It is imperative that you select foods that are healthful for your pet. Starting with fresh, natural ingredients will result in great tasting, safe pet food. Dogs, just like humans are omnivorous and need a balance of protein, grains and some vegetables. While our dog's ancestors ate a basic diet of raw meats their meals included grasses and grains which constituted the diet of their prey.
Dogs fed only protein are susceptible to imbalances in their phosphorous and calcium ratios which can lead to joint problems, bone disease as well as other health issues.
Basic Nutritional Needs
Here is a chart which breaks down the basic nutritional needs for dogs. Remember proteins (primarily) come from animal sources, meats, fish, poultry dairy. Fats can be found in animal products as well as whole-grains. The main sources of carbohydrates are vegetables and grains.
Recommended Content of Dog Foods
Non-working
Adult Young Adult
Pregnant Bitch
Working or Stressed Adult Puppy or Lactating Bitch
Protein 16% 20% 24%
Fat 10% 12% 14%
Carbohydrate 44% 38% 32%
Calories from protein 20% 24% 28%
Vitamins and minerals A B C
A - Values recommended by the National Research Council
B - Values for "A" plus 10%
C - Values for "A" plus 10%
Chart from Dr. Ben E. Sheffy, James A Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University
Foods To Avoid
There are some ingredients which have been shown to cause illness (or death) in some dogs. Included in that list are:
Grapes
Raisins
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Artificial sweeteners or artificial fats
Raw meat*
Some of these foods may be fine in small "seasoning" quantities but to be sure, always consult with your pet's veterinarian and follow his/her advise.
*Raw Meat - Raw meats and poultry can contain bacteria, salmonella, or parasites or viruses. Your dog can suffer from food poisoning just as humans can. Only cooking will make these foods safe for consumption.
Nutritious Foods For Your Dog
These are a list of some basic healthful foods to include in your pets diet. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to making significant changes to your pets diet.
Meats
Poultry
Organ meats, liver (don't overuse)
Eggs
Cultured dairy products such as yogurt, buttermilk, cheese
Complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, beans, legumes
Fiber sources such as bran, fresh vegetables, whole-grains
Vitamins and important minerals
This is how I fed my breeding dogs from puppies right through to adults. This meal would be their evening meal, served warm. Over the years, I admit to becoming slack and basically making this meal not as important as they were also having Royal Canin dry food which contains a lot of the vitamins and minerals they need. WRONG! Fresh is important.
Above you will see the constituents each vegetable contains. Incidentally, I will add here, these are not only important for our canine family members but also for humans as well. Have any of you ever suffered a vitamin deficiency? I know I have on a couple of occasions. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D, not very pleasant of this I can confirm. Also, for those of you not familiar with Orthomolecular Medicine, I will briefly explain. It has been around for centuries. Basically, it is the use of vitamin and minerals to correct and prevent illnesses and disorders and work well with, and not contradict, Orthodox medicine. Not to be confused with Naturopathy or Holistic medicine, these are two different fields.
Dogs can’t tell you how they feel. Keep this in mind, so if they are suffering from a deficiency it will show up in different ways. Now, the importance of this diet is not just for breeding and show dogs, but all dogs to maintain longevity and health, hence saying you on expensive vet bills and cash! Once you commence feeding your dogs on this, withing the first month or so, you will notice amazing changes in coat, skin, overall condition, and endurance. With breeding dogs, you will notice an increase in litter size, decrease in veterinarian interference with whelping, and the puppies’ coats will be shiny and gleaming right from birth. You will also keep away such life threating conditions, post whelping such as Eclampsia, Metritis, and birth deformities.
Of course, there will always be the exceptions to the rule, as is the case with humans and I am not claiming this to be a miracle diet to end all and cure all.
Now let’s analyse each and the importance of including these into your dog’s diet.
Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.
Fibre and protein, well pretty much self-explanatory. But who would have thought that other than meat products, a vegetable could offer protein? Fibre, is very important for good stool formation and emptying of anal glands. Potassium is needed especially if the diet is salt free. Calcium, apart from healthy bones and teeth, is needed to prevent Eclampsia during pregnancy, during whelping, or post whelping. Selenium is a mineral that is lacking in Australian soil anyway. Magnesium works hand in hand with Calcium and is basically a muscle relaxant and to prevent muscle cramps. Vitamin A is excellent for vision and the health of the eyes. Vitamin C is an immune booster but also a relaxant, vitamin K, needed for good blood formation and clotting. All of the vitamin B group is needed for a variety of reasons, such as energy and to aide in the nervous system, but the one that stands out for breeders is Folic Acid. Why? Because it helps with the elimination of birth deformities such as cleft palate, missing limbs, or tails or heads...I know sounds gross, but I am just giving it to you straight.
