My 2 babies (rotty x boxer) have been fed good ‘clean’ food since they were pups (now 13yrs young) and have thrived on it. Their food is all home cooked from fresh vegies and meat and only a very small amount of high quality dog biscuits which helps their teeth and keeps their weight stable. (My girl loses too much weight if she only eats the fresh).
Whenever either of them have had an upset stomach, as previously posted here, I feed them plain rice or add a little cooked chicken breast for a few days – it works perfectly.
I know I’m repeating a lot of what has been previously said here sorry, but I will say this:- If you are concerned about the actual health of your dogs, look at the colour of their tongue. It should be bright and pink – too many times I’ve seen friends dogs tongues that are grey in colour and they’re only fed commercial dog food.
Here is Australia there is talk of the commercial dog food containing oxide to colour it – thats the same stuff you use to colour cement!
All the very best to you all
Dee

Thanks for your advice, and have a Great Day!
Shelly Campbell

Your recipe sounds great. The only possible comments I’d make are –

1. Fry the garlic in the olive oil on a medium – not hot – heat destroys nutrients.

2. I’m not sure why you cook the vegetable mixture for 20 minutes – I’d try a much shorter period – you could try 3 to 10 minutes and see how that works (the shorter the cooking period, the greater the retention of nutrients).

3. The low sodium chicken broth you mention – is this a powdered or cubed type stock? If so, I’d try the meal without it. If it’s low sodium it may not be doing any harm, but on the other hand, with all the fresh ingredients you’re using, I’m sure it will taste great without the chicken broth (just use water if you need liquid to cook the sweet potato and rice in).

But these are just minor things. Otherwise, what you’re giving your dogs sounds great!

Regards,
Brigitte

I wanted to ask what you think of my recipe, I feed this to my Rottwielor, Shitzu and Toy Poodle and also add their vitamin supplement once a day, I just want to make sure this is a healthy recipe as I made it up, to make sure there is nothing in it that will harm my doggies.

I sauté 2 garlic cloves(chopped) in about 4 Tbsp. of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, In my food processor I chop very fine (minced) about 1 cup each of Fresh Green Beans, Broccoli, Baby Carrots, Swiss Chard, Kale and add to the Olive oil mixture simmer for about 20 minutes then I add 1 can of low sodium chicken broth and simmer again about 10 minutes. I chop 1 sweet potato and add to the mixture with 2 cups of steamed rice. I then add about 8 to 10 pounds of chopped chicken breasts, thighs and liver and add to the mixture. When I serve them dinner I heat up their portion then add a few Tablespoons of Fat Free cottage cheese and maybe 1X a week add a raw egg to the mixture.

Thank you for your time, I just want to make sure I have the right amounts and the right ingredients for my babies.

Sincerely,
Shelly Campbell

Rick

Thanks for your comments. And what a great job you’re doing with feeding your dogs and cats!

Regards,
Brigitte

I want to thank you very much for sending me information, it is very helpful, such as this one on dog food. I knew there
was a lot of crap put in the food but did not know what exactly, now I do. They dont care what they put into our food so
it does not surprise me that this goes on with pet food. Its all about money!! I’ve been very careful as to what I feed
my pets. I’ve got 3 labs and 2 cats and you can imagine the cost of feeding eveyone. So I do alot of it myself. I
make alot of the food and mix it with a little bit of dry and I make sure there are not by-products in the food. I really
wish people would be more educated, many people think dog food is dog food, all the same!
Tks again, Karen

Personally, I prefer raw food for dogs. But many people disagree, or just have a preference for home cooked food for dogs.

Just so long as you don’t go for the vast majority of commercial dog foods, you’ll be on the right track.

Regards,
Brigitte

BTW – love the format (blog).

Thanks,
Stephanie

Okay, I’ve posted 2 dog food recipes here – Raw Dog Food Recipe

and here – Home Cooked Dog Food Recipe

If you’re wanting top quality convenience foods, the three I most highly recommend are:

here – Life’s Abundance dog food
here – Sojos dog food mixes
and here – Honest Kitchen dog foods.

For more dog food recipes, check out the Dog Food Recipes.

Regards,
Brigitte

Thanks for the feedback on the new format. I’m glad you like it!

I’m so glad the information about healthy dog food – home made dog food, and other info, has assisted your dogs to get over their skin problems and allergies.

Regards,
Brigitte

I love the new format! especially with it being interactive.

Thanks for all the great info. You are a real blessing to all of us pet lovers. Keep up the good work.

I have two American Hairless Terriers, one a little over 4 1/2 lbs and the other one almost 6 lbs. Both had problems (skin and allergies) as puppies but thanks to sites such as this they are now healthy. At 14 months old you wouldn’t know it’s the same two dogs!

