Homemade Plant-Based Dog Food: Is It The Best Option For Your Pet?

Disclaimer: This recipe is from Mrs. Plant in Texas

As people become more conscious about their own health and the environment, many are turning to plant-based diets. However, this trend is not only limited to humans but is also extending to our pets. Plant-based dog food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a more sustainable and ethical diet.

Plant-based dog food is made from a combination of vegetables, grains, legumes, and other plant-based ingredients. It is typically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat both meat and plants, a well-formulated plant-based diet can provide all the nutrients that a dog needs to thrive.

One of the primary benefits of plant-based dog food is that it is more environmentally sustainable than meat-based diets. The production of meat-based dog food requires a significant amount of resources, including land, water, and energy. Additionally, the production of meat-based dog food generates more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based dog food. By choosing this kind of diet, pet owners can reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the environment.

This is also beneficial for dogs with certain health conditions, such as food allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues. Many dogs can develop allergies or sensitivities to animal-based proteins, which can cause skin irritations, digestive problems, and other health issues. Plant-based dog food can provide an alternative source of protein that is less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities.

Here are some tips for choosing and feeding plant-based dog food:

1. Consult with your veterinarian: Before switching your dog to a plant-based diet, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's individual needs and help you choose a plant-based dog food that meets their nutritional requirements.
2. Choose high-quality ingredients: Look for plant-based dog foods that contain high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, or additives.
3. Consider the protein source: Dogs require protein for muscle growth and maintenance. Plant-based dog foods typically use protein sources such as soy, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. These protein sources can be combined to provide a complete amino acid profile that meets a dog's protein requirements.
4. Monitor your dog's health: When switching to a new diet, it is important to monitor your dog's health closely. Watch for any signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions, consult with your veterinarian.
5. Make the transition gradually: When transitioning your dog to a new diet, it is important to do so gradually. Start by mixing small amounts of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the amount of new food over several days or weeks. This will help your dog's digestive system adjust to the new diet.

Bottom point is, plant-based dog food is a viable and sustainable option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a nutritious and environmentally-friendly diet. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes and to choose high-quality plant-based dog foods that meet your dog's nutritional requirements. With proper planning and monitoring, plant-based dog food can be a healthy and delicious option for your furry friend.

Homemade Plant-based Dog Food

Mrs. Plant in Texas

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings 18

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Organic brown rice dry
• 1/2 cup Lentils
• 1 cup Garbanzo beans measured after being soaked or 1 1/2 cups cooked
• 1 cup Great northern or navy beans measured after being soaked or 1 1/2 cups cooked (replace with 1 cup of oats if your dog is over the age of 7 years old)
• 1 bag Organic frozen spinach (1 lb) NOT thawed
• 1 bag Organic frozen peas (1 lb) thawed
• 1 bag Organic frozen green beans (1 lb) thawed
• 1 bag Frozen broccoli or cauliflower  optional
• 1 lb Organic carrots shredded in food processor or chopped small (you can also buy them pre-shredded)
• 1/2 cup Chia seeds
• 1/2 cup Flaxseed ground
• 7 cups Water
• 1 can Organic pumpkin (15 oz) optional
• 1 1/2 cups Cooked sweet potatoes optional

Instructions

 

• Shred carrots in food processor or chop into tiny dice by hand. Transfer to pressure cooker. This will be at the bottom of the pressure cooker to prevent burning.
• Then, change to an S-blade and process cooked or soaked beans to a medium coarseness.
• Add the ingredients to pressure cooker in order: beans, rice, lentils, oats (for dogs over 7 years old, if using) peas, green beans, broccoli, and spinach plus water.
• Cook for 12 minutes with natural release. It can take almost 45 minutes for the pressure to come down and release.
• Remove the pressure cooker lid and stir in chia seeds and ground flaxseed. If adding, stir in 1 can of organic pumpkin and 2 or 3 cooked sweet potatoes. Cool and put into individual containers with tight lids and freeze for future use.