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Good Natural Foods For Dogs

 

meats:beef, bison, venison, elk, rabbit, chicken, duck, turkey and goose.
 
fish: any de-boned fish including trout, bass, catfish, salmon, mackerel, tuna or herring.  Clams oysters and lobster are also suitable.
 
dairy & eggs: goat's milk (no cow's milk), fresh goat cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken eggs, duck eggs, quail eggs and goose eggs.
 
vegetables:  they are high in anti-oxidants and vitamins A,C and E.  Good vegetables are carrots, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, squash of all kinds, pumpkin, green beans, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, yams and regular potatoes.
 
fruits: these are good for healthy skin and liver function.  Apples (without the seeds), bananas, pears and watermelon are all enjoyed by dogs.
 
cereal grains: these should not be a large part of a dog's diet, but rather for specific needs.  Barley, oatmeal, wild/brown rice and millet are all cereal grains. Flax-seeds or flax-seed meal is also included in appropriate food for dogs.
 
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Key Ingredients For Cooking For Dogs 
 
fresh garlic: garlic is a member of the allium family, so the use of garlic in cooking for dogs is divided.  If you have any concerns in using garlic consult your veterinarian.  When choosing garlic select firm bulbs with tightly packed cloves.  Garlic contains Vitamin E and helps regulate blood/sugar levels, fight infections and help digestive disorders.
 
natural unsalted peanut butter: this is a favorite of dogs, is high in protein, and offers flavor and fiber to recipes.  Calories are converted into pure energy.  Be sure to select a brand that doesn't contain sugar or salt.
 
oils: dogs need fat in their diet to remain healthy, because it is essential in keeping the body oiled and running smoothly.  Oils also lower bad cholesterol.  Some good oils are peanut, olive and canola.
 
virgin olive oil is heavier then other vegetable oils and it improves your dog's coat and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
canola oil is low in bad fats while containing good fats.  In cooking for dogs it replaces the butter you would use in human recipes. 
flax-seed oil contains Vitamin B and potassium.  It benefits the cardiovascular system, immune system, joints and nervous system.  Use this oil sparingly because it can be pricey and goes rancid quite quickly.  Too much flax-seed oil in a dog's diet can cause loose stool and an upset stomach.
 
flour: unbleached should be your first choice, because bleached contains a harmful chemical called alloxan.  Alloxan can lead to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas and increase the risk of diabetes.
 
whole wheat flour is flavorful and nutritious.  Wheat flours contain gluten and some dogs can be allergic to gluten.  Some symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and gas.  Whole wheat flour should be stored in the refrigerator.  Some gluten free flours are: rice flours, cornmeal, quinoa, buckwheat flour, amaranth and oats.
rice flour is the preferred flour for dogs with allergies.  Its taste is mild and brown rice flour tastes slightly nutty.  It creates a light, crisp biscuit that won't crumble.
barley flour is low in fat and gluten.  It is a grain substitution for dogs with allergies.
rolled oats offer a nutty flavor and nice texture, it is also good for the digestive system.
old-fashioned rolled oats are high in dietary fiber and filled with cholesterol fighting soluble fiber. 
 
 
 cheese: adds flavor and aroma to recipes and is an excellent source of calcium.
 
Pecorino Romano is made of sheep's milk.  Grate only what you need to use.
cheddar cheese has a rich and nutty flavor and contains protein and calcium.
 
 
meat and vegetable broths: are a good way to add flavor to any recipe rather then using water.  Look for broths that are MSG free, sulfite free and low in salt.
 
nitrate-free bacon: turkey or chicken bacon is a lower calorie, leaner alternative to pork bacon.  It can be grilled, baked or microwaved.  It adds an intense and smoky flavor that dogs love.  Avoid nitrates, nitrites antibiotics and other chemicals.  They are unnecessary and contain cancer causing agents.
 
 

 

Organic

 
Organic foods are those that are grown and processed without conventional chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers.  Organic animals may not be enhanced with with hormones or genetic engineering.  Organic is good for the environment because streams, rivers, lakes, ground-water and wildlife are not compromised by harmful chemicals.  Dog's bodies are smaller and so the more natural the food we feed them the better.  Preservatives, additives and artificial colors and flavors are unnecessary. 
 
If possible grow as much of the ingredients you can in your own yard.  This is the only real way to ensure you know exactly where the food came from and how it was grown.  If this isn't possible read labels in the grocery store more carefully, and start making smarter and healthier choices.
 
Pet stores are now starting to offer many organic, healthier choices in dog food and dog treats.  Darford Holistic dog treats out of Vernon, BC Canada offers natural dog treats with certified organic sweet potatoes, carrots, green peas, ground flax seed, apples, cranberries and blueberries.  They also list whole wheat, fresh garlic, cheddar cheese, kelp and brown rice amongst some of their ingredients.
 
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Supplements

 
Supplements are anything that you add to your pet's diet to boost their nutrition, on top of their regular food.  You should research how much your breed of dog needs in order to achieve optimal health. Good supplements include:
 
molasses: high in potassium and contains several B complex vitamins.
 
honey: high in carbohydrates, minerals and B complex vitamins.
 
alfalfa: nutritious plant that even when dried contains proteins, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.  it is thought to have cancer fighting properties, and is good for your dog's mental health.
 
kelp: is a seaweed, that when dried is an excellent form of iodine.
 
yogurt: contains the good bacteria, lactobacillus acidophilus for the digestive system.  It is also a good source of protein and fat.
 
apple cider vinegar:  is high in many beneficial minerals, it boosts the immune system, and has antibacterial properties.
 
bee pollen: contains a number of enzymes and antioxidants, along with other essential nutrients.  Bee Pollen has been used for humans for many years for its beneficial properties.  It provides energy, stimulates organs and glands and aids in the digestive process.  Bee pollen is in its purest form, and is a truly natural supplement.  
 
 

cranberries and cranberry juice: much like in humans these are used to prevent and tract bladder/urinary tract infections.  It prevents the bad bacteria from attaching to the bladder and urinary tract walls.