Iodine (dairy, kelp, seafood) for a healthy thyroid. Zinc (eggs, lamb, liver, brewer's yeast) for the immune system, healthy skin, and coat. Selenium (meat, vegetables, seafood, brown rice) to boost the immune system. Copper (whole grains, seeds, and seafood) for healthy bone growth.
A good recommendation is 40% protein, 50% vegetables and 10% starch. Some dogs cannot handle high amounts of protein, though, so it is important to visit your vet to determine the best ratio to suit their dietary needs.
There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
While popular, vets generally don't recommend making your own raw dog food because of the risk of bacterial contamination or possible public health risks. If your dog has any medical issues, consult with a vet or veterinary nutritionist to make sure the homemade diet works for your pet.
The 100 percent rule for dog food
If, for example, you're getting 100 percent beef treats, they are only beef. This rule allows the manufacturers to add water for processing, and trace amounts of condiments and preservatives.
Focus on the first ingredients.
The main protein should be first and an actual meat source like chicken, duck or lamb. The second ingredient should be another meat source, generally a clearly labeled meal such as lamb meal or duck meal.
Homemade dog food supplements are often needed to ensure that the meals are balanced, particularly when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Follow all veterinary advice to be sure that you're providing the appropriate amounts of nutrients and that the diet is balanced considering any underlying health issues.
Home-cooked meals absolutely can be nutritionally balanced and complete. While it's true that dogs require a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, this can all easily be included at home. And despite the common belief, changing a dog's diet does not have to be hazardous.
“Homemade food is a great option for many pets, but we recommend that owners avoid general recipes from books and the Internet and instead consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist,” Larsen said.
Foods that are classified as grains are; corn, wheat, soy, rice, oatmeal, barley, oats, sorghum, etc. All of these ingredients should be avoided when choosing a kibble. The three top allergens for dogs are corn, wheat, and soy - all of which are in most dog food brands.
While chicken by-products in dog food are safe and can be a source of nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats for dogs, many dogs can't tolerate them. In part, this could be because of sensitivities or allergies to chicken in general.
Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol) Chives. Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans) Garlic.
When incorporated into a balanced diet, dogs can safely enjoy cooked lentils in moderation and may even benefit from their nutritional content. These small pulses are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron to supplement your pooch's regular dog food.
Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas are packed with important vitamins, along with potassium, which is good for a dog's muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also help dogs stay regular.
One of the primary benefits of cooking your dog's food is that you can give them healthy foods that you won't find in store-bought dog foods. For example, ginger and pumpkin both offer great health benefits that can strengthen your dog's long-term health. You can gradually incorporate those foods into your dog's diet.
Is One Type of Food Better Than the Other? As long as your pet's nutritional needs are met, it doesn't really matter if he or she eats store-bought or homemade food. Unfortunately, too often, homemade food lacks key nutrients.