Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 12:27 PM
Feed Your Dog as You Would Like to Be Fed
Food is a major factor in determining health, longevity, appearance and energy level in humans as well as in dogs. And, just as you would change your eating habits to improve the way your feel, a change in your dogs diet can dramatically improve his health and happiness.
How to make nutritious and well balanced meals:
Keep it simple. By combining as few as three ingredients you can offer your pup a treat made with love, without the unecessary additives of commercially produced products.
Aim to feed your dog from all five food groups: Meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy. It is important to find a balance between meat and vegetable intake since your dog's digestive system is designed to process protein from meat as well as from plant sources.
Veterinarian Approved Ingredients:
Meat- Try chicken, turkey, liver, bacon, lean hamburger or eggs. Also, try boneless fish.
Vegetables- Try to feed your dog a large variety of veggies in order to deliver the greatest spectrum of vitamins and nutrients.
Approved vegetables include green peppers, carrots, sweet potato, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, spinach.
Carbohydrates- Include cooked rice, macaroni, wheat flour, cornmeal and oats in your homemade doggie meals to offer substance and improve digestibility.
Cheese- Use occasionally as a treat. Try parmesean, cottage cheese, cheddar or jack cheese.
Avoid These Foods:
Onions- Which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Onions contain a large amount of sulfur which can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs.
Milk- Some dogs lack the enzyme, lactase, to break down lactose in milk. Without lactase, dogs cannot digest milk and may experience uncomfortable side effects as a result.
Raw Meat- Bacteria and parasites, including salmonella and tapeworm, are prevalent in raw meat. It is much safer to cook meat before serving it to your dog.
Chocolate- Theobromine is a particularly dangerous chemical to dogs which is found in chocolate. Steer clear of feeding any chocolate to your dog. It could be deadly.
Feeding your dog homemade meals and treats will give him a break from the same old dry or canned dog food as well as offering him a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Check back to read about specific recipes for meals and treats you can make for your dog.
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