tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post989391743934092683..comments2024-03-19T17:36:52.121+10:00Comments on down to earth: Dog food - cooking your way to big savingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29211405052174576662018-04-11T07:37:10.938+10:002018-04-11T07:37:10.938+10:00The meat was much cheaper when I wrote this post e...The meat was much cheaper when I wrote this post eight years ago.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19059984881824461272018-04-11T07:25:34.892+10:002018-04-11T07:25:34.892+10:00How do you find meat for a couple dollars? I make ...How do you find meat for a couple dollars? I make my own dog food. Have been for over 10 years now. The meat is what's killing me!Reneenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56157737068041637782016-10-27T19:01:01.218+10:002016-10-27T19:01:01.218+10:00This is a great idea I have 3 teacup yorkies rangi...This is a great idea I have 3 teacup yorkies ranging from three to eight lbs. <br />My vet doesn't recomended soft food for their teeth .....maybe I'll just give it to them every other day. They love stuff like this ....TY<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29483456247949381392016-04-23T17:23:28.782+10:002016-04-23T17:23:28.782+10:00A dog’s food is just as important to them as a hum...A dog’s food is just as important to them as a human’s food is to us. It gives them all the sustenance, nourishment and energy that they need to keep bounding around and wagging that tail.It is great to be friend of pets.Thanks for sharing.Jay Thomashttp://www.vonziuelite.com/vonziu-elite-puppynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58560999631841798162013-09-14T17:26:59.427+10:002013-09-14T17:26:59.427+10:00My dogs have been easy converts to recipes like th...My dogs have been easy converts to recipes like this. They are both older, and each has his/her own health issues. Since removing wheat and corn (in all forms) from their diet, they have been dramatically healthier and happier. It appears dogs do not process corn and grains very well. I use seasonal vegetables, with an abundance of celery (good for inflammation), sweet potato and pumpkin. They like cabbage and broccoli too. I avoid onion, corn and rarely use white potato. I regularly use kangaroo and beef mince, and vary the menu with tuna, sardines and/or chicken. I do add seasoning, including a small amount of garlic in summer (fleas hate it), some curry powder (my guys love curry), oregano and black pepper. Generally I avoid adding salt. I use white rice (easier to digest) or rice noodles instead of pasta. My guys refuse to eat any tinned food now and I refuse to give them kibble because it is predominantly wheat or corn maize based. They get raw meaty bones and chicken wings or necks, several times a week. I haven't needed to wash a dog bowl for a very long time! <br />When I started preparing their food, I priced it out for comparison with tinned food (remember, we don't use kibble, so I couldn't compare with that). Four days worth of cooked food and bones costs us around $14. Good quality tinned food for the same period would cost around $23. Even adding in my time and the cost of electricity to cook this, I am still miles in front financially and my beautiful dogs (Charlie aged 6, 55kgs and Molly aged 10+, 29kgs)are happy and healthier than ever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87979653935756717572011-02-17T11:10:23.278+10:002011-02-17T11:10:23.278+10:00Karen, green leafy vegetables are a rich source of...Karen, green leafy vegetables are a rich source of iron and calcium. We also feed Alice a couple of raw chicken carcass every week, mainly because she likes them but also for her teeth. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and can easily adapt to various diets. They do not need meat specific protein to live and can live healthy lives eating grains and other non-meat protein.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12844152226536864202011-02-17T07:45:45.783+10:002011-02-17T07:45:45.783+10:00Kind of late weighing in on this, but here goes......Kind of late weighing in on this, but here goes....<br />While I would consider feeding your recipe to a dog occasionally, I certainly wouldn't feed it all the time, unless I absolutely couldn't afford anything else. Like a vet mentioned in an earlier post, calcium would be an issue with that recipe.<br />I have now switched to raw food, no cooking involved. The dogs love it, there is no bad breath, their teeth are cleaner, they poop less, the poops are much smaller and barely smell. Switching over to a raw diet may have to be done very gradually, depending on the dog, and it is usually recommended you start with chicken.<br />Dogs generally are not meant to eat pasta, or grains.<br />I would suggest that anyone do some research on appropriate diets for dogs before fully switching to this.