A proper diet, with the necessary proteins and vitamins, is vital for everyone’s health, right? And it’s no different for our furry friends. Just as we need and enjoy quality ingredients, our pets also require a rich and nutritious diet to stay healthy and happy. A strong immune system is just as important for them as it is for us, and with the right diet, this can be achieved. A balanced and proper diet provides all the essential nutrients for your dog to grow and develop correctly, while also preventing diseases such as obesity, allergies, and many others. Feeding your pup natural dog food can also help prevent joint problems caused by aging, as well as heart issues and diabetes.
But with so many industrialized kibble options on the market promising countless benefits, it’s completely normal to have doubts and wonder: Should I really switch my pet’s diet to natural dog food? What’s better—commercial kibble or homemade food?
Don’t worry! We, the team at Pet and Pals, are here to help you. Enjoy the read and find out how to improve your furry friend’s diet. Happy reading!
Industrialized Kibble
While commercial dog kibble is popular and convenient, it’s important to consider some drawbacks before choosing this option for your furry friend. One of the main concerns is the quality of ingredients used in the production of these foods. Unfortunately, many brands use low-quality animal by-products such as bones, feathers, and offal, which offer little to no nutritional value.
Another issue is that nearly all industrialized dog food contains additives, colorants, and preservatives, which, just like for humans, can negatively impact our pups’ health in the long run.
A further downside is the lack of variety in taste and freshness. Imagine eating the same food with the same flavor every single day for your entire life! Even though dog food companies try to innovate with flavors like “Roast Beef,” “Chicken and Vegetables,” or “Salmon,” there’s no denying this simple truth: every time we open a bag of kibble, regardless of the labeled “flavor,” the smell is always the same—or at best, very similar to all the others.
Our dogs are our best friends; they’re part of our family. Don’t they deserve to experience the same joy we feel when enjoying a delicious meal? Industrialized kibble typically offers a limited selection of ingredients, which can lead to a monotonous diet for your pup. Additionally, since these foods are processed and packaged, they lose some of their nutritional quality over time.
Another downside is the high levels of carbohydrates, such as cereals and grains, that are not essential for dogs but are present in some kibble. Excessive amounts of these ingredients can lead to health issues like obesity, food allergies, and digestive problems. Additionally, dogs with specific dietary needs—such as those with allergies or certain health conditions—may not find suitable food options in industrialized kibble unless they turn to prescription diets, which, due to their high cost, are not affordable for everyone.
However, it’s important to note that not all commercial kibble is the same. Fortunately, some high-quality brands take these concerns into account and offer healthier, more balanced products. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to carefully read labels, research brands, and understand the composition of each ingredient in the kibble. Keep your pet healthy and well-nourished with the best options on the market.
Homemade Natural Dog Food
Now that we’ve covered the drawbacks of industrialized kibble, let’s explore the wonders of homemade natural dog food. Choosing the best fresh and healthy ingredients—not to mention adding that delicious flavor your pup will love—is just one of the many benefits. Let’s take a look at some more advantages below:
1 – Total Control Over What Your Dog Eats
Unlike industrialized kibble—where you have no way of knowing how it was made or if high-quality ingredients were used—when you prepare your pup’s food yourself, you have full control. You can select fresh ingredients, choose high-quality proteins, and prepare everything with hygiene and care. Lean meats and organs, fresh vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes ensure that your dog enjoys a balanced, nutritious, and delicious diet tailored to their needs.
2 – Avoid Additives and Preservatives
Commercial kibble sits on store shelves for months, so it’s no surprise that it contains many preservatives to extend its shelf life. Some studies indicate that common preservatives used in kibble, such as BHA and BHT, may be carcinogenic in the long run. If you need to feed kibble to your pet, always read the ingredient list carefully. Artificial additives and colorants can also cause kidney issues in dogs and cats, yet most commercial brands still use them.
3 – Real Flavorful Food
Our team has never met a dog who doesn’t perk up when their humans are cooking at home—have you? They sit there, eyes wide, as if begging for just a little taste, right? There’s no doubt that homemade food is more flavorful, delicious, and aromatic than industrialized kibble. Give your pup that extra bit of happiness with real food!
4 – Personalized Diet
When you prepare your dog’s meals yourself, you can provide exactly what they need nutritionally. If they have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, if they’re older and need more vitamins, or if they’re prone to obesity, you can customize their diet accordingly.
5 – Overall Health Improvements
Homemade natural dog food improves digestion, strengthens the immune system, and helps prevent skin and joint problems. Some foods even contribute to a shinier coat—did you know that? Check out this article: Top 8 best natural dog foods for pets for glowing skin. On top of all that, many pet owners report that their dogs became happier and had more balanced energy levels after switching to natural dog food.
However, it’s important to be clear: taking care of your dog’s diet by preparing natural dog food at home requires some knowledge and a bit of planning. That’s why we’re here—to help you with this process.
Remember that every dog is unique, and what works well for one may not be suitable for another. That’s why we always recommend consulting a veterinarian to ensure the diet meets your pup’s specific needs.
Preparing Natural Dog Food at Home
Making your dog’s food at home may be easier than you think! While it might take some time and planning at first, you’ll gradually establish a routine, and with each meal you prepare, you’ll gain more knowledge about the ingredients. Over time, the process becomes simpler and more manageable.
Finding the ingredients is not a problem, as most are available at supermarkets and local markets. Lean meats, fresh vegetables, and whole grains are easy to find. You can also buy ingredients in larger quantities and freeze them for future use, making meal planning for your dog even more convenient.
Over time, you can even create your own customized recipes, adjusting the ingredients to suit your dog’s specific needs. You can also prepare meals in large batches and freeze individual portions for convenience.
On our website, you’ll find a variety of easy-to-make recipes—most of which can be frozen—along with step-by-step videos, ingredient lists, and even a calculator to help you determine the right amount of natural dog food for your pup. Believe us, it’s not difficult, and the greatest reward is seeing your furry friend healthier and happier!
Conclusion
You’ve seen that the benefits of homemade natural dog food far outweigh those of industrialized kibble, right? And you’ve also learned that preparing your pup’s meals at home isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
So, how about starting with a simple chicken, pumpkin, and rice recipe? The Chicken and pumpkin for dogs is perfect for beginners—it requires just a few ingredients and is made in a single dish in the oven, which means no messy stovetop! 😊
Watch the video and get started! There are some excited pups waiting to taste this delicious meal!
Afterward, leave a comment below and share your experience with us.
