10 Tips for Healthy Homemade Pet Food

The companies that produce commercial pet food use many clever advertising tactics, but it’s hard to know for sure the quality of the ingredients going
into the food you buy off the shelf. Because of this, many pet owners are turning to homemade foods for their furry friends.

Making your own pet food requires some knowledge of dog and cat nutrition as well as a willingness to find the best ingredients. Here are a few tips to
help you get started:

Understand the Difference

Dogs and cats have different animal nutritional needs and the
foods you make them must reflect this. A combination of meat, vegetables and starches works for dogs while cats require a high-meat diet to support their
health.

Talk to a Professional

Find a knowledgeable vet and ask about recipes, ingredient proportions and nutrients before starting your pet’s new diet.

Strike a Balance

Dogs can eat a diet of about 50 percent meat with 20-35 percent carbohydrates and 10-15 percent fat. Cats, on the other hand, don’t handle carbohydrates
well and should consume diets that are mostly meat.

Include High-Quality Meats

Cats and dogs need quality animal protein to stay healthy. Butchers and farms are your best bets for obtaining clean meats that provide optimal nutrition.

Choose Pet-Friendly Veggies

Dogs love vegetables such as zucchini, carrots and squashes. Adding these to your homemade food creates enticing flavors and improves the nutritional
profile.

To Grain or Not to Grain

Some sources say that neither cats nor dogs should have any grains at all. Others maintain that dogs can handle well-cooked complex grains such as brown
rice. It’s generally agreed that cats do better on diets with as few carbohydrates as possible.

Consider Supplements

Certain pet-specific supplements can considerably improve your pet’s health and alleviate certain maladies.
However, before giving your pet any supplement, it’s important to talk with your veterinarian to make sure you’re selecting the right one that will help
your pet and not harm it.

Know Which Foods to Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to dogs and cats and should never be included in a homemade diet. For example, chocolate and grapes can be deadly for dogs. Ask
your veterinarian for a comprehensive list.

Seek Out Recipes

There are many resources for well-balanced pet food recipes that you can go to for guidance. Recipe books and websites offer meals created by professionals
and well-educated pet owners alike.

Cook in Batches

The easiest way to ensure that the food you make lasts is to cook large batches, portion them out into containers and store them in the freezer. That way
you’ll always have a well-balanced, homemade meal on hand for your pet.

Take it One Step at a Time

If for some reason your pet doesn’t immediately take to homemade food, don’t get discouraged. You may have to try a few different recipes to find what your
dog or cat likes best.

Consider these tips and take the time to research before switching your dog or cat to a homemade diet. Also, it’s important to transition to the new food
slowly rather than switch diets immediately. Your efforts will be worth it when you create a delicious source of balanced nutrition that Fido and Fluffy
will love to eat.