Anyone here feed home cooked meals to your labs?

What books or websites do you recommend for someone interested in getting into home cooking for their dogs?

I guess my main concern would be the vitamins and minerals that need to be added into the diet.

What type of supplements do you add into your dogs home cooked meals?

There are several people on this board who feed home-cooked. The Natural Diets section should be a great resource for you. Good luck!

Im gonna stick my foot in it, but Natural Sections is techically for the Raw feeders.

Any how, I posted an article a while back that talked about Home cooked and someone posted a pretty good link in there as well.
http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/showthread.php?t=100462

We used to feed home-cooked to Holly until she was 2 years old. We supplemented with just a vitamin supplement for dogs, and she also got yogurt in her food to aid with digestion. We went by the book _The Natural Dog_ by Mary L. Brennan, which is no longer in print. You can find it used online, though.

Im gonna stick my foot in it, but Natural Sections is techically for the Raw feeders.

Any how, I posted an article a while back that talked about Home cooked and someone posted a pretty good link in there as well.
http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/showthread.php?t=100462

No, it's for home cooked too, but there aren't as many of them so RAW feeders definately outnumber home cooked.

No, it's for home cooked too, but there aren't as many of them so RAW feeders definately outnumber home cooked.


yes, homecookers are welcome in natural diets.:thumb4: if i remember correctly dr pitcairn's book has recipes for homecooked meals for dogs and cats and includes suppliment information
http://www.amazon.com/Pitcairns-Complete-Guide-Natural-Health/dp/157954973X/ref=tag_ti_img/002-9711907-2887202

There are several people on this board who feed home-cooked. The Natural Diets section should be a great resource for you. Good luck!

I have been reading over at the Natural Diets section and seems like most of them feed raw. I'll go ahead and post over there and see what responses I get. Thank you.


We used to feed home-cooked to Holly until she was 2 years old. We supplemented with just a vitamin supplement for dogs, and she also got yogurt in her food to aid with digestion. We went by the book _The Natural Dog_ by Mary L. Brennan, which is no longer in print. You can find it used online, though.

I just bought that book a few weeks ago on Amazon :thumb4:


yes, homecookers are welcome in natural diets.:thumb4: if i remember correctly dr pitcairn's book has recipes for homecooked meals for dogs and cats and includes suppliment information
http://www.amazon.com/Pitcairns-Complete-Guide-Natural-Health/dp/157954973X/ref=tag_ti_img/002-9711907-2887202

Thank you, I'll have to order that book.


Thank you all for your replies.

Im gonna stick my foot in it, but Natural Sections is techically for the Raw feeders.


That's not how it started out :(

When we requested - and were granted - a section of the board, it was meant to be about just what it says: Natural Diets. There were those who home-cooked for their dogs, and those who fed raw. There were those who split their feeding between kibble AND human food, too. It used to be a welcoming, inclusive, educational environment. I hope that it still is.

Anyone here feed home cooked meals to your labs?

What books or websites do you recommend for someone interested in getting into home cooking for their dogs?

I guess my main concern would be the vitamins and minerals that need to be added into the diet.

What type of supplements do you add into your dogs home cooked meals?

I've fed homecooked before, and still do sometimes (however not as picky with supplements, due to kibble)...I have Diane Morgans book, "Feeding your Dog for Life"...Her book does break down supplements..

Jen

Im gonna stick my foot in it, but Natural Sections is techically for the Raw feeders.

Any how, I posted an article a while back that talked about Home cooked and someone posted a pretty good link in there as well.
http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/showthread.php?t=100462
No it's not. When the Natural Diet forum started out with just 4 of us, everyone knew then that we feed Zoe a homemade diet, plus a little raw.

Basically, a homemade diet consists of slightly boiled ground meat (ground bones can be included), veggie mush, and for those who wish to add it, over-cooked grains (brown rice, oats, millets). When it's all measured and mixed it looks like this (we don't always add rice - then will add more meat and veggies):
http://www.picvault.info/images/537041870_101_0149.jpg

I didn't want to say it, but I haven't posted in the other section due to some responses I have read when others have posted questions that weren't feeding raw. Not all were rude, but enough to make me post in this section instead.

