MARKtoe! AUGUSTUS 2023 Uitgawe 107 | Page 61

PETS

combination of meat , grains , fruit and vegetables and are high in natural nutrients . While this could be a great choice from a nutritional perspective , this option can be expensive , and you may not have a reputable raw food company delivering to your area . Another downside is that generally , we are advised not to mix dry pellets with raw food , so the dogs are not receiving the benefit of the crunch that helps with oral hygiene .

HOMEMADE FOOD

There is also the option to make your own wet food or buy cooked wet food that is “ homemade ”, in other words , has not been processed and has no artificial ingredients . These foods usually contain rice and other grains , cooked meat and vegetables . The nutritional value and freshness of the food will heavily depend on who ’ s making it , so be sure you know exactly where it comes from .

Proper homemade dog food is not inexpensive , so if you have the time , you could make your own . All you would needs is a big pot , some chicken livers and / or meat offcuts ( no bones ), plenty of chopped up veggies ( nothing from the onion family ), and rice . Once cooked and cooled completely , scoop into plastic containers and freeze .

SHOULD YOU GIVE BONES ?

When we think of a giving a dog a “ treat ”, most often the first thing

If your dog has sensitive skin or a sensitive tummy , please check with your vet before changing food . If you do switch , start by mixing a little of the new food in with the old , increasing the amount of new food over two or three days until you are only feeding the new food

60 MARKtoe ! Augustus 2023