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Old 08-17-2009, 11:18 AM   #3
littlepixie12
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Astoria, NY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May View Post
Well, if you don't care if he becomes picky, you can go to a different type of canned or homecooked. That is totally your choice. I homecook and quite honestly, some (or all) days I just don't want to deal with it. I feel like I'm doing what's best for Ellie (and in fact we don't have many other choices because of her health), but it certainly isn't what's best for me. Just some things to consider before you get into it:

It is by far safer to have a qualified nutritionist create a recipe for you. There are a few good recipes out on the net, but a nutritionist still needs to analyze them. Nutritionists are not cheap (I pay $90 for consult and about $50 per recipe). If a balanced diet is not given, it can lead to health problems including blood and heart problems. Reading a book or trusting a general DVM is usually not okay.

It is very different to cook for a pup instead of an adult. Certain things need to be considered and a nutritionist should be consulted.

Certain vitamins (or an all-in-one supplement) will have to be given.

It can get very expensive and I would have to disagree with the idea that it is cheaper than a high quality kibble. It depends on the quality of ingredients that you want to use.

If you want to save money and buy bone-in meat, somebody has to pick it off. In the case of whole chickens and such, the bones can be small and none can be left behind. In our case, it is whitefish. There are lots of small bones to pick out.

Remember, with homecooking, you are quality control. So you have to be careful to only leave it on the counter or in the fridge for so long.

Then there is the packaging part. Each ingredient is weighed out, combined with other ingredients and frozen. Some just make a big batch and weigh nothing, but then there is no guaranteed analysis on the diet and not way to know if it's balanced.

It is fine to do if you have the time and energy to do it, but it isn't always fun...
Thank you for your post. I dont want him to be picky. I just feel that homecooked is better that store bought. At least you know what your dog is eating, I know even some "holistic" brands use some shady products. That is totally JMHO though. Thanks for giving me the other side of it. I cook everyday for us anyway, so to cook for one more will just be practice for when we have kids lol
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