Cooked food: Benefits, considerations and homemade recipes

In recent years, cooked dog food has gained popularity among pet owners looking to offer their dogs a healthier, more natural and personalised diet. Unlike commercial dog food, cooked food allows complete control over the ingredients, which can benefit dogs with special dietary needs or food sensitivities. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of cooked dog food, what to consider before adopting this type of diet and some easy, healthy recipes you can prepare at home for your furry pal.

What is cooked dog food?

Cooked dog food is food that is homemade using fresh, natural ingredients, properly cooked to meet the dog’s nutritional needs. Unlike processed foods or commercial feed, this type of diet is made specifically to suit each dog’s individual preferences and needs.

It is often made with lean meats, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes or quinoa. This meal can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as boiled, steamed or even baked, depending on the recipe and the owner’s preferences.

Benefits of cooked dog food

1. Total control over ingredients: One of the biggest benefits of preparing cooked dog food is the absolute control over ingredients. This allows you to avoid preservatives, artificial additives and colourings often found in processed foods.

2. Better digestion: Cooked food is often easier to digest than commercial feed, especially if the dog has digestive problems or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

3. Fresh, natural ingredients: Using fresh, natural ingredients ensures that your dog receives essential nutrients in their purest form, without the by-products or questionable ingredients present in some feeds.

4. Adjustment to specific needs: If your dog has allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs, such as an overweight dog or diabetes, you can adjust the diet according to its specific needs.

5. Greater variety and flavour: Cooked food allows for the inclusion of a wider range of ingredients and flavours, which can make mealtime more appealing for your dog – especially if they’re a fussy eater.

Considerations before switching to cooked food for dogs

1. Nutritional balance: While cooked food is more natural, it’s essential to ensure that the diet is properly balanced. Dogs require the right combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It’s advisable to consult a vet or canine nutritionist before making any major dietary changes.

2. Preparation and time: Cooking for your dog can be a time-consuming process. You’ll need to set aside time to prepare meals and ensure the ingredients are fresh. However, you can cook in larger batches and store portions for several days, which can save time in the long run.

3. Proper storage: Cooked food doesn’t have the same shelf life as commercial dry or wet food, so it’s important to store portions correctly to prevent spoilage. Using airtight containers and refrigerating meals is essential.

4. Avoid toxic ingredients: Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans – such as garlic, onion, chocolate, grapes, and raisins – are toxic to dogs. Make sure to research and eliminate any potentially harmful ingredients before cooking.

Easy cooked food recipes for dogs

Here are some easy and healthy recipes you can prepare at home for your dog:

Recipe 1: Chicken and Carrots

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts

• 2 medium carrots

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken breasts in water until fully cooked. Shred them into small pieces.

2. Peel and cut the carrots into small pieces. Steam or boil them until they are tender.

3. Mix the chicken and carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil for a healthy fat boost.

Recipe 2: Beef with Pumpkin and Spinach

Ingredients

• 500g of lean ground beef

• 1 cup of cooked pumpkin (can be in purée)

• 1 cup of fresh spinach (cooked)

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat until fully cooked.

2. Steam the pumpkin and spinach until tender. If using puréed pumpkin, simply heat it up.

3. Mix the beef, pumpkin, and spinach in a large bowl. Add the coconut oil.

Recipe 3: Turkey with Potatoes and Green Beans

Ingredients

• 300g of ground turkey

• 1 cup of cooked potatoes (peeled)

• 1 cup of cooked green beans

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.

2. Steam the potatoes and green beans.

3. Mash the potatoes and mix them with the turkey and green beans. Serve in portions suitable for your dog.

Cooked Food vs. Commercial Kibble: Which is Better for Your Dog?

The choice between cooked food and commercial kibble depends on your dog’s specific needs and your personal preferences as an owner. Cooked food offers full control over the ingredients and can be a more natural and nutritious option, while commercial kibble is convenient and balanced for dogs with standard needs.

If you decide to prepare cooked food for your dog, make sure to provide a balanced diet and consult with a veterinarian to ensure your dog receives all the nutrients it needs.

Conclusion

Cooked food for dogs can be an excellent option for owners looking to provide a more natural and personalized diet for their pets. With the benefits of fresh, natural ingredients, this diet can be very beneficial for your dog’s health, as long as it is prepared correctly and remains balanced. If you have any doubts about how to start or how to create an appropriate diet, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.