How to Make Vegetarian Home Made Dog Food

For many dogs, a wholly or partially vegetarian diet can be a healthy and flavorful option. Some dogs have sensitivity to certain meats or fillers used in meats offered by commercial pet food makers. The commercial pet food industry uses low-grade meats and animal byproducts to make its foods. Eliminating these products and feeding your dog a diet of whole, unprocessed plant-based products can be a challenge, but it could work wonders for your dog's digestion, coat and overall health.

Things You'll Need

Fresh produce (eggplant, celery, potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, banana)
Whole grain rice
Gluten-free oats
6 cups brown rice flour
1/4 cup nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. celery salt
Parchment paper

Instructions

- 1
  Boil fresh produce until it can be pierced easily with a knife, but not so long that it falls apart. It is good for a dog's teeth to chew, so serving solely soft food can cause a buildup of tartar on their teeth which can lead to gum and tooth problems. Drain and set aside to cool.
- 2
  Cook whole grain rice for the basis of the dog's meals. Do not add salt or oil as these can be difficult for the dog to digest. Instead, season with fruit like bananas, vegetables and beans into a flavorful mush your dog will love. Rice is a good option if your dog has a gluten allergy, as is gluten-free oats.
- 3
  Serve your homemade vegetarian food mixed into your dog's previous food. This will help the dog transition to the new diet slowly so it is easy on digestion and can minimize the chance of diarrhea, constipation or soft stool.
- 4
  Bake dog treats that can be rewards for good behavior or served chopped into its regular meals for some crunch. To make dog treats, combine brown rice flour, nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese and celery salt. Add water and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut out biscuit shapes as desired. Then bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes.