The First Taste of Fresh Pet Food
My journey into the realm of homemade dog food recipes began with a friend of my ex from California. Her business? Creating fresh, premium meals for pets and delivering them to customers. It was an eye-opener—the concept of freshly prepared pet food was completely new to me. While it piqued my interest, their price tags were another story. I found them expensive, especially compared to my own grocery spending.
A Shift to Home-Cooked Meals
A few years passed, and life took an unexpected turn. My dog, Seeley, was diagnosed with cancer. This news led me back to my California contact for advice. She introduced me to holistic vets and what they have to offer. I found a local vet who practiced, Dr. Sheehan at Whole Pet Veterinary. Her recommendation? Start cooking for Seeley. This would cleanse his system from accumulated toxins, in conjunction with necessary supplements to support his liver and clean his blood.
Diving Into Dog Nutrition
I immersed myself in the science of pet nutrition, exploring AAFCO’s dog food guidelines. For instance, I learned that crafting a complete, balanced recipe is a daunting and important task. It was a big surprise to learn that a mere fraction of online dog food recipes—less than 5%—provide complete nutrition. This was a startling revelation, emphasizing the need for a well-informed approach to Seeley’s diet.
Expert Guidance for a Balanced Diet
Unwilling to compromise on Seeley’s health, I sought the expertise of a board-certified nutritionist from the ACVN. This decision ensured that the dietary changes I made were vet-approved and nutritionally sound.
Cost Analysis: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Curious about the cost? I did a comparison between homemade meals and store-bought options:
- Vendor 1: $849 per month
- Vendor 2: $581 per month
- Homemade: Approximately $70 per month
The price difference was huge. My grocery choices, guided by the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen, reflect the importance of quality in Seeley’s diet. While prices fluctuate, the key is the balance of nutrition and cost.
Conclusion: The Value of Homemade
The shift to homemade dog food recipes has proven beneficial in many ways. If you’re curious about this journey, join us at Broken Leash. Here, we’re dedicated to the well-being of our canine friends—whether it’s offering a safe place for them to play or sharing insights on nutritious, cost-saving meals.
Finally, SUBSCRIBE to our blog, and let’s navigate the path to optimal health for our beloved pets together.
