How to Make Dog Food

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Updated: September 21, 2019

Commercial dog foods are usually filled with a variety of preservatives and additives, and its difficult to know whether your dog is getting enough nutrients and enjoying her meals. Although making homemade dog food takes extra time, it gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your dog's meals are both healthy and tasty. Learn what nutrients dogs need to stay healthy and how to prepare daily meals two ways: cooked or raw.

Method 1 of 3:
Understanding Dog Nutrition

  1. 1
    Know what nutrients dogs need. A dogs digestive system is different from the human one and the balance of ingredients in homemade dog food needs to be tailored to the dogs special needs. When you cook for your dog, keep the following in mind:
    • Dogs are carnivores, so at least half of a dog's diet should be composed of protein, which provides dogs with the nutrients and minerals they need to be strong and healthy.[1] Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish are all acceptable sources of protein for a dog. Dogs can also be fed eggs and vegetables that contain protein.
    • Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, should only be given to your dog a few times a week.[2]
    • Dogs may also eat grains, root and green vegetables, as long as they are thoroughly cooked.[3]
    • Feeding dogs a vegetarian or vegan diet can hurt their digestive system, since it's tough for dogs to break down large amounts of vegetables.
    • Supplement your dog's homemade meals with vitamins made for dogs, to make sure they get everything they need. Talk with your vet about supplements you can buy. Be especially careful to make sure your dog has enough calcium, or she may suffer bone injuries as she grows and ages. [4]
  2. 2
    Decide whether to feed your dog raw or cooked meat. Some say that raw meat is better for dogs, since they aren't susceptible to the organisms that make humans sick from eating raw steak or chicken.[5] Other sources claim that cooked meat is a safer choice.[6]
    • A raw meat diet often also include bones, which provide dogs with necessary calcium and other nutrients.[7]
    • Conduct research to decide what type of meat you want to feed your dog. Ask your vet if you want more information on the subject.

Method 2 of 3:
Preparing Cooked Dog Food

  1. 1
    Cook 2.5 cups meat. You may use ground beef, chicken, lamb, turkey or any other type of meat your dog likes. Cook it by frying, boiling, baking, sauteing or otherwise heating it through.
    • Add a small amount of organ meat to this recipe every other week, to ensure your dog gets the vitamins she needs.
    • Olive oil is safe for dogs to eat, so feel free to use it to keep meat from sticking to your pots and pans.
    • There is no need to season the meat with salt and pepper. Dogs don't have the same taste buds that humans do, and too many spices can upset their stomachs.
  2. 2
    Prepare 2 cups of cooked starch. Use white or brown rice (brown rice may be helpful if your dog has digestive problems), oatmeal, barley or cooked pasta. Cook the starch a few minutes longer than you normally would to make it easier for your dog to digest.
  3. 3
    Cook 1.25 cups produce. Use fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables, such as green beans, squash, broccoli, spinach, peas, carrots, bananas, or berries. Boil them until they're completely soft, then transfer them to a blender and puree until smooth.
    • Dogs have trouble digesting vegetables, so it's important to make sure they're completely smooth before serving them to your dog.
    • If you don't have the time or inclination to puree vegetables and fruits, you can substitute baby food or frozen pureed food. Just make sure it's sugar free.
  4. 4
    Add calcium. Dogs need a lot of calcium to build healthy bones, so its important to add it to their daily diet. Prepare 1/2 teaspoon crushed eggshells or one teaspoon bone meal, which is available at pet stores.
  5. 5
    Mix the ingredients. Place the meat, starch, pureed vegetables, and calcium supplement in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then divide the dog food into serving-sized portions. Place the portions you don't serve right away in airtight food storage containers and refrigerate them until serving time.

