The concern over food safety has led to the movement of dog owners to make their own home-made dog food. By making their own dog food known as holistic dog food, not only do they save money and are giving their dogs a nutritious and safe food source, but it is also easy to make.

They key to a healthy dog diet is to have approximately 70% carbohydrates, 25% meat, and 5% vegetables and other additions. A combination of meats and vegetables is necessary for these omnivores. Certain additions such as certain flours, bonemeal, and garlic can help the dog's health and diet even more so.

The carbohydrates in holistic dog food can come from various sources. Whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oats, soy flour and barley are all good choices for your dog's diet. White rice and brown rice are also popular with many dog owners. These carbohydrates should be the base of the dog's diet.

The next major component of the holistic dog food is the meat. The best options for meat are quality products such as lean chicken, beef, fish, and egg whites. These can be then grinded to make the food making process easier.

There are many nutrients that a dog also needs and can be added in the form of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, celery, corn, and spinach. If the dog owner wants to use organic produce, those options must first be checked for availability. Grinding the vegetables helps with digestion and by adding small amounts of garlic you also can keep the fleas away. To aid in the addition of calcium, bonemeal and dehydrated milk can be added.

By combining the components with a little bit of water and cooking until the protein is done throughout, your dog food can be made at home. An easy to make recipe takes one cup cornmeal, one fourth of a cup of ground chicken, a tablespoon of ground carrots, and a little sprinkle of bonemeal combined and cooked in a saucepan with a half a cup of water. Most dog food recipes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When making your own dog food, certain foods must be avoided. Chocolate and other products containing caffeine have been known to cause seizures in some dogs. Other foods, like grapes, raisins, avocados, and onions, can also cause various health problems and should not be included in a dog's diet. Many dogs are sensitive to spices, so these should be avoided as well.

The best way to watch and monitor your dog's diet is to make your own food. Ensuring a balanced nutritious diet can impact a dog's lifespan, weight, and energy level. A veterinarian should be consulted when making your own dog food. Not only will this make your dog healthier for years ahead but also will be less of a burden financially.

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