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Pet Health Guide - Healing Diets

Homemade Diet Overview

The use of homemade diets for the promotion of good health and management of disease is not a new concept or science. Today, homemade diets provide variety and flexibility and can be adjusted to meet the specific metabolic needs of dogs and cats. The objective of any pet owner interested in this unconventional feeding practice is to acquire a better understanding of nutrition, essential ingredients and the benefits that can be derived from feeding home cooked meals.

Outside the United States, home prepared diets are not unconventional but a standard practice. Commercial diets are considered unconventional in most parts of the world perhaps owning their popularity in the United States to the fast pace lifestyle.

Nutritional adequacy of a home prepared diet is dependent upon the selection of high quality ingredients and strict adherence to diet formulation. Whenever a homemade diet is indicated or desired, quality control problems can be avoided by consulting with a veterinary nutritionist or using one of the resources listed below. Pet owner who have the time, money and perseverance to maintain quality control in formulating a homemade diet are best suited for this alternative manner of feeding. In the absence of these requirements, commercial diets that are formulated to meet the metabolic needs of your pet should be fed.

 

Homemade Diet Formulation Assistance

 
  • Angel Memorial Hospital: (617) 522-7282
  • Michigan State University: (517) 432-7782
  • Ohio State University: (614) 292-1221
  • Tufts University: (508) 839-5395
  • University of Tennessee: (865) 974-8387
  • University of California, Davis: (530) 752-1387
 

Home Cooked Diet Guidelines

 
  • Calculate nutrient requirements, especially protein and energy.
  • Provide a fat source.
  • Provide a carbohydrate and fiber source.
  • Add vitamins and minerals.
  • Evaluate the diet once fed.
 

Cancer Diets

Cancer Diets for Dogs
This daily diet is formulated for a 50 pound dog, divided between AM & PM feedings. Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Generally, the larger the dog, the slower it’s metabolism, therefore, less food is required per day.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (chicken, lamb, pork, etc.) cooked with fat ~ 10 oz
  • Step 2) Select a high fiber grain (oatmeal, brown rice, etc.) ~ 1-2 oz
  • Step 3) Add mixed vegetables ~ 6-7 oz
  • Step 4) Cook the protein, carbohydrate and vegetable portions.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • Omega-3 fatty acids (marine based only-salmon, menhaden fish) as labeled
    • Lite salt ~ 1-1.5 teaspoons
    • Calcium carbonate ~ 1800 mg
    • Multi-vitamin or add "The Missing Link" supplement
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Refrigerate any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancer Diet for Cats
This recipe is extracted from the canine diet formulation (50 lbs) and should be divided into the appropriate servings for a cat.

  • Step 1) Choose a protein (chicken, pork, fish) cooked with fat ~ 10 oz
  • Step 2) Select a high fiber grain (oatmeal, brown rice, etc.) ~ 1-2 oz
  • Step 3) Cook the protein and carbohydrate.
  • Step 4) Add these supplements:
    •  Omega-3 fatty acids (marine based only-salmon, menhaden fish) as labeled
    •  Lite salt ~ 1-1.5 teaspoons
    •  Calcium carbonate ~ 1800 mg
    •  Multi-vitamin or add "The Missing Link" feline supplement
    • Add 250-500 mg of taurine daily~ 

 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Refrigerate any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

Chronic Skin, Gastrointestinal & Immune-Mediated Disease Diets

For Dogs
The following recipe is formulated for a 30-40 pound dog, divided between AM & PM feedings. Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Generally, the larger the dog, the slower it’s metabolism, therefore, less food is required per day.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (rabbit, fish, venison, quail, duck or goat) ~ 8-12 oz
  • Step 2) Add either cooked millet, amaranth or white potato with skin ~ 8-12 oz
  • Step 3) Add mixed vegetables (non-starchy) ~ 2-4 oz
  • Step 4) Cook the protein and carbohydrate
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • Olive or flaxseed oil ~ 4 teaspoons
    • Dicalcium phosphate or bone meal ~ 1 teaspoon
    • Salt or salt substitute ~ 1/2 teaspoon
    • Hypoallergenic multi-vitamin or add "The Missing Link" supplement
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Refrigerate any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

