French Bulldogs are famous for their picky eating habits and food allergies. Many dog owners, especially those with Frenchies, turn to homemade dog food as a solution to meet their pets’ unique requirements. As a proud parent of two bat-eared French Bulldogs, I can vouch for the benefits of homemade meals. Not only are they healthier for your pups, but they also provide a more enjoyable dining experience.
When my Frenchie, Weston, was a puppy, he had a sensitive stomach and would frequently vomit. To address this issue, I started preparing his food myself, and the results were astounding. Weston’s digestion improved, he became leaner, and his flatulence reduced significantly. He absolutely loved his meals and would lick his bowl clean every time.
On the other hand, Fira, my other Frenchie, has been feasting on homemade cooked dog food since we brought her home. She has never tasted commercial kibble and would probably turn her nose up at it. Weston, however, has grown into a bit of a food snob and will only indulge in cooked foods. I even attempted to transition them to a raw diet, but they refused. These pups have quite discerning palates when it comes to their meals!
As Weston matured, I discovered various companies that offer cooked, human-grade dog food. This was a great find for times when I didn’t have the time to cook. Brands like Pure Dog Food, PetPlate, and Just Food For Dogs provide nutritionally balanced options that I can rely on.
A few years ago, I decided to have Weston and Fira undergo an allergy test. Surprisingly, Weston turned out to be allergic to chicken, turkey, pork, dairy, white fish, sweet potatoes, and a few other ingredients commonly found in commercial dog food. This realization prompted me to create my own homemade dog food recipe, as many of the ingredients we were feeding him were causing adverse reactions.
To introduce variety to Weston’s meals, I set aside an afternoon to prepare a large batch of homemade dog food and stock up my freezer. The process is simple and convenient, and it ensures that Weston receives a diverse range of nutrients.
A Homemade Dog Food Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 lbs ground beef (or any protein of your choice)
- 1 cup uncooked millet (or any other whole grain such as quinoa, rice, or pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1 shredded zucchini
- 1 shredded squash
- 1 chopped apple
- 1 tbsp calcium powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- Canine Complete multivitamin supplement (follow serving instructions)
- Boil 1 cup of whole grain in a pot of water until soft and easily digestible. Drain the excess water.
- While the grain is boiling, shred or chop the vegetables.
- Cook the ground beef with olive oil. Drain any excess juices and rinse.
- Mix all the ingredients together. There’s no need to cook the vegetables as overcooking them will remove their natural nutrients. The cooked meat and whole grain will slightly soften the veggies.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Food:
Feeding your furry friend homemade dog food offers several advantages. First and foremost, it gives you greater control over the quality and types of ingredients used. This allows you to customize meals to meet your dog’s specific dietary needs. Additionally, homemade dog food is often fresher and more flavorful, leading to happier and more satisfied pups. It can also be a more cost-effective option in the long run and helps avoid potential allergens or fillers commonly found in commercial dog food. As a dog parent, it’s essential to ensure that our pups receive the best possible nutrition, and preparing homemade dog food is a rewarding way to achieve that.
Other Benefits of Ingredients in This Recipe:
- Olive oil: Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin, coat, and heart health. It also aids digestion and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Coconut: Enhances skin and coat health, aids digestion, and boosts the immune system.
- Calcium: Essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, nerve and muscle function, and blood clotting in dogs.
- Pumpkin: Regulates blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, and provides natural vitamins and probiotics.
Store the prepared dog food in containers or ziplock bags and freeze them. This recipe yields approximately one week’s worth of meals for two French Bulldogs. Thaw out the food the night before serving or microwave it for a quick meal option.
Preparing homemade dog food allows you to have complete control over your pup’s nutrition. It provides a healthy and delicious alternative to commercial options, especially for those picky eaters. I thoroughly enjoy cooking for my Frenchies, and I hope you will too with this recipe!
Disclaimer: Please use your own judgment and consult with your veterinarian if you have any specific questions or concerns.
If you find yourself pressed for time and unable to prepare homemade dog food, fret not! There is an abundance of dog food brands available on the market today. Unlike when I started cooking for my pooch, there is now a wide selection of options to choose from.
Allow me to recommend a few brands that have impressed me:
-
: This was the first fresh dog food company I tried almost a decade ago. Just Food For Dogs specializes in providing high-quality, human-grade food for dogs. With a variety of flavors like beef + potato, lamb + rice, white fish + sweet potato, and turkey + macaroni, you are sure to find something your pup will love. They have over 200 locations nationwide, including all Petco stores, making it convenient for me to pick up their meals when I’m running low on dog food. -
: This brand is incredibly popular and offers personalized meals based on your dogs’ specific needs. The Farmer’s Dog prepares their meals in a way that maintains whole food integrity and nutritional value. The food is gently cooked, frozen, and shipped directly to your door. Sign up now and get 50% off your first order! -
: PetPlate is another excellent option that provides balanced and delicious dog food. Their meals resemble real food and come in convenient containers. With an easy subscription plan, you can save money while ensuring your dog receives the nutrients they need. Give it a try and see your dog’s tail wag with delight!
If you are curious about your dog’s potential food allergies, I highly recommend using Nutriscan. This test helped me uncover Weston and Fira’s allergies to ingredients I would have never known otherwise.
Remember, the well-being of our four-legged friends is of utmost importance. Whether you choose to prepare homemade dog food or opt for commercial brands, make sure you are providing your pup with nutritious meals that suit their needs.
Happy cooking and happy feeding!
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