Method 3 of 3:
Preparing Raw Dog Food

  1. 1
    Buy raw meat. Go to your grocery store or butcher and purchase one of the following types of raw meat. Buy it with the bone in, since uncooked bones are soft enough for your dog to chew and eat.
    • Chicken without bones. Poultry bones are brittle, they can get stuck in the dogs throat and can therefore be very dangerous to eat for your pup.
    • Pork meat, bones, head and tail.
    • Cow meat (not bones, since they are too hard) or calf meat and calf bones.
    • Lamb meat, bones and heads.
  2. 2
    Prepare the extras. Raw meat can be supplemented with other flavorful sources of vitamins and minerals your dog needs to be healthy.
    • Liver, heart, and tripe.
    • Whole eggs.
    • Tinned or whole fresh fish.
  3. 3
    Add greens. Dogs eating a raw food diet get almost everything they need from meat, but including some vegetables in their diet is a great way to add variety. Puree one or more of the following vegetables in the blender:
    • Spinach, carrots, collards or parsnips.
    • Apples, pears or other fruit your dog likes.
  4. 4
    Serve the raw meal. Fill your dog's bowl with the proper amount of food according to her weight. It should be composed of mostly raw meat with a few extras and a dollop of vegetables or fruit. Store leftover meat and other dog food in an airtight food container in the refrigerator.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    I'm am feeding my dog chicken & rice for his weak stomach. Is that good for him? Do I need to add anything for a supplement?
    Community Answer
    This is very good for him. You could add a dash of oil or an egg. Some yogurt is always a good idea as well.
  • Question
    Can I blend the food for my dog if she refuses to eat for a few days?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but try to mix the blended food with dry food. I would also recommend that you take your dog to the vet if they continue refusing food.
  • Question
    My dog has stopped eating, including rice, chapati and her favorite milk. Any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Try some meats like chicken or beef. If she still doesn't want to eat that, then take her to the vet, she may be unwell.
  • Question
    Is it safe to add milk and chapati to my dog's diet?
    Community Answer
    No. Chapati can result in gall stones, and not all dogs can digest the lactose found in dairy.
  • Question
    I usually fed my dog with chapati and dairy products. Is that ok?
    Community Answer
    No. You should only feed your dog actual dog food. Dairy is especially unhealthy for dogs and can make them sick.
  • Question
    If cooked chicken is left out overnight, can dogs eat it without getting sick?
    Community Answer
    Some dogs have stronger stomachs than others so your dog might not get sick - but it's definitely not healthy for them.
  • Question
    How do I feed canned tuna to my dog?
    Community Answer
    Either mix it in with some of their regular food, or just give it to them on its own. It's very good as it's oily and full of protein, great for the coat and skin.
  • Question
    Can my dog eat rice?
    Community Answer
    There is nothing harmful about feeding rice to a dog. The question is whether your dog will like it enough to eat it or not.
  • Question
    How many cups of dog food per day for a 20-pound Russell-dachshund mix?
    Community Answer
    If you mean dry kibble, you should be feeding him anywhere from 1/2 cup to 1 cup per day. It should also be a fairly nutrient-rich food, as small dogs need more protein. Bear in mind how active your dog is; also, pay attention to his ribs and what your vet says about his weight. If he is overweight, feed him a little less.
  • Question
    What food schedule should I use for a Yorkie who is six years old?
    Community Answer
    The recommended amount on the dog food label is simply a starting point; your dog may require more or less. In general, a Yorkshire Terrier eats 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup daily. Puppies require 3 to 4 meals daily, and an adult dog should eat twice daily.
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  • How do I make dog food for a 6 month old dog?
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      • Avoid foods that may be harmful for your dog, including chocolate, dairy products, nuts, potatoes, raisins, grapes, onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes, coffee or tea.
      • If your dog has special dietary needs, talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog homemade food.
      • Be careful with nightshades like eggplants and bell peppers (potatoes and tomatoes are nightshades as well !). The dog is absolutely unable to digest them, they can be dangerous in any amount.[8]

      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Together, they cited 9 references. This article has also been viewed 188,887 times.
      14 votes - 86%
      Co-authors: 21
      Updated: September 21, 2019
      Views: 188,887
      Categories: Dog Food Recipes
      Article SummaryX

      To care for a Lhasa Apso, feed it dog food that’s high in protein and low in grain twice a day. Additionally, take it for walks and play with it often to make sure it gets enough exercise. You should also brush your dog’s coat at least once a week with a double-sided brush to avoid tangles. Alternatively, consider bringing your Lhasa Apso to a groomer for a shorter “puppy cut,” which is easier to care for and cooler for your dog. For more tips, including how to prepare a raw food diet for your dog, read on!

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 188,887 times.

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