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According to statistics compiled by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), between the year 2009 - 2010, dog owners in the United States spent approximately $18.23 billion, on pet food and treats! That is a lot of zeros!

We are bombarded with all kinds of advertising and warnings from the pet food industry and veterinarians for what is good and not good to feed our dogs. Granted, there are some human foods, which some dogs cannot tolerate. The key word is some.\n
That is not to say, knowing certain human foods may cause problems, raises our awareness, just in case our individual pet cannot eat for example, chocolate, onions, or grapes.

But let's face it, before the pet food industry blasted off into a multi-billion-dollar gold mine, dogs ate and survived quite well on homemade foods and/scraps.

So, before we get all upset about what we are feeding our pets, let's take a look at a number of human foods that are actually good for them. Keep in mind dogs are not strictly carnivores. They are omnivores. Even in the wild, they naturally seek out berries, fruits and greens to supplement their diets. Ever wonder why your dog eats grass? Yes, they may have an upset tummy, but usually it's because they like the taste.

Remember, if you plan to start feeding your puppy or dog human foods, always start with small quantities, to see how well they tolerate what you are offering. Keep the human foods supplement to 25% or less of your pet's diet.

If you have a puppy, start them off to the taste of fruits and vegetables, by using them as training treats.

Many of the following suggestions can be frozen and used sparingly as refreshing treats.

DAIRY

As some dogs are lactose intolerant, start with smaller quantities.

Yogurt is full of calcium and protein. Use only yogurts that are plain, sugar-free and with active bacteria. Yogurt is a great way to build up the flora in your dog's intestines. A spoonful of yogurt added to their food, is a good way to motivate a dog whose appetite is what it should be. Freeze it...they'll love it.Cottage cheese, as with yogurt, is full of calcium and proteins. A spoonful mixed in with their food, will get their attention and make them members of The Clean Bowl Club!

EGGS

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, eggs, an excellent source of protein, should be cooked. Don't throw out the shells...they are good for your dog!

PEANUT BUTTER is full of protein! It's a sneaky way to give your dog their pills. Give a little glob as a tease, and then bury the pill in a second glob of peanut butter. Peanut butter can also be spread on apple and banana slices as a special treat. Don't throw out the empty jar...it's like a free KONG toy...let your dog work at getting every last bit!

VEGGIES - Raw, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Dogs like them sliced, diced or julienned. They are a terrific source of fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, coat and digestion.

Green and yellow beans also make a great filler when mixed in with their regular food, for that dog who is always hungry, but can afford to lose a pound or three.

Again, don't overdo with the veggies. Your dog may not like all of them, but most dogs will like at least one or two. Try giving your pet: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green/yellow beans, lettuce, kale, parsley, peas, pumpkin/squash (remove seeds), red/green peppers, and sweet potato/yams.

FRUITS - Fresh, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Apples should be washed well, but leave the skin on; it's an anti-oxidant. Apples have oodles of Vitamin A and C. They are an excellent source of fiber, and they crunch. Smear some peanut butter on the slices for added protein. Do not feed your dog the apple seeds...they contain arsenic.

Bananas contain Vitamin A and C. They also have phosphorous and potassium and manganese.

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries are a known anti-oxidant. Berries contain Vitamin A, potassium and phosphorous.

Melons are an excellent source of fiber. They also contain Vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorous.

Pineapple is a tasty frozen, fresh or canned treat. They contain Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron and manganese.

FISH - Fresh or Canned

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish caught in cold water. Cook it, do not serve it raw as some fresh fish carry parasites. Make sure you remove all the bones. A little canned salmon, mackerel or tuna are a good way to make a boring, dry meal interesting and healthier.

MEATS - Poultry, Lean Red Meats and Organs

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, all poultry, red meats and organs should be cooked.Never give your pet cooked chicken bones! Kidneys and liver should be offered sparingly, as a special surprise or motivator to get your dog to eat.

RICE (Brown and White), BULGAR, and OATMEAL - Cooked

These three offer an excellent option for adding carbohydrates for energy, especially if your dog has wheat allergies. White rice is good for dogs with upset bellies. Oatmeal is a fantastic source of fiber for senior dogs having problems eliminating.

