More and More owners are turning to home cooking for
their pets. When cooking for your pet on a regular basis it is important to be
aware of how to provide complete nutrition in its more natural and complete
form and ensuring the diet is balanced. It is surprisingly easy to miss
some really important factors without doing some research. This leaflet is
concerning itself regarding home cooking but a raw food diet may be
suitable for your dog also.
Pros
Unlike processed dog food which may have
lost a lot of its nutritional value during the course of processing, home-made
dog food can be much better overall more fresh and wholesome
More control over ingredients and ability to
tailor them to avoid food that which your dog may be allergic to
You can adjust the diet as needed based on
your dog’s weight, lifestyle, activity level, health conditions and other
particular needs
Home cooked dog diets are usually higher in
protein which supports the skin and the immune system and are easier for dogs
to digest. This in turn can improve the health of the digestive system.
Many dogs with health problems such as
allergies, IBF, chronic ear infections, arthritis have seen their symptoms
reduced or eliminated after they began eating a home cooked diet
Cons
Perhaps the most difficult part in making your own your own food is designing a diet that provides all the nutrients needed by your dog. It takes time and commitment
If you are time poor and in a rush, taking shortcuts can result in improper balances in vitamins and minerals. A super premium high-quality dog food such as Rockster will be a perfect stop-gap.
Getting high quality ingredients (especially organic ones) can be more costly depending on nutritional requirements of your dogs.
It is worse to do an unbalanced home diet than some store bought pet food
The Three Essentials
Variety
Home prepared food should include a variety
of ingredients, not just one meat and grain so that over time the diet will be
more balanced
Best to feed as many types of meat as
possible (beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, fish, etc.) as well as including
some % as organs (heart, liver etc.) as well as eggs, cottage cheese and
yoghurt
If fed one source of protein your dog may
start to develop an allergy to the meat. By giving a varied diet it can also help
prevent allergies forming
Balance over time
When you feed a wide variety of foods, there
is less worry to make each meal ‘complete and balanced’. You just have to make
sure that your dog gets everything they needs over a week or two, not at every meal.
Calcium
This is one of the most frequently missed so don’t forget…
When making your own dog food, you MUST add calcium if the dog diet does not include bones (never feed cooked bones)
Adult dogs require approx. 800 to 100mg of calcium per 500g of food fed. Balancing a ratio of 2:1 to 1:1 calcium-phosphorus ratio (Naturally Dogs)
VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Meat given to your dog in the form of boneless muscle (such as minced meat or fillets) increases phosphorus compared to calcium ratio greatly. This means you must in turn increase calcium supplements to ensure the correct ratio.
One of the most popular methods is through adding ground eggshells and other calcium carbonate or calcium citrate supplements.
A product called Meal Mix can also be used as an additive to cover multiple vitamins and calcium
If embarking on a fully home cooked diet, we advise you to consult a pet nutritionist as calcium and other minerals can be under or over supplied which could be dangerous
Key Components in Home Cooked Dog Food
*Go organic as much as you can afford to so
Protein
Protein sources (e.g. meat, eggs, dairy) should make up at least 50% of
their diet, preferably more
Try to choose meats with not more than 10% fat
Meat should include both muscle meat (such as lamb, beef, chicken,
turkey, pork) as well as organ meats (e.g. kidney, liver, heart) Liver should
never be more than 5% of their diet and organs in general should make up around
10%
If feed boneless meet must add calcium source
Canned Fish such as pink salmon, sardines, mackerel occasionally (check
for low salt)
Dairy products such as yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese
Gentle scrambled or hard boil eggs
Grains
Whole grains such as oatmeal, white rice, brown rice, barley, bulgur,
millet, etc. Just as with other foods, feeding a variety of different grains
and carbs is better than always feeding the same kind.
If you opt to include grains, they should not be over 25% of the overall
diet and be varied like the protein sources. Dogs aren’t biologically evolved
to be able to digest grains so limiting their inclusion is important
Whole grains are key – oatmeal, rice, barley, bulgur
If feeding rice it should be slightly overcooked to soft texture so easy
to digest
Vegetables
and Fruits
Vegetables could be beneficial in small amounts
Healthiest are leafy greens but other good options include broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbages, carrots, courgettes
Best to steam them well and blend if possible.