<br />Just because a dog seems to be doing well on something doesn't mean it is the best thing for it. Yes, some dogs seem to do well on the crappiest of commercial foods. Quite a bit of it may be genetics. You know, just like the 100 year old man that is interviewed and says he has been drinking and smoking since he was a teenager:)Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08938874724231860923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34890799448412111992011-01-21T19:14:55.644+10:002011-01-21T19:14:55.644+10:00And a wonderful success, made up and put the conta...And a wonderful success, made up and put the containers into the freezer, just fed the young pup a cup full of it, she's still licking the long empty container, just absolutely loved it. Don't know if the older dog will like it, but he doesn't come into town very often anyway. These are both working dogs for the trucks, the pup is in town because she has a large hole in her foot and needs to be rested while it heals, she also belongs to my daugher so she does visit a fair bit anywayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34670723417882132532011-01-21T10:41:26.282+10:002011-01-21T10:41:26.282+10:00I have this bubbling away on the stove top now. We...I have this bubbling away on the stove top now. We also give our dogs raw meat as we do kill sheep every so often. I was also interested to see that someone cooks up everything except the mince then mixes this into it when it's been fed out. Will probably mush up the vegies etc as I think it will make it easier as it's a different food for the kelpie. Will be interested to see how the older kelpie goes with this, anything worth a try anywaykatrinahttp://katrinashome.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90488002565826633312010-12-17T22:02:00.717+10:002010-12-17T22:02:00.717+10:00I strongly believe in cooking for my Dog which he ...I strongly believe in cooking for my Dog which he enjoys, My recipie is cornmeal with veggies and split peas or lentil peas no salt and mint/garlic. he eats nuts and raw veggies and is very healthy, I do not give him meat but fish with out bonesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78743448034004477452010-10-21T06:55:53.267+10:002010-10-21T06:55:53.267+10:00I also cook mince and veg for my two small dogs I ...I also cook mince and veg for my two small dogs I vary it by using lamb mince as well as beef. I wonder if you had a recipe for my cat too? it would be nice to have a great saving on that as well, thanks for all you tips and advise here's hoping you reply take care kind Regards Nicole(UK)nicoledemana craftshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02127551477382899923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53077121300873630292010-10-15T13:07:56.013+10:002010-10-15T13:07:56.013+10:00This sounds dumb, but do you season the dog food? ...This sounds dumb, but do you season the dog food? I see one of the commenters mentioned parsley to reduce "odors", but wondered if you or anyone else had any guidance on seasoning - especially salt - should it be avoided?psmflowerladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13239750417463689373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53625239078897281712010-10-13T03:41:29.384+10:002010-10-13T03:41:29.384+10:00I'm so happy to see that others make their own...I'm so happy to see that others make their own dog food. We started it with my beloved Tessa when she was about 2 yrs old after being introduced to it through a friend. We saw an amazing change in her and will never go back to chemicals in a bag. It's more work but it's totally worth it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-92197385709607249062010-10-12T12:56:28.553+10:002010-10-12T12:56:28.553+10:00I also add in a few eggs at the very end - the hea...I also add in a few eggs at the very end - the heat of the food cooks the scrambled eggs. Also - parsley helps with breath and digestion smells, carrots are good and believe it or not, my dogs love broccoli (chopped well). Alice is a lucky girl! Instead of your lamb "mince" I have used ground pork. One of my dogs has skin allergies (esp to barley) so I use brown rice or white or sweet potatoes. And I always add in Omega 3s too! My next dog )tho I hate to think of being without these two old men I have), will be a female Airedale. I have only known wonderful Airedales!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02690015877256719782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20124658870582958802010-10-12T06:17:52.897+10:002010-10-12T06:17:52.897+10:00I raw feed based on the whole prey model but with ...I raw feed based on the whole prey model but with some mince in there too. I've fed whole prey model and unless I can get some really weird and wonderful body parts (and get my dog to eat them) I don't seem to get the full benefits, so I compromise with some pet mince. I buy the stuff from a local farm shop so it's locally produced and well raised. Or so it tastes with the body parts we eat. <br /><br />I don't personally think it right to feed carbs to carnivores (which dogs are) but know many dogs do just fine with some in their diets. Btw, its not the change in fats/protein that affect cats when their meat is minced - it's taurine loss. Which can be replaced with powdered taurine. There are menus out there for raw fed cats, including ones which include mince. <br /><br />-HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6952469827812803772010-10-12T04:40:41.163+10:002010-10-12T04:40:41.163+10:00I've been doing this for a while now, and I...I've been doing this for a while now, and I'm sure my dog Sweetie Pie feels so much better. I am wondering about homemade unsweetened applesauce?She loves bananas!Jackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17747969415191159920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51155428032714572912010-10-12T02:06:59.376+10:002010-10-12T02:06:59.376+10:00I have always wanted to try this, but have been sk...I have always wanted to try this, but have been skeptical about the amount of work it would take, and storage space, versus just buying dog food. We do try to purchase 'healthy' food and right now, it runs us $40 per bag that last about a month or so.<br /><br />Your post has given me renewed me renewed motivation to give this a try....but I still worry about the freezer space!