Difference between revisions of "Make Dog Food"
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===Understanding Dog Nutrition=== | ===Understanding Dog Nutrition=== | ||
#Know what nutrients dogs need. A dogs digestive system is different from the human one and the balance of ingredients in homemade dog food needs to be tailored to the dogs special needs. When you cook for your dog, keep the following in mind: | #Know what nutrients dogs need. A dogs digestive system is different from the human one and the balance of ingredients in homemade dog food needs to be tailored to the dogs special needs. When you cook for your dog, keep the following in mind: | ||
| − | #*Dogs are carnivores, so at least half of a dog's diet should be composed of protein, which provides dogs with the nutrients and minerals they need to be strong and healthy.<ref>http://dogaware.com/articles/wdjhomemade3.html#start</ref> Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are all acceptable sources of protein for a dog. Dogs can also be fed eggs and vegetables that contain protein. | + | #*Dogs are carnivores, so at least half of a dog's diet should be composed of protein, which provides dogs with the nutrients and minerals they need to be strong and healthy.<ref name="rf1">http://dogaware.com/articles/wdjhomemade3.html#start</ref> Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are all acceptable sources of protein for a dog. Dogs can also be fed eggs and vegetables that contain protein. |
| − | #*Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, should only be given to your dog a few times a week.<ref | + | #*Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, should only be given to your dog a few times a week.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Dogs may also eat grains, root and green vegetables, as long as they are thoroughly cooked.<ref>http://www.culinate.com/articles/first_person/Going+to+the+dogs</ref> | + | #*Dogs may also eat grains, root and green vegetables, as long as they are thoroughly cooked.<ref name="rf2">http://www.culinate.com/articles/first_person/Going+to+the+dogs</ref> |
#*Feeding dogs a vegetarian or vegan diet can hurt their digestive system, since it's tough for dogs to break down large amounts of vegetables. | #*Feeding dogs a vegetarian or vegan diet can hurt their digestive system, since it's tough for dogs to break down large amounts of vegetables. | ||
| − | #*Supplement your dog's homemade meals with vitamins made for dogs, to make sure they get everything they need. Talk with your vet about supplements you can buy. Be especially careful to make sure your dog has enough calcium, or she may suffer bone injuries as she grows and ages. <ref>http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/homemade-dog-food?page=2</ref> | + | #*Supplement your dog's homemade meals with vitamins made for dogs, to make sure they get everything they need. Talk with your vet about supplements you can buy. Be especially careful to make sure your dog has enough calcium, or she may suffer bone injuries as she grows and ages. <ref name="rf3">http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/homemade-dog-food?page=2</ref> |
| − | #Decide whether to feed your dog raw or cooked meat. Some say that raw meat is better for dogs, since they aren't susceptible to the organisms that make humans sick from eating raw steak or chicken.<ref>http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/homemade-dog-food-recipes.html</ref> Other sources claim that cooked meat is a safer choice.<ref>http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/homemade-dog-food</ref> | + | #Decide whether to feed your dog raw or cooked meat. Some say that raw meat is better for dogs, since they aren't susceptible to the organisms that make humans sick from eating raw steak or chicken.<ref name="rf4">http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/homemade-dog-food-recipes.html</ref> Other sources claim that cooked meat is a safer choice.<ref name="rf5">http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/homemade-dog-food</ref> |
| − | #*A raw meat diet often also include bones, which provide dogs with necessary calcium and other nutrients.<ref | + | #*A raw meat diet often also include bones, which provide dogs with necessary calcium and other nutrients.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Conduct research to decide what type of meat you want to feed your dog. Ask your vet if you want more information on the subject. | #*Conduct research to decide what type of meat you want to feed your dog. Ask your vet if you want more information on the subject. | ||
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* Avoid foods that may be harmful for your dog, including chocolate, dairy products, nuts, potatoes, raisins, grapes, onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes, coffee or tea. | * Avoid foods that may be harmful for your dog, including chocolate, dairy products, nuts, potatoes, raisins, grapes, onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes, coffee or tea. | ||
* If your dog has special dietary needs, talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog homemade food. | * If your dog has special dietary needs, talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog homemade food. | ||
| − | *Be careful with nightshades like eggplants and bell peppers (potatoes and tomatoes are nightshades as well !). The dog is absolutely unable to digest them, they can be dangerous in any amount.<ref>http://allnaturalpetcare.com/blog/2013/03/11/can-i-feed-tomatoes-and-other-nightshade-vegetables-to-my-dog/</ref> | + | *Be careful with nightshades like eggplants and bell peppers (potatoes and tomatoes are nightshades as well !). The dog is absolutely unable to digest them, they can be dangerous in any amount.<ref name="rf6">http://allnaturalpetcare.com/blog/2013/03/11/can-i-feed-tomatoes-and-other-nightshade-vegetables-to-my-dog/</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