Tip #5 - Check with Your Veterinarian - as your dog has certain nutritional requirements; it is eventful that you check with your vet whenever you plan on cooking dog food recipes regularly for your dog. The vet can let you know what your dog should consume in his food and render you with a sound idea of how to get your dog accustomed to his new way of dieting. Therefore, prior to you getting too carried away with these recipes, take the time to discuss it with your dog's vet.

Many of the foods we eat may not be suitable for sharing with our canine friends but owners are often left wondering which foods are suitable to safely share.

Five foods that can safely be shared are shown below, along with the benefits of sharing these more typically human foods with your dog.

Green Beans

Green beans contain both vitamin C and vitamin K and are also very low in calories which means they are a healthy alternative snack; this is especially so if the dog concerned tends toward being overweight.

Many dogs enjoy green beans even in frozen form and by replacing a little of your dog's regular food with this snack you can offer your canine friend a healthy option at feeding time.

Eggs

Eggs can be used as an addition to your dog’s feeding routine but they must be cooked and not eaten raw or dried as, eaten uncooked, eggs may cause a nutritional problem known as biotin deficiency.

Eggs are a rich source of protein and also contain vitamin D, riboflavin and selenium which are all good for a dog's development.

Cooked eggs, in moderation, provide a healthy alternative snack for dogs.

Apples

Apples can be a healthy addition to a dog's diet. Apples contain calcium and fiber as well as the vitamins A, C and K which will all contribute to canine good health. It has been widely noted that apple pips contain cyanide and, in large accumulated quantities, may prove harmful. Good advice would be to remove the core which contains the pips and cut apples into slices as this also avoids the risk of a choking hazard.

Cooked Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and when cooked and offered as a snack can provide a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep a canine coat glossy and shiny whilst also positively boosting their immune system.

As with eggs, always make sure that the salmon that you offer your pet has been cooked thoroughly

Carrots

Carrots are another vegetable that can safely give as a supplementary feed. Like green beans, carrots are low in calories and full of vitamins and provide an added benefit of being good for your pet's teeth.

It should be noted that the foods highlighted as safe for dog should only be added in moderation and as a supplement to your pets regular nutritionally balanced diet.

Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and when cooked and offered as a snack can provide a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep a canine coat glossy and shiny whilst also positively boosting their immune system.

According to statistics compiled by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), between the year 2009 - 2010, dog owners in the United States spent approximately $18.23 billion, on pet food and treats! That is a lot of zeros!

We are bombarded with all kinds of advertising and warnings from the pet food industry and veterinarians for what is good and not good to feed our dogs. Granted, there are some human foods, which some dogs cannot tolerate. The key word is some.\n
That is not to say, knowing certain human foods may cause problems, raises our awareness, just in case our individual pet cannot eat for example, chocolate, onions, or grapes.

But let's face it, before the pet food industry blasted off into a multi-billion-dollar gold mine, dogs ate and survived quite well on homemade foods and/scraps.

So, before we get all upset about what we are feeding our pets, let's take a look at a number of human foods that are actually good for them. Keep in mind dogs are not strictly carnivores. They are omnivores. Even in the wild, they naturally seek out berries, fruits and greens to supplement their diets. Ever wonder why your dog eats grass? Yes, they may have an upset tummy, but usually it's because they like the taste.

Remember, if you plan to start feeding your puppy or dog human foods, always start with small quantities, to see how well they tolerate what you are offering. Keep the human foods supplement to 25% or less of your pet's diet.

If you have a puppy, start them off to the taste of fruits and vegetables, by using them as training treats.

Many of the following suggestions can be frozen and used sparingly as refreshing treats.

DAIRY

As some dogs are lactose intolerant, start with smaller quantities.