No it's not. When the Natural Diet forum started out with just 4 of us, everyone knew then that we feed Zoe a homemade diet, plus a little raw.

Basically, a homemade diet consists of slightly boiled ground meat (ground bones can be included), veggie mush, and for those who wish to add it, over-cooked grains (brown rice, oats, millets). When it's all measured and mixed it looks like this (we don't always add rice - then will add more meat and veggies):
http://www.picvault.info/images/537041870_101_0149.jpg

Do you add any vitamins, oils, or any supplements? If so what type/brand do you use?

I was thinking of boiled ground chicken.

Baking yams, chopping up boc choi, adding blue berries, cranberries, and some fresh green beans then tossing them all in a blender.

Once I figure out the serving size I would also top it with some yogurt.

I already use Solid Gold Flax Seed oil, SeaMeal, and MSM for my Pug.

I was planning on adding all but the MSM for Pebbles.

I'm wondering what supplements everyone else uses.

I didn't want to say it, but I haven't posted in the other section due to some responses I have read when others have posted questions that weren't feeding raw. Not all were rude, but enough to make me post in this section instead.

I think you'll find the moderaters of that section are all decent compassionate people. If you feel bullied or otherwise uncomfortable in any section of this board, I suggest you make your feelings known.

Nobody should be afraid to ask for help on a forum that is here for the sake of helping us!!

Perhaps it is time to gently remind those who think the Natural Diets section is the sole domain of raw feeders that it is not... and also that there is not just ONE WAY to feed a dog. There are many schools of thought surrounding the practice of natural diets for their dogs! Everyone will benefit more from an open exchange of ideas than from a lecture.

I think you'll find the moderaters of that section are all decent compassionate people. If you feel bullied or otherwise uncomfortable in any section of this board, I suggest you make your feelings known.

Nobody should be afraid to ask for help on a forum that is here for the sake of helping us!!

Perhaps it is time to gently remind those who think the Natural Diets section is the sole domain of raw feeders that it is not... and also that there is not just ONE WAY to feed a dog. There are many schools of thought surrounding the practice of natural diets for their dogs! Everyone will benefit more from an open exchange of ideas than from a lecture.

Great post, Zen :clap2:

Thank you for that post, ZenCat.
I remember one thread in recent weeks by someone who inquired about home-cooked food. Someone posted a response to the effect of, "That's wonderful, but why don't you do what is best for your dog and feed raw, as nature intended" or something to that effect. That kind of attitude simply isn't helpful, and that response made me very sad. I don't like to see anyone who wants to cook for their dog discouraged from doing so by another board member.

It makes me very sad too. I was one of the founding members of that section, and we prided ourselves on being welcoming and encouraging. And I'm sure everyone in the regular Diet & Nutrition section was happy to see us go :floor

There was a time many oldtimers here may remember, when I had very strong opinions on certain subjects especially regarding proper diets for dogs (and cats). I still do! I hope in expressing it, however, I was not abusive, insulting or mocking in any way (with the exception of Dad of Jes, who I fondly remember as my nemesis and who I think has forgiven me since that time).

I've embraced a broader view of pet care since those days. I know now that there just can't be just ONE WAY to do anything, and cutting someone off from help or support because they don't embrace your way of doing something kind of defeats the purpose - to me - of gathering in a group like this.

Lisa, I never felt that "holier than thou" attitude from you. :) In fact, most of the raw feeders are very helpful, willing to instruct and share with other people on the board. But, unfortunately, the few bad apples can leave a memorable impression.

If you feel bullied or otherwise uncomfortable in any section of this board, I suggest you make your feelings known.



yes, please do. for the record the natural diets section encompasses all non kibble diets as well as holistic treatments such as natural flea and tick preventions, homeopathic remedies, etc. the natural diets section of the board is supportive of, but in no way exclusive to, raw feeding.

yes, please do. for the record the natural diets section encompasses all non kibble diets as well as holistic treatments such as natural flea and tick preventions, homeopathic remedies, etc. the natural diets section of the board is supportive of, but in no way exclusive to, raw feeding.

Thank you, happyhomer!

