Homemade vs Store bought food

[MomofSkye]

OK i'm clueless doesn't the dogs need the "harder" food for there teeth? We were thinking of making our new puppies food and this is one of the things that crossed our minds.


Is this the case? Or is the homemade ok for there teeth?


THanks for the advice

[Ellie May]

Nope, dogs don't need crunchy food. Their teeth should be brush regularly though. Homecooked is fine, but it has to be balanced or it can lead to some very serious health problems. This is even more difficult in pups, so when homecooking for one, a veterinary nutritionist should formulate the recipe. It is really the safest way to go for all dogs.

Many dogs do very well on commercial food and many do very well on homecooked. It is owner preference and dog dependent.

[MomofSkye]

Oh and when people say they mix it with Kibble what are the talking about?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by MomofSkye

Oh and when people say they mix it with Kibble what are the talking about?

They make up some homecooked food and feed part that and part kibble.
If the kibble is complete and balanced and the homecooked diet is complete and balanced, this should be fine. If the homecooked diet hasn't been balanced, then it's best not to go over about 10% or so of it (dry matter).

[chachi]

Mine are going on 6, eat soft food everyday and havent had any dental problems. You just have to brush their teeth

[MomofSkye]

Right now were using Puppy Chow the multi color one I don't know much about it and want to feed my Yorkies the best

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by MomofSkye

Right now were using Puppy Chow the multi color one I don't know much about it and want to feed my Yorkies the best

Most anything from the grocery store wouldn't fall into the best category.
What options do you have at your local petstore?

Chachi, it's good to see you back.

[Cerise]

Homecooked is the only way I'll feed Cerise. Many of us here on YT do and our Yorkies are healthy and look fabulous There is enough info on YT and the net that you don't have to consult a vet nutritionist. I would only suggest you do consult one if your Yorkie has major health issues and has to be on a special diet. You will need to learn about proper nutrition and foods dogs can't eat. You can prepare a big batch and freeze it in serving portions. You will also need to mix a supplement (FYI - the healthy powder mix recipe from YT member Yorkiedaze is fantastic ) into their food so they can get the needed vitamins and minerals they need. You should also add a daily Omega oil supplement too.

One of the main items I would suggest you invest in is a mini Cuisinart for chopping raw vegetables very small to mix into the cooked meat and grains. Yorkies are picky and some will push large veggie pieces to the side in their plate when they want to rebel and not eat them... LOL!

[Yorkiedaze]

Dogs should have something hard to chew on as it strengthens the teeth and jaw muscles, but doesn't have to be something they actually eat. Just buy beef femur bones. I'd take the marrow out since it's very fatty and can cause super loose stools. The butcher can cut the bone into and inch or two inch pieces.

[107barney]

We feed home cooked.
Barney is almost 10 years old - his teeth are clean and he has never needed a dental.
We brush a couple of times a week.
Good oral care is the best way to keep their teeth in good shape for their life, just like us

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

Dogs should have something hard to chew on as it strengthens the teeth and jaw muscles, but doesn't have to be something they actually eat. Just buy beef femur bones. I'd take the marrow out since it's very fatty and can cause super loose stools. The butcher can cut the bone into and inch or two inch pieces.

How do you get the marrow out? Do you defrost first if frozen?

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

Dogs should have something hard to chew on as it strengthens the teeth and jaw muscles, but doesn't have to be something they actually eat. Just buy beef femur bones. I'd take the marrow out since it's very fatty and can cause super loose stools. The butcher can cut the bone into and inch or two inch pieces.

You have many great ideas!

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by 107barney

We feed home cooked.
Barney is almost 10 years old - his teeth are clean and he has never needed a dental.
We brush a couple of times a week.
Good oral care is the best way to keep their teeth in good shape for their life, just like us

[MomofSkye]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Most anything from the grocery store wouldn't fall into the best category.
What options do you have at your local petstore?

Chachi, it's good to see you back.

I live an hour from a pet store

[MomofSkye]

Thanks ladies ok I'll start the home cooking, of course it will have to wait for 2 weeks until after I get back with my daughter from open heart surgery there gonna be with a friend for the week i'm in nashville