Your Dog’s Necessary Nutrients
Before you decide among commercial, home-cooked, and raw food for your dog, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the building blocks of a healthy canine diet.
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Water. Your dog should always have access to fresh water, from a clean bowl. Some people limit a dog’s water supply or take it away altogether in the evenings, to avoid late-night bathroom needs. This may be a helpful house-training tool, but it is not fair or healthy for your dog in the long-term.
Water helps the body to:
- Stay hydrated
- Regulate body temperature
- Aid digestion
- Lubricate muscle tissues
- Flush away bacteria that cause urinary tract infections
- Ease constipation by moving stools along more smoothly
- Transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
The quality of your dog’s drinking water is also important. Most tap water contains chemical additives, such as chlorine and fluoride, as well as heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
While it’s true that dogs drink from ponds, puddles and — horrors — the toilet, these water sources are teeming with bacteria and parasites. You can reduce the risk of infection by providing your dog with only bottled or filtered water.
Proteins. Proteins build and maintain muscles, organs, bones, blood, body tissues, hair, nails, and the immune system. Many foods contain protein, but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, grains, and soy.
Adopted dogs with a history of poor nutrition may be at risk of developing a protein deficiency. Signs of a protein deficiency include:
- Dry, brittle fur
- Poor muscle development
- Anemia
- Growth problems
- Weakened immune system
If your adopted dog comes to you with some or all of these symptoms, talk to your vet.
Protein levels that exceed a dog’s minimum requirement do not pose a problem to healthy dogs, unless your dog has impaired kidney or liver function (your veterinarian can monitor organ function with regular blood tests), or an allergy to a particular protein source.
Recent research has shown that previous recommendations to reduce protein intake for senior dogs was not sound. In fact, healthy senior dogs may need significantly more protein than their younger counterparts because they metabolize the protein less efficiently.
Fats. Fats are the main source of dietary energy (or calories) in a dog’s diet and provide the most concentrated source of energy in foods. One gram of fat contains more than twice the energy than one gram of protein or carbohydrate. They are needed for healthy skin, coat, eyes, brain, and other tissues.
Healthy fats come from sources such as:
- Chicken fat
- Lamb fat
- Sunfl ower oil
- Herring oil
Carbohydrates. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of the three major nutrients in food and a major source of energy for a dog’s body.
Sedentary dogs have a lower energy requirement than their more active canine counterparts to produce the energy needed to fuel their brain and muscles. Most commercial dog foods contain as much as 30 to 60 percent carbohydrates because a minimum proportion of starch is needed in the formula for the commercial extrusion process, and, many believe, because carbohydrates are less expensive than proteins and fats.
Dogs can’t digest uncooked grain as easily as meats, so if grains are fed, it is important to cook them to increase digestibility. Simmer rice or other grains until they are soft. To add a little extra flavor, cook them in chicken or beef broth.
Good sources of carbohydrates include:
- Rice
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Barley
- Whole grain breads and other grains
Vitamins and Minerals. One thing a dog’s body can’t do on its own is make vitamins (though vitamin C is an exception).
Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential nutrients that can be found in the following foods:
- Bread
- Dairy products
- Fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Milk
While most commercial pet food manufacturers claim their products are “complete and balanced,” (a claim they substantiate through feeding trials or by meeting certain requirements) these products may lose necessary vitamins and minerals, which may be destroyed by the heating process.
There is some debate as to whether a dog’s diet needs to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals so you may want to consult a holistic veterinarian before doing so. Holistic veterinarians have all the same training as a conventional veterinarian but incorporate alternative medicine (this might include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, etc.) in their practice, as well.
Fatty Acids. Dietary fatty acids can be classified as essential and nonessential.
Nonessential fatty acids can be synthesized within a dog’s body at a level that meets the pet’s requirements, whereas essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized, so they must be supplied in the diet.
Dogs require one essential fatty acid (linoleic acid), which is a type of omega- 6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid helps the body to:
- Regulate the blood fl ow to body tissues
- Clot blood after an injury
- Reproduce normally
- Respond to injury and infection by boosting the immune system
- Maintain a handsome coat and healthy skin
This fatty acid is found primarily in grains and animal fat, and is provided at appropriate levels in high- quality dog foods.