Yogurt is full of calcium and protein. Use only yogurts that are plain, sugar-free and with active bacteria. Yogurt is a great way to build up the flora in your dog's intestines. A spoonful of yogurt added to their food, is a good way to motivate a dog whose appetite is what it should be. Freeze it...they'll love it.Cottage cheese, as with yogurt, is full of calcium and proteins. A spoonful mixed in with their food, will get their attention and make them members of The Clean Bowl Club!

EGGS

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, eggs, an excellent source of protein, should be cooked. Don't throw out the shells...they are good for your dog!

PEANUT BUTTER is full of protein! It's a sneaky way to give your dog their pills. Give a little glob as a tease, and then bury the pill in a second glob of peanut butter. Peanut butter can also be spread on apple and banana slices as a special treat. Don't throw out the empty jar...it's like a free KONG toy...let your dog work at getting every last bit!

VEGGIES - Raw, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Dogs like them sliced, diced or julienned. They are a terrific source of fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, coat and digestion.

Green and yellow beans also make a great filler when mixed in with their regular food, for that dog who is always hungry, but can afford to lose a pound or three.

Again, don't overdo with the veggies. Your dog may not like all of them, but most dogs will like at least one or two. Try giving your pet: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green/yellow beans, lettuce, kale, parsley, peas, pumpkin/squash (remove seeds), red/green peppers, and sweet potato/yams.

FRUITS - Fresh, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Apples should be washed well, but leave the skin on; it's an anti-oxidant. Apples have oodles of Vitamin A and C. They are an excellent source of fiber, and they crunch. Smear some peanut butter on the slices for added protein. Do not feed your dog the apple seeds...they contain arsenic.

Bananas contain Vitamin A and C. They also have phosphorous and potassium and manganese.

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries are a known anti-oxidant. Berries contain Vitamin A, potassium and phosphorous.

Melons are an excellent source of fiber. They also contain Vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorous.

Pineapple is a tasty frozen, fresh or canned treat. They contain Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron and manganese.

FISH - Fresh or Canned

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish caught in cold water. Cook it, do not serve it raw as some fresh fish carry parasites. Make sure you remove all the bones. A little canned salmon, mackerel or tuna are a good way to make a boring, dry meal interesting and healthier.

MEATS - Poultry, Lean Red Meats and Organs

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, all poultry, red meats and organs should be cooked.Never give your pet cooked chicken bones! Kidneys and liver should be offered sparingly, as a special surprise or motivator to get your dog to eat.

RICE (Brown and White), BULGAR, and OATMEAL - Cooked

These three offer an excellent option for adding carbohydrates for energy, especially if your dog has wheat allergies. White rice is good for dogs with upset bellies. Oatmeal is a fantastic source of fiber for senior dogs having problems eliminating.

According to statistics compiled by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), between the year 2009 - 2010, dog owners in the United States spent approximately $18.23 billion, on pet food and treats! That is a lot of zeros!

We are bombarded with all kinds of advertising and warnings from the pet food industry and veterinarians for what is good and not good to feed our dogs. Granted, there are some human foods, which some dogs cannot tolerate. The key word is some.\n
That is not to say, knowing certain human foods may cause problems, raises our awareness, just in case our individual pet cannot eat for example, chocolate, onions, or grapes.

But let's face it, before the pet food industry blasted off into a multi-billion-dollar gold mine, dogs ate and survived quite well on homemade foods and/scraps.

So, before we get all upset about what we are feeding our pets, let's take a look at a number of human foods that are actually good for them. Keep in mind dogs are not strictly carnivores. They are omnivores. Even in the wild, they naturally seek out berries, fruits and greens to supplement their diets. Ever wonder why your dog eats grass? Yes, they may have an upset tummy, but usually it's because they like the taste.

Remember, if you plan to start feeding your puppy or dog human foods, always start with small quantities, to see how well they tolerate what you are offering. Keep the human foods supplement to 25% or less of your pet's diet.

If you have a puppy, start them off to the taste of fruits and vegetables, by using them as training treats.

Many of the following suggestions can be frozen and used sparingly as refreshing treats.

DAIRY

As some dogs are lactose intolerant, start with smaller quantities.

