Friday, May 2, 2008

Preparing Homemade Dog Food

By: Veronica Eng
Preparation for home cooked meals for your dog is simple and need not be a pain at all. I have switched from commercialized pet food to home cooked meals after my family two lovely dogs died of cancer suddenly. They were on premium dried pet food all their life but still, both of them died at a young age at 6 and 7 of cancer. This was way before the pet food recall event.

I knew at that time that their commercial pet food must have contributed somewhat to their condition as both were rather young when passed on. Putting aside my initial struggle with thoughts about how difficult to cook home cooked meals for my dogs and just got started with it.

I do not even cook for myself! How can I cook nutritious meals for my pets! I started reading loads of books on home cooked food and came out with this simple and easy to prepare recipe for dog food. It can be done even for busy people like you and me. If I can do it, so can you! So let us step up and commit to making the lives of our pet a long, happy and healthy one.

Take note that we cannot change our dog diet overnight as it may cause stomach upset. Start gradually and mixing their feed gradually until she is completed switched to home cooked food.

Preparation

Purchase the following ingredients, all the ingredients below in equal proportions, supplements should be added separately. The amount to cook depends on your pet size.

Use your own judgment when it comes to quantity to feed. The suggestion below is meant for a week supply for a 1 medium sized dog, healthy dog with normal weight range.

Please change the quantity for your pet needs (This suggestion provides 1 week food for a 10kg dog):

1) Grains choice: Brown rice, provide for 2-3 cups cooked rice (less if your dog is obese or require some weight loss)

2) Vegetables (Add 3 varieties): Broccoli, cauliflower, any green leafy vegetables and beans. Make about 4 cups of pulp vegetables for easy absorption.

3) Meats 500gms: Choice of Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Kangaroo (rotate weekly).

4) 2 Eggs

Avoid night shade vegetables, onions and cabbage for your pets. Some dogs experience more gas when fed with cabbage.

Quick Easy Cooking Steps
Step 1: Put some olive oil in your pot and cook meats

Step 2: Cook rice (or any grain choice, I personally prefer brown rice)

Step 3: Pulp or chop finely the vegetables

Step 4: When meats are almost cook, add the pulp vegetables into the pot

Step 5: Do not overcook the vegetables. Keep them half raw for the enzymes.

Step 6: Add eggs and cook the vegetables in the pot to make the vegetables palatable.

Storage
For convenience, cook your pet homemade meals up to one week supply. Freeze them in daily portions separately for convenience.

Just remember to place next day food supply from the freezer to chiller compartment of your refrigerator. Place a note at your fridge to remind you to do so everyday if not, your poor pet has not food to eat.

Feeding Preparation
Step 1: Place chilled food in your pet bowl

Step 2: Boil some hot water

Step 3: Warm up the food to room temperature with some hot water.

Step 4: Add necessary supplements such as Vitamin C, Flaxseed oil, Egg shell
meals for calcium.

Step 5: Mix and serve!

Using boiled water to warm up food is a recommended. If you prefer microwaving to warm up food, note that this method may destroy some nutrients.

Emergency meals
In case you have forgotten to defreeze your pet food. Here is a simple guide to a quick no hassle wholesome meal in just 5 minutes!

Ensure you home has these at all times in case you need to whip out a wholesome meal in 5 minutes!

All you need are:
Step 1) Oats (get those quick to cook kind or just add hot boiling water)

Step 2) Eggs (Break an egg for a small/medium sized dog)

Step 3) Supplements (Add your regular supplement)

That is all you need for the emergency meal! To ensure not to upset the digestive system from sudden change in diet, feed this option once a while so she is well adjusted to this diet when the need arises.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com


Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at www.dogcarezone.com

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