Thinkstock
Water. Your dog should always have access to fresh water, from a clean bowl. Some people limit a dog’s water supply or take it away altogether in the evenings, to avoid late-night bathroom needs. This may be a helpful house-training tool, but it is not fair or healthy for your dog in the long-term.
Water helps the body to:
- Stay hydrated
- Regulate body temperature
- Aid digestion
- Lubricate muscle tissues
- Flush away bacteria that cause urinary tract infections
- Ease constipation by moving stools along more smoothly
- Transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
The quality of your dog’s drinking water is also important. Most tap water contains chemical additives, such as chlorine and fluoride, as well as heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
While it’s true that dogs drink from ponds, puddles and — horrors — the toilet, these water sources are teeming with bacteria and parasites. You can reduce the risk of infection by providing your dog with only bottled or filtered water.
Proteins. Proteins build and maintain muscles, organs, bones, blood, body tissues, hair, nails, and the immune system. Many foods contain protein, but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, grains, and soy.
Adopted dogs with a history of poor nutrition may be at risk of developing a protein deficiency. Signs of a protein deficiency include:
- Dry, brittle fur
- Poor muscle development
- Anemia
- Growth problems
- Weakened immune system
If your adopted dog comes to you with some or all of these symptoms, talk to your vet.
Protein levels that exceed a dog’s minimum requirement do not pose a problem to healthy dogs, unless your dog has impaired kidney or liver function (your veterinarian can monitor organ function with regular blood tests), or an allergy to a particular protein source.
Recent research has shown that previous recommendations to reduce protein intake for senior dogs was not sound. In fact, healthy senior dogs may need significantly more protein than their younger counterparts because they metabolize the protein less efficiently.
Fats. Fats are the main source of dietary energy (or calories) in a dog’s diet and provide the most concentrated source of energy in foods. One gram of fat contains more than twice the energy than one gram of protein or carbohydrate. They are needed for healthy skin, coat, eyes, brain, and other tissues.
Healthy fats come from sources such as:
- Chicken fat
- Lamb fat
- Sunfl ower oil
- Herring oil
Carbohydrates. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of the three major nutrients in food and a major source of energy for a dog’s body.
Sedentary dogs have a lower energy requirement than their more active canine counterparts to produce the energy needed to fuel their brain and muscles. Most commercial dog foods contain as much as 30 to 60 percent carbohydrates because a minimum proportion of starch is needed in the formula for the commercial extrusion process, and, many believe, because carbohydrates are less expensive than proteins and fats.
Dogs can’t digest uncooked grain as easily as meats, so if grains are fed, it is important to cook them to increase digestibility. Simmer rice or other grains until they are soft. To add a little extra flavor, cook them in chicken or beef broth.
Good sources of carbohydrates include:
- Rice
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Barley
- Whole grain breads and other grains
Vitamins and Minerals. One thing a dog’s body can’t do on its own is make vitamins (though vitamin C is an exception).
Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential nutrients that can be found in the following foods:
- Bread
- Dairy products
- Fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Milk
While most commercial pet food manufacturers claim their products are “complete and balanced,” (a claim they substantiate through feeding trials or by meeting certain requirements) these products may lose necessary vitamins and minerals, which may be destroyed by the heating process.
There is some debate as to whether a dog’s diet needs to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals so you may want to consult a holistic veterinarian before doing so. Holistic veterinarians have all the same training as a conventional veterinarian but incorporate alternative medicine (this might include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, etc.) in their practice, as well.
Fatty Acids. Dietary fatty acids can be classified as essential and nonessential.
Nonessential fatty acids can be synthesized within a dog’s body at a level that meets the pet’s requirements, whereas essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized, so they must be supplied in the diet.
Dogs require one essential fatty acid (linoleic acid), which is a type of omega- 6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid helps the body to:
- Regulate the blood fl ow to body tissues
- Clot blood after an injury
- Reproduce normally
- Respond to injury and infection by boosting the immune system
- Maintain a handsome coat and healthy skin
This fatty acid is found primarily in grains and animal fat, and is provided at appropriate levels in high- quality dog foods.
HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
- Protein: Fresh chicken, beef, turkey, lamb or egg whites
- Fiber, vitamins and minerals: Carrots, green beans, spinach
- Essential fatty acids: Leafy greens, cooked salmon, flax seeds (linseeds)
- Calcium: plain yogurt
- Carbohydrates: Brown (Ofada) rice, barley
- Vitamins and antioxidants: Apples (without the seeds), blueberries
Turkey and Vegetable Dinner
- 4 cups of water
- 500 gr of ground turkey
- 2 cups of brown (ofada) rice
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of green beans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fish oil (optional)
- Cook the ground turkey over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.
- Add the rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the rice is soft and tender.
- Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Allow to cool before serving.
- Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days.
Chicken Dinner
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1/2 cup rolled oats.
- 4 cups of low-salt chicken broth
- Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the breasts into small chunks.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a pan over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat about 15 minutes, until the carrots are tender.
- Allow to cool before serving.
- Store leftover portions in the fridge for up to five days.
Chicken Stew
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup of black beans, drained
- 1 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of tomato paste
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Remove the excess fat and dice the chicken breasts into small pieces.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a pan over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Add the chicken, beans, carrots, tomato paste, and chicken broth into a large pot and cook over medium heat until heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool before serving.
- Store leftover stew in the fridge for up to five days.
Beef Stew
- 500 gram of beef stew meat
- 1 sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water or vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying
- Cook the sweet potato until it's firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks.
- Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato.
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Serve cool.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to five days.
Fruit Dessert for Dogs
- 1/2 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
- 1/2 cup of strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup of blueberries, diced
- 1/2 cup of apple, diced
- Blend all ingredients in a medium size bowl until the yogurt is smooth and the fruit is well blended.
- Serve in small amounts.
- Store in the fridge for up to seven days.
Peanut Butter Cookies
- 2 cups of flour (white or wheat, if your dog has no wheat allergies)
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter (make your own peanut butter using raw peanuts and peanut oil, making a smooth mix)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 tablespoon of fish oil
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix the flour and oats together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in one cup of water and blend until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, honey, and fish oil and mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
- Slowly add the water until the mixture has a thick and doughy consistency.
- Lightly flour a cooking surface. Roll the dough onto the cooking surface to create a sheet of about 5 mm.
- Make the cookies and place them onto a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before feeding.
Chicken Jerky
- 2 to 4 chicken breasts
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove any excess fat from the chicken. Turn the chicken breast on its side and use a knife to slice the chicken breast into small strips.
- Set the strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours.
- Check the chicken before removing from the oven. It should be dry and hard, not soft or chewy. Allow the chicken to cool completely before serving.
- Store the jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Frozen Yogurt Pops for Dogs
- 100 ml plain, non-fat yogurt
- 1 cup of no-sugar added fruit juice
- 1/2 cup of carrots, minced
- Add the yogurt, fruit juice, and carrots into a medium-sized bowl. Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.
- Drop the mixture into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until the ingredients are solid.
Fruit and Vegetable Strips
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1 medium banana
- 1 cup carrots, minced
- 1 crushed apple, remove the seeds, these are toxic to dogs!
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour (white if your dog has allergies)
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/3 cup of water
- Cook the sweet potato until the insides are soft, softer potatoes will mash easier. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mash the banana and sweet potato in a large mixing bowl with a hand masher until smooth. Add in the carrots, flour, crushed apple and oats. Slowly add water while mixing.
- The ingredients will form a soft dough. Roll the dough on to a lightly floured surface until the dough is about 5 mm thick.
- Cut the dough into strips.
- Cook on a baking sheet for 25 minutes.
- Store leftover strips in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Beef and Vegetable Balls
- 2 small pots of beef and vegetable baby food
- 1 cup of whole-wheat flour (or white substitute)
- 2 cups of dry milk
- 1 cup of water
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Drop the mixture onto a baking sheet in large spoonfuls.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to the treats to cool completely. Store leftover beef and vegetable balls in the fridge for up to five days.
Formulation of Dog food using locally available ingredients
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