Home Cooking...who does it?

[Ellie May]

Ellie's supplement is an all-in-one, so the amount she is given does by how much food she eats, not her weight.

At least I'm not the only one trying to understand this.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

1 cup raw rice
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
1 egg
1 cup diced poultry
1 T canola oil
1 tsp bone meal
1 tsp salt substitute

This diet contains 19 grams of protein.

For example, GREAT recipe...but 1 tsp. of bonemeal, of which brand? Because 1 tsp. of Brand A could contain a ratio of 1500/750mg and 1 tsp. of Brand B could contain 500/250mg - so which one is correct?

I think that's why Homecooking really needs to be respected and given a LOT of thought and discourse.

[edwardsupandy]

I cook also for my yorkie and maltese. 1/3 chicken, 1/3 vegetables (zucchini, carrots, beans) and 1/3 brown rice. I pour on their food 5 ml hemseed oil (or add flaxseed). I recently used hemseed oil coz it containts good balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6.

I also from time to time add boiled eggs to their food and white cheese is good for them too. You can also give them Yogourt too. I combined homecooking food with Orijen kibbles.

The result of homecooking and the Orijen kibble makes my yorkie and maltese coat very shiny and silky.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by edwardsupandy

I cook also for my yorkie and maltese. 1/3 chicken, 1/3 vegetables (zucchini, carrots, beans) and 1/3 brown rice. I pour on their food 5 ml hemseed oil (or add flaxseed). I recently used hemseed oil coz it containts good balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6.

How are you balancing the cal/phos ratio?

[edwardsupandy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

How are you balancing the cal/phos ratio?

That's a good question. This is the reason why I combine it with Orijen kibble.

[magoo]

I cooked Buddy every since he got sick during dog food sacred
I cook either hamburg, ground chicken ground pork and add rice and frozen sacred but I food process the process and add them all together divided into small containers and freeze once a week I get new container out also add
some doggie vitamins

[Kris Christine]

Agreed, the calcium/phosphorous ratio is extremely important, and we know first hand from having not gotten it right with Butter when we first started supplementing with raw food.

I use calcium citrate rather than bone meal because bone meal contains phosphorous as well as calcium. Multiple sources state the ratio should be 1:1 or 1.2:1 for calcium/phosphorous. We have a copy of Nutrition for Dummies that we refer to often (be sure to check for grains like millet & oats which are high in phosphorous) and you can also check with the government online USDA National Nutrient Database lists alphabetically or by nutrient weight: Nutrient Data Products and Services
by nutrient Nutrient Data Products and Services
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/srch/search.htm.

Butter has been on an elimination diet for weeks because of a severe allergic reaction, which we originally thought was a food allergy but have narrowed down to fungi and plants in the aster family outside. Because of cross-reactivity, we've continued limiting his diet. Maintaining a balance is challenging, and I'm still not sure we're getting it right.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

For example, GREAT recipe...but 1 tsp. of bonemeal, of which brand? Because 1 tsp. of Brand A could contain a ratio of 1500/750mg and 1 tsp. of Brand B could contain 500/250mg - so which one is correct?

I think that's why Homecooking really needs to be respected and given a LOT of thought and discourse.

I was told to get high quality bone meal from the health food store. The one I have has a ratio of 1,998/1,000 mg per tsp.

If I could find a high quality prepared food I wouldn't even homecook. Lady's got so many health issues, though, diabetes, food allergies, and now liver damage (just to name a few!). She had three bouts with HGE in four months which we have decided was digestive related to her weak immune system and food allergies. Homecooking is really the only option at this point.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by edwardsupandy

That's a good question. This is the reason why I combine it with Orijen kibble.

Even when you feed dog food also, if you feed more than about 15-20% homemade, it is best to supplement.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Kris Christine

I use calcium citrate rather than bone meal because bone meal contains phosphorous as well as calcium.

See, this is what I wonder about too bc of the phosphorous in meat. So, if people are homecooking, but using bone meal without accounting for the phos. then they're thrown off. I'm just not sure that everything is being accounted for and it can have HUGE health effects on dogs.

[edwardsupandy]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Even when you feed dog food also, if you feed more than about 15-20% homemade, it is best to supplement.

Yes I know it's not easy to find the right balance when we choose homemade cooking. I am still trying my best to find the right balance for my babies. So far, they are fine. Btw, what supplement do you give to your babies?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

See, this is what I wonder about too bc of the phosphorous in meat. So, if people are homecooking, but using bone meal without accounting for the phos. then they're thrown off. I'm just not sure that everything is being accounted for and it can have HUGE health effects on dogs.

I agree.
There is soooo much on the net about homecooking but not nearly enough is correct. I even found something that was printed in a veterinary journal (don't have access to the whole thing) about homecooking not being healthy and I think their point was going to be that it isn't done right most of the time.

I would sooner feed dog food then unbalanced homecooked. I did that for awhile and am just thankful it didn't hurt Ellie.

Homecooked is great but there are recipes that meet AAFCO guidelines that you can buy online and you can talk to a nutritionist. Then there are no questions.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

See, this is what I wonder about too bc of the phosphorous in meat. So, if people are homecooking, but using bone meal without accounting for the phos. then they're thrown off. I'm just not sure that everything is being accounted for and it can have HUGE health effects on dogs.

