Humans are becoming wary of the food they eat, and the preservatives and additives that are in their food, so it is only natural to wonder what exactly is in the food you are feeding your pet. The answer seems to be that almost every store bought dog or cat food contains varying levels of additives, poor quality products, or inappropriate nutrition for the animal.
One dedicated dog owner, Shannon Epling of Columbus, Ohio, discovered that making her own dog food was ideal for her two Siberian Huskies, Sapphire and Onyx. When Sapphire was 10 months old, she developed kidney disease. Shannon switched both dogs to a diet of prescription dog food made specifically for dogs with kidney problems. 6 months later, Onyx was diagnosed with kidney disease as well, and there was no improvement in Sapphire’s condition. Shannon says, “Since they are genetically unrelated, I had to determine something in the environment or in their food was stressing their kidneys, especially since both girls were relatively young.”
Shannon did her research and discovered Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, a book that Shannon says “presents this information very concisely and is a must read before you begin home cooking your pets meals.”
Now Sapphire and Onyx enjoy a diet that meets their caloric needs, nutritional needs, and has a proper protein and carbohydrate balance. This information can vary depending on the size of your dog, the breed and any special circumstances the dog may have, so before you start cooking for your dog, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Shannon feeds her dogs things like Farina and eggs, lean beef and noodles, tuna and rice, chicken breast sandwiches, toast, bagels and carrots. They also get fresh fruit (except for grapes). Shannon also bakes her own dog treats for them. She warns future Dog Food Gourmets that “Dogs should avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate as they have been found to have toxic effects in dogs.”
Shannon has agreed to post her e-mail address, and welcomes anyone to contact her with questions. She can be reached at redsee1978@yahoo.com.
Eve Beard likes to bake her own dog treats for her dog, Loki. She doesn’t cook him entire meals, but has a recipe she likes to bake for “all the family and neighborhood canines.”
Eve Beard’s recipe for dog treats.
2 cups whole wheat flour (plus extra for rolling surface)
1 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 T baking powder
½ cup oatmeal
(optional) ½ cup dried cranberries or carob chips – never substitute raisins or chocolate chips, as they are toxic to dogs
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Turn out on floured surface and roll to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out in cute shapes (such as squirrels)! Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until they are slightly brown at the edges.
Home cooking for cats is less common than home cooking for dogs, however, Dr. Pitcairn’s book covers all the information you need to cook for your cat as well. Information on the internet can be confusing, with some people feeding their cats only raw meat, while others cook the meat and include some plants and vegetables. If you cook for your cat, please comment below and share your strategies!
Do you cook for your pet? Share your experience and recipes in the comments below. As always, don’t forget to subscribe for future updates on Pets in Cleveland.
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