Yogurt is full of calcium and protein. Use only yogurts that are plain, sugar-free and with active bacteria. Yogurt is a great way to build up the flora in your dog's intestines. A spoonful of yogurt added to their food, is a good way to motivate a dog whose appetite is what it should be. Freeze it...they'll love it.Cottage cheese, as with yogurt, is full of calcium and proteins. A spoonful mixed in with their food, will get their attention and make them members of The Clean Bowl Club!

EGGS

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, eggs, an excellent source of protein, should be cooked. Don't throw out the shells...they are good for your dog!

PEANUT BUTTER is full of protein! It's a sneaky way to give your dog their pills. Give a little glob as a tease, and then bury the pill in a second glob of peanut butter. Peanut butter can also be spread on apple and banana slices as a special treat. Don't throw out the empty jar...it's like a free KONG toy...let your dog work at getting every last bit!

VEGGIES - Raw, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Dogs like them sliced, diced or julienned. They are a terrific source of fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, coat and digestion.

Green and yellow beans also make a great filler when mixed in with their regular food, for that dog who is always hungry, but can afford to lose a pound or three.

Again, don't overdo with the veggies. Your dog may not like all of them, but most dogs will like at least one or two. Try giving your pet: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green/yellow beans, lettuce, kale, parsley, peas, pumpkin/squash (remove seeds), red/green peppers, and sweet potato/yams.

FRUITS - Fresh, Frozen, Canned or Freeze-Dried

Apples should be washed well, but leave the skin on; it's an anti-oxidant. Apples have oodles of Vitamin A and C. They are an excellent source of fiber, and they crunch. Smear some peanut butter on the slices for added protein. Do not feed your dog the apple seeds...they contain arsenic.

Bananas contain Vitamin A and C. They also have phosphorous and potassium and manganese.

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries are a known anti-oxidant. Berries contain Vitamin A, potassium and phosphorous.

Melons are an excellent source of fiber. They also contain Vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorous.

Pineapple is a tasty frozen, fresh or canned treat. They contain Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron and manganese.

FISH - Fresh or Canned

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish caught in cold water. Cook it, do not serve it raw as some fresh fish carry parasites. Make sure you remove all the bones. A little canned salmon, mackerel or tuna are a good way to make a boring, dry meal interesting and healthier.

MEATS - Poultry, Lean Red Meats and Organs

Unless your dog is on a raw diet, all poultry, red meats and organs should be cooked.Never give your pet cooked chicken bones! Kidneys and liver should be offered sparingly, as a special surprise or motivator to get your dog to eat.

RICE (Brown and White), BULGAR, and OATMEAL - Cooked

These three offer an excellent option for adding carbohydrates for energy, especially if your dog has wheat allergies. White rice is good for dogs with upset bellies. Oatmeal is a fantastic source of fiber for senior dogs having problems eliminating.

Tip #4 - Learn What Foods Can Be Unsafe to Dogs - While you're seeking natural dog food recipes it's also significant that you take the time to learn what foods may be life-threatening to dogs in order that you'll be able to avoid giving these foods to your dog. Few of the foods that you ought to avoid feeding dogs include mushrooms, chocolate, grapes, avocados, macadamias, onions, raisins and garlic.

If you're like many other pet owners across the United States, you might have been genuinely scared by the dog food recall that came about this preceding year. The last thing you would like to happen to your beloved pet is dog food poisoning. Responsible dog owners want to feed their pets' healthy dog food. Naturally it's crucial that your dog eats up well and that he gets nutritious dog food, but if you're fearful to feed your dog pet-food from the stores, there are other alternatives. You could consider coming up with a few dog food recipes and making dinner for your dog by yourself. A lot of people in reality consider that a home cooked diet is more beneficial for dogs at any rate; even so, there are a few matters to bear in mind as you're searching for these dog food recipes.

Tip #1 - Look for the Easy Dog Recipes - The last thing you would like to do is to become involved in cooking a recipe for your dog that winds up taking a long time, therefore you might prefer to search the less complicated recipes. Certainly, you want to offer your dog with a lot of great nutrients, but simply you might not have time to get caught up with elaborated formulas. Prior to you start the recipe, read it over to make certain it will not be overly difficult or elaborated to fix.