Carrots are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, potassium, and vitamins A (from beta carotene), K1 (phylloquinone), and B6. Vitamin A: Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.
Self-explanatory as to why carrots should be included in the diet. These can also be offered as a healthy treat, raw and cut into sticks, and are an excellent alternative for cleaning teeth and gums.
Sweet potato skins are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients like potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which may help improve your health.
Manganese is a trace mineral. It is vital for the human body and canine, but people only need it in small amounts. Manganese contributes to many bodily functions, including the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates. It also plays a role in bone formation, blood clotting, and reducing inflammation. The key here is GLUCOSE when it comes to Pomeranians as they are prone to Hypoglycaemia under different circumstances and not just as puppies. Vitamin E is essential for fertility. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in many foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy.
Sweet peas provide an impressive inventory of nutrients. Not only are they fibrous, they contain a number of vitamins. Among these are vitamins B, C and K. Their mineral profile includes high amounts of manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Green beans, string beans, or snap beans are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, and of folic acid and fibre.
We have discussed these vitamins. You can never get enough of vitamin C as it is water soluble and doesn’t remain in the body for very long.
Spinach an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, folate … copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium … and vitamin C.
Again, explanations given.
Extra virgin olive oil is fairly nutritious. It contains modest amounts of vitamins E and K and plenty of beneficial fatty acids.
...
Nutrient composition of extra virgin olive oil
• Saturated fat: 14%
• Monounsaturated fat: 73% (mostly oleic acid)
• Vitamin E: 13% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 7% of the DV.
Self-explanatory.
Nutrients in rice
Rice is a source of protein and contains various vitamins, such as thiamin and niacin, and minerals, such as zinc and phosphorus.
Zinc is excellent for the immune system and a perfect aide for skin conditions. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. It is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.
Whole-grain pasta is typically high in fibre, manganese, selenium, copper and phosphorus, while refined, enriched pasta tends to be higher in iron and B vitamins. Whole-grain pasta is also lower in calories and higher in fibre and certain micronutrients than refined pasta.
Because regular pasta is made with enriched flour, it contains more folate, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin than whole-wheat pasta, but both types of pasta are good sources of these nutrients. Whole-wheat pasta contains more vitamin B-6 than regular pasta. All of these B vitamins are important for turning your food into energy. Overall, regular pasta has more vitamins than whole-wheat pasta.
Pumpkin is good source of vitamins and minerals like:
• vitamin A.
• vitamin B2.
• vitamin C.
• vitamin E.
• iron.
• copper.
• manganese.
• potassium.
Eggs are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Egg yolks contain more calories and fat than the whites. They are a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lecithin, the compound that enables emulsification in recipes such as hollandaise or mayonnaise.
Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and fat. It's rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Harder cheeses like parmesan or provolone tend to be the best options.
Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals with a low glycaemic index. You'll enjoy vitamins A, K, and C, plus minerals like potassium and folate when you eat celery. It's also low in sodium. Plus, it's low on the glycaemic index, meaning it has a slow, steady effect on your blood sugar.
NOW, how and why I cook all of the above. Here goes...
Two kilos of fresh beef, or lamb, or chicken grounded meat
Place in a stock pot with enough water to cover it well
To this add 2 packets of chicken and noodle soup
Boil until the meat is cooked
In another stock pot boil 2 cups of rice
Add pasta to meat after meat has been cooking for awhile
In the food processor, put through all the above vegetables
Add them to the meat just before it is completely cooked
Vegetables do NOT need to be cooked well
Beat six eggs and add them to the meat upon turning off the heat
Drain the rice and add to the meat with the rest
Once meat is no longer cooking, add 100ml Olive Oil and mix in well
When the meat etc. has cooled down completely, add shaved Parmesan Cheese
Once completely cooked, divide the food into whatever size container would be complete to feed your dogs and freeze
The above batch should be a week’s worth of food for up to 10 dogs.
