please read this article
Please read this article about canned/dry dog food vs. homemade dog food.
Homemade pet food is simple to create
"Critter Corner"
By CAROLYN STEIGMAN
Dec. 20, 2001
What would you say if you discovered your neighbor feeds his child moldy grains and rotted meat? Child abuse, no doubt.
Many dog owners feed the same thing to their beloved pets and never even know it. A 1-pound can of "nutritionally complete" dog food can sell for less than 50 cents. However, if even the cheapest ground beef is $2 per pound, one has to wonder what's in that can.
Veterinarian Shawn Messonnier, in his book "The Allergy Solution for Dogs," states, "Pet food provides a place for slaughterhouse waste and grains considered 'unfit for human consumption' to be turned into profit. This waste includes cow tongues, esophagi and possibly diseased and cancerous meat."
The grains are the hulls and remains from milling or items deemed unfit for humans because of mold, contaminants or poor storage practices. No wonder some cans have a smell that drives everyone from the kitchen when they're opened.
Owners may have become convinced that preparing dog food at home is a difficult and time-consuming process. In truth, it's neither.
"If you're willing to prepare food for your pet at home, know that most holistic doctors feel that a homemade diet is simply the best food for your pet," Messonnier states.
Several years ago, after our dog spent two days at the emergency vet with a serious intestinal reaction to common ingredients in a top brand of commercial dog food, I decided to switch to homemade dog food. It takes me about five minutes twice a day.
The improvement in my dog's health and energy level is remarkable. Even though she is 9 years old, she wants to play again like a puppy. Also, since there's no filler in the food, there's less to clean up in the yard.
There are basically four parts to a well-balanced diet for a dog: proteins, grains, vegetables and supplements.
According to a recipe adapted from "Prepared Dog and Cat Diets" by Strombeck D. Home, the daily protein for a 25-35 pound dog could include any one of the following: three large hard-boiled eggs, one cup of 2-percent cottage cheese, 1/3 pound cooked lean meat, 2/3 cup tofu, or 1 cup cooked soybeans.
The grain may be 2 cups cooked rice or 2/3 cups of cooked potatoes with the skin. I personally prefer cooked noodles and keep a supply for several days in the refrigerator.
Some people are surprised to learn that dogs need to eat vegetables, but they are omnivores, just like humans. A good source is ½-1 cup of raw or steamed carrots. Broccoli or green beans also are good, but need to be cooked first to make them more digestible.
Alfalfa sprouts have been reported to be good for the skin and can reduce the flaking that come from dry homes.
The supplements include 2 tablespoons canola oil, a multivitamin made for dogs, ¼ teaspoon potassium chloride (salt substitute), and four bonemeal tablets or calcium supplement. A vet can help obtain the calcium and vitamin supplements.
Monitoring the dog's weight will provide a custom-made guide to the proper amounts.
A few books that can provide more information are "Canine Nutrition: What Every Owner, Breeder and Trainer Should Know" by veterinarian Lowell Ackerman, and "Natural Food Recipes for Healthy Dogs" by Carol Bresher Boyle.
A recipe for a simple homemade dog treat can be found at
www.iolinc.net on the Web.