When families choose to welcome a new canine companion to their home, they usually do so under the influence of love at first sight, without much thought given to the additional costs. These unexpected expenses include vet visits, medication, and food. However, make no mistake, as irresistibly cute as a puppy’s gaze may be, there are associated expenses.
IS MAKING HOMEMADE DOG FOOD WORTH THE EFFORT?
Numerous instances have shown my dogs experiencing sensitivities towards inexpensive dog food brands, triggering a gamut of symptoms from vomiting to skin irritations. Although initially budget-friendly, the long-term impact tends to result in additional vet costs. This led me to start preparing my dogs’ meals at home occasionally.
There’s a multitude of recipes available, and countless dog nutrition forums that offer guidance, but I usually prefer making a meal rich in protein, combined with brown rice, and assorted fruits and vegetables. I cook all the ingredients in a rice cooker or crock-pot following this typical recipe: a block of tofu, 2-3 cups of chicken, 4-5 eggs (including the ground shells), 2-3 cups of rice, 2 cans of rinsed vegetables, along with avocados or some oil once the mixture cools off. I also make an effort to include chicken organs and sweet potatoes if possible, and supplement with fish oil or glucosamine pills if found at discounted prices.
By using ingredients I have on hand or find at a substantial discount, the above recipe’s cost gets limited to around $4.55, yielding enough food for my two Dachshunds for about a week and a half.
THE TIME INVESTMENT REQUIRED IN PREPARING HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
The meal preparation process is not particularly time-consuming, usually requiring around 5-7 minutes to combine everything in the rice cooker and transferring it in a storage container once ready. Although I tried freezing individual food patties, it turned out to be too cumbersome and not worth the effort.
Even with a preparation time of fifteen minutes each session, it still totals to about an hour for an amount comparable to a standard bag of Blue. Therefore, preparing homemade dog food is a savings equivalent to earning about $35 an hour.
THE BENEFICIAL IMPACT OF HOMEMADE DOG FOOD ON MY DOGS
My two Dachshunds, Emma and George, have experienced several health improvements from the homemade diet. Emma, who is a bit on the skinny side, has been eating more and getting healthier. Food-loving George, despite being a tad overweight, seems to lose a bit of weight with the homemade food, primarily because it’s easier for his sensitive stomach to digest.
Skin allergies and rashes that Emma developed while on a Purina One diet vanished when I switched to homemade food. George also experiences less gas, and their bowel movements look healthier. Emma, who used to have extreme bad breath, has improved significantly after the diet change.
Your actual savings and the time investment required in preparing homemade dog food largely depends on your dog’s breed and its needs. Thorough research on beneficial and harmful foods for dogs is crucial. Moreover, it’s crucial to consult with your vet before transitioning to a homemade dog food diet.
