Plants & Pets
Looking after your pet and his hygiene needs can be a trying task in monsoon as they are most vulnerable in these months to fungal infection, allergies, fur loss problems, and stomach disorders. Just like how often your dog licks itself is an indicator of how well he has been cleaned, his toilet habits to say much about his health provided you’ve been keeping a close eye. While you can set a daily cleansing routine for your dog in between his walks, it can be counterproductive if you are not going to feed him the right foods after all. Begin by washing his water and food bowl twice regularly, keeping his chews sanitised, and following it up with a well balanced diet, and you’ll see the difference in his energy levels and the quality of fur.
Eating habits of pets depend on their size, not breed
A dog's diet is the foundation of building good immunity. Every dog's requirement for nutrition is different. For instance, a large sized adult dog's nutritional needs vary from that of a small sized adult dog. Smaller breeds require different formulation compared to larger ones. The smaller breeds, not to mention, need to eat less as they require lesser energy.
Special monsoon diet
Owing to high humidity and heat dogs usually do not eat dry dog food during the summer and monsoon months. Home-cooked diets or wet food are perfectly suitable in these months as they contain the required amount of moisture. A natural balanced diet should be given to your dog comprising a bio available source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, fat and vitamins and it should be soy, corn and wheat free.
Enhancing your pets’ metabolism
A high source of fibre such as sweet potato, lean chicken, brown rice, and tofu can help boost your dog’s metabolism, and ensure his continued health and well being. An ideal wholesome meal should contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids as they have important immune and anti-inflammatory functions that contribute to a dog's health and vitality. Proteins contain essential amino acids and are required for muscle building and growth of your dog. Proteins provide the required energy to your dog and they digest it easily too. A wholesome meal should contain sufficient proteins, vitamins and calcium to keep your dog active and healthy. Ideally his main source of protein should be chicken, lamb or fish. Veg options can include lentils, beans, eggs and paneer. It is critical you do not overfeed your dog.
Homemade dog food recipes
One way to guarantee that your beloved pet is getting super healthy food is by making dog food at home. Serving sizes usually vary according to your pet’s size, weight and activity level. Some nutrition guidelines you may like to keep in mind: 10% carbohydrates – beans and grains40% protein – seafood, animal meat, dairy, eggs; 50% fresh vegetables; Fat from meat or oil; Calcium – powdered or crushed eggshells, supplements; Fatty acids – oatmeal, cooked egg yolks, plant oils. Here are some easy-to-make nutritious homemade dog food recipes:
1. Salmon Treat: This is an eco-friendly recipe as it uses the things that people often tend to discard, like broccoli stems, peelings etc to make a delicious meal for your four-legged friend. Makes about 2 cups. Ingredients: Two carrots; two potatoes; a broccoli head (with stem); a squash; two salmon portions (with skin); olive oil. Method: Chop the broccoli stem and the squash into pieces. Peel the carrots, potatoes and keep the peelings. Put broccoli stem, squash, and carrot and potato peelings into a pressure cooker and give it a few whistles. Pour oil into a wok or saucepan and put it on medium heat. Place the salmon pieces and pan fry them. Pull off the salmon skin when it turns crisp and place it in the dog bowl. Transfer the cooked contents of the pressure cooker into the dog bowl. Give everything a good mix for your dog to enjoy.
2. Pumpkin Dog Biscuits: You can make these yummy pumpkin biscuits as vegetarian dog food. These digestive biscuits are great for your dog’s stomach and can assist in tackling any digestive issues. Ingredients: 2/3 cup pumpkin puree; Two cups rice flour; an egg; 1/3 cup cold water; olive oil. Method: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix rice flour and oil. Whisk the pumpkin puree and egg together until smooth. Next, add the pumpkin mix to the rice flour mixture. Slowly pour water and keep stirring. You can hand mix all the ingredients as well to make a smooth dough. Line the baking tray with baking paper and smear the dough to desired thickness. Allow it to bake for 40 to 45 minutes or till cracks appear on the top. Cut to preferred sizes. Cool and stock in an airtight glass container.
3. Chicken Casserole: If you wish to make dog food with chicken, this tasty chicken casserole is just the thing you need to try! The ingredients are also readily available. Ingredients: Two chicken breasts; ¼ cup rolled oats; A cup of mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, potatoes, broccoli); two cups chicken broth; olive oil. Method: Cut the chicken breast pieces into desired sizes. Take a pan and pour some oil. Put it on medium heat and transfer the chicken pieces into it. Sauté them until cooked. Pour the chicken broth, mixed vegetables, and rolled oats. Cover the pan and allow the ingredients to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool down before serving.
4. Vegetable Delight: You may want to bookmark this beautiful dish with all the goodness of vegetables under dog food recipes for dogs with allergies. It is easy-to-cook and contains wholesome ingredients. Ingredients: A sweet potato; a cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, green peas, broccoli, cauliflower); a can of black beans (drained and rinsed); 2/3 cups brown rice (uncooked); 1 ½ cups water; six kale leaf stems. Method: Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Add all the chopped vegetables in a pressure cooker along with some water. Lower the temperature and allow ingredients to simmer for some time. Combine rice and water in a slow cooker and bring them to a boil. Mix the cooked rice, beans and vegetables before serving.
5. Frozen Banana Delight: After a long and exhausting walk, your dog is sure going to love you even more for giving him this refreshing and fantastic treat. Ingredients: Four cups plain, unsweetened yoghurt; three ripe bananas (peeled and mashed); two tablespoons of peanut butter. Method: Combine the ingredients in a blender to get a smooth consistency. Pour the smoothie into cups of preferred sizes. Place them in the freezer until firm.
6. Turkey Veggie Mix: This can be a wonderful recipe for dogs as it has the right balance of healthy carbs, vegetables and lean animal protein. Ingredients: A pound of turkey; two cups brown rice (uncooked); six cups water; a cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli). Method: Combine the turkey, rice and water in a large pot. Turn the stove on high heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the ingredients to simmer. Add all the vegetables after chopping them. Cook for 10 more minutes. Turn off your stove and allow it to cool. -TTN
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