Blessings,
Sandy

Thanks for your kind comments. I’m so happy I’ve contributed to your starting your own pet food business with home cooked food! That’s so cool!

I absolutely agree with everything you say about ensuring good nutrition for dogs being bred so as to ensure an optimal DNA and gene pool.

I think what Robert was talking about when he said he thought holistic dog food was crap, was the commercial dog food which is increasingly being labelled as “holistic”. That’s why I said I understood and, in the main, agreed with what he was saying.

And I 100% agree with you that holistic food for dogs (authentic holistic food, that is), is the best food source we can give our dogs. Holistic and organic food that comes from animals not subjected to antibiotics, growth hormones, commercial feed made with other animals plus by-products and grazing on chemically fertilized grass, is of course the ideal food source.

I’m of two minds about Wysong. On the whole it’s undoubtedly one of the better brands. I just have a thing about canned food, for dogs and humans alike. I know that Wysong is highly recommended by some experts. As a canned food, it’s certainly top quality, containing something like 95% meat.

Regards,
Brigitte

Not sure what you’re saying. Does your dog’s skin give off a bad odor, or is it your dog’s breath you’re talking about?

Either way, a healthy diet will help.

You don’t say what you’re feeding your dog, but raw food for your dog or home cooked food for your dog is so much healthier than commercial dog food.

A healthy dog should not smell, and should not have bad breath either.

Regards,
Brigitte

Thanks so much for your wonderful comments, and so glad you’re all giving your dogs home made dog food to a greater or lesser extent.

Robin, I think your family’s dogs being fed commercial dog food are just lucky if they’re living long and healthy lives. Of course some dogs are hardy and will live long lives no matter what (just like with humans – e.g. some heavy smokers live into their 90′s – but not many of them do, and it doesn’t mean that lighting up is healthy). What you’re feeding your dogs is infinitely better, and you’re giving your dogs the BEST CHANCE to live long healthy lives!

Regards,
Brigitte

I’ve leaned so much about raising a healthy/happy animals from your articles and linked sources over the past years that I am actually starting my own pet food business. I have a 5 year old. 57 pound Ibizan hound mix named Tosha, Queen and Defender of all the Back Yard. I’m testing my recipes on her and her friends – 2 neighbors’ dogs, a neighbor’s cat, and her cousin – my sister’s dog, Tiffany, a pedigree little ‘yap-yap’ dog that weighs less than 5 pounds. I’m using ground meats – beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, grains such as brown rice, oats, bulgar, and barley. I tried both raw and cooked veggies but I always use raw fruit – usually apples. Even the picky eaters really enjoyed it; the cat especially. My neighbor told me the cat had worms. It was sickly and loosing weight. Since finances are limited going to the vet was her last reserve so I told her I would mix up some remedies for her cat. Because the need was immediate, instead of using fresh fish I used canned salmon that was on hand, a small amount of brown rice (for energy) cooked with lots of water to digest easily, a few cooked greens and some anti-parasitic and de-wroming herbs, i.e. clove, wormwood, black walnut shell tincture and some other things. The cat ate this for a week. My neighbor notice a marked improvement in the cat’s energy and strength after the first 2 days.

I could go on and on about the importance of sound nutrition but I want to respond to Robert Clubine: Feeding your breeding stock more wholesome food will pay off in the long run and it cost about the same or less to prepare their food than using a true high quality commercial food. It will however take more time to do. (That is why I’m starting the business. Many people don’t have that time.) But the holistic food concept is not “Junk and Bull Crap”. The more natural the food source, the easier it is for the body to metabolize it. Feed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys) given antibiotics, growth hormones, commercial feed made with other animals plus by products and grazing on chemically fertilized grass produce an inferior souce of protein compared to organic raised animals. Ingesting meat with such additives reduces the nutritional value and over all weakens the immune system, the chromosones and the DNA. This is true for humans and wll as pets. Hip dysplasia and other weakness tendencies might be elemenated by better nutrition. For a breeder, isn’t the DNA and gene pool the life line of the business? Diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and cancers that we associate with humans we now commonly hear about in pets. Why? Because we are giving them the processed food we have succumbed to for generations. (Frankly, I think it was pure luck that the melamine found in the contaminated filler use for the pet food that was recalled was not found in human food. But it is just a matter of time.)
So what are the vets doing about the diseases? They are prescribing drugs and medications that have harmful side effects for the life of the pet and preforming costly surgeries. Business are now profiting from the sales of pet health insurance.

Holistic foods, organic foods just like any other non processed food must be fresh or frozen fresh. It is not fast or convenient. Real food is always perishable! Thus, it’s often called living food and that is not a bad thing! Preservatives block and/or destroy most of the the nutritional elements of food. That is why the food takes longer to spoil – its life-giving, cellular maintenance and repair properties are “inhibited”. Empty calories is the term. You will have a stronger, healthier breed by improving their food quality. So in the long run, doesn’t a superior breed have a higher monetary value?

