Well-known brand reducing the meat content in its dog food by 30%

The Big Shift in Dog Food: From Big Brands to Homemade Nutrition

In today's challenging economic landscape, the pet food industry is undergoing significant changes. Many dog food brands, both large and small, are cutting costs in ways that compromise the quality of their products. We've observed alarming trends, such as a well-known brand reducing the meat content in its dog food by 30%, substituting it with fillers to maintain volume. This is a stark reminder that our pets deserve better, and we must take action to ensure they receive the nutrition they need.

Our Journey to Homemade Dog Food

At Life in the Outback, we've decided to take control of our dogs' nutrition by switching to homemade dog food. This decision wasn't made lightly. It stemmed from a deep concern for the health and well-being of our beloved Pomeranians. Here's how we've managed to provide nutritious, vet-approved meals for our dogs at just $9 per week per dog:

Cost-Effective and Healthier

1. Economic Benefits: As the cost of living rises, finding ways to cut expenses without compromising on quality is crucial. Making our own dog food has allowed us to save money while ensuring our pets receive the best nutrition.
2. Health Improvements: Since transitioning to homemade meals, our dogs have shown remarkable improvements in their health. Their coats are shinier, their teeth are cleaner, and their overall vitality has increased.

The Impact of Commercial Dog Food

The pet food industry is a multi-billion dollar market, dominated by a few major companies. These corporations often prioritize profit margins over the quality of their products. As a result, many commercial dog foods are filled with low-cost fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products that can be detrimental to our pets' health.

Fillers and Additives

Many commercial dog foods contain fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, which are used to bulk up the product at a lower cost. These ingredients provide little nutritional value and can lead to allergies and digestive issues in dogs. Additionally, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors are commonly added to enhance the shelf life and appeal of the food, but they can have negative health effects over time.

Nutrient Deficiencies

A significant concern with many commercial dog foods is the lack of essential nutrients. The reduction in meat content and the use of inferior protein sources mean that dogs may not be getting the necessary amino acids and other nutrients required for optimal health. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including weakened immune systems, poor coat condition, and decreased energy levels.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Improved Health and Longevity

By preparing homemade dog food, we can ensure that our pets receive high-quality, nutrient-rich meals. Fresh ingredients such as lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and well-being. Dogs on a balanced, homemade diet often experience improved coat condition, better digestion, increased energy, and a stronger immune system.

Control Over Ingredients

One of the greatest advantages of homemade dog food is the ability to control what goes into your pet's meals. We can avoid harmful additives and fillers, opting instead for wholesome, natural ingredients. This control also allows us to tailor the diet to meet our dogs' specific needs, such as addressing allergies or weight management.

Our Recipe for Homemade Dog Food

Here’s what we feed our dogs:

Ingredients:

• 2 kg fresh ground kangaroo, beef, lamb, or chicken (human grade) - my favorite choice is normally kangaroo
• 2 packets of chicken and noodle soup mix
• 500 gm wild/brown rice
• 1 kg elbow pasta
• 1.5 kg carrots
• 1 broccoli
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 400 gm string beans
• 250 gm snow peas
• 1 kg peas
• 400 gm spinach
• 1 small pumpkin
• 1 celery
• 6 eggs
• 100 ml olive oil
• 340 gm shaved Parmesan cheese
• Protexin Gel or Pro-Kolin (optional, about 1/4 teaspoon per meal)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

   • Place the ground meat in a large stock pot.
   • Add enough water to cover the meat well.
   • Add 2 packets of chicken and noodle soup mix to the pot.
   • Boil until the meat is fully cooked.

2. Cook the Rice:

   • In another pot, boil 2 cups of wild/brown rice until tender.
   • Drain and set aside.

3. Add Pasta to Meat:

   • Once the meat has been cooking for a while, add the elbow pasta to the meat mixture.
   • Continue to cook until the pasta is done.

4. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Use a food processor to chop all the vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, string beans, snow peas, spinach, pumpkin, celery, and broccoli) finely.
   • Add the processed vegetables to the meat mixture just before the meat is completely cooked. The vegetables do not need to be cooked thoroughly.

5. Add Eggs:

   • Beat 6 eggs and add them to the meat mixture right after turning off the heat.

6. Combine Ingredients:

   • Drain the cooked rice and add it to the meat mixture.
   • Mix everything well.

7. Finish with Olive Oil:

   • Once the meat mixture has stopped cooking, add 100 ml of olive oil and mix well.

8. Cool and Add Cheese:

   • Allow the mixture to cool completely.
   • Add shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired, and mix well.

9. Portion and Freeze:

   • Divide the food into appropriately sized containers for feeding your dogs.
   • Freeze the portions. This batch should provide a week's worth of food for up to 10 dogs. (1 cup per day with biscuits as a side or up the amount to only feed homemade meal.)

Tips:

• Monitor your dogs' response to the diet and adjust as necessary.

We're Not Experts, But We Care Deeply

We want to be clear: we're not experts. We're dog owners who have taken the time to research and learn about what’s best for our pets. We've consulted with notable nutritionists and our vet to ensure we're on the right path. This blog isn't here to claim that one brand is better than another because there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it's about sharing our personal journey and how we've managed to improve our pets' lives.

Personal Touch and Not for Everyone

Switching to homemade dog food isn't for everyone. It requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn. It's a commitment that not every pet owner can make, and that's okay. Our story is about what works for us and how it has transformed our dogs' lives. We hope to inspire others who might be struggling with the cost of pet food or are concerned about the quality of commercial products.

Treats and Snacks

In addition to our homemade meals, we also offer a range of treats and snacks that are part of our dogs' diet. These treats are carefully selected and prepared to complement their meals. You can check out our collection here: Life in the Outback Dog Food Collection.

Follow Our Journey

Our blog is a personal account of life with our Pomeranians in the outback. We share our experiences, tips, and the ups and downs of our journey. Follow us, give us a like, and join our community as we navigate the challenges of pet ownership and strive to give our dogs the best possible life.