So as to measure what I need, I use soup bowls of each vegetable.
I hope you have found this interesting and when you commence your dogs on this diet, see the results! Mine loved it and licked the bowls clean.
Dogs fed only protein are susceptible to imbalances in their phosphorous and calcium ratios which can lead to joint problems, bone disease as well as other health issues.
Basic Nutritional Needs
Here is a chart which breaks down the basic nutritional needs for dogs. Remember proteins (primarily) come from animal sources, meats, fish, poultry dairy. Fats can be found in animal products as well as whole-grains. The main sources of carbohydrates are vegetables and grains.
Recommended Content of Dog Foods
Non-working
Adult Young Adult
Pregnant Bitch
Working or Stressed Adult Puppy or Lactating Bitch
Protein 16% 20% 24%
Fat 10% 12% 14%
Carbohydrate 44% 38% 32%
Calories from protein 20% 24% 28%
Vitamins and minerals A B C
A - Values recommended by the National Research Council
B - Values for "A" plus 10%
C - Values for "A" plus 10%
Chart from Dr. Ben E. Sheffy, James A Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University
Foods To Avoid
There are some ingredients which have been shown to cause illness (or death) in some dogs. Included in that list are:
Grapes
Raisins
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Artificial sweeteners or artificial fats
Raw meat*
Some of these foods may be fine in small "seasoning" quantities but to be sure, always consult with your pet's veterinarian and follow his/her advise.
*Raw Meat - Raw meats and poultry can contain bacteria, salmonella, or parasites or viruses. Your dog can suffer from food poisoning just as humans can. Only cooking will make these foods safe for consumption.
Nutritious Foods For Your Dog
These are a list of some basic healthful foods to include in your pets diet. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to making significant changes to your pets diet.
Meats
Poultry
Organ meats, liver (don't overuse)
Eggs
Cultured dairy products such as yogurt, buttermilk, cheese
Complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, beans, legumes
Fiber sources such as bran, fresh vegetables, whole-grains
Vitamins and important minerals
This is how I fed my breeding dogs from puppies right through to adults. This meal would be their evening meal, served warm. Over the years, I admit to becoming slack and basically making this meal not as important as they were also having Royal Canin dry food which contains a lot of the vitamins and minerals they need. WRONG! Fresh is important.
Above you will see the constituents each vegetable contains. Incidentally, I will add here, these are not only important for our canine family members but also for humans as well. Have any of you ever suffered a vitamin deficiency? I know I have on a couple of occasions. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D, not very pleasant of this I can confirm. Also, for those of you not familiar with Orthomolecular Medicine, I will briefly explain. It has been around for centuries. Basically, it is the use of vitamin and minerals to correct and prevent illnesses and disorders and work well with, and not contradict, Orthodox medicine. Not to be confused with Naturopathy or Holistic medicine, these are two different fields.
Dogs can’t tell you how they feel. Keep this in mind, so if they are suffering from a deficiency it will show up in different ways. Now, the importance of this diet is not just for breeding and show dogs, but all dogs to maintain longevity and health, hence saying you on expensive vet bills and cash! Once you commence feeding your dogs on this, withing the first month or so, you will notice amazing changes in coat, skin, overall condition, and endurance. With breeding dogs, you will notice an increase in litter size, decrease in veterinarian interference with whelping, and the puppies’ coats will be shiny and gleaming right from birth. You will also keep away such life threating conditions, post whelping such as Eclampsia, Metritis, and birth deformities.
Of course, there will always be the exceptions to the rule, as is the case with humans and I am not claiming this to be a miracle diet to end all and cure all.
Now let’s analyse each and the importance of including these into your dog’s diet.
Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.
Fibre and protein, well pretty much self-explanatory. But who would have thought that other than meat products, a vegetable could offer protein? Fibre, is very important for good stool formation and emptying of anal glands. Potassium is needed especially if the diet is salt free. Calcium, apart from healthy bones and teeth, is needed to prevent Eclampsia during pregnancy, during whelping, or post whelping. Selenium is a mineral that is lacking in Australian soil anyway. Magnesium works hand in hand with Calcium and is basically a muscle relaxant and to prevent muscle cramps. Vitamin A is excellent for vision and the health of the eyes. Vitamin C is an immune booster but also a relaxant, vitamin K, needed for good blood formation and clotting. All of the vitamin B group is needed for a variety of reasons, such as energy and to aide in the nervous system, but the one that stands out for breeders is Folic Acid. Why? Because it helps with the elimination of birth deformities such as cleft palate, missing limbs, or tails or heads...I know sounds gross, but I am just giving it to you straight.