The Wysong company makes human quality foods for animals. They suggest a using variety of foods for a rounded diet. Many vets recommend and use this brand for ailing and recovering pets. Wysong canned products include pure rabbit, venison, beef. The quality is great but it is quite costly.

Detroit Leslie a.k.a. Tosha’s Mom

P.S. Bridgett, Ken- L- Ration, the brand of choice from the fifties was a canned product. I don’t think there were any dry brands. Back then no one stored food in the cans so after opening, the left overs were put into some other container. Plastics were not that popular then either. Lots of families used glass bowls or jars for refridgerator storage. Way too often someone used the dog’s food thinking it was a sandwhich meat spread like deviled ham!

Cheers

Thanks for your comments and encouragement!

I think chicken is a favorite with most dogs – not just small dog breeds. It is with my Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They both LOVE chicken!

Cottage cheese is a great supplement for dogs. A couple of spoonsful as Diane suggests every now and again is perfect.

It must be great to be able to make food for your dogs with produce from your own garden, Diane.

Regards,
Brigitte

Good morning, thanks for sharing with me on how to keep my dogs healthy, we were very busy for the past few months we are very fortunate that we have these two adorable doggies they seem to understand that we were very busy and they are so obedient and play among themselves only at times when we were home late my Ungayoi would bark at me (maybe he might be asking why are you so late?). We are really sorry we didn’t spend much time with them. I agree with you that home made dog food are really good for them. My two darlings are having home made food I will normally prepare either early in the morning or late at night and keep them in the fridge.

Regards
Alice

Thanks for your input.

Firstly, as you know, I don’t claim any expertise in dog nutrition.

So far as I am aware, raw meat is the best main feature of a dog’s diet you can feed your dog. It’s perfectly balanced nutrition, especially if you use organic meat. It should include the bones.

Dogs are not true carnivores, so the addition of some vegetable and fruit is a good idea.

You’re asking me about cooked meat. So far as I know, cooked fresh meat is the next best thing to raw as the basis for a dog’s diet. Again, my understanding is that bones should also be given (although as most people know, you must NEVER give a dog cooked chicken bones).

Young puppies may need added bone meal, but I’m not aware that it’s required for grown dogs.

As for dog treats, you’ve correctly identified that they should only be given as a treat – which by definition means that they should be given occasionally. They should also be given in small quantities (hence the reason why most pre-prepared treats come in small sizes).

Secondly, treats are not necessary (just as human treats like chocolate and cake are not necessary for us). Most people do like to give their dogs treats, because the dogs do seem to find them tasty, and they seem to love them.

There are some healthy dog treats here, if you’re interested.

As to whether dogs can differentiate between plain old dog meals and dog treats – well, my dogs certainly have food preferences. There are certain foods that they absolutely go crazy for (e.g. raw chicken that they get as a meal, and roast chicken that they sometimes get as a treat), and other foods that they seem to eat more because they’re hungry than anything else (their raw lamb and beef bones).

As for “treat”ing your dog with lots of love and good food, I certainly wouldn’t argue with that!

Regards,
Brigitte

Thanks a million for your comments. I really appreciate them all.

And I’ve bundled you all together because you’re all so on the right track!

Home made dog food rules!

And by saying home made dog food, I include both raw dog food and home cooked dog food.

I hope you’ve all read Kimberley’s post – I love it! I’m sure many breeders think this way, and only give their progeny to people they consider suitable. But it’s always great to hear from a reputable breeder who is also an advocate of holistic dog health and feeding the dogs home made dog food (including my favorite – raw food).

And as for Jean – as Jean points out, she’s an animal healer. She’s located in Australia. So if you happen to live in Australia in the Port Macquarie area in NSW, you can contact Jean at jeanhrose @ optusnet.com.au if you’re interested in her wonderful animal healing service.

Regards,
Brigitte

What a great idea I think this can be a wonder support system for those of us who are in love with our pets!

I actually switch between a high quality natural pet food and home made. I particularly have an abundance of home made food when I harvest my garden in the fall and throughout the early winter. Charlie my toy Manchester Terrier totally loves the garden vegetables and I buy bulk chicken (his favorite) and a good organic brown rice. Using about 75% meat, 20 % vegies and 5% brown rice I can make about a months worth at a time and freeze in single servings. Works great when someone else needs to feed him. He also enjoys a couple of spoonfuls of cottage cheese and some fresh fruit as a midnight snack.

