If I had my say of things, cooking for your dog would undoubtedly be a continuously trending topic on the internet. Do you honestly think your dog enjoys eating those crunchy little burned flavorless balls for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day?
Let me make it easy for you – the answer is a hard and resounding, NO.
The benefits of cooking food for your dog far outweigh any preconceived notions of buying dry dog food from the supermarket. Home cooked food is better for your dog’s oral hygiene, absorption of nutrients, and general well-being. Cooking for your dog may be more time consuming but the health benefits associated with a whole food dog diet exponentially exceeds in comparison.
Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.
But Isn’t Dry Dog Food Better For My Dog’s Teeth?
But, but, but…
No.
There are no justified ‘buts’ here.
This theory is one of the best kept marketing secrets employed by the dry dog food companies of any I’ve ever seen. Ever.
It’s truly brilliant, but wildly inaccurate.
When dry dog food is cooked, it’s heated to roughly 800 degrees. I need you to fully comprehend how hot that is. We’re talking day side temperatures on the planet of Mercury, hot.
H O T.
What happens when tiny brown balls of who knows what gets cooked at that level of heat? Everything good and holy gets cooked out right out with them. Including those much needed enzymes that help your dog’s teeth and oral care on a comprehensive level.
Whole foods cooked at normal levels still contain all necessary enzymes, making this option much better for your dog’s teeth and overall health on a grander scale.
Dog Oral Health and Why Nutrition Matters
I think it’s important to take time here to focus on your dog’s oral health and how their nutrition plays a vital role in overall cleanliness.
The 4 Stages of Oral Decline In Your Dog
| First Stage | Plaque and tartar build up as a result of food particles, saliva, bacteria, and calcium. |
| Second Stage | If not readily cleaned, the plaque hardens as tartar and cements to the body of the tooth. |
| Third Stage | At this point, the only way to clean your dog’s teeth is via ultrasonic scaling and your dog will be under anesthesia at this time. |
| Fourth Stage | If neglected further, gum inflammation and periodontal disease becomes a risk and an immediate issue. |
You do not want your dogs mouth to get to a stage four. You don’t even want it to get to a stage two.
Oral hygiene is imperative to the overall function and vitality of your dog throughout his entire life. Pay close attention to what your dog’s teeth look like!
Oral health is heavily derivative from the food your feed your dog on a daily basis. If you can alter nutrition to ensure better tooth and gum care, why wouldn’t you?
What Vets Are Saying About Cooking For Your Dog
I was recently at my vets office because I have some seasonal allergy issues. There’s a possibility that I was eating my foot because of it.
That’s neither here nor there.
My point is that my humans began talking to my vet doc about this very topic.
He was telling them that my diet might be the biggest issue with my allergies and itchy skin and that taking the time to cook my meals for me could potentially make all the difference in the world.
Whole food in comparison to dry food offers nutrients essential to the well-being of your dog’s coat, skin, organs, and quality of life.
Dr. James Schacht from the Charlotte Natural Animal Clinic is redounded for his outlier and natural approach to treatments. He always takes excellent care of me and my sister, has awesome treats, and continues to break ground where holistic medicinal approaches are concerned.
Dr. Schacht gave my humans a handful of simple recipes to start with in their crock pot. He even said that they could make a big batch and freeze the rest until they needed it. The concept of time alludes me, but this sounds efficient and convenient.
But I Don’t Have the Time To Cook For My Dog
There’s other options.
If you’re willing to pay for those fancy delivering services.
I’ll list a few notable dog food delivery services for your convenience:
That should be enough to get you started. The sites above are linked for your convenience. I’m in a good mood today – don’t expect this level of red carpet service every time.
The Ingredient List is Everything!
Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of your dog’s kibble food bag?
Even when the front is advertising nice looking veggies and pretty pictures, the back is telling a completely different story.
I personally don’t eat other animals (I’m a vegan dog), but if your dog does eat meat, have you ever noticed the term “meat meals” in the ingredient list on their food bag?
Do you know what this is?
Meat meals can be anything from expired meat to road kill.
I’m not joking.
Look it up.
Or don’t, it’s graphic in nature and there are some things you just can’t un-see.
You may think you’re doing the right thing for your dog by buying the most expensive brands of dry dog food, when in reality, the actual ingredients and methodology in which the kibbles are cooked are completely detrimental in nature.
The best practice? Keep it simple. The fewer ingredients, the better. Like a banana – do you know all the dog health benefits associated with eating bananas?
Conclusive Thoughts
I can’t tell you what to do, but I can try to educate you on the few things I know about nutrition and what it’s done for me.
Think about it – don’t you humans feel better when you eat healthy, unprocessed foods?
The same goes for us. Good food in equals good life out. It’s truly that simple. You may even begin to notice a change in the excitement of your dog at meal times. They may even begin to swallow their food whole – so just remain alert!
Give it a try, I promise your dog won’t complain. 🙂
And as always, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often.
Love you guys,
JTB
P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.
Related Questions
What Can I Feed My Dog Other Than Dog Food?
Dog’s can eat a variety of human food choices and thrive on the nutritional value as a byproduct.
While there are certain human foods that are highly toxic to dogs if consumed, there are just as many that offer quality benefits.
Some of the most common foods your dog can safely consume are:
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Chicken Eggs (in moderation)
- Bananas
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Mango
- Watermelon
For a comprehensive list of dangerous human foods to NOT feed your dog, click this “No Flight List” link and scroll down to close to the bottom of the page.
How Much Homemade Dog Food Should I Feed My Dog?
You’re going to have to do some math here.
It’s critical to break down each ingredient into separate macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and protein) and then total calories.
From here you’ll be able to gauge serving sizes based on your dog’s weight.
Click here for a dog food calculator based on desired weight of your dog and for more information on how much you should be feeding your dog, regardless of their diet.
This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.
