Terri Ramsey Beavers Your dog is your best friend, so why are you feeding them glorified cardboard?
We know why. It’s what our parents did. But our parents also kept the dog outside in a kennel or in the garage.
Things are different now. We know that your dog is your fur baby. They are part of our family, and it is time we started feeding them like it!
So how do you do that? Start by feeding them real, fresh ingredients. It is not as complicated as you think.
Read on to find out the best benefits of a homemade diet for dogs, your pup will thank you.
1. You’ll Have a Healthier Dog
Have you read the ingredients label on your dog’s food? Even the best foods may have rendered proteins and harmful additives that your beloved dog is eating.
Nothing beats fresh food and a raw diet for any being, why would your dog prefer anything different?
When you switch to a homemade diet for dogs you should consult with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is getting all of the nutrients they need.
It’s also important to note that we can’t always trust our dog’s prepared food. Dry pet food recalls aren’t a rarity. You won’t be putting your dog at unknown risks if you’re preparing the food yourself.
A healthier dog is a happy dog!
2. You’ll Save Money
We spend over 30 billion on food for our pets in the United States each year. That’s because prepared wet and dry dog food is extremely costly.
A good way to reduce the amount you pay for your pet food is by switching to a homemade diet for your dog.
The most economical way to prepare the homemade meals is by finding things on sale. Purchase only when meats and vegetables are on sale and prepare your dog’s meals and freeze them. You can prepare weeks at a time for a surprisingly low cost.
3. It’s Tastier Than Kibbles
If you’re one of the unfortunate few who were tricked into eating dog food by their siblings (thanks, again) you know that dog food is NOT tasty. Only child? Well, it tastes like it looks, dry and disgusting.
Does my dog like that food? Or do they eat it just because it is there?
Even if they do like their dry dog food, imagine their absolute delight when they try a wholesome homemade meal for the first time. There is no doubt that fresh ground beef is tastier than hard bits of kibbles.
4. You Can Control the Ingredients List
The best part about making homemade dog food is that you can control every single thing your dog eats.
Does your dog not like peas? Don’t put them in their diet.
Are they allergic to a certain meat? Well, you can stay away from it without question.
If your dog has medical issues you can feed them special food that will promote their best lifestyle.
Does your dog have dry skin? Add some oil to his food. This will provide smoother and healthier skin and fur.
Maybe they have an upset stomach? Give Fido mild food like chicken and rice, it won’t further upset their belly.
You can control all of the ingredients that go into their list with confidence.
5. Your Dog Won’t Get Bored
With store-bought food, we have to feed our dog the same food for every meal, every day. Could you imagine eating an identical meal over and over again? It would be a truly dreadful existence.
You could do ground turkey, peas, carrots, and brown rice one day and then chicken, spinach, pumpkin, and zucchini the next. The variety will keep your dog not only healthy but delighted by each bite.
When you make the switch from store-bought to homemade dog food, you’ll notice your dog is even more excited during mealtime! Even they can tell its fresh.
6. Homemade Diet For Dogs Means No Additives
There is no need for a long shelf life when you’re making your dog’s meals fresh. Additives and preservatives are not healthy for us to eat, so what would make it okay for Fido?
Does it seem inconvenient to prepare a raw diet for your dog? If you want, you can make food in bulk for your dog and refrigerate or freeze portions. This way you don’t have to cook every mealtime or even every day.
Don’t have time to cook it on your own? Try this homemade dog food.
7. A Variety of Foods to Choose From
There are a lot of foods you can give your dog to spice up their meals. You can choose from most cooked meats, seafood, whole grains, and vegetables.
But remember, safe for you does not necessarily mean safe for them.
There are some foods you should stay away from. These include common foods like garlic, onions, grapes, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, liver, and avocado.
Despite the semi-long list of foods you should stay away from, it is certainly more varied than “chicken and rice” kibbles for every meal for an entire lifetime.
A Family That Eats Together, Stays Together
Dogs are our family after all, right? Let’s feed them like it.
Changing to a homemade diet for dogs will make a big difference in your wallet, and a huge change in your dog’s life. You’ll notice they are not only happier but likely healthier.
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