Carrots are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, potassium, and vitamins A (from beta carotene), K1 (phylloquinone), and B6. Vitamin A: Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.
Self-explanatory as to why carrots should be included in the diet. These can also be offered as a healthy treat, raw and cut into sticks, and are an excellent alternative for cleaning teeth and gums.
Sweet potato skins are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients like potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which may help improve your health.
Manganese is a trace mineral. It is vital for the human body and canine, but people only need it in small amounts. Manganese contributes to many bodily functions, including the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose, and carbohydrates. It also plays a role in bone formation, blood clotting, and reducing inflammation. The key here is GLUCOSE when it comes to Pomeranians as they are prone to Hypoglycaemia under different circumstances and not just as puppies. Vitamin E is essential for fertility. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in many foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy.
Sweet peas provide an impressive inventory of nutrients. Not only are they fibrous, they contain a number of vitamins. Among these are vitamins B, C and K. Their mineral profile includes high amounts of manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Green beans, string beans, or snap beans are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, and of folic acid and fibre.
We have discussed these vitamins. You can never get enough of vitamin C as it is water soluble and doesn’t remain in the body for very long.
Spinach an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, folate … copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium … and vitamin C.
Again, explanations given.
Extra virgin olive oil is fairly nutritious. It contains modest amounts of vitamins E and K and plenty of beneficial fatty acids.
...
Nutrient composition of extra virgin olive oil
• Saturated fat: 14%
• Monounsaturated fat: 73% (mostly oleic acid)
• Vitamin E: 13% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 7% of the DV.
Self-explanatory.
Nutrients in rice
Rice is a source of protein and contains various vitamins, such as thiamin and niacin, and minerals, such as zinc and phosphorus.
Zinc is excellent for the immune system and a perfect aide for skin conditions. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. It is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.
Whole-grain pasta is typically high in fibre, manganese, selenium, copper and phosphorus, while refined, enriched pasta tends to be higher in iron and B vitamins. Whole-grain pasta is also lower in calories and higher in fibre and certain micronutrients than refined pasta.
Because regular pasta is made with enriched flour, it contains more folate, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin than whole-wheat pasta, but both types of pasta are good sources of these nutrients. Whole-wheat pasta contains more vitamin B-6 than regular pasta. All of these B vitamins are important for turning your food into energy. Overall, regular pasta has more vitamins than whole-wheat pasta.
Pumpkin is good source of vitamins and minerals like:
• vitamin A.
• vitamin B2.
• vitamin C.
• vitamin E.
• iron.
• copper.
• manganese.
• potassium.
Eggs are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Egg yolks contain more calories and fat than the whites. They are a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lecithin, the compound that enables emulsification in recipes such as hollandaise or mayonnaise.
Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and fat. It's rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Harder cheeses like parmesan or provolone tend to be the best options.
Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals with a low glycaemic index. You'll enjoy vitamins A, K, and C, plus minerals like potassium and folate when you eat celery. It's also low in sodium. Plus, it's low on the glycaemic index, meaning it has a slow, steady effect on your blood sugar.
NOW, how and why I cook all of the above. Here goes...
Two kilos of fresh beef, or lamb, or chicken grounded meat
Place in a stock pot with enough water to cover it well
To this add 2 packets of chicken and noodle soup
Boil until the meat is cooked
In another stock pot boil 2 cups of rice
Add pasta to meat after meat has been cooking for awhile
In the food processor, put through all the above vegetables
Add them to the meat just before it is completely cooked
Vegetables do NOT need to be cooked well
Beat six eggs and add them to the meat upon turning off the heat
Drain the rice and add to the meat with the rest
Once meat is no longer cooking, add 100ml Olive Oil and mix in well
When the meat etc. has cooled down completely, add shaved Parmesan Cheese
Once completely cooked, divide the food into whatever size container would be complete to feed your dogs and freeze
The above batch should be a week’s worth of food for up to 10 dogs.
So as to measure what I need, I use soup bowls of each vegetable.
I hope you have found this interesting and when you commence your dogs on this diet, see the results! Mine loved it and licked the bowls clean.