Apples, bananas, berries and melon are good to include in small amounts.
remember NO grapes or raisins as TOXIC to dogs
Supplements
Calcium mentioned above is a component that is easily missed in home cooking
Other supplements required are fish oil (e.g. krill oil), green blend supplements (algae or phytoplankton)
Multi-vitamin supplements are available to cover Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, Choline, Cooper, B vitamins, Omega 6 and Selenium
Please see our other leaflet regarding specific supplement guide for
further details
How much to feed?
It is dependent on various factors such as age, lifestyle, activity
level and metabolism. We recommend speaking to an expert canine nutritionist.
Similar to humans more sedentary dogs will require less fat so leaner
meats and low-fat dairy as well as reducing starchy carbs as well
If introducing a new food or supplement, make sure you do so
slowly and test a small amount on the first introduction
Add one new item at a time and wait several days to a week or two
before introducing another
Disclaimer
Whilst all attention has been taken to ensure accurate and clear information; please consult expert opinion before starting any major change to your dog’s diet. Each animal has their own independent nutritional and supplemental requirements and the information above is only to be used as a guide only
PetLondon is always on hand to point customers in the right direction for further information and advice
PetLondon promotes owners being proactive towards their animals health and has for 2019 has newly launched in the UK the Adored Beast range of nature based animal healthcare products. These products seek to encompass a holistic approach to pet care which address core issues, support healing and aid in preventing re-occurrence.
There are tour main areas in which the Adored Beast range are arranged: Gut and Digestive Health, Skin and Joints, Kits and Overall Health. Each mini description will give you a link to the product for further information.
Our bestsellers can be found in more detail below!
Gut and Digestive Health
Love Bugs – A mix of pre and pro-biotics to promote gut health and support digestive issues.
Healthy Gut – might be the best pre and pro-biotic mix to use if your dog is eating a kibble, canned, dehydrated or cooked diet.
Gut Soothe – This blend of pre and pro-biotic focuses on inflammation especially in the intestines or urinary tract.
Fido’s Flora – To potentially use your dog has more significant health or digestive issues such as allergies, cancer, organ or digestive disease as Fido Flora will do a more precise job in restoring friendly bacteria communities.
Phyto-Synergy Anti-oxidant – A super anti-oxidant made from marine phyto-plankton to support overall health.
Liver Tonic – This tonic detoxifies the liver and helps cells regeneration and aids in proper function of allergy response, inflammation and digestive products.
Skin and Joint Health
Yeasty Beast III – Soothing spray to help soothe spots of topical yeast infection (red rashes on skin).
Owies and Oopsies – A soothing spray perfect for healing and soothing insect bites, hot spots, burns and bites
Jump for Joynts – Joint support spray to help with stiffness or limping. Can be used post-surgery or accident to aid recovery or used preventatively
Kits
Leaky Gut Protocol – Designed to completely ‘re-set’ your dog’s intestinal system by removing toxins from vaccines and cleansing the liver, calms and soothes the stomach and the correct gut flora environment and tries to seal a ‘leaky gut’
Yeasty Beast Protocol – This complete protocol is the intelligent way to help rid your dog of yeast infection without dangerous yeast die-off.
Easy Peeler Protocol – To help support the removal of Urinary Tract Crystals and it support bladder health.
Overall Health
Anti-Vaccinosis – Bestselling product – This homeopathic product assists in the removal of associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits.
We detail below more information on each of the products, giving a clear and concise summary of what each of them do and how they can help your pet.
Healthy Gut
Did you know that the gut is responsible for more than 80% of the immune system? This means that a healthy stomach is essential for the overall wellbeing of your pooch.
If your dog suffers from any of these ailments then The Love Bug Healthy gut prebiotic supplement could help. To explain in layman’s terms….prebiotics are the “fertiliser” that are needed to set up the colony of ‘good bacteria’ in the stomach. These good bacteria combat bad bacteria.