People think it is a lot of work to make your own pet food but the way I do it is fast and easy and only has to be done 10-12 times a year. It is rewarding to see him gobble it up! He eats about 1/2 to 3/4 cup a day in the late afternoon and nibbles on Merricks kibble in between. I also use Merricks canned when I am not making his. He loves Grammy’s Pot Pie and all of the other varieties except anything with fish in it. He didnt even like my home made catfish dinner. Funny because I dont like fish either but he does LOVE chicken which seems to be typical for small breeds. Must be the mild flavor of this comfort food! Who doesnt love chicken and dumplings ?? Except for the vegetarians of course Although I was vegan myself for a couple of years and chicken is what I missed the most myself.

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts… I think we are onto something great here! Thanks Brigitte for starting this up.

~Charlie’s mom, Diane

Again, thanks so much for your feedback!

I’ve had several readers ask me about articles on dealing with bereavement. I just have so many dog health care topics to contend with! But I’ll try to come up with something suitable some time soon.

I’m so happy that switching Ollie to home cooked dog food has given her so much extra time with you.

Switching from commercial pet food really does work, people!

Regards,
Brigitte

Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate it!

I’ve put a post up in answer to your question about garlic and dogs.

Regards,
Brigitte

Thanks for your input.

I hear what you’re saying about the holistic dog food. And there are numerous commercial pet food manufacturers now jumping on the bandwagon and promoting “holistic” type foods for pets. A lot of it is complete rubbish.

But there are some infinitely better dog food brands that do contain some good nutrition – see the information here – Dog Food Information for my specific recommendations.

Personally, I prefer raw food for my dogs, with my second choice being home cooked dog food. For people who prefer the convenience of a pre-prepared dog food, I have researched and recommend a few healthy dog food brands.

Hope this clarifies my position.

As for vaccinations, yes, it is a big problem that some dogs basically have no choice. Some vaccines (most notably the rabies vaccine) are compulsory in some places. And it’s extremely common for dog kennels to insist on dogs having “up-to-date” vaccinations before they will board the dog. And the same for dogs being shown professionally, it would seem.

Regards,
Brigitte

In my humble opinion, the vast majority of commercial dog foods are NOT okay under any circumstances.

If it’s convenience you’re after, there are some higher quality premium dog foods available, of which I actively recommend only a few. You can read about them here – Dog Food Information.

I see you’re in the UK. The foods I mention on that page are available via home delivery directly to your door if you’re in the US, but I believe that at least one can be sourced in the UK.

Regards,
Brigitte

I’ve put up a post for you about yeast infections in dogs and how to treat them.

Regards,
Brigitte

Also, I want to add that I don’t give my dog too many “treats”, especially dog-designed treats. Although some of the dog receipes sound tasty, bacon isn’t that great for man nor beast, red meat is…well, red meat, peanut butter for the most part is loaded with sugar, apples physic both me and my dog if we consume too much. Those few “treats” that I have purchased and tried with my dog all have had very wholesome ingredients, but I have found that they are way too rich. If I give him more than a little bit, it is too much, his stool gets loose. I for one don’t like picking up loose stool and a dog’s stool should not be loose in the first place.

I usually just “treat” my dog with lots of love and good food. Now, my policy is, if it is good for me, it is probably okay for him and a little bite becomes his occasional “treat”. He loves that. Sometimes he is just happy with his own human-grade kibble being his “treat”. From my experience, I really don’t believe that dogs are able to diferentiate to the extent that the dog “treats” business and/or the buying public thinks they can.

Regards,
Don

She has become a little slower now, which I guess is to be expected, but at least we had 4 more years than we thought we would have w/ her. Our Shepard loved the food switch also.

How do I get away from giving my dogs the vaccinations? In Massachussetts its the law for Rabies Vacs, I do say no to all of the others though.

I like the blog !! Keep up the good work. And for any of you who has lost a pet or had to put one down-any advice? I know the time is coming soon and I am a complete basket-case about this. Ollie has been w/ me for 16 years ! Its hard to let go-
Thanx again Brigitte-
Mimi

Love your blog. I have 5 Jack Russells. I too am not letting my dogs get annual rabies shots, etc. This is only the first year however. I have learned so much from you. Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you.
I do have one question. I give my babies brewers’ yeast tabs with garlic to repel fleas. I just read that garlic is poisonous to dogs. If this is true, do they mean raw, or is all forms of garlic bad? How can the manufacturers’ get away with this?
Sincerely,
Fab Therrien

We feed all of our stock high grade dog food but we did our research first. Yes other will still choose to follow the other road but start adding up the costs. I am not talking about 2-6 dogs but multiple breeding stock that you show and breed from.

Plus speaking of vaccinations, for me living in Europe it is mandatory for we are in multiple Counties and in the EU. Try going to dog shows and you shall find out no vaccines no Shows, this also goes for visting dogs not participating in the Shows but this is becoming common practice to ban dogs that are not paricipating.