Fresh & Wholesome: The Benefits of Homemade Dog Food for your best friend.
Improved Nutrition:
Whole food meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are often lacking in dry kibble. Feeding a whole-food diet can lead to better overall health and well-being for your dog.
Enhanced Digestion:
Whole food meals are easier for dogs to digest, containing fewer fillers and artificial preservatives. This can lead to improved digestion, reduced gas and bloating, and less frequent stool production.
Increased Hydration:
Whole food meals typically contain more moisture than dry kibble, which can help keep your dog hydrated, especially during hot weather or periods of increased activity.
Better Dental Health:
Chewing on whole-food meals can help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, promoting better dental health. In contrast, dry kibble can sometimes contribute to dental issues if not properly chewed.
Reduced Allergies:
Whole food meals can be customized to avoid ingredients that may trigger allergies or sensitivities in your dog. This can lead to a reduction in allergy symptoms, such as itching, skin irritation, and digestive issues.
Improved Palatability:
Many dogs find whole-food meals more appealing and palatable than dry kibble, which can lead to increased food intake and a healthier appetite.
Enhanced Energy Levels:
Whole food meals can provide your dog with a more sustained and consistent energy source, helping to maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day.
Overall, feeding your dog a whole food meal can lead to improved health, well-being, and happiness. While dry kibble and dog biscuits can be convenient options, whole-food meals offer a more natural and nutritious alternative for your best friend.
“Whole food refers to unprocessed or minimally processed foods that are consumed in their natural state. These foods typically contain all of their original nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.”
In contrast, processed foods often contain added sugars, salt, fats, and artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. These processed foods may have lower nutritional value compared to whole foods and can contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess.
By incorporating whole foods into your dog’s diet, you can help ensure they receive the essential nutrients they need for optimal health and well-being.
Ingredients:
Based on an 80 Lb large athletic dog reduce portions accordingly
– 2 lb of lean ground turkey
– 2 lb of ground lean beef
– 1 lb of ground pork
– 7 lbs of frozen vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, pumpkin)
– 2 lb of cooked whole grain rice
– 2 lb of pre-soaked protein-rich chickpeas (previously whole grain pasta)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables by thawing and chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the whole grain rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large pot or skillet, cook individually the ground turkey, ground lean beef, and ground pork over medium heat until browned and cooked through, remove excess fats.
4. Add the steamed vegetables to the cooked meat in a large crab pot and stir well.
5. Add the cooked whole grain rice and softened chickpeas to the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients.
6. Cook the mixture for an additional few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to mash.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
8. Divide the cooled mixture into individual food trays with lids, ensuring each tray contains enough food for one day.
9. Label each tray with the date it was prepared.
10. Place the food trays in the freezer, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow for proper freezing.
11. To serve, remove a tray from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
12. Serve the thawed dog food to your 80 lb male 5-year-old dog, ensuring it is at room temperature before feeding.
This recipe will provide your dog with fresh, homemade meals for 10 days.
Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the recipe as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Shopping List:
– 2 lb of lean ground turkey
– 2 lb of ground lean beef
– 1 lb of ground pork
– 7 lbs of frozen vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, pumpkin)
– 2 lb of cooked whole grain rice
– 2 lb of chickpeas
– Oregano (for cleansing and flea deterring)
Additional Items:
– Food trays with lids
– Labels and a marker for labeling the food trays
Make sure to check the ingredients list on the frozen vegetables to ensure you have all the necessary vegetables for the recipe. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a high-quality dog food supplement to ensure your dog is receiving all the necessary nutrients.
Oregano is a versatile herb offering several health benefits when included in your dog’s diet. Some of the benefits of oregano in this dog food recipe include:
1. Antioxidant Properties:
Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your dog’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can contribute to better overall health and a reduced risk of certain diseases and conditions.
2. Antimicrobial Activity:
Oregano contains antimicrobial compounds that can help fight off bacterial and fungal infections. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with compromised immune systems.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Oregano has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in your dog’s body. This can be particularly helpful for dogs suffering from conditions such as arthritis or allergies.
4. Flea Deterrent:
Oregano contains compounds that can help repel fleas, making it a natural and safe alternative to chemical-based flea treatments.
5. Digestive Support:
Oregano can help support your dog’s digestive system by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. This can lead to improved nutrient absorption and better overall digestive health.
6. Enhanced Flavor:
Oregano adds a delicious, savory flavor to your dog’s food, making it more appealing and palatable. This can lead to increased food intake and a healthier appetite.
By including oregano in your dog’s homemade food, you can help provide them with these numerous health benefits while also enhancing the flavor of their meals.
Enjoyed the recipe? Vote @Philly_Pops #AmericasFavoritePets