The good bacteria act as the gate keeper to stop intruders and keep the stomach lining healthy so digestion is aided. Prebiotic (which this supplement is made up of, help probiotics (the good bacteria) reproduce and flourish.
Fido’s Flora
Fido’s Flora is the first and only probiotics designed specifically for your dog. Scientists have identified and cultivated two uniquely canine species of probiotics (good bacteria) that are beneficial to the micro-biome in your dog’s gut.
We don’t know all that much about all the trillions of bugs that live in the gut so the best way to restore gut health is to find the probiotics that are already living in healthy dogs. So if your dog has more significant health or digestive issues, Fido’s Flora will do a more precise job of restoring some of the friendly bacteria communities.
Fido’s Flora is a unique probiotic that should be given to dogs that have some health challenges such as allergies, cancer, organ or digestive disease
Anti-Vaccinosis
Vaccinations in many places of the world are required by law, especially rabies jabs for international travel, as well as routine vaccinations for domestic boarding and training centres. We do this as they are required.
The anti-Vaccinosis treatment is best done within a 24-48hr window of your dog receiving a vaccination but can be administered retroactively. Anti-Vaccinosis from Adored Beast can assist in removing associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits.
The most common chronic symptoms from vaccinations can include irritable bowel syndrome, liver and kidney problems, glandular changes, ear infections, parasite infestation, skin problems, tumours at the vaccination site, allergies and cancer.
Leaky Gut Protocol
The Leaky Gut Protocol provides simple steps to aid in healing at the root cause of a Leaky Gut. The phenomenon known as ‘Leaky Gut’ has many and wide ranging symptoms and conditions are caused by the immune system reacting to germs, toxins and other substances that have been absorbed into the bloodstream via a porous “leaky” bowel.
Imbalances can cause issues around skin disease, compromised immune system, food allergies, digestive problems, ear infections or any common healthy condition that derives from an inflammatory disorder.
The Pack contains five different products, that are used in a 4-step treatment method designed to give your dog the chance to heal.
Pre Step – Getting Ready – Anti-Vaccinosis
The Anti-Vaccinosis is an intial 2 day regime that assists in the removal of associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits. This needs to be completed before moving on Step 1.
ONCE the Pre-step has been completed…. begin Steps 1 through 4 at the same time. This can be given in food together as directed. N.B. If you dog has asensitive stomach is it recommended that Healthy Gut is given at 1/2 recommended dose, working up to a full dose over 1-2weeks.
STEP 1: REMOVE – LIVER TONIC
This detoxifies the liver and helps regenerate healthy liver cells and boost’s organ ability to filter toxins from the blood. Aids in proper function of histamine (associated with allergies), protein synthesis and biochemical production for digestion.
STEP 2: RESTORE – HEALTHY GUT
The Healthy Gut powder helps rebalance and cultivate proper growing conditions for friendly digestive flora destroyed through antibiotics and toxins. Aids in the digestion of food and supports a healthy immune system.
STEP 3: REPLENISH – GUT SOOTHE
A proprietary blend of herbs and pre & probiotics that soothe and replenish the lining of the bowel, fight yeast and combat unhealthy bacteria. The Gut Soothe have prebiotics are the “fertiliser” that are needed to set up the colony of ‘good bacteria’, known as probiotics in the stomach. This blend has a wide ranging mix of 30 billion cfu.
STEP 4: RESTORE – GUT SEAL
A homeopathic remedy that helps restore, strengthen and tighten the separated“leaky” junctions of the gastrointestinal lining.
Phytoplankton is the photosynthesising parts of microscopic marine plants. It truly is the king of antioxidants and quite possibly the “king of all supplements.” It can help with a multitude of compliments.
Does your dog suffer from? – Skin issues – Mobility and joint issues – Inflammation – Digestion issues – Decreased energy – Increased hyperactivity – Anxiety – Excess shedding
Incorporating Phytoplankton into your animal’s daily food diet ensures you are promoting your pet’s overall wellbeing and longevity and can help with the ailments above.
The Photo-Synergy Super-Antioxidant blend of marine phytoplankton can simply be sprinkled onto food. It contains trace minerals, chlorophyll, essential amino acids, DHA, EPA, protein, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins.
