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With all of the uncertainty about food safety today, many dog owners have started making their own dog food. Holistic Dog Food is actually quite easy to make. In fact, dog owners who make their dog’s food usually discover that the process saves them money, while also ensuring their dog is fed a healthy and safe diet.

The breakdown of a healthy dog diet includes 70% carbohydrates, 25% meat, and 5% vegetables and other additions. Dogs being omnivores need a combination of meat and vegetables and some additions that can be added to their food include bonemeal, garlic, and certain flours

The carbohydrate component in holistic dog food can consist of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oats, soy flour and barley and sometimes white and brown rice can be used as well. This carbohydrate component should be the base of the diet.

The next major component of the holistic dog food is the meat. The best options for meat are quality products such as lean chicken, beef, fish, and egg whites. These can be then grinded to make the food making process easier.

To ensure your dog receives all the nutrients he needs, many other foods can be added to dog food. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, corn, and spinach are all healthy additions. Dog owners who want to make organic dog food should check to see what organic options for produce are available. It is always a good idea to grind the vegetables to aid in your dog’s digestion process. Small amounts of garlic are also a good option because it can help keep fleas away. Bonemeal or dehydrated milk can be added as a calcium boost.

By combining the components with a little bit of water and cooking until the protein is done throughout, your dog food can be made at home. An easy to make recipe takes one cup cornmeal, one fourth of a cup of ground chicken, a tablespoon of ground carrots, and a little sprinkle of bonemeal combined and cooked in a saucepan with a half a cup of water. Most dog food recipes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When making your own dog food, certain foods must be avoided. Chocolate and other products containing caffeine have been known to cause seizures in some dogs. Other foods, like grapes, raisins, avocados, and onions, can also cause various health problems and should not be included in a dog’s diet. Many dogs are sensitive to spices, so these should be avoided as well.

Making your own dog food is the best way to monitor what foods are part of your dog’s diet. A balanced, nutritional diet can definitely have an impact on a dog’s energy level, weight, and lifespan. Of course, you should ask your veterinarian if any special considerations are necessary when making the dog food. Overall, this is a great way to save money and, more importantly, keep your dog healthy for years to come.

Last 5 posts by Jolie Mitchel

• In The Know: Your Dog's Food. - August 4th, 2008
• Homemade Dog Food Analysis: Keeping Man's Best Friend Healthy - July 17th, 2008
• Examining Dog Food- What Does Your Dog's Food Contain? - July 17th, 2008
• What Are You Feeding Your Dog? - July 3rd, 2008
• Your Pet Needs Good Food For Health - May 21st, 2008

Tags: Dogs