Just like the food you put into your body, what’s inside of the dog food you feed your pup can significantly impact their health. And sadly, a lot of store-bought dry dog chow is full of ingredients that can cause health problems down the road. That’s why many dog owners are starting to switch to cooking their furry friends healthier meals at home. If you are interested in trying this, the best place to start is by checking out some dog food recipes from fellow dog owners!
The Harmful Ingredients In Store-Bought Dog Food
As mentioned in the introduction, the ingredients in store-bought dog food can lead to physical health issues for your furry friends. Many brands’ most common harmful ingredients include artificial preservatives, harsh dyes, sugar substitutes, and hydrogenated fats. These may make the food look and taste appealing to dogs, but the long-term side effects on the dog’s physical health can be significant.
Dogs fed these foods for long periods are at higher risk of developing food sensitivities, allergies, or even liver or kidney damage. It can be challenging to monitor what goes into dogs’ diets when purchasing commercial products, so cooking at home with organic, wholesome ingredients is often the best way to ensure your furry companion stays in tip-top shape!
Healthy Dog Food Recipes
To help you and your furry friend avoid the pitfalls of store-bought dog food, Puppies and Pooches has compiled a list of some of the best healthy recipes for your pup! These are easy to make and incorporate ingredients that pack a nutritional punch!
Turkey And Wild Rice Mix
Like humans, dogs can benefit from the high protein content found in turkey. This recipe blends lean, organic turkey with wild rice and other healthy veggies to create a meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice
- 1/4 pound of organic turkey breast, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1 grated carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine the wild rice, turkey chunks, and veggies in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and garlic.
- Pour the oil mixture over the food in the large bowl, and toss to combine.
- Place the contents of your bowl into a slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Let cool before serving.
Sweet Potato And White Fish Mix
This recipe is an excellent example of how changing up the ingredients in a dog food recipe can help avoid harmful ingredients. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals to keep your furry friend feeling their best, while white fish is full of healthy Omega-3s and protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of organic white fish (ideally, cod or haddock)
- 1 large cooked sweet potato, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- A small dash of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well mixed.
- Transfer the contents of your bowl to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Let cool before serving.