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09069117326093443006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45705565549267442902010-10-11T23:11:13.652+10:002010-10-11T23:11:13.652+10:00Now this is a first...I have read about making lot...Now this is a first...I have read about making lots of things but never dogfood. Congratulations! I learn so much from this blog!Only in Louisiana ~ documenting the adventures we call Life!https://www.blogger.com/profile/14145200924247548717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72144162816085348012010-10-11T19:49:48.257+10:002010-10-11T19:49:48.257+10:00I just found your blog today and this is a timely ...I just found your blog today and this is a timely post for me. <br />Been thinking about whether it would be better for our dog, and whether it would me more/less expensive. I've been buying "Chicken Soup For The Dog's Soul" dry food and he eats it but he much prefers to eat leftovers from our meals. I didn't know that about onions. I use a lot of onions in my cooking and he's probably consumed some during his life. He loves vegetables. In fact, he loves anything that is "people food" so he would be an easy (and delighted) convert.<br />I'll be going back and reading some of your older posts, looks like you and I have a lot in common and I bet there's some good reading there. --Ilene in Oklahoma, USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38034691419962782932010-10-11T15:26:23.834+10:002010-10-11T15:26:23.834+10:00Does anyone know how the price to make homemade co...Does anyone know how the price to make homemade compare to dry dog food? We always add a few scraps to it but I can purchase 40 pounds for $16.00.A Woman that Fears the Lordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028148446621304362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41045553598328155872010-10-11T13:56:44.067+10:002010-10-11T13:56:44.067+10:00Sounds like you have had a peaceful weekend.
Got m...Sounds like you have had a peaceful weekend.<br />Got me thinking about the dog food.<br />We just went from 38. a month to 25. we found an equivalent. My dogs are large so it would perhaps be a real job to do this. It is a wonderful recipe for the days I run out of food and do not want to go to the pet store.Donettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13530145585581721795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79332638598739044072010-10-11T13:02:55.346+10:002010-10-11T13:02:55.346+10:00I have been feeding my two Yorkies homemade dog fo...I have been feeding my two Yorkies homemade dog food for a year now after one of them became ill from commercial canned dog food. Here in the northern part of the USA, I don't have access to the type of meat product you do, but instead buy ground beef or turkey on sale, boil it to get rid of excess fat, add cooked rice and veggies, and freeze it in packets big enough for one days feeding. It is still much more economical than buying commercial food for them, and they are thriving. My vet is impressed! He tells me that their diet is way more healthy now. And they like it.Vickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09409645438732452330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21998866492265737422010-10-11T12:42:03.896+10:002010-10-11T12:42:03.896+10:00Rhonda what exactly is pet mince? I live in Canada...Rhonda what exactly is pet mince? I live in Canada so what would be our equivalent? Sounds like something I would enjoy making for my dog and the savings would be amazing. <br />Love your blog!!!Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01923250285679212537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48977277735927110312010-10-11T11:27:56.813+10:002010-10-11T11:27:56.813+10:00We kill our own meat so our dogs/cats receive a lo...We kill our own meat so our dogs/cats receive a lot of bones and raw home grown pet meat. They still have cooked meals like your recipe though to keep them healthy with some olive oil mixed through the cats' portion to help prevent furballs. Being practical means a turnover of old hens and ducks as well but these still have to be plucked even if they're not cooked as to feed a farm dog a hen/duck with the feathers still on can encourage them to be a killer of your egg suppliers. The cats' treat is scrambled eggs because raw ones give them diarrhea.RobynLouisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08050372484207822842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5194799187897484432010-10-11T10:10:31.080+10:002010-10-11T10:10:31.080+10:00I've been cooking for my two Mini-Australian S...I've been cooking for my two Mini-Australian Shepherds for 3 years now, ever since we had the contaminated dog food scare here in the States. My recipe is similar to yours. I use ground beef or ground turkey with whole wheat pasta or brown rice and then use frozen vegetables as I don't have a large garden. I've found peas and green beans work best. During the summer if I have an extra zucchini they are thrilled. I also give them a daily vitamin and mix in flax oil. On the weekends I make them eggs and toast. My vet has finally gotten on board too and agrees they are doing great and look great too. I also make big batches and freeze them in 8 cup containers. These last 4 days and I usually make enough for a month. I feel much better knowing exactly what my beloved dogs are getting instead of some unknown additive or by-product. Although I have to admit, when I tell people I cook for my dogs they think I'm crazy! Oh well, at least I know my dogs will live long, healthy lives because of my efforts.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07523372239616277853noreply@blogger.com