My recipe came from the Journal of Nutrition and calls specifically for bone meal. All the recipes for dogs with liver disease from the Journal had the supplements included for each particular recipe. Some called for bone meal, others called for dicalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.

I think the key is following a specific recipe exactly as written.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

My recipe came from the Journal of Nutrition and calls specifically for bone meal. All the recipes for dogs with liver disease from the Journal had the supplements included for each particular recipe. Some called for bone meal, others called for dicalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.

I think the key is following a specific recipe exactly as written.

That's great to know! Then, that recipe SHOULD have accounted for the rest of the phos. in the meal. But, did the recipe actually *just* say "bone meal" or did it name that specific brand you mentioned (thereby giving you the actual milligrams)? Or, did it tell you actual mgs. in the recipe? Because, you'd have to know that for it to balanced, right? Or, is there something I'm missing? {forgive me, I haven't homecooked in a year now )

[pookiebear]

Originally Posted by Kris Christine

Agreed, the calcium/phosphorous ratio is extremely important, and we know first hand from having not gotten it right with Butter when we first started supplementing with raw food.

I use calcium citrate rather than bone meal because bone meal contains phosphorous as well as calcium. Multiple sources state the ratio should be 1:1 or 1.2:1 for calcium/phosphorous. We have a copy of Nutrition for Dummies that we refer to often (be sure to check for grains like millet & oats which are high in phosphorous) and you can also check with the government online USDA National Nutrient Database lists alphabetically or by nutrient weight: Nutrient Data Products and Services
by nutrient Nutrient Data Products and Services
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/srch/search.htm.

Butter has been on an elimination diet for weeks because of a severe allergic reaction, which we originally thought was a food allergy but have narrowed down to fungi and plants in the aster family outside. Because of cross-reactivity, we've continued limiting his diet. Maintaining a balance is challenging, and I'm still not sure we're getting it right.

This is a supplement that I have access to: please tell me what you think. I also have bone meal that is 1000/600. I don't have a specific recipe, but my little Bella won't eat anything but home cooked chicken, and my chicken is on the stove now. I understand the calcium citrate , and the issue of the phosphorus. I know I should use a nutritionist, I'll be blunt. I can't afford it, and don't know one if I could afford one. Would this Nupro be better than the bone meal? I can try to figure it from ladymom's recipe....maybe.

NUPRO is made with fresh quality health food ingredients that are human-grade, not animal-grade. Contains a full range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and essential fatty acids in their natural raw forms. Whether you use commercial diets, feed B.A.R.F., or cook for your animals, NUPRO is an essential part of your daily nutritional program.

DESICCATED LIVER:The ultimate in palatability! This fresh, natural flavor of real liver is wonderful for the finicky eater because when mixed with water, makes a great gravy that dogs crave. Supplies iron and B vitamins

NORWEGIAN KELP:A natural seaweed that is a rich source of trace minerals including iodine, which is used for proper glandular function and metabolism. An excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E. These vitamins are beneficial for maintaining proper health and are responsible for the growth of bones, a healthy heart rate, a sound central nervous system, and helping muscles stay firm and strong. Norwegian kelp grows deep in the ocean, mostly in cold waters, so it contains valuable nutrients from the ocean floor. Aside from nourishing the glands, it is beneficial for overall good health. Supports healthy pigmentation and coat highlights.

MICROPULVERIZED BEE POLLEN:One of nature’s healthiest and most powerful ‘superfoods.’ Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. It’s one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth. Supports a healthy immune system. Keeps healthy hormones in balance. Supports allergy protection.

IMPORTED YEAST CULTURE:Helps maintain a full and healthy coat which may minimize the occurrence of excessive shedding, hot spots and itchy, dry fur. Provides proteins, zinc and biotin. Best source of B vitamins. Most companies use cheaper brewers yeast which can be a combination of hops, corn, grains, wheat, etc., whatever comes from the brewery. Many animals have grain allergies, and this ingredient may further aggravate an allergy condition. With nutritional yeast culture, it is grown on sugar beets, a veggie source, so NO grains are present at all. Something to think about when reading ingredient labels.

FLAXSEED AND GROUND BORAGE SEED:Provides essential fatty acids. Most absorbable vegetable fatty acid for the canine. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, fiber and lignans. Helps maintain healthy shiny fur and soft skin.

LECITHIN: A rich source of choline, which the body requires to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which is essential for normal, healthy nerve and brain function. Supports healthy liver function, too.

GARLIC CONCENTRATE:Wonderful ingredient that does so much for the body. Garlic contains allicin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial capable of warding off different types of infection. Supports a healthy immune system.

LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS:Promotes healthy digestion which may reduce the occurrence of flatulence. Because NUPRO is in a powdered form and not from concentrate, it is easily assimilated into the system and digested with the dog’s food. There is no sense in giving an animal this superior product if they don’t digest it properly. Also promotes friendly bacteria in intestinal tract.

CALCIUM CITRATE: Calcium is best absorbed in an acidic environment, hence calcium citrate is the best absorbed supplemental form of calcium---it does not require extra stomach acid for absorption. Intended to provide nutritive support for healthy bones, teeth and nerve function.

I KNOW, I NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH CALCIUM.... RIGHT?