Dogs are one of the most loyal and companionable creatures on earth, and it's easy to fall in love. But when your dog's calorie intake is too high, his health can be at risk.
Store-bought diet dog foods are plentiful and available, but many dogs don't like the taste. By making your own homemade diet dog food, you can spoil your pooch and keep her healthy at the same time.
Instructions
Making Homemade Diet Dog Food
1. Determine your dog's ideal weight by talking with your veterinarian. This recipe provides one days' worth of food for a dog whose ideal weight is 25 pounds. If your dog's weight should be 50 pounds, double the recipe. A 12-pound dog would get half of the recipe for one day. You can make as little or as much food as your dog requires.
2. Chop eight ounces of low-fat meat, or an alternative, into bite-sized pieces and brown.
The protein equivalent of eight ounces of meat can be met with any of the following (mix and match if you'd like):
- four medium eggs
- eight ounces of organ meat
- eight ounces of wild game
3. Heat four cups of vegetables until soft.
The carbohydrate equivalent of four cups of vegetables (peas, zucchini, green leafy vegetables, squash, etc.) can be met by any of the following:
- two cups of fruits, such as melons, bananas, berries, peaches, etc.
- two cups of carrots
- one cup of pulses (lentils, peas or beans)
- 1 1/3 cup brown rice
Note: As with people, some vegetables can cause dogs to have excess gas. Use cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage in moderation, or avoid them altogether if your dog has digestive issues.
4. Mix protein with carbohydrates and add multivitamins and fish oil as directed by your veterinarian. Divide food in two parts and feed one in the morning and one in the evening. If your dog is accustomed to food throughout the day, you can divide this recipe into three parts and feed at shorter intervals.
5. Incorporate regular exercise into your dog's day. By increasing exercise and regulating her diet, she'll live a happy and healthy long life.
Tags: eight ounces, cups vegetables, Diet Food, four cups, four cups vegetables, Homemade Diet Food, ideal weight