Creating a natural dog food menu raises questions for those who are transitioning from dog food. In fact, this subject should be studied very carefully so as not to harm your pet’s health by offering fewer nutrients than he needs.
When I talk about homemade dog food, I don’t mean the same food you eat. Much less giving your pet leftovers.
Dogs require a diet prepared especially for them . Therefore, natural food for dogs requires care in creating a special menu for your pet, balancing essential vitamins and minerals .
Human food, in addition to having ingredients that are not good for animals, such as garlic, onion and salt, does not meet all of your dog’s needs.
This is why the discussion between feed or natural food is so complex. After all, even with the cons related to feed, when it is of quality (like premium feed), it guarantees the adequate supply of nutrients.
So, to feel more confident when starting to prepare natural food for dogs, it is recommended that you sign up for a natural dog food course, such as those presented below:
In addition, I will talk about some details that are worth paying attention to when it comes to natural dog food. It is essential to keep certain issues in mind when starting to make this transition, and these are the issues that will be highlighted here.
How much natural dog food should I give?
When it comes to natural dog diets, this is one of the most commonly asked questions. This is due to the fact that the recommended daily feeding quantity is usually stated on food packages. However, what happens if you are the one who has to adjust the amounts?
The average percentage of food per day suggested by the animal’s size, and is the reference that many guardians and veterinarians use as a basis:
- Miniature size up to 3 kg: 7 to 10% of body weight.
- Miniature breed weighing between 3 and 5 kg: 5 to 6% of body weight.
- Small size between 5 and 10 kg: 4 to 6% of body weight.
- Medium size, between 10 and 25 kg: 4 to 5% of body weight.
- Large size between 25 and 35 kg: 4 to 5% of body weight.
- Large size between 35kg and 42kg: 3 to 4% of body weight.
- Giant size (42 kg and up): 3 to 4% of body weight.
Dogs eating cornmeal was a popular practice a few years ago, especially on farms. Cornmeal doesn’t contain all the nutrients required to keep a dog healthy and happy, even if it could temporarily satiate the animal’s appetite!
Angu is poor in proteins and other substances necessary for the animal and a diet based on it can cause serious problems such as:
- hair loss;
- skin wounds;
- mouth sores.
So what is the ideal balance of natural food for pets?
A diet made with natural dog food should contain, per plate:
- 35% carbohydrates,
- 30% boneless meat,
- 30% vegetables,
- 5% viscera.
We are talking about your pet’s diet, and any changes must be very well planned and well-founded so as not to cause harm. Therefore, it is also worth checking out the following books:
Even with these parameters for creating natural dog food, it is important that you take your pet to a veterinarian for a health assessment.
Talk to your veterinarian about your desire to start introducing natural dog food and follow any instructions they share.
Why choose natural food for dogs?
When prepared correctly, natural dog food removes elements such as chemical additives, GMOs, preservatives and colorings from the animal’s daily consumption.
Allowing your dog to have a much healthier diet, with better absorption of nutrients and improvements to overall health.
The same thing happens to you when you give up processed foods.
Among the benefits of opting for natural food we can mention:
- improving the immune system, reducing the number of diseases that affect the animal,
- softer, shinier fur, with less shedding, helping to keep your home clean,
- more energy and willingness to play and for everyday life. No one wants their dog to be quiet, sad and weak, right ?
- elimination of chemical additives and other substances such as dyes and preservatives,
- firmer and drier stools,
- longevity, some studies are beginning to show that home-cooked food, when well prepared, helps to increase the life expectancy of your partner,
- obesity control, among others.
Throughout this article, we have emphasized the importance of a balanced diet. This will ensure that all the benefits listed can actually be enjoyed when choosing natural dog food.