We are all busy. And we all want the best diet for our dogs to extend their lives, to keep them healthy and prosperous. But if you cook yourself, you can add things like broth, meat, fresh vegetables, and yes, fruits.
Veterinarian Joseph Demers suggests that even if you feed your dog quality organic / natural kibble, it can be detrimental to your dog in the long run. Why? Well, it is dehydrated food that causes dehydration in dogs. The kibble is too dry, over-processed, and has added chemicals. This diet can lead to a chronic illness caused by the “internal heat” caused by a diet of only dry dog food. This will overload the kidneys over time and the spleen, the organ that runs the digestive system. It will start to heat up the liver and you will start to see belching, bile vomiting in the morning, and an upset stomach. The saliva will be thick, dry and panting stools after dinner despite the room temperature. You will notice that your dog has dry, rough hair and flaky dander, which is also losing a lot of fur.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution. If you still want to feed kibble and don’t have a lot of time to make homemade dog food, just moisten the food by adding meat or chicken broth. Try to have 30% humidity compared to the amount of dry food.
Another simple addition to your dog’s dry food is a good digestive enzyme product to aid digestion and a fatty acid supplement, such as flaxseed oil; which by the way is also very good for you. Start with 1 drop of oil for small dogs and 3 drops for large dogs. Increase gradually until you can give your dog a level of 1 teaspoon for every 15 pounds of body weight. Flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
This plan fits nicely into a busy schedule and still enriches your dog’s diet, correctly and quickly.
If you organize and cook for your family it really is not difficult to make your dog food yourself. I take out chicken thighs the night before to defrost. I basically make chicken soup. I add carrots, kale, blueberries (not dried) or apple chunks, green beans, peas, many of which I can get from leftovers. I pour a small amount of brown rice or couscous, a little olive oil. The largest percentage is meat.
Once done, I let it come to room temperature. It usually lasts 2 days and I have 4 dogs, a German Shepherd and 3 Pomeranians. I serve the comfort food at room temperature with a sprinkle of aloe vera. I also made Blue Buffalo dry food for his second meal.
If you make it ahead of time, which is what I do, I leave it at room temperature and they love it. My vet tells me it is a perfect diet. I trade it for variety, but everything I use goes in a large pot. So easy. As you learn what dogs can eat and what is good for them, you will discover more recipes. Also know that there are some foods that are toxic to dogs. They are onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate.
If you can find a time when your pets will be healthy and happy, it is a great feeling to know that you have prepared a wonderful meal for your canine family members. And everything I put in my dogs’ “chicken soup” can be eaten by human beings too.
I pour the recommended dose of liquid vitamins with iron on top and mix it with my food. They know that when I take out four bowls and serve them, they head to my home office and go crazy because they love the food I make for them. And that makes me feel so good.
By Pamela Mayer, Lifetime Dog Owner, Cook, Advocate, and Owner of Noble Canine, Inc.
