While "whole" foods seem to be the latest craze for human diets, why not allow our pet cat or dog also enjoy their benefits? Commercial foods can contain lots of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. So why not feed your pets organic foods? Surely that store-bought food shaped into colorful bones and fishes can't be the healthiest option we have. Before starting your cat or dog on an organic diet, it's vital that you first consult a veterinary nutritionist. They have specific training concerning the nutritional requirements of your dog or cat. In particular, you'll need to know which vitamins, minerals, and enzymes your pet needs. Also, an essential tool you'll need to chop up meat and bones for your organic pet food, is a meat grinder. Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, with these tips for making dog and cat organic foods: Organic Dog Food 1. Include a blend of meats and veggies While meat is important in a dog's diet, it's not essential per se. Dogs will eat fruits and veggies, and could technically live without meat. However, it's highly advisable to include meat in your dog's organic food. That's because it's difficult for them to get the same amount of protein from plant-based foods. 2. Include cooked meat with caution While you can include cooked meat in organic dog food, bear in mind that cooking meats will remove essential vitamins and minerals that your dog needs. So you'll have to add them back to your dog's diet, via supplements. Realistically, you'll need to conclude if the hassle is worth cooking your dog's organic meals. 3. Allow your dog to make a transition from commercial to homemade food You can do this by requiring your dog to fast for 24-hours, before you start feeding it the homemade organic food. Also, expect you dog to experience some minor digestive problems until it converts to the homemade food. But afterwards, the positive health benefits from the food will make it worthwhile! Organic Cat Food 1. Remember that cats are carnivorous While you may have watched cats on the Internet eating broccoli and such-the great majority of felines take a whiff of fruits and veggies, and then walk away. Cats are basically carnivores because their bodies have difficulty digesting plant products. 2. Always buy fresh and organic meat "Organic" is defined as meat that's free of hormones and antibiotics. You can locate such meats at whole foods stores. Some perfect meats for organic cat food include chicken, guinea fowl, rabbit, and turkey thighs. 3. Add non-meat ingredients To ensure that your cat gets all the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes it needs, it's vital to include other ingredients in the organic food, including: * dulse * glandular supplement * kelp * psyllium * salmon oil * Vitamin B complex * Vitamin E You can find these ingredients at many online or offline stores. Making organic pet food is an excellent way to make your cat or dog healthier-inside and out. After you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you ever gavea commercial food to your pet!
