Homecooked dog food can be a healthy and convenient alternative to commercial kibble. But in order for it to be successful, you need to pay special attention to every detail.
A recent study conducted at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has revealed that many homemade recipes lack essential nutrients like iron, copper and calcium.
Contents
Protein
No matter if you purchase pre-made dog food or prepare your own meals at home, dogs require protein for healthy hair, skin and nails. Not only that but it provides essential amino acids for muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments as well as playing an important role in hormone production.
Protein can be obtained from animal sources like meat, chicken and fish or plant sources like soy, hemp and quinoa. To guarantee all essential amino acids for dogs, make sure the source is of high quality complete protein.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an essential element in home cooked dog food, providing energy and serving as a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Carbohydrates are one of the three primary macronutrients responsible for providing energy to cells and organs within the body (the other two being fat and protein). A nutritious diet provides glucose, which the body can use to fuel certain cells and organs such as the brain.
Carbohydrates can be derived from various sources, such as starch or sugars. Furthermore, these provide essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Fats
Fats are the primary energy source in your dog’s home-cooked diet, providing more than twice the number of calories as proteins or carbohydrates. Not only that, but fat-soluble vitamins help absorb essential fatty acids while supporting cell structure, hormone production and immune system function as well.
A balanced home-cooked diet should include a variety of healthy sources of fats such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs and avocado oil. It should also have the correct ratio of Omega 3 to 6 fatty acids that is considered optimal for your pet’s wellbeing.
When selecting a recipe for your pup, seek one that was created by either a nutritionist or veterinarian with expertise in canine nutrition. These professionals can make recommendations based on your pup’s age, weight and health history.
Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are an integral part of your dog’s diet. They help promote healthy skin, coat, nails, and bones by supporting cell growth.
Unfortunately, many home cooked dog food recipes lack essential vitamins and minerals. A study published in The Journal of Pet Nutrition revealed that 95 percent of the 200 homemade recipes reviewed were deficient in one or more essential nutrients.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems. For instance, dogs require enough vitamin D in their diet in order for their bones to stay strong and healthy.
Minerals
Home cooked dog food is often considered healthier than commercial pet foods because it contains essential vitamins and minerals not always found in commercial products. This is because most processed pet foods are cooked at high temperatures which can denature the vitamins and minerals found in fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, meats, or other natural sources of nutrition.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy growth, development, and overall well-being of pets. Deficits in some of these essential nutrients can lead to various health issues.