I hate when the raw feeders get a bad rap because of a certain few. Anyone that's ever talked to me knows that I will answer any questions I can and I've had NUMEROUS newbies PM me personally asking me questions (even though I'm quite new myself!). I'm all up for answering any questions and educating people on a natural diet, but I won't shove it down their throats if they don't want to know.

First I'll say that I have found both sections to be of tremendous help. But Hogan is a failed raw food convert. I tried on several occasions to make the switch. He just wasn't going to "convert" and I eventually gave in. I mean we went almost 4 days without eating and I said that was enough for me.

I do home cook his food, however, for at least 4 meals a week. I buy lots of chicken hearts, gizzards, beef hearts, and liver and lightly saute them - individually, not all at the same time - in some olive oil. I don't add any grains and Hogan absolutely snubs all forms of veggies. So I end up supplementing with Wellness WellTabs (vitamin), Vit. E (400 IU), Vitamin C (445 mg - Solid Gold Exxtra-C Tablets), and a Glucosimine/Chondroitin/MSM capsule. I also feed a meal of Pet Botanics lamb and brown rice meat roll on a regular basis. Once a week he gets a can of Jack Mackerel as a meal. From time to time I attempt a chicken neck and he'll eat them - only sometimes - and it seems he does it when I offer the neck to the cat!

Basically, a homemade diet consists of slightly boiled ground meat (ground bones can be included), veggie mush, and for those who wish to add it, over-cooked grains (brown rice, oats, millets). When it's all measured and mixed it looks like this (we don't always add rice - then will add more meat and veggies):
Yes but, this may be the basics for your diet plan, however there is more to it..Do you not add supplements?

Jen

I didn't want to say it, but I haven't posted in the other section due to some responses I have read when others have posted questions that weren't feeding raw. Not all were rude, but enough to make me post in this section instead.LOL, if anyone is rude to you while posting in the Natural Diet section, please let me know and I'll send Zoe after them...she can be a mean Labby :). But seriously, rudeness is not accepted on Woody's board, and as mods we are here to try to prevent that, but if it happens, please PM one of us.

To answer your other questions, yes we do add supplements as per our vet's advice. The supplements that Zoe gets are for HER needs, so we need to look at each dog's needs separately.
To make it easier for me, here is Zoe's daily diet that we've saved on our computer.
Breakfast (6:00 am):
- 3 big spoons of homemade food
- 1 capsule Digestion Formula (blue label)
(let soak in food for 5 minutes)
- 1 calcium pill (2 halves)
- 1/4 tsp Kelp
- 1/2 tsp Canola oil
- 1/8 tsp Slippery elm
- 1 Vitamin E capsule (200 mg)
- 1 chewable multi-vitamin
Snack (11:00 am):
- Fruit
Lunch (1:00 pm)
- Chicken-back piece or Turkey neck
Supper (8:00 pm)
- 3 big spoons of homemade food
- 1 capsule Digestion Formula (blue label)
(let soak in food for 5 minutes)
- 1/2 calcium pill
- 1/2 vit B complex pill
- 1/4 tsp Kelp
- 1/2 tsp Canola oil
- 1/8 tsp Slippery elm
- 1/2 capsule Quercitin
- 1 chewable multi-vitamin
Snack (9:00 pm)
- Fruit
Bedtime
-Heaping spoon of organic yogurt

I did post in the Natural Section and everyone that replied was very nice and helpful over there :)

Thank you for your Zoe's daily diet.

I am now in search of a Holistic vet in my area and hope they will be able to work out a diet for my fur kids.

I did post in the Natural Section and everyone that replied was very nice and helpful over there :)

Thank you for your Zoe's daily diet.

I am now in search of a Holistic vet in my area and hope they will be able to work out a diet for my fur kids.Excellent idea :).

Glad that everyone was nice :).

You're welcome, but please remember that this is ZOE's daily diet. BTW, twice a week our girls also each get an egg.

To answer your other questions, yes we do add supplements as per our vet's advice. The supplements that Zoe gets are for HER needs, so we need to look at each dog's needs separately.
To make it easier for me, here is Zoe's daily diet that we've saved on our computer.

Thanks:) As one that fed homecooked strictly at one time, I also added a number of supplements. I always have this fear that some may take homecooked as only that, without adding the right supplements for their dog:)

Jen