"Why does my dog have arthritis?" "How did my dog get diabetes?" "Why is my dog so overweight; I feed him so little?" "What is the best food to give my dogs?"
Have you ever asked any of these questions? Many dog owners feel helpless watching the health of their dogs decline. Many feel frustrated when they try many commercial brands of dog food and see no improvement in their dogs' health. Maybe it is time to stop giving their dogs manufactured dog food and turn to fresh, natural whole foods prepared at home. When this happens, owners start to see noticeable differences. Their dogs' coats may appear more lustrous and their eyes brighter than before. Allergies, skin problems, and even cysts and tumors, often disappear. Overweight dogs return to their optimal weight. They see their dog's overall health improve. Dog lovers often think homemade dog food is confusing and guesswork about nutritional value. There is an easy formula for homemade dog food that ensures the proper nutrients will be provided for excellent health.
• Start with two or three fresh and colorful vegetables: leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, ripe tomatoes, peas, green beans, carrots, squash, pumpkin and celery. Coarsely chop them up in a food processor. Your dog will not only get loads of vitamins and roughage, but high-quality protein, as well. These vegetables can be served raw or gently cooked. Some dogs enjoy a combination of raw and cooked.
• Next, add some cooked meat, chicken or fish.
• Mix in some cooked quinoa grains for a perfectly balanced meal. Quinoa contains loads of vitamins, minerals and protein. It is probably one of the most nutritious foods available to us. The ideal meal should contain about 70% vegetable, 20% quinoa and 10% meat.
• Now, step back and watch how fast your dog eats it up!
• A raw marrow bone makes a perfect weekend treat dogs will look forward to each week. It cleans their teeth, as well.
The best supplements for a homemade dog food diet are a daily dose of vitamin D and Montmorillonite clay to supply your dog with the minerals lacking in our depleted farm soils. Dogs, today, get plenty of calcium, but not enough magnesium. The body cannot absorb calcium without magnesium. Clay and quinoa are good sources of magnesium. Foods to be avoided by dogs are onions, cooked bones (they shatter and can harm the intestines), corn, peanut butter, brewer's yeast, chocolate, caffeine, dairy products and most of all, sugar.
These meals are not complicated. Made in large batches, they can be kept in the refrigerator up to four days. Extra food can be frozen and thawed when needed. The best part is seeing those thankful eyes, wagging tails, and watching how much your dog enjoys- the best food for him.
(Always consult your veterinarian about diets and supplements for your dog.)
