I often hear about pet owners that, for various reasons, decide it will be better for them to make a homemade raw dog food diet for their pet. I’ll admit that there may be some benefits to going this route but you’ll have to have plenty of time on your hands to make it happen and get it right.
While you may be thinking that you will be able to save a few dollars by making it yourself, you must be sure not to skip, skimp or overload on any of the necessary ingredients. Remember, a raw diet is just like any other; it’s all about balance! This is even more important if you are creating a diet for a dog with severe food allergies.
If you plan on making raw meat dog food yourself, there are some things that are essential to your pet’s well-being and long life. It’s crucial to pay attention to the vitamin and mineral content.
Vitamins for Dogs
In terms of health, excessive supplementation is not a huge concern if the vitamins that are being over-supplemented are water-soluble. However, my concern is the over supplementation or improper use of mineral and vitamin supplements that are fat-soluble. Vitamins A,D,K, and E are all fat-soluble vitamins which can become harmful to your pet if given in excess. An excess of certain minerals can also affect the absorption of other much needed nutrients in the body and should therefore be carefully monitored.