Cooking for Pets

Furry Friend Fare: Rethink the way you feed four-legged family members
By Kelli Rosen, Alternative Medicine, November 2007

Anyone who loves an animal was shaken to the core last spring when news broke of an unprecedented case of pet-food contamination. Turns out, batches of wheat gluten from China that had been used to make kibble and stews for dogs and cats contained melamine, a substance most commonly used as an industrial binding agent or flame retardant. Animals who ate enough of the tainted food suffered kidney failure. The FDA received more than 10,000 complaints of illness, and although the official death toll stands at just 16, other news agencies estimate the actual number is much higher.

Following the recall, many pet owners became leery of processed foods and decided to take matters—or rather, meals—into their own hands. “The number of my clients now cooking for their animals has doubled since the recall,” says Grant Nixon, DVM, a Summerland, British Columbia-based veterinarian and co-author of Better Food for Dogs (Robert Rose, 2002).

But according to Korinn E. Saker, DVM, a clinical veterinary nutritionist at North Carolina State University, interest in homemade pet food has actually been on the rise for about the last five years. “Pets are now considered part of the family, like children, and their guardians want to cook for them as a bonding experience, as a way to improve their quality of life,” she says. Taking the leap to homemade doesn’t have to be a difficult one, as long as you do your homework and get organized.

Cooking for Fido

Make the meal. When you’re whipping up dinner for your pup, you must first figure out which ingredients to combine. “Dogs are omnivores,” says Saker, “so about two-thirds of their calories should come from carbohydrates and the other one-third should be protein.” To calculate daily caloric requirements, seek the advice of your vet because the amount varies according to size, breed, age, and level of activity. To make the task of home cooking a little less intimidating—and less time consuming—David Bastin, another co-author of Better Food for Dogs, suggests cooking for dogs what you would eat yourself and leave out any table scraps such as fats, gravies, and poultry skins because they can cause major stomach irritation. “A good general rule to keep in mind is if you wouldn’t eat it, then you shouldn’t give it to your dog,” he says.

Add the supplements. Dogs are active beings, so in addition to human-grade ingredients, they usually require supplements. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, a veterinarian in Plano, Texas, and author of Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats (Prima Publishing, 2001), suggests working with a holistic veterinarian to determine supplemental requirements for your particular breed of dog, as well as proper dosages, which should be based on the weight and special needs of the animal. “You can create nutritional deficiencies if you don’t give them enough of what they need,” he says, “and if you give them too much, it could be toxic.”

Messonnier recommends Pet-Together’s Vim & Vigor for a basic vitamin and mineral boost. The supplement also contains colostrum for a healthy immune system; coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that also supports the immune system as well as healthy teeth and gums; enzymes for improved digestion and absorption; glucosamine for healthy joint function; and Siberian ginseng to help your pet adapt to stressors. In his practice, Messonnier prescribes this basic supplement to most pets and then adds other therapies depending on individual needs.

Know what to avoid.When preparing food for your dog, remember that certain foods you consider healthy for your family can be deadly for your animals. Most folks know to avoid chocolate, but Messonnier says to stay away from onions, large amounts of garlic, grapes, and raisins as well. He also suggests watching for any other ingredients that may upset your dog’s digestive system and then avoiding those in future recipes. “That’s just a matter of trial and error,” he says.

Cooking for Fluffy
Make the meal. When it comes to cats, calculate the number of calories they require in a day. According to Messonnier, adult felines need roughly 70 to 80 kcal/kg (1 kg equals 2.2 pounds) of body weight each day. So for example, a 10-pound adult indoor cat requires approximately 300 kcal of energy a day, and an equal-size outdoor cat needs about 360 kcal. A 5-pound kitten on the other hand, requires about the same amount of energy a day as an indoor adult cat. To calculate the specific needs for your feline, consult your vet.

The homemade recipes you choose should contain many different ingredients, especially if you’re feeding a kitten. “Cats aren’t naturally finicky, they’re made that way,” says Messonnier. “Taste preferences are generally set by six months of age, so I strongly recommend offering kittens a variety of ingredients and flavors in their diets.”But whatever you decide to dish up for kitty, be sure to include the proper portion of meat or fish. “Cats are strict carnivores,” says Messonnier, “and a totally vegetarian diet will result in nutritional deficiencies.” Saker recommends getting roughly two-thirds of your cat’s daily calories from animal protein sources and one-third from carbohydrates.

Add the supplements. Although not the most active of animals, felines still need balanced meals. Messonnier recommends a natural source of bonemeal or calcium and phosphorous purchased from reputable supplements manufacturers, along with a vitamin and mineral boost such as Vim & Vigor. Other beneficial supplements for your cat, he says, include omega-3 fatty acids and plant enzymes. Dosage specifics vary depending on size and needs of the animal, so consult a holistic veterinarian for guidance.

Know what to avoid.Like dogs, cats should also steer clear of onions, large amounts of garlic, grapes, and raisins, as well as anything else that causes tummy upset.

Tail-wagging rewards
There’s no denying that cooking for your animal means more work for you. “People are very busy,” says Nixon, “and it’s tough to fit this in.” He suggests setting up a plan to make food in advance—and, like Bastin, he says not to feed your cat anything you wouldn’t eat. He also recommends freezing portions, so you’ll have something to use in a pinch or when the rest of the family decides to dine out.

If cooking every meal for your animal just isn’t possible, Messonnier suggests combining homemade food with processed food from a reputable holistic manufacturer (see “Trustworthy Pet Foods” below).“Whatever is easy for the owner and if the pet likes it, I’m all for it,” he says, adding that few companies—Nature’s Variety, for example—offer complete frozen homemade diets. “They’ve done all the work for you and the food’s already balanced,” he says.

Making the switch from dry kibble to homemade meals will add yet another chore to your already chock-full to-do list, but the rewards can make the effort worthwhile. In addition to peace of mind for you—because now you know where your pet’s food comes from—feeding your animals fresher, well-balanced food offers very real health benefits. “They will have more energy, their coats will be nicer, and there may also be subtle changes in allergic skin issues and ear problems,” says Nixon. “Think about how much better you feel when you eat healthy, and it really is relatively easy once you get into the routine. It’s kind of like having another child to feed.”

Trustworthy Pet Foods
Blue Buffalo
Canidae and Felidae
Castor & Pollux Organix
Country Pet Natural
Evanger’s
Healthy Pet Foods
Halo, Purely for Pets
Natura (Innova, California Natural, and Healthwise)
Nature’s Recipe
Natural Life Pet Products
Newman's Own Organics
Pet Guard
Pet Promise
Steve’s Real Food
Wellness / Old Mother Hubbard
Wysong