Homemade Canine Diets

Benefits

• Choosing to feed your dog a homemade diet is a good way to ensure that your pet eats a well-balanced diet--that he receives correct amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Balanced nutrition is especially important for dogs suffering from kidney problems. Performance dogs, such as sled dogs, also benefit from a homemade diet.

Nutritonal Needs

• Before beginning a homemade diet, it is important to understand your dog's nutritional requirements. Dogs are most healthy when fed a diet high in protein with fiber, fats, vitamins and minerals. Proteins are essential to a dog's overall health, especially for repairing body tissues and for growth. Dogs' bodies are designed to process animal proteins such as beef, chicken and pork. Ground meat is usually an economical way to serve your dog protein. Other good sources of proteins include eggs, soy and legumes. Serve older dogs lean cuts of meat because it is easier on their digestive system.

  Carbohydrates, especially fiber, are another essential part of a dog's diet. Although dogs are primarily carnivores, they do require fiber for digestive and colon health. Bran, rice and beet pulp are excellent sources of fiber and energy. Corn and corn byproducts should be avoided because they are difficult to digest.

  Vitamins and minerals are important for a dog's overall health. When beginning a homemade diet, consult a veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting enough vitamins and minerals. Supplement pills may help make up for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Good sources of vitamins include blueberries, apples, cranberries, carrots and tomatoes.

  Fat is another essential ingredient in a dog's diet. Fats help improve the look of dogs' skin and coat. It has also been linked to nervous system health. Ideal fat content should be between 5 percent and 13 percent.

  Dogs' bodies are made up of 50 percent water and often suffer from dehydration. Dogs need constant access to fresh, clean water. Mixing commercial wet foods with homemade foods can add needed water.

Types

• There are three main types of homemade diets. An entirely homemade diet consists of premium protein sources and well-balanced fiber, fats, vitamins and minerals. Before beginning an entirely homemade diet, consult with a vet to design recipes ideal for your pet. Supplemental diets mix homemade foods with commercial foods. Often, pet owners feed pets leftovers from family dinner mixed with wet food. Supplemental diets are a good economical way to a meet a dog's nutritional needs as long as pet owners are careful to avoid fatty foods. The third type of homemade diet is a diet made up entirely of table scraps. This type of diet should be avoided because they are not balanced and can lead to health problems for your dog.