Dogs are used to eating raw food all the time, so feeding your dog raw food is a simple decision to quickly maintain good health and energy levels. But if you are new to the idea of making raw dog food at home, you may face various problems. Don’t worry, in this blog post I will help you with tips and provide with homemade raw dog food recipes for beginners. I will share two simple recipes that are very easy for a diner to make. You will also come to know all the important things like benefits of raw diet, its nutritious value, transition procedure and answers to many important questions to keep in mind while doing it.
Why Choose Homemade Raw Dog Food?
Many reputable companies have launched many brands to supply raw dog food. These foods are based on what dogs ate in the wild in ancient times. This type of diet usually includes raw meat, bones, various organs and sometimes fruits or vegetables. Many people talk about various benefits of eating raw food. Among these benefits, their main highlight is whether it increases digestion or increases energy levels.
If you can make it at home, it will be better in many ways than buying food from the market because in this case you can control the quality of the ingredients and prepare the food according to the specific needs of your dog. Also, buying raw food from the market is very costly, so making it at home can also save a lot of money.
Things to Consider Regarding Raw Dog Food
Before deciding on a raw food recipe for dogs, it is important to consider how important each ingredient is for your dog. Here are some of the essential ingredients that are essential to a balanced dog diet:
- Protein: Raw meat like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb.
- Bones: Raw, meaty bones for calcium and dental health.
- Organs: Liver, kidney, or other organs for essential nutrients.
- Vegetables/Fruits (optional): For added vitamins and fiber.
Always consult your vet before switching your dog to a raw diet, especially if they have health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Easy Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes
There are many dog food recipes that can be cooked at home. Here, I am sharing two very easy raw dog food recipes for your pet-child that you can make as a beginner.
Recipe 1: Basic Chicken and Veggie Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs raw chicken (with bones, like thighs or wings)
- 1 cup chicken liver (or other organ meat)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup blueberries (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into small pieces according to the size of your dog.
- Grind the dog’s heart or cut it into small pieces.
- Cut the spinach and carrots into small pieces to make them easier to digest. Steam carrot and spinach for this.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Portion the mixture into daily servings and store in the fridge or freezer.
Recipe 2: Beef and Organ Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup beef kidney or liver
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
- 1 raw egg (including the shell for calcium)
Instructions:
- Cut both the beef and spinach into small pieces and mix in a bowl.
- Add the required amount of the parsley and zucchini.
- Add egg into the mixture. Add liquid part and yolk of egg. Also, chop the eggshell into small pieces or shred it.
- Mix all the above ingredients well and serve.
Tips for Preparing Raw Dog Food
- Balance is Key: When preparing food for dogs, make sure that it contains the right amount of various ingredients, such as meat(provides protein), bones and various organs.
- Practice Safe Handling: To avoid spreading any contamination from raw dog food or any infection, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly before and after feeding your dog.
- Start Slowly: If you want to change your dog’s diet, do it very slowly. Don’t suddenly start feeding them all raw.
- Monitor Your Dog: Once you start feeding your dog raw food, keep a close eye on his weight, energy levels, and stools. Make sure that the new diet is working for him. If you notice any abnormalities, stop feeding raw food and consult a vet.
FAQs About Homemade Raw Dog Food
Is raw dog food safe for all dogs?
Dogs generally eat raw food, but this is not suitable for all dogs. Puppies, older dogs, or dogs with certain health problems may require special consideration. Consult your veterinarian before making any changes.
Can I feed my dog only raw meat?
No, a female dog cannot be fed only raw meat. This will not provide complete dental nutrition. Therefore, in order to meet its nutritional needs, it is absolutely necessary to feed it meat, bones, various organs, and sometimes vegetables or fruits.
How much raw food should I feed my dog?
According to experts, a dog should be fed raw food that is two to three percent of its body weight per day. For example, if a dog weighs 50 pounds, he should be fed one to one and a half pounds of raw food per day. However, this may need to be adjusted slightly depending on your dog’s activity level, age, and breed.
Can I use frozen meat for raw dog food?
Frozen food is definitely safe for dogs and is very convenient to feed, but frozen food should be brought to room temperature before serving.
How long can I store homemade raw dog food?
Raw dog food can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. If you want to keep it for a longer period of time, you can freeze it for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Making raw food for dogs at home is not much of a problem. Even if you are a new cook, you can do it very easily. If you can practice cooking with the right ingredients, then the food you prepare can provide your dog with all the nutritious and healthy ingredients and it will be good for your dog.
However, if you start giving raw food to replace your dog’s current food, then don’t forget to make the change gradually. In that case too, you need to monitor the dog’s behavior and physical changes. If you see any abnormality, consult a veterinarian immediately and stop feeding it.