How to prepare healthy and tasty homemade food for your dog?

How to prepare healthy and tasty homemade food for your dog?

Preparing healthy and tasty food for your dog requires a few steps.
Dogs need proteins, carbohydrates, quality fats, minerals, and fiber to stay healthy. In this article, we explain which foods to give your dog and provide recommended quantities.

How to prepare a homemade meal for your dog?

Properly preparing your dog's food involves some simple calculations. Proportions are fundamental to ensuring your pet's nutritional balance.

40–50% animal protein

Proteins are the basis of a dog's diet, even if they are not strict carnivores. About half of the meal should therefore consist of meat (beef, chicken, pork...) or fish. Pay attention to bones, such as those from rabbits, as they can be dangerous for dogs.

For more information: What is the best type of meat for a dog?

25% fiber

Cooked vegetables play an important role in a dog's digestion. They provide useful vitamins and promote proper intestinal transit.
Carrots, zucchini, green beans, cucumbers, pumpkin: the choice is wide. Vegetables should always be cooked.

25% carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for dogs, who need them to stay active. Although they are caloric foods and often considered too rich, they are not if given in the right quantities and if they are of good quality. You can offer your dog rice, buckwheat, sweet potato, potatoes (always cooked, because raw they are toxic) or pasta.

For more information: What are the best carbohydrates for dogs?

Regarding pasta, we recommend choosing specific pasta for dogs, rich in crude protein, fiber, quality fats, and copper. Formulated according to the dog's nutritional needs, it contains no sugar and does not promote weight gain.

Also read:

• What exactly is Ciuffi dog pasta and how does it differ from human pasta?

• How to prepare a complete meal with dog pasta?

• How to choose dog pasta correctly?

• What are the best carbohydrates for dogs?
   

1 tablespoon of quality fats

Just like us, dogs also need quality fats for the proper functioning of their bodies. Oils contain essential fatty acids for overall health, coat, and cognitive abilities. Fats also promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and improve digestion.

Fish oil (such as salmon oil), flaxseed, walnut, and rapeseed oil are particularly suitable because they are rich in omega-3s. Sunflower, soybean, and corn oils, on the other hand, contain omega-6s. It is important to vary to offer your dog all the fats they need.
As for quantities, do not exceed one tablespoon per 10 kg of weight (1 per 10 kg, 2 per 20 kg, etc.).

How to calculate the amount of food for a homemade diet?

The daily ration of homemade food should represent 2 to 3% of the dog's body weight, expressed in grams. For example, a 30 kg dog will need a portion between 600 and 900 g of food per day (30,000 × 2 or 3%). 2% is indicated for a healthy adult dog that tends to gain weight, while 3% is more suitable for very active dogs. It is important to observe the dog's behavior to adapt the ration to its real needs and appetite. The meal must include different categories of food, as well as vitamins and minerals.

For more information, discover our article: "Calculating the ideal food portion for my dog"

Frequently asked questions about homemade dog food

How to prepare your dog's meals yourself?

Cook carbohydrates, vegetables, meat, and fish in water or steam. Adapt the size of the ingredients to the dog's size and chewing ability. Always remove bones and fish bones. Serve lukewarm and add a tablespoon of fat for a 10 kg dog.

How to compose a balanced meal for your dog?

Each meal should include animal protein (meat or fish), carbohydrates (pasta, rice, grain, sweet potato...), fiber, and quality fats.

What oil to use in homemade dog food?

Oils rich in omega-3 and omega-6 are the most suitable. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are among the most popular, but you can also use walnut, sunflower, soybean, or corn oil.

How to calculate the ideal food ration for your dog?

The ideal ration corresponds to 2–3% of the dog's body weight expressed in grams. The calculation is: weight in grams × 2 or 3%. A 10 kg dog will therefore need an amount between 200 and 300 g of food per day.