Many dog owners consider cooking for their pet rather than continually counting on store-bought food like kibble. the benefits are numerous. They are cooking for your dog isn’t only how to supply him with a wonderfully balanced (and tasty) diet. It can even be how to save lots of money and see 5 Safety Rules for Homemade Dog Food Cooking.
However, it’s not as simple as giving your puppy a bowl of whatever you’re having for lunch. You got to follow a couple of rules if you would like your pet to be healthy and happy.
1. Avoid Ingredients That Could Be Dangerous
Just because a dog would eat something doesn’t mean that you should let him. and that we don’t just mean obvious things, like garbage or your shoes. Many foods are perfectly safe for human consumption, which will make your dog sick.
The big one that the majority of people have heard of is chocolate. Chocolate and other cocoa products contain theobromine, a substance with a stimulating effect. Counting on the number can cause digestive issues like diarrhoea and vomiting and, in additional severe cases, seizures or maybe death.
Other toxic foods for dogs include onions and garlic, which will cause anaemia, grapes and raisins, which could cause renal failure, and macadamia nuts which may be fatal even in small quantities. Before you begin cooking for your dog or maybe just giving him scraps from your table, confirm you educate yourself on the complete list of foods that are toxic for dogs.
2. Learn More About Raw Foods
The opinions on feeding your dog raw foods are divided. The consensus seems to be that it’s mostly okay, but with some precautions. After all, you’ve probably seen him eat much worse.
In their essence, dogs are carnivores, and their gastrointestinal system is made to handle eating meat, so while there’s an opportunity of E. Coli or Salmonella poisoning, it’s minimal. However, meat and fish always carry a risk of parasites, so confirm you give your fresh pet foods bought from a reputable source.
Buy smaller quantities rather than getting it in bulk and letting it sit in your fridge for too long, and wash your dog’s bowls regularly. For your safety, wash all of the surfaces you used, also as your hands, whenever you handle meat. Raw eggs also are relatively safe for dogs but keep the consumption limited. Too many can cause a biotin deficiency, so stick with one or two per day.
3. Strike the Optimal Balance
While maybe not the tastiest option, store-bought pet food is typically balanced in a way that meets the dietary requirements of a healthy dog. If you’re taking it upon yourself to cook for your dog, you must strive to strike an equal balance.
Not every meal has got to be equally balanced – instead, try watching the large picture on a weekly level. Generally, half your dog’s diet should contain protein from meat, fish, eggs and dairy. the opposite half should be a mixture of raw or cooked vegetables and fruit and a few starch and carbohydrates.
Fats should be present but in small amounts. Dogs also need calcium. Bones have traditionally been a favourite source, but they will be dangerous. Not only do they pose a choking hazard, but they will also splinter easily and injure your pet’s gums, stomach or intestines. It’s generally considered much safer only to choose a calcium supplement.
4. Watch Out for Spices and Seasonings
When cooking for your dog, ditch human notions of what flavorful food is. Dogs aren’t only perfectly content eating food that we’d find bland. It’s even better for them. In most cases, foods that folks eat are way too salty for dogs.
Dogs are far more sensitive to salt than we are, and too high consumption can cause tummy problems, excessive thirst and even dehydration. Spicy foods may cause similar problems, although dogs don’t perceive the taste of spicy foods an equivalent way we do. Spices like paprika and pepper also can cause skin and eye irritation, which is one more reason to avoid them.
Finally, avoid giving nutmeg to your pup at the least costs. While its aroma could seem heavenly to you, it’s been known to cause severe abdominal pain in dogs and, in some cases, even death. Many other herbs and spices are entirely harmless, but because dogs have a way more developed sense of smell than we do, a dog might refuse to eat a meal due to the aroma of a specific spice.
5. Boost Your Dog’s Health
Just as certain foods should be avoided at least costs, others are amazing for your dog’s health. Generally, high protein foods make a superb choice, whether as a part of a full meal or only as a snack. This includes dairy, like yoghurt and pot cheese, unless, of course, your dog is lactose intolerant.
Dairy is additionally an honest source of much-needed calcium. However, always remember to read the ingredient list and choose products without added sugar or sweeteners. And don’t overdo it – excessive dairy can cause digestive problems.
Peanut butter may be an excellent protein and fat-rich snack, but it should tend carefully as an occasional treat. Salmon and other oily fish aren’t just filled with protein but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the guts, kidneys, bones and joints, and many other aspects of your pet’s health.
Finally, fresh fruit and veggies, like carrots, asparagus, pumpkin and spinach, are useful nutrients while also being good for the teeth and crucial for digestion because of their fibre content.
Conclusion
Like humans, dogs need variety in their diet to make sure they get all their nutrients. If your dog suffers from chronic health problems, consult your vet before switching to Homemade Dog Food Cooking.
