Canine Home Feeding: Avoid Pet Food Recalls Once and For All

If you are anything like me, the recent pet food recalls have you simmering and stewing. When my third attempt at changing our Husky's food was met with yet another recall, I decided enough was enough! To aid some of you who may also be looking for alternatives, I thought I would invite you to join Ginger and I on a walk through my choice of Home Feeding, and provide a few tips along the way. Come along with us--her leash is on, we better get moving.

After over three years of feeding Ginger a leading, name brand, canned dog food, we made the switch to another brand when our tried and true appeared on the initial recall list in March. Approximately a month later, our new brand made its debut on the revised series of brands. Two weeks later, after feeding her eight out of twelve cans of our third canned food, every remaining can and three of the recent eight exhibited the exact date codes matching the newest press release. This camel's back had felt the straw.

I immediately phoned our Veterinarian and arranged the $125.00 appointment for blood and urinalysis testing to verify our family member was not affected. The weight removed from my shoulders when the results proved negative had me floating in air. I had read about various pet owners and their losses-I did not want to join them in their grief. As soon as the news registered fully with me, I began quizzing the Vet on the alternative of Home Feeding.

She led me to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and BalanceIt.com. I found a wealth of helpful information at AVMA and was disappointed with BalanceIt. While there were many useful looking tidbits of information-especially regarding recipes for Home Feeding-they charged, in my opinion, an exuberant amount of money to purchase the recipes. Ginger is a loved one and a family member, yes, but my respect becomes an empty water dish when it seems companies and people are trying to 'cash in' on the emotions and concerns of pet owners.

Feeling somewhat defeated by what I saw, I began performing various searches on everything I could think of to bring safe, affordable, and reliably sourced information with regard to preparing meals at home. What was toxic? What nutrients were crucial for Ginger's health? What foods were highest in protein and would provide the best balance for her needs? After an extensive search, I finally felt I had enough information to begin-and begin we did.

Having a balance of protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate takes planning. When I first mentioned that I was Home Feeding Ginger, eyebrows were rising left and right. People hear the term and assume 'she's feeding her dog table scraps'. That could not be farther from the truth. Feeding your pet table scraps is a poor choice for diet, because they are just that-scraps. Home Feeding involves being conscious of every food item decision made where your pet is concerned.

For the average adult canine, PetEducation.com recommends 18% protein and 9-15% fat (Protein Requirements for Good Dog Nutrition). In order to fall within that range, feeding fatty meats and starches is out of the question. For an average week, to provide not only a well-rounded balance, but also some variety, Ginger receives 3/4 cup of lean ground turkey, fish (such as Cod), chicken or egg. In order to balance, she also enjoys one cup of vegetables, approximately 1/3 cup of carbohydrate (such as brown rice or wheat pasta) and once per day a teaspoon of corn oil mixed into her evening meal.

Although Ginger would prefer an all meat diet, and at times will push her nose through everything and begin by only eating the meat, her body requires other vitamins and minerals that meat alone cannot provide. With a little experimentation, we found that she prefers broccoli, carrots and zucchini to green beans. Once we found her preferences, the entire bowl was devoured, not just the meat.

Bear in mind, however; that there are some foods that are considered toxic or dangerous to our furry friends. One that many people are surprised by is the common poultry or meat bone. The fact is, these bones can splinter or break and become lodged within your loved ones throat causing a choking or suffocation hazard. Other foods to avoid are: onions (or onion powders and salts), grapes or raisins, chocolate, mushrooms, Macadamia nuts, garlic, raw eggs or raw fish. In addition, since some animals have problems with lactose, it would be a good idea and general rule to be extremely careful of cheeses and milk. If you intend on feeding several recipes that call for milk as an ingredient, then as my Vet suggested, utilize lactose-free milk for those who are lactose intolerant to be sure no problems arise.

Home Feeding does not have to mean poorly planned or table scraps. Your canine can thrive on a properly prepared, well-balanced diet of common foods we humans consume regularly, just use caution and research carefully prior to beginning this sort of regimen. Also, realize that taking on Home Feeding is work. It takes careful planning, extra time, and energy. For the sake of your canine, be sure that you can handle the commitment this involves.

I also STRONGLY urge you to schedule a veterinary appointment for Fido before starting a diet such as this. Ensure s/he has no health issues that may be aggravated or incurred as a result of the change in foods consumed. After all, the whole reason behind beginning to Home Feed is to feel confident that what is being fed is healthy and not harming our loved one.

To some, dogs and cats are merely animals-to many others, myself included-my four-legged friend is just that, my friend. She is a member of my family, and one I don't choose to loose as a result of continuous pet food recalls.

American Veterinary Medical Association. ã2007 American Veterinary Medical Association.
(http://www.avma.org/)

Balance IT. ã 2004-2007 DVM Consulting, Prof. Corp.
(http://www.balanceit.com/)