by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: December 11, 2009   Last Updated: December 15, 2009

After the infamous pet food recall scare of a few years ago, and as more and more dog owners grow concerned about feeding their dogs highly processed foods, a homemade diet may seem like the ultimate answer for a happier and healthier dog. Homemade diets have drawn the attention of many dog owners across the globe looking for foods free of byproducts, preservatives, colorants and chemical additives. Whether your dog is on a homemade diet because of a food allergy, a medical condition or simply because you are steering clear from the murky waters of the pet food industry, it is important to recognize that not all ingredients commonly deemed safe for humans are deemed safe for dogs as well.

One important aspect  to consider when preparing a homemade diet for dogs is that in order for the dog to thrive, the diet must be supplemented with fiber, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals. If not enough research is put into learning how to prepare a balanced homemade diet,  it may ultimately end up being far worse than feeding a cheaper, but yet more balanced commercial diet.                        One good way to get started is by recognizing some ingredients that should never be added to your canine companion's diet.

Homemade Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid

~Cooked Bones

Often well meaning dog owners decide to feed their dogs some of their left over chicken wings, chicken legs or baby back ribs. While raw bones are often recommended in a raw diet, cooked bones are another story. Cooked bones become brittle and dry, and ultimately develop a tendency to splinter. A splintered bone may easily cause internal damage as it passes through the gastro-intestinal tract and intestinal blockages as well are not  that uncommon.

~Fatty Foods

Fatty foods may encourage an unpleasant condition in dogs called ''pancreatitis''. This condition causes severe gastro-intestinal upset characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. This condition is often encountered near holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter when pets are likely to be fed fatty left over foods such as greasy turkey, greasy ham or bacon or other high fat foods.

~Large Amounts of  Liver

Raw liver may be fed to dogs on a raw diet, or cooked liver may be added to a home made diet, but too much liver may ultimately make dogs prone to  Vitamin A toxicity. Affected dogs may develop bone deformities

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