Puppies deserve the best and in some cases that may mean preparing Fido’s food yourself. However, consult a veterinarian and do some serious research before you turn on the stove. You need to make sure you want commit to feeding him homemade food for the long run because it is best to feed your puppy a consistent diet throughout his life.
While there are definitely quality dog foods available commercially, there are just as many that are full of junk and chemicals. Read the labels to check the nutritional value and you’ll soon see that foods vary a great deal in ingredients.
Also note that some breeds may do better on certain foods. Along the same lines, puppy size is also an important factor in choosing the proper diet. Commercial labels are a good source of ideas on what to include in your homemade food but your puppy made need more than what is included to stay healthy. A proper diet is one of the things that determine how long your dog will live and the quality of life he or she will have.
A general rule of thumb for cooking puppy food is to make sure that a meal contains at least one-third protein and two-thirds vegetables. A small amount of grain may also be added.
Chicken, lamb, beef, liver and eggs are good sources of protein. Good vegetable sources include carrots, green beans, peas and spinach. Rice, wheat germ, cornmeal and oats are viable options for grains.
Avoid seasonings when cooking for your puppy. Salt can be harmful. The rule of thumb is to be “bland and boring.” This is because your puppy has an advanced sense of smell which will have him thinking it is a gourmet delight.
Making your own puppy food can save money over commercial pet store brands. However, it is a commitment and it is one you should take seriously. A good first step might be to make homemade treats. If that goes well, move on and try to create a balanced and nutritional puppy food.
A basic recipe for a tasty treat is to mix ¼ cup white flour, 2-½ cups whole wheat flour, ¼ cup oatmeal and 1-¼ teaspoons of baking powder. Combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 tablespoon honey and 1/3 cup finely chopped vegetables together. Add the two mixtures together and knead well. Roll dough out on a floured surface until it is one-quarter inch thick. Cut out using cookie cutters. There are many dog-oriented ones available commercially. Place the cookies on a foil-covered baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Cool before serving.
When making homemade foods, keep in mind that there are some foods a dog should not have. Do not use onions, chocolate (carob is an acceptable substitute), avocados, grapes, raisins, artificial sweeteners, garlic, yeast dough, onions, macadamia nuts or anything with caffeine. More information can be found in our article on Poisonous Foods to Puppies.
Should you need a homemade puppy formula, try mixing together 1 cup canned condensed or evaporated milk, 4 ounces plain yogurt, one egg yolk and 1 dropper of baby vitamins.
Another puppy formula recipe is 2 cups hot water, 1 can of evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of Karo syrup and 2 envelopes of Knox unflavored gelatin. Blend well before using.
There are a host of recipe books for organic puppy and adult dog foods. Your veterinarian may have good advice to offer on which best suits your breed of dog. Helpful information is also available from reputable breeders.
All in all, homemade puppy food is an important aspect of puppy care to consider and, if it makes sense for you and your puppy, you will need to prepare accordingly.
Related posts:
- Determining Homemade Food Portions
- Puppy Dog Food Versus Adult Dog Food
- Wet Puppy Food Versus Dry Puppy Food
- Homemade Dog Shampoo
- Selecting Puppy Dog Food
