My childhood dog, Cinny, would patiently wait under our kitchen table for us to sneak her some food off our dinner plates; she loved what we ate. That’s probably also because dogs do think they’re human! This inspired to us to make one extra dinner plate at mealtime—for our favorite Golden Retriever! (She did eat from her doggie bowl and not at our kitchen table, though!)
When whipping up dinner for, or with, your own family, why not cook for your dog as well? They are indeed part of the family AND what you're cooking, they’re probably curious about, especially if it smells yummy. It’s a bit more time consuming, but if your pup has digestive issues, it’s worth the extra prep.
Whether you have a Corgi, a pug, or a Great Dane, the actual act of cooking food for your pets can be calming and therapeutic for you--and quite healthy for your pooch.
Let’s be very transparent first, though—there is nothing wrong with giving your furry buddy store-bought dog foods. They’ve been around for decades and contain high-grade levels of regulated, vet-approved meats, fibers, and proteins, which is awesome.
However, if you really do want your pet on a niche diet, cooking for them is probably a solid option.
According to the crew at MasterClass, first consult with your veterinarian about your Corgi’s diet. (We are just using Corgi’s as an example breed in this post.)
Also, note this: homemade pet food allows you to replace “filler” ingredients (and...who knows what that may be) found in over-the-counter dog food with nutrient-rich whole foods. You can also add certain carbohydrates to the dog food you know your pet likes, such as corn, rice, and wheat. By making your own dog food, you give your pet the specific food their need to aid in their digestion. Like humans, dogs aren’t “one size fits all” and need to eat certain vitamins, and foods, which is why dog food from a supermarket might not work for every pup out there.
MasterClass also says: “Always consult your veterinarian or pet nutritionist to get informed about protein requirements, potential supplements, and other aspects of your dog’s health before beginning a homemade diet, especially if you’re interested in a raw-food diet.” Don’t just dive right in without consulting with a pet expert first.
Also, of note: According to MasterClass, for better digestion, seek out meat with a fat content of 20 percent or less. Some of the most popular variations of homemade dog food include: Beef dog food, Chicken dog food, Pork dog food, Turkey dog food, Lamb dog food, and Vegetarian dog food.
Here are some websites with homemade dog food recipes:
Here’s a pet food recipe from Delicious Table that includes brown rice and beef stock. This link is chock-full of really helpful content on what kitchen-gadgets are fab and fast for whipping up dogfood. Bookmark it stat!
AllRecipes is an amazing resource. Click that link for a recipe that includes ground turkey, rice, and vegetables.
Erin from The Almond Eater posted a homemade dog food recipe that includes lentils and ground turkey.
Some people like to add homemade foods into store-bought dog foods. As long as your vet approves, do what is best for YOUR pet. Again, if you don’t have the time or mental bandwith to make your own dogfood—that is completely fine. It’s all about just making sure your Corgi is happy and healthy. Happy eating!
