We're all busy.
And we all want the best diet for our dogs to lengthen their lives, to keep them healthy and thriving.
But if you do your own cooking you can add things like broth, meat, fresh vegetables and yes, fruits.
Veterinarian Joseph Demers suggests that even if you feed your dog quality, organic/natural kibble, it can be harmful to your dog over the long-term.
Why? Well its dehydrated food which causes dehydrated dogs.
Kibble is too dry, over processed and has added chemicals.
This diet can lead to chronic disease caused by the " internal heat " caused by a diet of only dry dog food.
This will overload the kidneys over time and the spleen, the organ that directs the digestive system.
It will begin to heat up the liver and you will begin seeing burping, throwing up bile in the morning and upset stomachs.
The saliva will be thick, dry stools and panting after the evening meal in spite of surrounding temperature.
You'll notice your dog has dry, coarse hair and flaking dandruff who are also shedding a lot of fur.
There is a simple solution thankfully.
If you still want to feed kibble and don't have a lot of time preparing homemade dog food, simply make the food wetter by adding beef or chicken broth.
Try to aim for 30% moisture compared to the amount of dry food.
Another simple addition to your dogs dry food is a good digestive enzyme product to aid digestion and a fatty acid supplement, such as flaxseed oil; which by the way is also very good for you.
Begin with 1 drop of oil for small dogs and 3 drops for large.
Increase gradually until you can give your dog to a level of 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds of body weight.
Flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
This plan fits very well in a busy schedule and still enrich your dog's diet, correctly and quickly.
If you organize yourself and you cook for your family it really is not difficult to make your dog food yourself.
I pull out chicken thighs the night before to defrost.
I essentially make chicken soup.
I add carrots, kale, cranberries (not dried) or apple pieces, green beans, peas, much of which I can get from leftovers.
I pour a small amount of brown rice or couscous, a little olive oil.
The largest percentage is the meat.
Once it is done I allow it to come to room temperature.
It usually lasts 2 days and I have 4 dogs, a German Shepherd and 3 Pomeranians.
I serve the homemade food at room temperature with a little aloe vera sprinkled over.
I also put out Blue Buffalo dry food for their second meal.
If you make it ahead of time which is what I do, I let it stay at room temp and they love it.
My vet tells me that is a perfect diet.
I do change it up for variety but everything I use goes into one big pot.
So easy.
As you educate yourself on what dogs can eat and what is good for them, you will discover more recipes.
Also know there are some foods that are toxic to dogs.
They are onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate.
If you can find the time your pets will be healthy and happy and it is a great feeling knowing you've prepared a wonderful meal for your canine family members.
And everything I put into my dogs "chicken soup" can be eaten by human beings as well.
I pour the recommended dosage of liquid vitamins with iron over the top and mix into the food.
They know when I pull out four bowls and serve them up they head to my home office and go crazy because they love the food I make them.
And that makes me feel so good.
By Pamela Mayer, lifelong dog owner, cook, advocate and owner of Noble Canine, Inc.