Homemade food for Chorkie

Question
Hello,

I have a 5 - 6 lb Chorkie named Bear who will be a year old this month. I know that you are not able to give medical advise, but the food I am looking to make for my dog is medical related so I hope that you can still help.

Bear has been diagnosed with HGE (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis). He is currently on Hills ID. When he gets back to normal I would like to start making his food from fresh ingredients. He was previously on Wellness Super 5 puppy mix for small breed. I planned on switching him to either Blue Buffalo, or Wellness Core but since this has come up I don't think that would be the best thing for him.

I know that his diet will need to be pretty bland, but I also want to make sure that he is getting everything he needs, and I want him to have as much nutrients as possible. I know the feeding the best food will extend their life and I want him to live a long long time. The vet said that he could remain on the ID for the rest of his life, but I don't really know if that is good enough for his health.

I'm mainly concerned about the ratio of meat to other ingredients. I don't know how much of each thing to mix, and also how much would he need each day since it is not condensed. right now he weighs 5.2 lbs or less. but he has been very sick with the HGE so I think he should weigh at least 6 lbs, if not close to 7. his mother was 4 lbs, and his dad was 7 lbs. Unfortunately before he got sick the last time he was weighed he was 4.5, so I'm not exactly sure what his normal weight should be. Considering that he has been sick and now weighs 5 or less, I think he should weigh at least 6.

Anyhow, any advise would be greatly appreciated. I really want my little buddy to have the best possible. Thank you!

Answer
Bear is a lucky guy, and it is wonderful that you are willing to make his food.

Using 1/3 meats, 1/3 grains and 1/3 vegetables & fruit is a pretty safe ratio.
Try experimenting with different meats, fish and poultry and grains such as quinoa, barley, rice and oats to see what he likes.  Sweet potatoes, green beans, kale, broccoli, peas, carrots and squash are some doggie favorites.

you can make big batches and freeze them in small portions for ease of use.

You may wish to supplement if you are not adding this to a "complete and balanced recipe" with something like Dinovite or Missing Link.

if you get tired of cooking you can always order Rudy Green's on amazon.com

Thanks for writing. kisses to Bear!