Commercial dog foods vs home cooking

Sheltiemama · 12-09-2005, 04:58 AM

What is your opinion of home cooking with supplements rather than feeding your dog commercially prepared dog kibble

elegy · 12-09-2005, 05:30 AM

i think a raw diet is better than home cooking for most dogs. cooking destroys a lot of nutrients that are available in the raw meat. it's also much harder to correctly balance calcium and phosphorus because you have to add calcium back in, since you're not feeding bones.

it takes time and research to learn how to do a home made diet correctly. once you know what you're doing, it's not hard or time-consuming, but it is important that it be done right. if the owner is not willing to make that effort and take that time, a good quality kibble (canidae, wellness, innova, whatever) is the right choice for that pet.

Tiffany0204 · 12-09-2005, 08:58 AM

In my training book it mentions on how back in the day people cooked meals for the family dog. I know nothing of feeding raw diets, although it would make sense that it would be best for them, I mean that's what they would do out in the wild, right?

Since I don't have the time to be figuring out how to balance a raw diet properly, I get the quality kibble. I worry about the people who feed their dogs the really awful kibble like Purina or Kibbles n' Bits that have little to no nutricious value.

DaisySunshine · 12-09-2005, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiffany0204

Since I don't have the time to be figuring out how to balance a raw diet properly, I get the quality kibble.

Agreed. I don't have time to cook for myself, I certainly don't have time to cook for the dog.

Boleyn · 12-09-2005, 12:42 PM

I actually enjoy cooking for my dogs. If I abhored cooking, I wouldn't do it!

It's fun to give them variety and try new recipes. They get kibble with yogurt in the AM, and homecooked at night. There is research to be done, but I wouldn't let that discourage anyone. Some books, information, and assistance from other homecookers and I was ready to go! They get supplements, including powdered eggshell to balance the calcium/phosphorus. I've seen an improvement in energy and vitality in my guys - esp. the seniors (aged 10-15).

Tiffany0204 · 12-09-2005, 12:49 PM

I definitly can't do that.

I'm like Daisy. I barely cook for myself, let alone for Gizmo. But it's just me, the dog and the cats so it's hard to motivate myself. It could possibly change once I have more people to cook for!

it's something I'm definitly thinking of looking into though, once I can motivate myself.... scooping the kibble is just so darn easy!

shandoggy1 · 12-09-2005, 05:22 PM

You know what's funny. My dogs (GSD's) years ago lived many long years 13-15 yrs. eating "purina dog chow". Granted after all the choices of premium foods I would never go back to it. But I think this raw diet is a bit much. I barely have time to cook for me and my kid let alone worrying about if my dog is eating beef, chicken, or turkey necks. I feed my dogs a premium dry kibble along with Nuvet tabs as a supplement. Works for me and my dogs are very healthy.

Miss. Chi · 12-10-2005, 06:26 AM

I'm great someone started a thread on this! Although I feed Charlie quality I think I (and Charlie) would prefer something home cooked. He's not a big fan of dry dog food.

I've wanted to start doing more research on home cooking and wasnt sure where to start. I generally don't trust googling b/c you never can be sure if what you're getting is accurate. So if anyone could recomend any books or websites that would be super.

M.C

Sheltiemama · 12-10-2005, 08:04 AM

If you're interested in home cooking there is a Yahoo group called Totally home cooking for dogs available for you to get answers to your questions. It's free and there are lots of people who are willing to lend their experiences and help you along your way. Home cooking doesn't have to be an every day thing either, it's a matter of time and preference for each individual.

KennelMom · 12-10-2005, 09:17 AM

I'm not too sure about home cooking, but I certainly favor a raw diet. We do it for our 12 greyhounds. However, I would prefer someone feed a quality kibble rather than home cook/feed raw without adequate (and ongoing) research.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 12-10-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KennelMom

I'm not too sure about home cooking, but I certainly favor a raw diet. We do it for our 12 greyhounds. However, I would prefer someone feed a quality kibble rather than home cook/feed raw without adequate (and ongoing) research.

Well said, I couldn't agree more.

I don't feed raw because I don't have the time to research it properly and stay on top of it, I work too many hours but if I did have the time raw would be my choice.

I see nothing wrong with cooking for our dogs, I do it when I have time but not as an everyday meal because I couldn't even begin to give then everything they really need with home cooking. The bullies are having pot roast and drippings tonight over their kibble.

Miss. Chi · 12-10-2005, 10:45 AM

Thanks Mama (hehehe). I was definately trying to look more into it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook. So why not hook Sir Charles up too? I definately wasnt gonna start without looking into because I'm sure you could easily miss a lot of essential nutrients and vitamins. I read a brief blurb on it in a mag but couldn't find anymore. I plan to do some research over the holidays to get aquainted with the whole thing.

Thanks

MC

gaddylovesdogs · 12-10-2005, 10:56 AM

I think raw and homemade food is above "regular" foods. But if you can't feed a homemade diet (cooked or raw), you should go for a high-quality "regular" food.

jake03 · 12-10-2005, 12:00 PM

I go for a high quality dry food which has been reccomended by a vet. As I work full-time I cant cook anything as I don't have time however I won't just feed my dog anything therefore I am particular about no GM foods and only natural ingredients.

