[debannib]

In another thread, there was some posted info regarding homemade dog food.
Just in case some of you didn't see the suggestions and recipes, I thought we might share them here. Perhaps some homemade treats and snacks also???

Red, would you mind posting your homemade recipe again? Does anyone else cook their own food?

I make homemade food using a commercial base mix from Sojourner Farms. I add water to the mix and let it set overnight to swell the grain. Then add meat and veggies. I use this mix because it's already commercially tested for balance. It's holistic and preservative free. A forty pound bag lasts six months for my 18 pound beagle and 50 pound shepherd mix.

Maggie has kidney damage from eating grapes when she was four months old, and had seizures for awhile too. I decided to try this mix because it's preservative free (some sources claim preservative free is better for seizure dogs) and it's low in salt (good for dogs with kidney damage).

I checked with my vet first, and he okayed it. I also add a supplement to cover all my bases.

Link for Sojourner Farms: Sojourner Farms Homepage

 

[debannib]

Once a week, I boil up a whole chicken and brown some deer meat; my dogs also like fish, which I feed from our family pond and keep frozen in the freezer. I also feed raw, but usually on the weekends. During the week, I prefer to use cooked meats (don't have to worry that they've set too long in the frig)

All these meats are divided into meal size amounts, placed in baggies along with the dog food mix and kept in the frig or freezer. On the weekends, I feed straight out of the frig; during my workweek, I pull a baggie from the freezer and thaw in the microwave (all the while, doggies dance at my feet!! :biglaugh: ) Freezing definitely prolongs the fun.

 

[debannib]

Quote:Originally posted by Taurus Mom:
I do like the idea of making the Beags their own food, but worry about getting the proportions right for them...how do you do it?
I have tons of deer meet that I am wondering what to do with...loins and ground meat...

My son is a prolific hunter, and I'm not a fan of venison. I like the roasts and steaks, but nothing else. I had to find a way to get rid of the meat without hurting my son's feelings....so I was sneaking it into the dog food. (Unfortunately he saw me doing it one day....and that was the end of my secret. :biglaugh: )
My dogs LOVE venison, and it's extremely low fat, thus healthy.
Sometimes, I simply use it as treats, raw from the frig (cutting back on their protein at meals).

Do you remember the incident where my two dogs pulled the crock pot off the counter? Guess what was cooking in it.....venison roast. I'm sure they said "hmmmmmmmm....mom left our treat on the counter today". (My crock pot is locked behind a closed door whenever I leave the house now.) :biglaugh:

Feeding raw (or semi-raw) is trial and error, and lots of fun. Lora's post was interesting....lots of information there!!

In answer to your question: How do I get the portions right? Sojourner Farms was my answer to that question. I don't have to keep all the ingredients on hand for a balanced diet, they're already there. Just add meat (and veggies if you prefer, but you don't have to).

 

[debannib]

Vets are unsure exactly why grapes and raisins can be toxic for dogs; like any toxin, the amount of illness depends on the amount of food ingested/ body weight.

Maggie was small, young .....and like any beagle, expert at gobbling grapes like a speed demon. I didn't know they could be toxic, so I didn't call the vet. The next morning, she was having cluster seizures and almost died. She has slight kidney damage due to the toxicity of the grape-eating session. I feel lucky to still have her (and terribly guilty at my own ignorance.)

So tell everyone you know: NO GRAPES OR RAISINS

 

[debannib]

Quote:Originally posted by Charlie mom:
I cooked for them a while, but their stool were rather too soft, so I stopped. Deb, do you have that problem?
Should I stop using can food altogether? I use Nutro Natural choice(green) only a tablespoon to mix it with kibbles. Feeding I/D to Marlin(retriever)
So far, I do not see any reaction, are they safe? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif

Charliemom,

Whenever I switch my dogs to something new, it affects their stools; It's best to switch slowly, adding the new food to the old, gradually decreasing the old. Sojourner Farms recommends an owner take 2 weeks to completely switch over.

As far as canned food, the only safe way to avoid problems is to avoid any food on the recall list. It has been changing every few days!
It might be best to avoid any wet foods rather than take a chance....could you add low-sodium chicken broth to their kibble? That might be a nice treat for them.

 

[debannib]

Charliemom,

Here's a website mentioned on the news regarding recipes and how to compare your dog's food; parts of it are intended for vets....but for those willing to wade through the technical-speak, it's interesting. It also mentions the supplement they speak of; I haven't purchased any of the recipes advertised...just passing it on as a starting point.

click here: "Balance It" website

P.S. Sojourner Farms ships for free; that's how I get it