Today, November 1st is Cook For Your Pet Day! It’s probably safe to say that your canine companion would be more than happy to help you celebrate. Man’s Best Friend is very enthusiastic about dinner. (He’s also pretty fond of breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks.) You may have noticed that quite a few people are experimenting with making their own dog food these days. But is this actually a good idea? A Bellaire, TX veterinarian delves into the topic below.

Pros

There are some key benefits to cooking for your canine buddy. For one thing, you’ll know exactly what your pooch is eating. You’ll be able to control the quality of the ingredients, and eliminate unhealthy fillers, such as corn syrup. You can also customize Fido’s meals to suit his taste and/or medical needs. You may even find it saves you some money!

Ingredients

The majority of your furry pal’s menu should be based on animal-sourced proteins, such as chicken, turkey, duck, steak, fish, or hamburger. (Note: Always remove the skin, bones, and fat.) You’ll also need to include safe fruits and veggies, such as carrots, spinach, peas, pureed squash or pumpkin, and/or blueberries. Your vet may also recommend adding healthy grains, such as rice or quinoa. Just don’t include anything that isn’t safe for Fido. The list of foods to avoid includes garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; xylitol; alcohol; avocado; meat on the bone; and pitted fruits. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods.

Proportions

Choosing the right ingredients is very important, but it isn’t the only thing to consider. You’ll also need to get the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and other elements correct. This is the only way to ensure that you’re providing your pooch with the proper nutrition for his age, size, breed, and health. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good. Keep in mind that dog food recipes are not one-size-fits-all. A senior Great Dane will have very different needs than a Chihuahua puppy! Sorting through various recipes to figure out which one is best for your furry friend can be tricky. Before trying a recipe out on Fido, have your vet take a look at it.

Do you have questions about your dog’s diet or care? Contact us, your Bellaire, TX animal clinic, today!