Who says a Dog can’t eat Healthy?

Do you know what your dog is eating?  All growing puppies need proper nutrition. However, choosing the right diet for your puppy can be an overwhelming task!

There’s no denying that buying your commercial puppy food is just easier.  It’s pretty convenient to just pour a scoop of kibble into a bowl or open up a can.  However, in the wake of commercial do food recalls, many pet owners have chosen to prepare their own dog good.

Homemade puppy food can save you a little bit of money and allow you to custom-design a diet that fits your puppy’s needs.  When you choose to feed your puppy home-prepared food, it takes a certain amount of commitment on your part.  Make sure you have the time to prepare the food properly and on a regular basis.  There’s a lot you need to know before you can start feeding your dog an appropriate homemade diet.

Is Homemade Food Healthy for Puppies?

Like humans, dogs have specific caloric requirements and need certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.  Puppies have even more specific need in order to grow at an appropriate rate and thrive.

One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make when they decide to feed home-prepared diets is not following the right recipes(or, not following a recipe at all.)  The diet must also contain the right amounts of vitamins and minerals.

When you begin to develop a home-prepared diet, make sure your puppy gets everything it needs in its diet to keep it as healthy as possible and help it grow.  Consult with your Veterinarian.

How to Prepare Homemade Puppy Food

In general, puppies need about twice as many calories per day than their adult counterparts.  According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, a 10 – pound puppy that is expected to weigh 33 pounds at adulthood needs to eat about 990 calories per day.  Puppies do need more protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals than adult dogs.

2 Recipes for Homemade Puppy Food

Here are two recipes that I have found that is easy to make for your puppy.

• 1 1/2 cups Brown Rice
• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
• 3 Pounds Ground Turkey
• 3 Cups Baby Spinach, chopped
• 2 Carrots, shredded
• 1 Zucchini, shredded
• 1/2 Cups Peas, Canned or Frozen

In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.  Heat Olive Oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add Ground Turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.  Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.  Let Cool Completely.  You can then place in baggies and freeze, and the night before put in refrigerator to thaw, and heat up in Microwave for about 2 minutes.  Then feed to your puppy

Easy Homemade Dog Food Crockpot Recipe with Ground Chicken

• 3 lbs lean ground chicken
• 1 Cup butternut squash, precut
• 15 oz. can kidney beans drained
• 1 Cup peas
• 1 Cup green beans
• 1 Cup carrots sliced
• 1 1/2 Cup uncooked rice
• 4 Cups water

Throw everything in crockpot.  Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.  You can add in chicken livers for extra iron.  Once cooked you can put single servings in plastic bags and freeze until you need.  The night before you can put in refrigerator to thaw. You can put in microwave for about 2 minutes.  Then feed to your puppy

Homemade Puppy Treats

• 2/3 Cup Pumpkin puree
• 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
• 2 Large Eggs
• 3 Cups Whole Wheat Flour, Or more, as needed.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.  Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated,  Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is not longer sticky.  Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 time until it comes together.  Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.  Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes an place onto the prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.  Store in an airtight container.

Be Sure Not to Over-treat

No matter what type of treat you choose.  Dr Amy Farcas, DVM a veterinary nutritionist with Veterinary Nutrition Care in California.  She advises that to make sure treats don’t make up more than 5-10% of your dog’s diet. Keep in mind that you should discuss any dietary concerns with your veterinarian and know that they might have a different outlook on feeding certain foods to dogs.

Harmful People Food for your Puppy

• Baker Chocolate
• Grapes/Raisins
• Onions
• Pits & Seeds from fruits/vegetable
• Alcoholic drings or foods
• Caffeinated drinks
• Macadamia nuts
• Yeast Dough
• Gum

Most dogs love food.  Your puppy will try to get anything and everything.  Avoid the following foods, which can be harmful or even toxic food for your dogs.  You can also check with your veterinary for all the foods on the list that your puppy/dog should not eat.

What Human Foods are Safe for Dogs?

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Carrots
• Bananas
• Peanut Butter
• List Element

Here is a list of some foods that are safe for your pups and dogs to eat.  Again please consult with your Veterinarian on what foods are safe for your puppy.

Be Sure Not to Over-treat!

No matter what type of treats you choose.  Make sure treats don’t make up more than 5-10% of your dog’s diet.  You want to make sure that you keep your puppy healthy and happy.

No matter if you choose Homemade puppy food or if you choose a commercial food, make sure that your puppy is getting the best food he needs to be having to make him grow and be happy.