Recently, the dog food scare has left many dog owners concerned about lax safety standards in the pet food industry.Poisonous chemicals and foreign materials were allowed to blend into and contaminate our innocent pet's food. Proving to be highly toxic. Although, many higher end products are more than likely safe, it makes you wonder if preparing your own food for your pet would be the common sense and wiser approach. After all, your dog is part of your family, andyou wouldn't want your dog to eat something you weren't sure was safe.
Recently, the dog food scare has left many dog owners concerned about lax safety standards in the pet food industry.Poisonous chemicals and foreign materials were allowed to blend into and contaminate our innocent pet's food. Proving to be highly toxic. Although, many higher end products are more than likely safe, it makes you wonder if preparing your own food for your pet would be the common sense and wiser approach. After all, your dog is part of your family, andyou wouldn't want your dog to eat something you weren't sure was safe.
Creating your own dog's daily menu doesn't have to be difficult. In fact there are plenty of easy recipes and viable solutions in order to avoid dishing out cash for store brands. A simple meal could consist of chopped up left over meat (preferably unseasoned) and a small serving of brown rice. Throw in some chopped cooked carrots or green beans and your pet dines like royalty. The variety of human food will allow your dog to get it's daily allowances of vitamins, carbohydrates and antioxidants. A healthy approach that in the long run will prove convenient and less expensive.
The trick will be in the transition period. Allow your dog to gradually make the move from commercial grade dog food to good old home cooking. Begin by adding only ¼ of prepared food with his or her normal cuisine, until their system becomes accustomed to this new way of eating. Always consult your veterinarian on what method and ingredients you've decided to use, they can help you through the process and offer words of wisdom as to proper adjustments and appropriate serving size.
Halloween Delights
Ingredients
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, ¼ cup butter (softened), 1 ½ tablespoons honey, ½ cup pumpkin, 1 egg , ½ cup organic milk
Method
In medium mixing bowl, mix flour, butter and honey until smooth. In separate small bowl, mix egg, pumpkin and milk. Then combine both mixtures. Depending on size and weight of dog, either use a teaspoon drop or tablespoon drop, and place onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees about 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Banana Treats
Ingredients
6 ripe medium bananas, 6 cups quick rolled oats, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 ½ tablespoons peanut butter (preferably natural), 2 teaspoons flax seeds (ground)
Method
Mash bananas, add applesauce, peanut butter and flax into medium bowl and mix well. Stir in oats and drop onto baking sheet using a tablespoon. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Cool and Serve.
Beefie Brownie Bites
Ingredients
1 lb. Beef, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 2 eggs
Method
Puree liver in food processor. Add eggs, whole wheat flour and cornmeal and mix gently. Grease cookie sheet and pour mixture onto it. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Flip midway through baking. When completely cooled, cut into desired squares. (These freeze excellent)
Doggie Stew
Ingredients
1 lb. desired meat (beef or chicken), 1 carrot finely chopped, 1 celery stick finely chopped, 1 small potato peeled and finely chopped, 1/2 cup of green beans cut into small pieces, 1 tablespoon of steak sauce (make sure not spicy)
Method
Mix all ingredients lightly into a large casserole dish. Add water just to cover and place lid. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely for about an hour before serving. This also freezes well.
Easy Chicken Jerky
Ingredients and Method
8-10 ounces of chicken breast sliced into thin strips. Place strips onto a non-stick or greased cookie sheet and bake at a very low heat of 180 degrees for several hours (3-4) in order to cook similar to a dehydrator. When finished your dog will love the chewiness of the chicken and it can be frozen for later if desired.
Foods Dogs Should NOT Eat
Chocolate (especially dark), raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, coffee, eggplant, macadamia nuts, baby food (may contain garlic), fish (may contain bones), cat food (too high in protein), tea, citrus oil, mushrooms, salt, sugary foods, yeast dough, tomatoes, avocados, raw eggs, tomatoes, nutmeg, alcohol.
