It's time to go over the food basics! As you've all heard there have been many pet food recalls over the past several years that have been linked to both the illnesses and deaths of healthy pets. Here is the complete FDA list for all dog food recalls since 2007. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/#Dog
Quite a few entries, right?
It's scary to think that so many pet foods are affected by poor standards. According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance (http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/learn-about-pet-insurance/dog-insurance/dog-insurance-top-claims.aspx) the top 5 illness claims are as follows:
1. Growths/Cancer
2. Ear Infections
3. Upset Stomach
4. Skin Problems
5. Vomiting
One could only synthesize that the problems with pet food and their poor standards of ingredients and production are a major part of these reported problems. I have done some research (to be discussed at a later time) that points these facts out. If you need to satiate your need for some information RIGHT NOW then he is some information with some research attached. (http://www.preciouspets.org/truth.htm)
The main reason that I got into researching this topic is because lil j did have monthly seizures when I first adopted him. At first I thought that they were some kind of leg spasm or back problem, but after conferring with my vet and then doing additional research I came to find out that he was experiencing partial seizures. I looked into holistic dog food and cooking for dogs and he is mostly seizure free now. His last episode was when I switched their dry "snack" dog-food to a different brand sold at a local pet store. Immediately he had two seizures in two weeks after months of no problems or symptoms. I immediately tossed the bag away and took the longer trip to the holistic pet store that is a few towns over from my house. The convenience and "good" reputation of this national pet store brand turned out to be harming my little man.
Now I also wanted to fill you guys in on a common recipe that I make for my own little tike's. Don't worry, there are pictures! There are other ingredients that you can use in this stock-pot and it does change based on what I have on hand and what is fresh. If you do substitute or add another ingredient be sure to do a quick Google search to make sure that it is okay for your dog to eat whatever it is you're putting it. You'd be surprised what delicious items that we two legged people can eat that the four legged kind could become seriously ill or die from! NOW FOR THE FOOD!
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First we need to gather the correct ingredients. This is what I have for this delicious pot-of-goodness (I like to make larger batches and freeze some so it stays fresh and lasts longer):
I have some good quality chicken. I have here two chickens, one cut into 8 pieces and one split. Both purchased from a local store which butchers their meat fresh daily. *This is a HUMAN Grocery Store*
Next we have...
Olive Oil, Parsley, Pinch o Salt, Brown Rice, Flax Seed, Kelp Powder, Rosemary, Frozen Corn, Frozen Blueberry, Frozen Peas, Carrots, Green Beans, Kusa Squash, and one Sweet Potato.
ALL TOGETHER NOW!
It's a lot of good healthy ingredients to make a real healthy meal.
Next I start slicing up the vegetables into bit size pieces and place them into a stock pot. This is when I add all of my spices.
Then I cook it down a bit and add 1/4 cup of brown rice and 2/3 cup of water.
I stir it up and then I place the chicken on top of the vegetables and cover.
Remember that dogs also enjoy some spice of life when it comes to their food. They don't want to same thing day in and day out! I like to add a little something extra to my food to make sure that they don't get bored. This time it is a nitrate-free turkey hot dog (Trader Joe's has the cheapest variety).
This whole pot-o-goodness cooks for about 2 hours (Until the chicken is cooked thoroughly, don't forget dogs are susceptible to food-born illnesses as well!).
Take the chicken out of the pot to cool and you will notice that my food has a soupy consistency, this will disappear when I add back in the chicken.
Then I shred the chicken with my hands (hence the cooling factor) and put it back into the pot.
STIR IT ALL TOGETHER NOW!
Portion it out for the size of your dog (mine also get a little cheese for calcium).
And enjoy!
Save the rest for days to come!
Like I said, I'm not a vet, but I know when my kids are healthy and happy and they are both. This recipe/concoction is a mix of a variety of recipes and knowledge. If you need to know more, let me know!
Until next time. Good Night and Warm Noses!
-Hilary Chan
Up Next: What about Store Brands, aren't there any that are safe?!
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