite easily. I have always had more than one dog and I might have one dog that loves a recipe and 3 that hate it. But I just right down on the recipe Chienee's favorite, Suede hates this one to keep it straight. And then the final test was to see if it was well tolerated by each dog.
As puppies its a constant change but you get to the point when they are 2 years old and their appetite and needs level out and you have the amount each dog should eat and which recipes each dog loves.
So here are a few recipes that are favorites of my dogs Suede, 17 year old male German Shepherd from my rescue, Coco, 8 year old female, sable Pomeranian, Laci 3 year old female, white Pomeranian and Kashmir, a 2 year old male, white Pomeranian.
Roast Chicken Recipe
Roast Chicken deboned, skin removed including cartilage and knuckles. NO BONES-Zero
long grain brown rice
steamed kale, swiss chard great for inflammation
steamed carrots
sesame oil drizzled over top 1/2 tsp
Whatever the total amount, the division is 3/4 meat (protein) & 1/4 vegetables/grains/fruits blended and mixed together.
So if the dog eats 1 cup of food, 3/4 cup would be shredded meat, 1/4 cup blended veggies/grain/fruit. And mix.
Grilled Recipe
Grilled lamb, chicken or beef kabobs
Barley
cranberries, strawberries or blueberries steamed
Yellow or Zucchini Squash blended with berries
Greek Yogurt just a dollop (1/2 tsp)
Beef Roast
Roast (Crockpot)
Couscous regular
Mixed Vegetables, Carrots, Peas, Green Beans (no corn) Blend and mix with Couscous and Roast
Olive oil drizzled over top 1/2 tsp
LIST OF VARIETY OF INGREDIENTS TO USE
MEAT
chicken
lamb
beef
rabbit
Additional Protein
Salmon mixed with smaller amount of other meats
Boiled egg 1/4 to 1/2 for very small dogs/1 whole for large dogs mixed with main meat
**Now remember! If your dog does not react well to something, don't use it. Eggs are a tricky one. And yes you will have gas but all four of mine love it.
OILS drizzle
Olive Oil
Sesame Oil
Canola Oil
Salmon Oil
GRAINS
Barley
Brown Rice
Lentils
Couscous
Oatmeal
Rye toast
Brewer's Yeast 1/2 tsp
VEGETABLES
Swiss Chard
Kale
Squash
Carrots
Peas
Green Beans
Broccoli (gassy)
Cauliflower
Snow Peas
Grass (yes, grass from the lawn)
FRUIT
Strawberries
Blueberries
Cranberries
Apples
Banana
DO NOT FEED LIST
Grapes
Raisins
Onions (deadly)
Garlic ( accumates)
Raw Eggs (salmanella)
Avocadoes (all parts are toxic)
Chocolate (deadly)
Turkey and Chicken Skin ( nausea)
Aloe Vera
Fruit Pits/Fruit Seeds (most contain cyanide)
Uncooked Bread/Roll dough
Macademia nuts
Mushrooms
Nutmeg
Sugar-free Foods
Alcohol (even beer. I know some dogs like it. But limit their intake)
Fat (too much, especially over short amount of time can be toxic)
Pay close attention to your dogs bowel movements and watch closely for any signs of poisoning.
Some signs of poisoning are:
Abdominal Pain (whine or abdomen tender to touch)
Coma
Convulsions
Diarrhea
Drooling
Foaming at mouth
Irregular Heartbeat
Labored Breathing
Swollen Limbs
Vomiting
Act quickly for immediate treatment of poisoned pet
ASPCA 1-888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Hotline 1-800-213-6180
If possible have someone call your vet or the emergency vet and prepare them for your immediate arrival.
**Best Choice****Prevention
Homemade Dog Food must fit your lifestyle. If you're very busy, keep it simple. If you have more time or want to make the time you can be quite creative and have fun watching your dog love his meals and feeling good with a full tummy....and of course, creating Optimal Health for your Noble Canine.
About the Author
Pamela S Mayer, creator of Noble Canine Pet Boutique, is a lifelong dog lover and activist for humane treatment of all animals. It is her passion to locate or design new and unique pet products to enrich dogs' lives and make it more convenient, safer and healthier for every Canine lifestyle.
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