Are you tired of spending a fortune on commercial raw dog food? Look no further! In this article, HowPetCare will dig into the world of homemade raw dog food recipes, providing you with cost-effective alternatives that are not only healthier for your beloved furry friend but also easy on your wallet.
Making Your Dog's Raw Food
If you're considering making your dog's raw food, you'll need ingredients like raw beef or raw chicken, raw organs like chicken livers, and raw veggies. These ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store or butcher. You can even save more money by reaching out to local ranchers, farmers, or hunters for deer meat and organs, which are perfect for dogs.
The added benefit of buying your own raw dog food ingredients is that you will know exactly what your dog is eating. However, it's important to note that making homemade raw food does require some time and effort to ensure that the meals are balanced.
To help you out, HowPetCare has written an ebook that guides you through the process of learning to feed a raw diet. Check it out here!
How Much Raw Dog Food Should I Feed My Dog?
The general rule is to feed your dog 2 to 3 percent of their ideal adult body weight. To calculate the starting point, you can use a simple equation:
- Get your dog's weight in ounces by multiplying their weight in pounds by 16.
- Multiply your dog's weight in ounces by 0.025 to get 2.5% of their body weight. Feed that amount per day as a starting point.
For example, if your dog weighs 63 pounds, they should be eating approximately 25.2 ounces of food per day, which is about 1.6 pounds. Keep in mind that this is just a general starting point, and every dog is different. Adjust the amount based on your dog's activity level and overall body condition.
Easy Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes
Now, let's dive into some easy homemade raw dog food recipes that have been shared by readers and friends. Please note that these recipes are not necessarily 100 percent balanced or meant to be fed every day, and they may not be suitable for all dogs. However, they serve as real examples of meals that real dog owners have fed their dogs.
Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipe #1: RAW CHICKEN QUARTER & VEGGIE MIX
- 1/4 C. plain yogurt
- 1/4 – 1/2 C. chopped or ground veggies (carrots, leafy greens, apples, broccoli, or peas)
- A skinned chicken leg quarter with bone (chicken leg, thigh, and some of the back, which usually weighs about 1 lb)
- 3 ounces of chicken livers
If the chicken quarter does not have a lot of bone, you can add a calcium tablet for additional calcium.
Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipe #2: RAW BEEF, ORGAN & VEGGIE MIX
- 1 C. raw ground beef
- 1 raw chicken thigh with bone
- 1 ounce organ meat such as chicken liver (from the grocery store)
- 1/2 C. vegetables/fruit blended
- 1 egg with shell
Rotate the kinds of organ meat and veggies you use to provide variety in your dog's diet.
Dog Treat Recipe for Raw Fed Dogs #1: RAW BEEF STUFFED INTO KONGS
This method is perfect for keeping your dogs occupied while you're away. Simply stuff several Kong toys with raw meat, freeze them, and serve. Each dog can enjoy 2 to 3 frozen Kongs per day.
Dog Treat Recipe for Raw Fed Dogs #2: PUMPKIN PAWS
- Small amount of any raw meat
- Small amount of spinach, chopped carrots, or broccoli (blended)
- 2 C. water
- 1 large can of pumpkin puree (not pie filling – no sugar!)
- 1 small can of tomato puree
- 9-ounce paper cups
If using meat, make sure it is finely chopped or ground. Otherwise, put it in a food processor with water to make a soup. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Put a generous tablespoon in each paper cup, freeze, and serve. You can also use ice cube trays if you prefer.
Some Reminders about Feeding Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes
While homemade raw dog food can be a great option, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Some fruits and vegetables are not suitable for dogs, such as grapes and onions. Always research the safety of any ingredient before including it in your dog's meals.
- Never give your dog cooked bones or sharp raw bones, as they can be dangerous.
If you decide to make your dog's raw food yourself, we highly recommend making at least a week's worth at a time and storing it in your freezer for convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homemade raw dog food recipes offer a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to commercial raw dog food. By preparing your dog's meals at home, you have control over the ingredients and can ensure they receive a balanced diet. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your specific dog.
Don't forget to check out HowPetCare for more information on raw feeding and other pet care tips!
Keys to take away:
- Homemade raw dog food recipes provide a cost-effective alternative to commercial raw dog food.
- Making your dog's raw food allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a balanced diet.
- Feed your dog 2 to 3 percent of their ideal adult body weight, adjusting as needed.
- Easy homemade raw dog food recipes include RAW CHICKEN QUARTER & VEGGIE MIX and RAW BEEF, ORGAN & VEGGIE MIX.
- Treat your raw-fed dog with RAW BEEF STUFFED INTO KONGS or PUMPKIN PAWS.
- Remember to research safe ingredients and avoid cooked bones or sharp raw bones.
- Make a week's worth of homemade raw dog food at a time and store it in the freezer for convenience.
For more pet care tips and information on raw feeding, visit HowPetCare.