Homemade Dog Food

I need to tell you about my recent experiences with homemade dog food.

I'm generally not a dog that is willing to discuss his ailments, but I've got to tell you, as a more senior guy, I have been experiencing a bit of gastric distress. The results of which have been a bit too noteworthy for my owners.

"Did you smell something?"

You know what I am talking about - that rumbling that results in a bit of a "noise" from my brown back side, then the people in the room responding, "Oh Gary" and other various non-complimentary things.

What's worse than the stomach (and other) noises is that I have just not been feeling well, lethargic and not my usual self. When I go outside, my strong desire to heal my own stomach has me grazing in the grass like a Sensitive Brown Cow!

After consulting professional resources and family (who have dogs with similar problems - way to go Rocky!), my people have helped me solve the problem with a family recipe for homemade dog food.

Queasy Stomach = Digestive Issues

If you hear your guy's stomach rumbling and smell the result (whew, you can't miss that!) he is experiencing some gastric distress. Watch his behavior - he may appear lethargic and just not himself. Grass eating is also an indicator - this is our own "home remedy" for stomach problems.

Given the above symptoms and behaviors, you should consider homemade dog food to see if it makes a difference. Always be sure to consult with your dog's Doc if you notice any change in behavior and before making any radical changes to his diet.

For me, the relief occurred literally after two feedings. The rumbling slowed way down, then disappeared. My energy came back and I am back to my old self (if not better). Others have claimed better coats and loss of allergies that have plagued them.

Is it the "fountain of youth?" Probably not, but I feel great and that offensive burst from my backside no longer surprises anyone! Although, "blaming it on the dog," has sure gotten easier around my house!

Other Considerations

Please understand, this approach takes more time. You have to prepare the food in advance, store it in the refrigerator and then spend a bit more time at feeding time, rather than simply pouring from a bag or can.

Homemade dog food will be more costly - even more so than the "premium" commercial brands. The difference in your guy may well be worth the additional expense.

Time and money considerations, sounds like life doesn't it? At least that's what my owners say.

Aunt Chooch's Famous
Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Be sure to transition your guy from his old food to this by implementing it slowly (start with about 1/3 new and 2/3 old) and make the full change over two or three days.

• 4 to 5 lbs. beef (ground chuck) boiled, drained and rinsed to get the fat off (you can season with salt and garlic for flavor)
• 2 cups of carrots ground finely in the food processor
• 2 sweet potatoes, raw and ground finely in food processor
• 2 apples cored and ground in processor
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 box brown rice cooked (14 oz. box)
• 4 scrambled eggs (mixed with skim milk) and chopped finely

Mix everything but the meat together in a separate container. Then, to make it a bit more convenient, mix it all together and place one cup serving sizes into individual baggies. Try to mix in roughly 60-70% meat and the rest is the other ingredients (you can reduce this a bit if a more vegetarian approach is desired). You can also pour a little beef broth over it, stir it up and dump a couple of tablespoons of canine vitamins in the mixture.

When serving, microwave 1 cup for 20-30 seconds (to take the chill off, if you like) and mix in a tablespoon of plain yogurt.

This is the recipe my owners use for me - I am a 60 pound senior so adjust accordingly for your dog's size, age and activity level. Review the Special Note at the bottom of this page to ensure a well-rounded diet.

My apologies to our International readers - I trust you can adjust the measurements and approach to your needs.

And, once more, be sure to always consult with your Vet regarding any and all behavior or medical concerns. Also, of course, discuss all prospective dietary changes. The Sensitive Brown Dog is not a Veterinarian - duh!

May all of the wind you encounter be enjoyable and refreshing...

~ Important Update ~

However, they have found a good "commercial" alternative that is 25-30% less expensive than homemade and more convenient.

I am still occasionally getting Aunt Chooch's Famous Homemade Dog Food Recipe but this Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diets) is a great alternative.

If you review the primary ingredients, you will find it to be consistent with the homemade recipe.

The Venison & Sweet Potato Formula is my favorite. It is especially good for dogs with allergies or any type of skin conditions, i.e. itching ears, etc.

It is also very easy on digestion, far less stomach rumbling (and that "surprise puff of wind" from the south side)!

Give it a try if the homemade approach isn't working for you!

Special Note: Dogs fed primarily on canned food, a "soft diet," are far more prone to developing dental disease at a relatively early age - not to mention an increased incidence of constipation and flatulence, from the lack of fiber and roughage.

Given this consideration, my family mixes in a half cup of kibble whether I am eating "canned," as mentioned above, or Aunt Chooch's Famous Homemade Dog Food Recipe.

This is the one my family mixes in for me:

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