Our Dogs Deserve Delicious Nutrient-Rich Food
We know ultra-processed foods aren’t good for us or our dogs. So why are the majority of dog parent’s feeding their dog’s nutrient-depleted kibble or low quality wet food? My guess would be for convenience & cost - but if we truly love our dog and want them to live a long, healthy, and active life then why would we choose to sacrifice their life long health for easy and quick food options?
Did you know that all kibble goes through a process called extrusion? Extrusion is a method that is used in manufacturing large quantities of shelf-stable foods - wet and dry ingredients are mixed together into a dough and are fed into a machine called an expander. The dough is then cooked at extremely high temperatures and pushed through a different machine which cuts the cooked dough into the kibble shapes we see today. So whats the major issue with extrusion? Well, when food is cooked at high temperatures almost all vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and proteins are killed. So by the time those ‘good’ ingredients listed on the front of you kibble bag actually get turned into kibble almost all the nutrients are killed and your dog is basically just eating starch, sugar, and salt. Dogs that eat kibble are not only lacking nutrients and protein but also more susceptible to skin allergies, dehydration, bad breath, poor dental health, gut issues like foul smelling stools, and are more likely to develop obesity and other chronic illnesses.
WHAT SHOULD WE FEED OUR DOGS INSTEAD?
The optimal diet for dogs includes fresh, whole foods made from human-grade ingredients. They should be grass-fed, wild-caught, free-range and organic, if possible. Meals must also be well-balanced with a specific amount of healthy fats, high-quality protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, hydrating moisture and other nutrients. There are some excellent freeze-dried, air-dried, dehydrated, and raw pet food options that meet all of these marks however many families feel that these options are too expensive or not accessible in their area plus some of these styles of food are not suitable for all breeds of dogs.
A more feasible option is making your dog food with fresh, whole foods that you can shop for in your local grocery store. Making your dogs meals at home can save money, time, and support our dog’s life-long health. Oh and definitely make your dog the absolutely happiest & healthiest pup on the planet! Seriously, you’ll never have to deal with picky eating again and you may even see improvements in skin, coat, dental health, bowel movements, energy, and attention. However, you can’t just choose any mixture of ingredients to give your dog - there are many human-grade foods that can actually HARM your dog if eaten so if this is something you are considering to start first talk to your veterinarian, then reach out to a dietitian (me!) and together we will create the best recipe for your dog to enjoy weekly.
HERE’S WHAT LMG NUTRITION’S CHIEF OFFICE MANAGER - RUBY THE YORKIE IS EATING
Ruby is a 8 year old Yorkie who recently recovered from ACL surgery. Ruby has had skin allergies in the past and can also be a picky eater. I started making meals for her after she had ACL surgery and needed additional protein and antioxidants to recover well. Within a few months she was fully recovered - running and jumping with her friends better than ever before.
Ruby’s meals last a week and are all made in a day. I shop for all ingredients in our local grocery store and spend less than $40. The best part is Ruby is IN LOVE with her food.
There is no greater joy for me than seeing my baby excited to eat, moving well, fresh breath (fresh kisses for mommy!), white teeth, soft skin, silky coat, very regular bowel movements, an extremely healthy girl.
Here is Ruby’s recipe:
8 oz Grass-fed bison
6 oz Wild-caught salmon
3 oz Organic carrots, diced
3 oz Organic blueberries
8 oz Organic pumpkin puree
1 oz Organic ginger, grated
1 oz Organic turmeric, grated
2 Tbsp Cold-pressed flaxseed oil
Vitamin D drop & Probiotics added on top of meal at time of feeding (not mixed into mixture)
I cook the bison, salmon, carrots, and blueberries covered in a pot over low-heat for 1 hour, this preserves all of the vitamins, antioxidants, and protein so Ruby gets all the nutrition she needs! Ruby is a small Yorkie and can not tolerate a raw diet so this cooks proteins, fruits, and vegetables which make it easier for her to digest. Once done I transfer into a glass bowl (with lid) and add in pumpkin, ginger, turmeric, and flaxseed oil and mix until well combined. Then I put on the lid and store it in the refrigerator for 7 days. When it’s meal time I take a portion of the food add it to rubys bowl and mix in probiotics and one drop of vitamin d. This recipe ensures Ruby is getting high quality proteins, omega-3 rich fats, hydrating moisture, all of her essential water soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and Vitamin C), all of her essential fat soluble vitamins ( Vitamins A, D, E, K), and fiber and antioxidant rich carbohydrates. Plus she gets the joy of eating food she loves.
Remember, every dog is different and will require their own personalized recipe for their breed, age, size, weight, personality, taste preferences and medical conditions or health goals. Also, at some point this recipe should be adjusted as your dog ages and nutritional needs change. Also, please be sure to discuss with you veterinarian before making any dietary changes. If you have more questions or would like to start cooking for your dog, please fill out & submit the form below to get started.