Tiffany0204 · 12-10-2005, 12:07 PM

What about that BARF stuff? Is that any good? :S

12-09-2005, 04:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 694 Rep Power: 77	Commercial dog foods vs home cooking What is your opinion of home cooking with supplements rather than feeding your dog commercially prepared dog kibble
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

12-09-2005, 05:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
elegy American Pit Bull Terrier Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,073 Rep Power: 106	i think a raw diet is better than home cooking for most dogs. cooking destroys a lot of nutrients that are available in the raw meat. it's also much harder to correctly balance calcium and phosphorus because you have to add calcium back in, since you're not feeding bones. it takes time and research to learn how to do a home made diet correctly. once you know what you're doing, it's not hard or time-consuming, but it is important that it be done right. if the owner is not willing to make that effort and take that time, a good quality kibble (canidae, wellness, innova, whatever) is the right choice for that pet.
	__________________ thank you to everyone who supported me during blogathon. i was able to raise $453.60 for pit bull rescue central!

12-09-2005, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 865 Rep Power: 85	In my training book it mentions on how back in the day people cooked meals for the family dog. I know nothing of feeding raw diets, although it would make sense that it would be best for them, I mean that's what they would do out in the wild, right? Since I don't have the time to be figuring out how to balance a raw diet properly, I get the quality kibble. I worry about the people who feed their dogs the really awful kibble like Purina or Kibbles n' Bits that have little to no nutricious value.
	__________________

12-09-2005, 12:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Boleyn SkyeTerrier,Pugs Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 41 Rep Power: 59	I actually enjoy cooking for my dogs. If I abhored cooking, I wouldn't do it! It's fun to give them variety and try new recipes. They get kibble with yogurt in the AM, and homecooked at night. There is research to be done, but I wouldn't let that discourage anyone. Some books, information, and assistance from other homecookers and I was ready to go! They get supplements, including powdered eggshell to balance the calcium/phosphorus. I've seen an improvement in energy and vitality in my guys - esp. the seniors (aged 10-15).
	__________________ "Life is Merrier with a Skye Terrier".... and a gang of rescue Pugs!

12-09-2005, 12:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 865 Rep Power: 85	I definitly can't do that. I'm like Daisy. I barely cook for myself, let alone for Gizmo. But it's just me, the dog and the cats so it's hard to motivate myself. It could possibly change once I have more people to cook for! it's something I'm definitly thinking of looking into though, once I can motivate myself.... scooping the kibble is just so darn easy!
	__________________

12-09-2005, 05:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 93	You know what's funny. My dogs (GSD's) years ago lived many long years 13-15 yrs. eating "purina dog chow". Granted after all the choices of premium foods I would never go back to it. But I think this raw diet is a bit much. I barely have time to cook for me and my kid let alone worrying about if my dog is eating beef, chicken, or turkey necks. I feed my dogs a premium dry kibble along with Nuvet tabs as a supplement. Works for me and my dogs are very healthy.

12-10-2005, 06:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
Miss. Chi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 86 Rep Power: 59	I'm great someone started a thread on this! Although I feed Charlie quality I think I (and Charlie) would prefer something home cooked. He's not a big fan of dry dog food. I've wanted to start doing more research on home cooking and wasnt sure where to start. I generally don't trust googling b/c you never can be sure if what you're getting is accurate. So if anyone could recomend any books or websites that would be super. M.C
	__________________ All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind. ~Amen to that~

12-10-2005, 08:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sheltiemama Shelties forever! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 694 Rep Power: 77	If you're interested in home cooking there is a Yahoo group called Totally home cooking for dogs available for you to get answers to your questions. It's free and there are lots of people who are willing to lend their experiences and help you along your way. Home cooking doesn't have to be an every day thing either, it's a matter of time and preference for each individual.
	__________________ THE RESCUE SQUAD!!

12-10-2005, 09:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
KennelMom Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Piedmont, SC Posts: 658 Rep Power: 83	I'm not too sure about home cooking, but I certainly favor a raw diet. We do it for our 12 greyhounds. However, I would prefer someone feed a quality kibble rather than home cook/feed raw without adequate (and ongoing) research.

12-10-2005, 10:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
Miss. Chi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 86 Rep Power: 59	Thanks Mama (hehehe). I was definately trying to look more into it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE to cook. So why not hook Sir Charles up too? I definately wasnt gonna start without looking into because I'm sure you could easily miss a lot of essential nutrients and vitamins. I read a brief blurb on it in a mag but couldn't find anymore. I plan to do some research over the holidays to get aquainted with the whole thing. Thanks MC
	__________________ All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind. ~Amen to that~

12-10-2005, 10:56 AM	#13 (permalink)
gaddylovesdogs don't have a cow! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,418 Rep Power: 149	I think raw and homemade food is above "regular" foods. But if you can't feed a homemade diet (cooked or raw), you should go for a high-quality "regular" food.
	__________________ Looking for a new pet? Search www.petfinder.com for your next love. If you have a heart, please help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

12-10-2005, 12:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
jake03 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0	I go for a high quality dry food which has been reccomended by a vet. As I work full-time I cant cook anything as I don't have time however I won't just feed my dog anything therefore I am particular about no GM foods and only natural ingredients.
jake03 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 0

12-10-2005, 12:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 865 Rep Power: 85	What about that BARF stuff? Is that any good? :S
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