Dog Treat & Food Recipes

[veggienut]

I have found numerous of sites for homemade dog treats and food recipes. Some of the treat recipes call for chicken or beef bullion, do you have to use those in the recipes~? Is there anything you can substitute it with~? I'm vegetarian and don't wish to use or handle such things. Can it be left out of the recipes~? Thanks.

[princessizzy]

I think that would have too much salt...

[gracielove]

Since many dog foods are full of unhealthy ingredients some people just put together recipes with more unhealthy ingredients. When I make Gracie's food I use various types of meat (I switch them around from week to week) sweet potatoes and some carrots and various green veggies. I always put the veggies in the food processor since dogs do sometimes have a problem digesting the vitamins and minerals in them.

The very first "sticky" in this health and diet section has a lot of food and treat recipes. Some use a lot of grains. I avoid them but I guess some people have no problem with them. There were several pages of recipes the last time I looked.

I would stay away from anything that has salt or onions.

[veggienut]

Originally Posted by princessizzy

I think that would have too much salt...

Thanks, I found that out today talking with someone.

Originally Posted by gracielove

Since many dog foods are full of unhealthy ingredients some people just put together recipes with more unhealthy ingredients. When I make Gracie's food I use various types of meat (I switch them around from week to week) sweet potatoes and some carrots and various green veggies. I always put the veggies in the food processor since dogs do sometimes have a problem digesting the vitamins and minerals in them.

The very first "sticky" in this health and diet section has a lot of food and treat recipes. Some use a lot of grains. I avoid them but I guess some people have no problem with them. There were several pages of recipes the last time I looked.

I would stay away from anything that has salt or onions.

Thanks for your info. I knew about the onions. I just planned on putting a veggie mix of something (haven't made anything yet) on top of his dry kibbles. I was thinking of using rice, celery and whatever veggies I have that are in the fridge and cooking them with garlic and maybe a low-sodium dice tomatoes that are 15mg of sodium. How's that sound~? I may use the juice or my food processor to cut the tomatoes up better.

[gracielove]

If you are feeding a kibble that you feel is healthy then what you add won't make as much difference as far as nutrition goes. I would stay away from sodium totally since dogs don't need it for taste and their bodies are not able to process it adequately.
There are differences of opinion about garlic and a dogs body's ability to use it. Some feel it can be harmful. I don't use it. Celery is not very high in nutrition. Green beans, peas, and carrots can be used. Broccoli and cauliflower tend to create gas problems.
I usually use fresh fruits and veggies or if none are available I use frozen veggies. Tomato is OK but it also does not have a lot that is nutritious to a dog.

[veggienut]

I cooked parsley in water along with chopped carrots, celery, split peas, rice and later stirred in a bit of mashed sweet potatoes. I froze the rest in an ice cube tray. He loves it and scarfed it down with his dry that I mixed in. How's that sound~?