I have been doing alot of research on pet food lately (since my 13 year old rottie is probably not gonna make it much longer... I started out looking for ways to help improve her quality of life for the time we have left...although she has a very high spoiled quality of life as it is... I was looking at ways to help keep her healthy). So anyway I realized how really bad store bought dog food is for our pets and have been researching making my own. I have found several sites with recipes (ect.) but was wondering if any of you ladies actaully have cooked for your pets. I have 4 dogs and a cat all who I would like to start cooking for. i don't mind spending an extra day in the kitchen cooking up a weeks worth of meals (beats having to go get more dog food and with the amount we go through it may be cheaper if I watch sales for meat,etc in bulk).
So anyone do this- find really good recipe and portion size recommendations.etc.
Thanks for you helps I know you are busy ladies!
I use Blue Buffalo, which is a holistic food made in the U.S.A., and love it. I do admire you for wanting to cook for your pets, though! I hate to cook, so the extra time in the kitchen is a big deal for me, but I think it's a great thing for pet owners with the inclination. Good luck!
http://www.rachaelray.com/pets/nutrish.php
I love Rachel Ray's recipes for humans, but haven't ventured into her pet food versions yet (maybe my husband would disagree...hmmm).
Other easier versions would just be rice and boiled chicken - that's what we gave our lab when he suffered liver problems (plus Tums in water for extra calcium).
I love how mamas are looking for help for our four legged-family members :)
My sister is a pet sitter and uses raw food for her kitties. I have a 22 page document with dog and cat food treat recipes, but I am not sure how I can attach it here. Send me your email and I would be happy to email you the attachment. It is ____@____.com also uses Primal Brand frozen chicken with vitamins for her kitties. You should be commended for your committment to you little companions:-)
never done it, but want to start. can you send me some? i remember when my dog was sick i was told to boil meat and brown rice and 1/4 cup portions. he is nine pounds. i would assume to use the same amount as recommended for dog food. also they will need something for teeth to substitute.
As a vet, I am happy that you are taking an interest in your pet's nutrition. Obviously, good nutrition can make a huge difference in the health of your animal. If you are committed to a homemade diet, I recommend looking at petdiets.com. It can be difficult to provide all of the nutrients that a dog needs with a homemade diet, so this website has great information from veterinary nutritionists. Plus they can actually formulate a diet for your dog, so you know exactly what to feed. I do think there is a small cost for that. Please don't feed your dog a raw diet. Raw diets expose your pet to nasty bacteria, such a E coli and Salmonella. Plus I have seen dogs with intestinal blockages from eating bones. I know that some people swear by them, but the risk is just not worth it.
My daughter and son-in-law have 2 small dogs and feed them only raw chicken! They buy wings and thighs by the pound and the dogs get one a day. I was horrified at first, partly because I had NEVER given a dog chicken bones in my life, but SIL researched this extensively online(computer geek) and the dogs are healthy, trim, and the poop cleanup is minimal because they aren't eating fillers. They CAN eat bones, but only if they're raw. Dogs are carnivores by nature, and the protein keeps them from getting hungry on much less food. Even the tiny 9yr. old Maltese is thriving, and has no problems chewing the bones. I was skeptical, but they have been on it for over a year now, and even their vet is amazed at the improvement in the dogs' overall health. No cooking! You can find more info online--"raw diet-dogs" or something similar. Good luck.
I don't make my dogs' food like I used to because I was doing it for one of our dogs who was sick.
I just boiled hamburger or chicken and added rice. They loved it.
I use Hill's Science Diet for them now but anytime one of them have a stomach issue, etc... i do the boiled meat and rice.