Plankton has been foundational source of nutrients for marine life since the beginning of the time, with the rich nutritional content in its purest and most original form (single celled organisms). For example the fatty acids found in fish (e.g. Salmon) gain their source of Omega-3 from Phytoplankton.
The single cell organism is absorbed via the mucus membrane, as it is so tiny. Therefore ensuring complete absorption into the bloodstream before it reaches the gut, ensuring if your pet has stomach issues that they are benefitting from the effects.
Made from environmentally, ethically and fully sustainable plankton which is grown on land with filtered Atlantic ocean water with no heavy metals. The Phyto-Synergy blend contains extraordinary amounts of Super Oxide Dismutase molecule called the “king of the antioxidants” and the “molecule of life”.
Liver Detoxification
This Liver Tonic supports and detoxifies the liver, the organ that removes toxins from the body. This tonic helps regenerate cells in the liver and boosts the organ’s productivity in filtering toxins from the blood.
The liver aids in proper histamine function which aid in allergies, chronic inflammation protein synthesis and biochemical production for digestion.
The ingredients in the liver tonic are all herbal and originate from plant or herb extracts. Below is a list of ingredients and the various properties each ingredients has:
Taraxacum Officinalis (Dandelion Root) – supports liver, gallbladder – stimulates bile production – anti inflammatory properties – strong but safe diuretic – supports heart, bladder, digestive system
Chelidonium majus (Greater Celendine) – detoxifying herb – supports liver health – helps with indigestion, jaundice and sluggish liver – stimulates bile and pancreatic enzymes
Cardus Marianus (Milk Thistle) – powerful herbal restorative – protective effects on the liver – helps with liver inflammation
Berberis Vulgaris (Barberry) – powerful herbal restorative – protective effects on the liver – helps with liver inflammation
Flexible and Supple Joints
Does you dog hobble around the house or having reduced mobility in their old age? Perhaps they are recovering from surgery or have been diagnosed with arthritis…
Jump for Joynts is a topical spray that supports 4-way mobility without worrying about the harmful side effects of NSAIDs and traditional pain killers. Jump for Joynts can support common joint issues such as ACL injuries, arthritis, degenerative, bone and muscle injuries.
Skin Conditions
Does your dog suffer from yeast infections on their skin or folds?
The combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and soothing herbs are designed to prevent infections arising through the skin and to soothe itches. Particular breeds will also benefit from regular cleaning of this products in their skin folds.
Please remember that this topical spray is not meant to “cure” the yeast that breeds deep in the digestive tract, and that systemic needs to be addressed at the Root Cause. Do not use on open or raw wounds.
For use on topical yeast areas. Use this product on skin folds, feet and other itchy areas and black, thickened skin. Can be used for ears, but do not pour in – spray onto a cotton pad and wipe affected areas. Do not spray directly in eyes or mouth. Can soothe itch and promote healthy skin.
The main ingredients are all natural which collectively help soothe the irritated skin include:
– Herbal Marigold known as the greatest healing agent a first aid go to for abrasions, injuries speeds recovery. High in Vitamin E & Vitamin A.
– Green Tea rich in antioxidants, Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids, have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Catechins, which are antioxidants by nature, have also been shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
– Herbal GoldenSeal deals with local inflammation treats skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm and used on wounds and sores as an antibacterial
– Herbal St Johns Wort which improves tissue regeneration in wounds and used to tone and restore the health of the nerves
– Herbal Horsetail commonly used on burns, wounds and sores, anti-inflammatory and stabilizes scar tissue
– Witch Hazel that naturally reduces acne, insect bites and blisters. Used for inflammation, antioxidant and astringent
In summary, we have detailed four natural medicines to help with a range of range of issues or complaints your dog might have. Preventative medicine can help increase the longevity and happiness without expensive vet trips.
If you ever have any questions about the products we offer, please give us a call on 0207 580 7580. Look out for more healthy products on our site, which include a Meal Mix supplement for those of you cooking homemade meals for your dogs and might not realise you are missing out key components of a canine diet.
If you have any concerns or your pet has chronic medical issues please consult your vet before use.
