Homemade dog food recipe

Homemade food are growing in popularity because the ingredients can be controlled. Many individuals are adopting healthier eating habits and desire the same for their dogs. Homemade food are preferred by some because they incorporate whole food ingredients which are perceived as healthier compared to processed dog food.

But there are still some factors to consider before you switch your dog to homemade food:

• Ensure the homemade recipe is both complete and well-balanced. One of the most significant errors you can commit is providing your dog with an inadequate or unbalanced diet.

• Preparing your dog’s food involves measuring ingredients and takes a significant amount of time. Ensure a daily schedule that allows you time to prepare your pet’s meal.
• For picky dogs, it might be necessary to find several recipes, allowing you to alter their diet to maintain their interest.

Proper Nutrition

Similar to humans, dogs have specific nutritional requirements that must be fulfilled for them to remain healthy. These nutritional needs in dogs differ from our own, so it is not advisable to simply share your  (human) meals with them. Providing an unbalanced diet can result in dogs experiencing deficiencies in essential vitamins and nutrients.

Here is a sample recipe specially curated by animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light – Save ALL.

Save ALL’s Summer’s Cake:

No-bake meaty pumpkin cake for dogs

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings:   12

Estimated cost per dog: P48- P61

Recipe Ingredients:

• 500g lean ground beef (P250-P300)
• one medium-sized pumpkin (P200-P300)
• 8 to 10 pieces of small broccoli flowers (P100 per bundle if bought during summer))
• Rosemary dried leaves (optional)
• 1 cap of apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 500mL water

 Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with water and place the ground beef.
2. Add a teaspoon of rosemary. Stir to mix.
3. Add a cap of vinegar and boil for 10 minutes or until cooked
4. When cooked, strain the beef and let cool.
5. For the pumpkin, remove the skin and cut into small pieces.
6. Using the same water, boil pumpkin until soft and then mash.
7. In a different pot, boil the broccoli florets/ flowers.
8. Mix the meat and pumpkin and form mixture into a cake.
9. Put broccoli florets on top.
10. Additionally you can add color by putting grated carrots on top.

Ground beef can be substituted with lean ground pork or ground chicken breast. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins and good for the eyes. Apple cider vinegar is essentially good for the heart and to repel ticks. The rosemary dried leaves are good for the skin and immune system.