Do you make your own dog food?

Question

Since this dog food scare, I'm not willing, even after they say it's okay, to put my dog, who is like my child, at risk.

I've been mixing cooked, ground beef with his dry food and wow, he loves it, but I also know that he needs more than just that.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Yeah, pick up a bottle of vitamin/mineral/oil supplement and add a few drops according the directions. Also, I add a touch of salt and a smidge of butter. This helps them retain water and keeps their skin from drying and flaking. They also love butter so I put that smidge at the bottom of the bowl and they eat their way through to it.

I also have a dry food dispenser that they can feed from at will.

I switch up my dogfoods (all homemade). Boil up a bag of boneless and skinless chicken legs (boneless is really important here) and then boil up a huge piece of cheap red meat. chop it all up and bag it up in portions that will last about two or three days in your fridge and freeze the rest.

Every now and then I will add a cup of chicken livers or lamb liver or beef heart to this mix.

I also feed my dogs canned tuna about once a week, if you check it out, it's way cheaper than dog food ( about half the price of the cheapest brand for a small can) and they just love it to death.

Once you get used to making your dog's food and you see how much they love it, you will never go back.

PS. There is a holistic, raw food movement out there too that you might want to check out, some people love it, my dogs didn't do well at all the one and only time I tried it.

PSS. Add chopped fresh carrots, they sweeten up the food and give a little crunch.

Answer 2

I have for 6 years now used the B.A.R.F. diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods) for all my dogs and cats. They love it. Have never had a problem, they are healthier, better coats, less waste, less dental visits. I love it, though its a pain since I have 7 dogs, and 4 cats. I believe its cheaper in the long run and my vet is very impressed with it. He was skeptical at first but with his help in tweaking the recipe I have found its all around better. I make my recipes in large quanties and freeze it and then thaw it when its ready. I vary the bones, and meat from time to time. I used this guys recipes and suggestions mostly for my use.
http://www.barfworld.com/
I stay away from lots of Hamburger and used chuck scrap beef if I use beef at all, otherwise the majority is chicken, sheep, and goats. I get alot of scrap meat from deer hunters and elk farmers too. Hardly in never use pork meat but the bones are good... too many parasite possiblities.

Answer 3

I don't make my own dog food, I do buy natural dog food that has been recommended by a publication I read. However, there is an article on this publication's site that discusses homemade dog food. You might find it interesting... here's the link: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_4/features/Dog_Food_Ideas_15917-1.html

Answer 4

I don't. I feed them quality dog food. But when they're sick or when they're recovering for neuter/spaying or a surgery I cook some rice and lean chicken I rip into tiny bits and mix it around with the rice. It seems to make them happier. I never would feed my dogs the kind of stupid crap that has nut shells and a bunch of idiotic chemicals in it, it's just plain ol' stupid!

Answer 5

If your dog is eating a premium dog food you that should be enough. The better the quality the better the dog. I myself am a Wellness Fan and have been feeding my dog that for years. Good Luck.

Answer 6

yeah, add carots, and peas, and garlic, and oats ( a handful) and some olive oil and some brown rice. I've made this recipe for years and the dogs love it! You can use other types of meat, too. I sometimes make it with just stew beef, man they gobble it up!

Answer 7

I have a recipe at home (I'm on lunch at work) for feeding a dog. I will try to find it and send it to you later this evening.

I have not forgot about you. I could not find the recipe last night, will look more this weekend.

Answer 8

My boss makes his own dog food for his champion dog. He uses raw ground beef, carrots (or other vegetable), and salmon oil.

Answer 9

My sister sometimes gives her dog a portion of a sunday lunch, he eats every scrap. He also eats pasta and sauce, spaghetti bolognese and more
Whenever she makes a meal that is suitable for him, she will put out a portion for him.
Try calling your vet and asking them what they advise.

Answer 10

No but I don't own a dog, I am sure your dog will appreciate a mix of food on occasion. Maybe give him some ground pork, chicken (no bones) turkey, and add some flavoring such as a tablespoon of bbq sauce.