Homemade Diets and Supplements for Dogs

Foods

• Protein requirements can vary according to species, during growth stages and for animals with compromised kidneys, so you should check with your veterinarian for the ratio of ingredients that is right for your dog. A normal, healthy dog's diet may include up to about 65 percent protein and the rest equal amounts of grains, vegetables and fruits. Protein comes in the form of meat, poultry, dairy products or eggs. Fats are added to the food through the cooked meat ingredients.

  Carbohydrates are found in grains such as rice, barley, wheat and rye. Serve your dog grains that are well-cooked, as raw grains can cause indigestion. Vegetables and fruits add important fiber, calcium, and even natural vitamins and minerals to homemade dog food. Serve vegetables steamed or raw, and serve fruits raw and chopped.

  Avoid onions, grapes, raisins, citrus fruits and soy products, which can be harmful to dogs.

Supplements

• While it is possible for a dog to consume all necessary nutrition through a healthy and balanced diet, it never hurts to boost his nutritional intake through vitamin and mineral supplements. A good multivitamin formulated for your pet provides the required daily value of all essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs.

  Other supplements to consider in a dog's diet are top-quality fish oil capsules and probiotics. Well-rinsed eggshells baked at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes, then crushed, make a calcium powder that can be added by the teaspoon to each serving of your dog's food.

Water

• Clean, fresh water is a staple of all dogs' diets. Dogs need water to stay hydrated, flush toxins from the body and complete every bodily process. Water added to homemade dog food makes mixing the ingredients easier and assists your dog in consuming enough water. While it is important to include water when making homemade dog food, it is also important to keep a dish of fresh water available to your dog at all times.