"My dogs Reckless and Thunder just love their homemade dog food - made with beef, Purple Karma Barley, carrots, beets, broccoli, blueberries, and more. Their energy and coats are off the charts. I think their favorite thing is running in the woods alongside me while I mountain bike. I believe preparing food for these boys helps them stay healthy and hungry for adventure."
Why Homemade Dog Food
We love our dogs and want the best for them. Dogs love us and depend on us to provide for them - healthy food and water, a safe place to live, exercise, and loving leadership. This is where homemade dog food comes in. As leaders, we have a responsibility to seek out and learn about what is healthy for our pups, and dog food is a big part of that. There are many options out there and most of them do not give you control over what is in the food they get. All of your dog’s nutrition and energy requirements come from just three sources: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These macronutrients are the only source of calories (energy) for your dog. So being able to make your dog's food right in your own home makes a lot of sense.
Meats + Fruits/Veggies + Grains
A balanced diet includes proteins, fats, high-fiber carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While grains aren't essential for dogs, most canine nutritionists would recommend grains to help balance the energy and nutrition dogs need. Meat, fat, and bone are the primary ingredients in any dog's diet. Organic fruits, veggies, and grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can help reduce the risk of cancer and boost immune function.
Good Options for Grain
The top grains for dogs include whole-grain wheat, brown rice, barley, oats, millet, and quinoa. The most important thing to consider is using Organic grains as opposed to conventionally grown grains. Conventionally grown grains are often contaminated with glyphosate, a widely used potentially carcinogenic active ingredient found in Roundup and other weed killers.
Organic Barley and More
Organic whole-grain barley is high in soluble fiber and is a good source of dietary fiber for your dog. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. It may act as a natural laxative to your dog’s digestive system and can ease discomfort due to constipation. Our Organic barley, whether it is Purple Karma Barley or our Good Food Award-winning Tibetan Black Barley, is a good source of carbohydrates, plant proteins, manganese, and vitamin B. These barley options are organically grown in Oregon and Idaho - reducing transportation and other environmental impacts.
Sources and References
While your homemade dog food will probably be a hit for your dog, preparing food for your dog is certainly different from cooking for your humans. We recommend getting professional veterinary advice to discuss your dog's nutritional needs and learn what is important to include and what not to include in a natural dog diet.
Dogs Naturally, Raw Food Primer, by Dana Scott - https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/
Bark and Whiskers, Barley for Dogs, by Dr. Karen Becker - https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/can-you-feed-barley-to-your-pets/
Masterclass, Dogs Eat Barley - https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-barley
Yappy Kitchen (recipe) - https://yappykitchen.com/chicken-barley-veggies-for-dogs
AKC: Should You Cook Your Dog’s Food? - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/cooking-for-your-dog-dos-and-donts/
by: Livin' Adkins
Marketing and Brand Coordinator
Livin' loves his pups and always wants the best for them. He and his wife Monica make homemade dog food for Reckless and Thunder.