Tip #2 - Never Ever Give Bones to Dogs - foremost, while you're seeking recipes for your dog and creating them, it is all important that you never give them bones, particularly if they've been cooked. If you're dealing with meat in the recipes, be sure that you've completely removed all the bones. Bone fragments can actually become lodged in the throat or alimentary tract of the dog and cause trauma or even death.

Tip #3 - What Should These Recipes Contain - You should know what types of things should be in these recipes in addition to make certain that your dog has a good, healthy, well-balanced diet. Generally, it is better to be sure that approximately 1/3 of the organic dog food contains protein in it, from dairy products, eggs, or meats. And so, the additional 2/3 of the food had better include veggies or food grain to be sure that your dog receives a proportionate balanced diet.

Tip #4 - Learn What Foods Can Be Unsafe to Dogs - While you're seeking natural dog food recipes it's also significant that you take the time to learn what foods may be life-threatening to dogs in order that you'll be able to avoid giving these foods to your dog. Few of the foods that you ought to avoid feeding dogs include mushrooms, chocolate, grapes, avocados, macadamias, onions, raisins and garlic.

Tip #5 - Check with Your Veterinarian - as your dog has certain nutritional requirements; it is eventful that you check with your vet whenever you plan on cooking dog food recipes regularly for your dog. The vet can let you know what your dog should consume in his food and render you with a sound idea of how to get your dog accustomed to his new way of dieting. Therefore, prior to you getting too carried away with these recipes, take the time to discuss it with your dog's vet.

There are assortments of great places where you'll be able to get hold of these dog food recipes. You might prefer to take the time to check at a bookstore for a doggy cookery book replete of fabulous recipes for your dog and that provide the proper dog nutrition. Naturally among the best places you'll be able to search these recipes free of charge are the net. There are a lot of great sites that offer free recipes for dog food and they're really easily found. So, as you do go researching for dog food recipes for your dog, whether in a book or on online, simply keep these simple tips in mind and you'll make sure to come up with food your dog will love.

It takes between 4 to 5 hours for a dog to digest raw meat and receive the energy from that food into the system. It takes almost 9 hours for a dog to digest semi-moist processed food. This is the kind that is found in boxes and are shaped like hamburgers, or found in rolls and look like sausages. Semi-moist food is also high in sugar and salt which should be eliminated for a healthy dog food diet. The sugar only leads to obesity and the salt can lead to high blood pressure among other ailments.

Ingredients In Dog Food

If we take an average dog food from the local super market, just to look at the ingredients we see a list with words like "corn meal, whole grain sorghum, chondroitin, glucosamine, chicken or meat by-product, whole grain barely, beet pulp, dried egg product, flax meal, etc". Just to name a few key ingredients, these can be listed in various orders on the dog food bag. Usually, the first ingredient listed is found in the highest quantity and the list goes on to the ingredient of least amount in the product.

Making Sense of It All

Corn Meal Some pet food brands say corn is "easily digestible". But corn is actually wrapped in a thick cellulose shell. Dogs cannot digest cellulose of any kind, especially corn because that cellulose is thicker than cellulose found in other foods such as peas. The other reason corn is hard on the dogs digestive system is that it is high on the glycemic index. The glycemic index is a tool used by dieticians and nutritionists to measure the sugar released in foods when they are metabolized. Scoring high on the glycemic index means other organs that aid in digestion, such as the pancreas, have to secrete more insulin to counter act the higher sugar levels. On occasion, this is OK, but keeping the body under constant stress of releasing all that insulin to combat that much sugar after every meal, in the long term can lead to the insulin becoming insufficient in breaking down the sugar and therefore can lead to diabetes in your dog.

Whole Grain Sorghum Low nutritional value, similar to corn. Whole grain sorghum is grown as a feed grain, to feed livestock. it's easy to grow lots, fast and affordably. Food sources that are fast, grown in mass quantities and affordable are not synonymous with quality.