Natural Homemade Vegetarian Dog Food

Dogs, unlike cats, are omnivores and can get all their required nutrients from plant-based foods. Pet owners can have several reasons for feeding their dogs homemade vegetarian food. Store-bought food is not always made with healthy ingredients, and owners may be concerned about the environmental impact of consuming meat. A pet owner who wishes to change his or her dog's diet must be careful to ensure that the pet's nutritional needs are met. A veterinarian can advise a pet owner and supervise the introduction of a vegetarian diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Small plastic jars for storage
  • Hot water
  • 1 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1/4 cup soy flour or cooked and mashed pinto beans
  • 1/4 cup wheat bran
  • 1 tbsp soy lecithin
  • 1 tbsp wheat germ
  • 1 tbsp ground sunflower seeds
  • 1/6 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp ground flax seed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure all ingredient quantities carefully. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Use your hands if necessary.

    • 2

      Gradually add hot water to the mixture until the ingredients are soaked without being runny or soupy.

    • 3

      Let the wet mixture stand for approximately 20 minutes or until the oats are cooked. Add more hot water if necessary. The mixture should have a moist and sticky consistency.

    • 4

      Serve the food immediately or store and freeze it in a small plastic jar. Reheat by adding hot water prior to serving.

    • 5

      This recipe feeds one small dog. Double this recipe for medium and large dogs. Make several batches at once and store and freeze meal size portions in small glass jars for later use.

    • 6

      For a quick evening snack, blend soy flour, a teaspoon of sugar, cooked pinto beans and water in a blender until the mixture reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes. Serve immediately.