I am currently enrolled in an online course through The Centre of Excellence, and one of the assignments requires me to create my very own dog food recipe.
Then as I contemplate what ingredients to include, I am leaning towards incorporating turkey mince as this versatile meat can be obtained in either white or dark variations.
One important distinction between white turkey meat, specifically the breast, and dark turkey meat is their respective fat content.
The white meat of turkey tends to be leaner, while the dark turkey meat contains a higher fat content.
Recognizing that these two types of turkey meat offer distinct nutritional benefits, I have decided to add variation to this meal by swapping the meats.
As by doing so, the dog consuming this meal will benefit from the nutritional advantages that is offered by both types of meat and fifty percent of this meal will be made of meat.
Turkey meat, regardless of variation, serves as an excellent source of protein and iron and the meal needs to contain vitamin C to be able to absorb the iron.
Moreover, it is relatively low in fat making it a healthy choice to include in this recipe as the meat is also a low acid forming food.
Another noteworthy component found in turkey meat is an essential amino acid known as taurine. Then why dogs require taurine is because it promotes optimal brain health, heart health, eye health, and also reproductive health too.
There are also certain breeds of dogs and more specifically the larger breeds that are more prone to taurine deficiency and so including turkey meat in the diet of these dogs will help to address this important nutritional requirement.
Then to add more variety what else can be done to this meal is to use another type of meat while baring in mind that the different meats have different lengths of time to digest.
So, if using a different type of meat, it is better for the digestive system if they are fed at different times and when two different meats are fed separately it is called single source protein. Also, in this recipe the meal is for a dog that doesn’t have any health problems though it is still crucial to ensure that the meal optimizes good health.
As starting dogs on a nutritious diet from an early stage can positively impact their overall health span as well as lifespan.
I have also decided to incorporate some grains which will be twenty-five percent of this meal and the type of grains used in this recipe can be either brown rice or white rice.
As both types of rice offer unique nutritional benefits, they can be swapped around too and although some people say that brown rice is more nutritious: it does however contain phytic acid which is an anti-nutrient and phytic acid (phytate) can be used as a preservative.
Then what anti-nutrients do is prevent the full absorption of nutrients which is one of the main reasons why I’ve suggested alternating between brown and white rice.
Because white rice doesn’t contain phytic acid. As to make white rice white the phytic acid is removed. Also, basmatic or doongara rice have a low glycemic index.
As the glycemic index relates to the level of glucose that is found in food and this is a rather important fact to consider for diabetics.
Futhermore, rice contains thiamine which is a B vitamin that contributes to the dog’s overall well-being. Then to further enhance the nutritional profile of the meal, I plan to include lentils along with the rice as this combination ensures that the dog receives all the essential amino acids required by their body, as amino acids can only be obtained by consuming food.
Another grain alternative to rice that I may consider is rolled oats, which are generally healthier than the quick cooking oats.
Then what could go with the oats is low sugar fruits such as blueberries and green apples are lower in sugar than the other varieties of apples.
Grain, fruit, and vegetables also offer fiber which can be soluble or in-soluble.
As why this is needed to be taken in consideration is because many people are wary of the sugar content in various foods.
Also, by adding variations in meals the ingredients will provide additional flavor as well as increase the nutritional value of this type of meal.
Though it is important to note that an excessive amount of rolled oats can lead to the dog’s stools being loose or even cause the dog to experience diarrhea.
Then in terms of vitamins, the water-soluble vitamins such as the B vitamins and vitamin C must be present in the dog’s daily meal/s since the body does not store these ones.
Also, even though it is known that a dog’s body can produce some vitamin C itself the dog’s health will benefit if more of this vitamin is included into their diet.
As vitamin C effects the dog’s immune system and stress levels and also the vitamin has also been discovered to lower the risk of hip dysplasia.
Conversely the fat- soluble vitamins does not need to be present as often as a body has the ability to store them.
It is also crucial to ensure that the dog receives in their diet an adequate amount, of vitamins and minerals.
Though when it comes to giving vitamin supplements to a dog, they should only be given to them if and when there’s specific deficiency or deficiencies.
It is also recommended that a veterinarian be consulted beforehand as any deficiencies will need to be verified to ensure that the meal is appropriate for the dog to consume.
Another important consideration that I made to this homemade meal is that I’ve included green leafy vegetables.
As in my research I found that many of the salad vegetables contain calcium and is one of the reasons why some vegetables need to be included in a dog’s diet. Then why is because after a pup is weaned from their mother, they then become dairy intolerant.
Calcium plays a vital role in various bodily functions which is why it needs to be included as one of calcium’s roles is to help the body to maintain its proper pH balance. Also, by adding some green leafy vegetables in this recipe it will further ensure that the dog’s dietary needs are met.
As some people do not like giving dogs bones as they can splinter or cause blockages.
Then why it is thought that dogs have a need of bones is that it is a way of providing calcium and dogs also need to chew as it helps with the health of the dog’s teeth and gums.
Though one more reason is because chewing helps dogs to stay calm and eating is very calming too. It is important, though, to vary the vegetables included in this recipe and be mindful of the amounts.
As excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues and gas in dogs.
In a separate post, I will provide specific suggestions on which vegetables are okay for dogs and why they can be included in this homemade dog food recipe.
As by taking the time to carefully select and combine these necessary ingredients I will then create a nutritious and balanced meal for dogs: that will contribute to their overall health and well-being.
