Whether you choose to feed your dog a raw food diet or cooked prepared meals, it is important to balance the right amount of protein along with: fresh vegetables; fresh fruit; and recommended vitamin supplements. Feeding your dog a kibble diet can leave them lacking the proper nutrition, however, some medical experts warn that a protein only diet can result in the same.
For dog owners there are many factors to consider when weighing your options: the breed of dog, size, energy level and dietary needs. If your dog requires a special diet due to a medical condition you should always consult your veterinarian before making changes.
In comparing available literature and the expansive list of online articles in support of home made pet food, the general consensus among experts is:
Dog: 1 gram of protein per lb of body weight per day
Cat: 2 grams of protein per lb of body weight per day. Protein options should include meat, with bones if possible, organs and even whole eggs (shell and all). For beginners, using ground meat products is a good way to ease into making your own meals.
Here are two dog food recipes to get you started. We have also taken the guideline ratios into account from our previous article: The facts about raw pet; food chicken diets.
Home made raw chicken dog food recipe idea:
- 3 lbs of Ground chicken (roughly 368g of protein)
- 3 oz Chicken Liver (roughly 22g of protein)
- 2 medium eggs (raw) (roughly 12g of protein)
- 1 tbsp of fish oil
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 1 medium apple chopped
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Place cut up apple and carrot into a mixer and process on medium for 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients (except for ground chicken) and process for 1 minute. Transfer ingredients into a mixing bowl and add the ground chicken. Using your hands or a spatula/spoon mix together all ingredients until they are well combined.
This recipe is a total of 402 grams of protein, based on your pets weight and requirements split the mixture and form patties equivalent to a daily feeding. Example: for a 25lb dog, 25g of protein daily is required. This mixture should be split and formed into 16 patties. Wrap and freeze the patties. Remove in the evening and allow to defrost in the fridge daily, divide into 2 for morning and evening feeding.
Home made cooked chicken dog food recipe idea:
If you prefer to feed your dog a cooked diet: the makeup of a cooked diet varies from a raw diet and some include a small portion of grains, this recipe is one that we have tried. Crock pot recipes are great to use because you can make a large quantity with limited effort aside from prep. Read through this post for recommended portions.
- 2.5 - 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs breasts
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cup frozen green beans
- 2 cup frozen peas
- 1 large or 2 medium apples, cored and cubed no seeds
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Place meat into slow cooker and add water just to cover, add everything except peas and olive oil. Cook on low for 8-9 hours, add peas and cook for another 30 minutes. Once finished drain off extra fluid and add olive oil. Stir to mash.
Once cooled, portion into freezer bags. Remove from freezer daily and defrost in fridge for daily feeding.
Summary:
As pet owners you want what's best, it's always important to speak to your veterinarian and ensure that your pet is being fed a well balanced and nutritious diet. Cericola Farm's chicken products are perfect for any pet food option. Our Chicken products for pet food are available in a variety of options including (but not limited to), Chicken Necks, Chicken Backs, Organs, Ground Chicken and cuts such as Boneless skinless Chicken Breast, Thighs and Chicken Legs. All cuts are also available in conventional, Animal by Product Free, Raised without the use of Antibiotics, and Organic Chicken. Contact us and find the right item for your need.
Read more about our Raw Chicken Pet Food and follow our Pinterest 'Pet Food Options' for our Pet Food Recipe recommendations!
