Kibble and canned pet food are convenient, but just like us, animals do not thrive on a steady diet of highly processed food. A balanced diet that includes healthy, fresh ingredients is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. However, it’s equally important to note that a homemade diet that is not properly balanced can be worse than commercial kibble. So how can we provide fresh, nourishing meals that truly meet our dogs’ nutritional needs and support their long-term health and well-being?
At Serenity Farm Virginia, our dogs are fed a homemade diet using a commercially prepared base, with the addition of a variety of high-quality proteins. There are a number of premix products available, both with and without grains. We have had the most success rotating through the four premix options offered by Dr. Harvey’s, which helps ensure nutritional balance while providing variety.
When considering a homemade diet for your own dog, it’s important to choose a base that aligns with their age, activity level, and any health concerns. We also strongly encourage consulting with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the best and safest approach for your individual dog.
We serve a variety of healthy proteins while still minding our budget. Chicken breast and organs, canned sardines, ground turkey, eggs, and whole milk yogurt are regulars on the menu. When meat goes on sale at the local grocery store, it’s basically a holiday at the sanctuary.
We rely heavily on chicken and canned sardines, which can be high in sodium. (It is a common practice for grocery store chicken to be injected with salt water.) To reduce the dogs’ sodium intake, we do not use the broth left after baking the chicken and we purchase only salt-free sardines. Eggs are fed hard boiled, using both the whites and yolks.
If you choose to feed raw eggs, it’s important not to feed only the whites. Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that can interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin when fed alone over time. However, feeding the entire egg raw does not pose this risk, as the biotin in the yolk balances the effect of avidin.
Generally, supplements are not needed when using a pre-mix, but adding healthy oil is essential. If you use oil in capsule form, be sure to choose those made specifically for dogs. A dog’s intestinal tract is much shorter than a human’s and the capsule often won’t dissolve before the journey is complete.
Choosing Safe Bowls for Your Animals
When choosing food and water bowls, not all materials are created equal. Plastic bowls may seem convenient, but they can scratch easily over time. These scratches can harbor bacteria, even with regular washing, and some plastics may leach unsafe chemicals. Ceramic bowls can be a beautiful choice but beware that bowls with glazes or designs may contain toxic ingredients, especially if the design is painted or metallic.
Stainless steel bowls are generally the safest option. They are durable, non-porous, and resistant to bacteria. However, it’s important to confirm that the bowl is truly all stainless steel and not just a stainless coating over a cheaper metal. Look for markings that indicate “18/8” or “18/10” stainless steel, which refer to the proper alloy, and avoid bowls with flaking or chipped coatings. A high-quality stainless-steel bowl may cost a little more, but it lasts longer and keeps your animals safer and healthier.
Fresh Water Matters
Fresh, clean water is just as important as a fresh food diet. Even if the water we add to our pets’ bowls looks clean, a bowl that isn’t thoroughly washed with soap and water can put them at risk for gastrointestinal upset and infections.
Biofilm is a slimy layer that protects microbes and allows them to multiply. It can form quickly, especially in bowls that are scratched or made of porous materials.
To keep your animals safe and healthy, bowls should be washed thoroughly every day with hot, soapy water, rinsed well, and dried completely. Stainless steel bowls are ideal because they resist scratches and do not harbor bacteria the way plastic or coated metals can. Regular cleaning removes biofilm before it becomes a problem, helping prevent illness and keeping your pets happy and healthy.
Wishing you serenity and peace, Jo Bighouse