How To Find The Best Dog Food Recipe

More and more people are recognizing the importance of including whole food in their family’s diet. This means turning away from foods laden with additives and preservatives and turning to food that are homemade and closer to their natural state. What many people don’t realize is the fact that their dogs could benefit from some of these changes as well -- many packaged dog foods are laced with additives, preservatives and fillers which are harmful to a dog’s health.

If you want a dog that is bursting with life and energy you may need to make your dog home cooked meals just as you do for yourself and family. This may sound like a giant hassle but it’s actually quite simple and so good for your dog that it is worth the effort. The recall of dog food in 2007 led many people to question the ethics of the dog food industry.

As more people began looking into the practices of commercial dog food companies they began to realize that most commercially prepared dog food is packed with cheap carbohydrates because carbohydrates are a cheap filler. Unfortunately, dogs don’t do well with too many carbohydrates in their diet.

They also need protein and amino acids for optimal health. Most dog foods have a corn base and very few amino acids. Several years ago it was assumed that dogs were carnivorous. However, after feeding them an all-meat diet the dogs fell ill so it was recognized that dogs are omnivorous -- meaning they need meat and plant foods to survive. So the best dog food recipe needs to combine meats and plant-based foods (vegetables) for the dog to receive optimal nutrition.

Currently the best dog food recipes are based on a quality protein source such as eggs, beef, fish, chicken or lamb. The protein is mixed with a carbohydrate such as oats, barley, wheat, rice, corn or soy. For essential nutrients vegetables are also added to the recipe. As you experiment with making homemade food for your dog you should include a variety of different foods so that your pet gets all the nutrients he/she requires.

There are some foods which are not good for dogs: raisings, onions, macadamia nuts, mushrooms, avocados, and chocolate can all be dangerous for your dogs. If you have any questions about what your dog needs you should consult a veterinarian. They will be able to tell you the requirements of your dog's particular breed.

One of the healthiest and best dog food recipes is a mix of corn meal, carrots, celery, canned salmon, eggs, and peanut butter. This is one of the best dog food recipes because it provides all of the nutrition your dog needs and is a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

There is no one best dog food recipe -- you can always try new variations until you find a recipe that works well with your dog.