Food for large dogs can be easily made at home, by respecting some simple steps. First of all, you need to introduce in their diet ingredients with quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
If you have all of that, you can start to cook. The recipes are very easy to make, fast, and delicious for your dog.
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Can large dogs eat homemade food every day?
Yes, large dogs can eat homemade food every day, provided a balanced diet is provided and their specific nutritional needs are met. Preparing food at home can give dogs advantages such as control over ingredients and tailoring their diet to each animal’s individual needs.
However, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
- Nutritional balance: Make sure that the prepared food covers all the nutritional needs of the dog. A combination of quality protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining good health.
- Food variety: Try to offer a variety of ingredients to ensure a diverse palette of nutrients. Rotating proteins (chicken, beef, fish, etc.) and vegetables can help maintain nutritional balance.
- Portion control: Adjusts the amount of food according to the dog’s weight, activity level and health. It is important to avoid being overweight, especially in large dogs, which can be prone to joint problems.
- Nutritional Supplements: In some cases, supplements may be needed to cover certain nutritional deficiencies or to support the dog’s specific health. Consultation with your veterinarian can provide personalized advice on this.
- Health Monitoring: See how your dog reacts to the home-prepared diet. Changes such as weight loss or gain, changes in coat or behavior can be signals of a poor diet.
Food for large dogs – Best ingredients
Large dogs benefit from a nutrient-dense diet to support growth, energy and overall health. Here is a list of foods that are considered beneficial to feed large dogs:
- Chicken or Turkey: Excellent sources of lean and easily digestible protein. Boneless chicken or turkey can be an important part of the diet.
- Beef: Provides essential protein and iron. It is important to cook it well to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Fish: Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for the health of the skin and coat, as well as for the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Brown Rice or Brown Rice: A healthy source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.
- Sweet Potatoes: A great alternative to white potatoes, providing carbohydrates, fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: Such as spinach, kale, or broccoli, which add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Carrots: A good source of vitamin A and fiber, contributing to eye and digestive health.
- Pumpkin: An excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, benefits for digestion and skin health.
- Fish Oil or Coconut Oil: Sources of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for joint and cardiovascular health.
- Eggs: An excellent source of protein and amino acids, as well as other nutrients such as vitamin D.
- Yogurt with Probiotics: May provide digestive benefits and gut flora health.
It is important to mix these ingredients properly and adjust the amounts according to your dog’s individual needs.
3 simple recipes
Recipe 1: Balanced Proteins and Carbohydrates
The Balanced Protein and Carbohydrates recipe is a nutritious and balanced option, offering your dog a combination of quality proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. This recipe is tailored for a large, active and healthy dog, ensuring he gets the essential nutrients to support his high energy levels.
Ingredients:
- 750g minced beef: Beef provides high-quality protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and energy.
- 2 cups of brown rice, cooked: Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates, fiber and various nutrients, helping to provide long-term energy.
- 1 cup of cooked peas and carrots: Peas and carrots add vitamins, minerals and fiber, contributing to digestive and skin health.
- 2 tablespoons fish oil: Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support joint, cardiovascular and coat health.
Instructions:
1. Cook the beef in a pan:
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Do not add oil or spices to maintain a healthy diet.
2. Boil brown rice and vegetables:
- Cook the brown rice according to package directions, making sure it is well cooked and slightly fluffy.
- In another pot, boil the peas and carrots until they become soft.
3. Mix the cooked meat, rice and vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, brown rice, and cooked vegetables.
- Make sure the ingredients are well integrated to provide a uniform texture and taste.
4. Add fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids:
- After the mixture has cooled a little, add the two tablespoons of fish oil and mix well.
- Fish oil adds additional benefits for cardiovascular and joint health.
5. Serving and storage:
- Serve the dog food when it is at room temperature.
- Store uneaten portions in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before serving.
This food for large dogs provides an essential nutritional balance for large, active dogs, ensuring they receive the protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Recipe 2: Healthy Food with Fish
Ingredients:
- 500g salmon fillets, baked or boiled: Salmon is an excellent source of quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular and skin health.
- 3 sweet potatoes, boiled and diced: Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins, supporting energy levels and helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.
- 1 cup chopped spinach: Spinach is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin K, beneficial for supporting bone health and the immune system.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Olive oil adds healthy fats and a pleasant taste, benefiting from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Instructions:
1. Cook the salmon fillet:
- You can choose to bake or boil the salmon fillet. To bake, preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the salmon fillet for about 15-20 minutes, or until it comes apart easily with a fork. If you prefer boiling, you can boil the fillet in water with a little salt.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes and mix them with the spinach:
- Boil the sweet potatoes in water until soft, then dice them.
- In a large bowl, toss the boiled and diced sweet potatoes with the chopped spinach.
3. Add the salmon fillet and olive oil:
- Add the baked or boiled salmon fillet to the bowl of sweet potatoes and spinach.
- Pour the olive oil over the mixture and mix well to even out the taste and add the healthy flavors.
4. Serving and storage:
- Serve the dog food when it is at room temperature.
- If it is necessary to keep uneaten portions, store them in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before serving.
This recipe provides a delicious and nutritious combination of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, supporting energy levels and providing significant benefits to your dog’s overall health.
Recipe 3: Mix of Chicken Meat and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 kg skinless and boneless chicken meat, cooked and cut into pieces: Chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for the development and maintenance of muscle mass.
- 2 cups whole-grain rice, cooked: Whole-grain rice provides complex carbohydrates, fiber and nutrients, helping to provide long-term energy and maintain gut health.
- 1 cup broccoli and carrot, cooked: Broccoli and carrots add vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as fiber, helping to support healthy eyes, skin, and the digestive system.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil: Coconut oil adds healthy fats and a delicious taste. It can also provide skin and immune health benefits due to its fatty acid content.
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken and cut it into pieces:
- Boil chicken in water or soup until fully cooked.
- After cooking, let the meat cool and cut it into pieces suitable for your dog.
2. Boil brown rice and vegetables:
- Cook the brown rice according to package directions, making sure it is well cooked and slightly fluffy.
- In another pot, boil broccoli and carrots until soft.
3. Mix the meat, rice and vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice and cooked vegetables.
- Make sure all the ingredients are well combined to provide an even mix of flavors and textures.
4. Add coconut oil to intensify the taste:
- After the mixture has cooled a little, add the two tablespoons of coconut oil and mix well to intensify the taste and add the benefits of healthy fats.
5. Serving and storage:
- Serve the dog food when it is at room temperature.
- If it is necessary to keep uneaten portions, store them in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before serving.
This food for large dogs provides an essential nutritional balance, combining lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from whole grain rice, and nutrients from vegetables, all supported by the added benefits of coconut oil. It is a delicious and nutritious option for active and healthy dogs.
