Can I cook for my dog? Top 5 mistakes plus a bonus recipe
Can you cook for your dog? Check out the top 5 mistakes people make when home cooking, how to avoid them and a bonus balanced recipe
Home-cooked meals for dogs are becoming increasingly popular as pet owners look for fresh, wholesome options for their furry friends. However, while the intent is good, many well-meaning dog owners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to serious health problems over time. Here are the top five mistakes people make when home-cooking for their dogs—and a free balanced recipe to help you get started on the right track.
1. Not Meeting Nutritional Requirements
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that simply feeding whole, fresh foods will provide everything a dog needs. Dogs have specific nutritional requirements, including essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. A common issue is calcium deficiency, which can lead to weak bones and developmental problems. To avoid this, balance your dog's meals with the correct ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates while ensuring they get essential micronutrients.
2. Failing to Add a Calcium Source
Unlike humans, dogs don’t rely on dairy for calcium. If you're not feeding raw meaty bones (which are not included in cooked diets), you need to add a proper calcium source, such as ground eggshells or a canine-specific calcium supplement. Without sufficient calcium, dogs can suffer from brittle bones and other skeletal issues.
3. Under or over feeding
One common reason for overfeeding is the misconception that fresh food always needs to be in larger quantities to be satisfying. Owners also tend to add extra treats or table scraps, unaware of how quickly calories add up, leading to weight gain and obesity-related issues.
On the other hand, underfeeding can occur when owners don't calculate the correct caloric intake or macronutrient balance. Some believe feeding less will keep their dog lean, but this can result in nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and low energy.
To avoid these pitfalls, pet owners should work with a canine nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet tailored to their dog’s specific needs. Measuring portions accurately, ensuring proper nutrient balance, and adjusting meals based on activity levels are key to keeping a dog at a healthy weight with optimal nutrition.
4. Not Providing Enough Variety
A monotonous diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Feeding only chicken and rice, for example, does not provide all the essential nutrients a dog needs. Dogs require a mix of different proteins (beef, fish, lamb, turkey, etc.), healthy fats, and a variety of vegetables to ensure they get a well-rounded diet.
5. Not Supplementing with Essential Nutrients
Even when using high-quality ingredients, home-cooked meals often fall short in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, and B vitamins. Adding supplements like fish oil (for omega-3s), kelp powder (for iodine), and a canine multivitamin can help fill these gaps and ensure your dog thrives.
Free Balanced Home-Cooked Dog Food Recipe
Roughly 166 Kcals per 100g - will make 1kg of food.
Ingredients:
400g (14 oz) lean ground beef
100g (3.5 oz) beef liver (iron, b vits, zinc)
50g of salmon - (omegas and vitamin d)
200g (7 oz) cooked sweet potatoes
150g (5 oz) cooked carrots
100g (3.5 oz) steamed spinach
1 tbsp pf Hemp seed oil
1/2 tsp of wheatgerm oil
1 tsp ground eggshell powder (for calcium)
1/4 tsp kelp powder (for iodine)
1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
Cook the ground beef, salmon and liver in a pan over a low heat until fully cooked.
Steam or boil the sweet potatoes and carrots for (12-15mins) until soft
Add in the spinach for the final 2 minutes with the potatoes and carrots
Mash or finely chop the vegetables.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.
Allow to cool before adding in the seeds, kelp, eggshell powder, turmeric and oils.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze in portion sizes for future meals for up to 6 months
Final Thoughts
Home-cooking for your dog can be a wonderful way to provide fresh, healthy meals, but it must be done correctly to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Always ensure you're meeting your dog's dietary needs, avoid under or over feeding by working out your dogs calorific needs, and use proper supplementation where needed. If you're ever unsure, consult with a canine nutritionist to ensure your dog's diet is truly balanced and beneficial. Join THE CANINE CODE today for dozens more balanced recipes
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with other dog owners looking to improve their pets' nutrition!