For Cats
This recipe is extracted from the canine diet formulation (30-40 lbs) and should be divided into the appropriate servings for a cat.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (fish, quail or duck) ~ 8-12 oz
  • Step 2) Add either cooked millet, amaranth or white potato with skin ~ 8-12 oz
  • Step 3) Cook the protein and carbohydrate.
  • Step 4) Add these supplements:
    • Olive or flaxseed oil ~ 4 teaspoons
    • Dicalcium phosphate or bone meal ~ 1 teaspoon
    • Salt or salt substitute ~ 1/2 teaspoon
    • Hypoallergenic multi-vitamin or add “The Missing Link” feline supplement
    • Add 500 mg of taurine daily.
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Refrigerate any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

Diabetes Mellitus (Type II) Diets

For Dogs
Homemade diets for diabetic dogs can have added fresh vegetables and raw fruits. Raw fruits are naturally high in nutrients, vitamins and natural sugars which do not have the detrimental effects on insulin levels that processed sugar does. Adding brewer’s yeast which contains a substance known as ‘glucose tolerance factor’ lowers blood sugar while vitamin E aids in reducing the bodies requirement for insulin. Other factors helping in glucose metabolism are found in a high quality vitamin/mineral supplement containing niacin, zinc, manganese and Vitamin B-1. Raw liver and pancreatic /digestive enzymes are additional food supplements having a beneficial affect on glucose metabolism.

The following recipe is formulated for a 25 pound dog, divided between AM & PM feedings. Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Generally, the larger the dog, the slower it’s metabolism, therefore, less food is required per day.

 
  • Step 1) Choose 4-8 oz (very lean) protein: pork (#1 choice), rabbit, sardines, white fish, kidney beans
  • Step 2) Choose 16 oz carbohydrate: oat’s or oat bran or oatmeal (good glucose regulator), brown rice (well cooked) or millet
  • Step 3) Choose 4-8 oz vegetable: string beans, squash, asparagus, mushrooms
  • Step 4) Cook the protein, carbohydrate and vegetable portions.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • 6 tsp of omega-3 fatty acid (marine based only-salmon, menhaden fish)
    • 1-1 1/2 tsp of lite salt
    • 600 mg calcium carbonate
    • Multivitamin tablet (follow dosing) or add "The Missing Link" supplement
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Freeze any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

For Cats
This recipe is extracted from the canine diet formulation (25 lbs) and should be divided into the appropriate servings for a cat.

 
  • Step 1) Choose 4-8 oz (very lean) protein: pork (#1 choice), sardines, white fish, kidney beans
  • Step 2) Choose 16 oz carbohydrate: oat’s or oat bran or oatmeal (good glucose regulator), brown rice (well cooked) or millet
  • Step 3) Remember, cats have no requirement for vegetables.
  • Step 4) Cook the protein and carbohydrate portions.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • 6 tsp of omega-3 fatty acid (marine based only-salmon, menhaden fish)
    • 1-1 1/2 tsp of lite salt
    • 600 mg calcium carbonate
    • Multivitamin tablet (follow dosing) or add “The Missing Link” feline supplement
    • Add 250-500 mg of taurine daily.
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Freeze any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

Healthy Diets

Healthy Adult Dog Diet
This daily diet is formulated for a 40 pound dog. Calculate nutrient requirements based on your dog’s weight and adjust accordingly.

  • Step 1) Choose a protein (chicken, lamb, pork, etc.) ~ 5 oz
  • Step 2) Add a carbohydrate (pasta or brown rice) ~ 9 oz
  • Step 3) Cook the protein and carbohydrate portions.
  • Step 4) Add these supplements:
    • High fiber cereal (no sugar/salt added) ~ 1-2 oz
    • Add a fat source (chicken fat, olive oil, etc.) ~ .40 oz
    • Bone Meal or dicalcium phosphate ~ .14 oz
    • Potassium chloride ~ .035 oz
    • Multi-vitamin or add “The Missing Link” supplement
 

If a vegetable protein must be used, soybean products (if not allergic), lentils, beans and peas can be substituted.

 

Healthy Adult Cat Diet
This daily diet is formulated for a 10 pound cat. Calculate nutrient requirements based on your cat’s weight and adjust accordingly.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (chicken, fish, pork, etc.) ~ 1.5 oz
  • Step 2) Choose a carbohydrate (pasta or brown rice) ~ 2.1 oz
  • Step 3) Cook the protein and carbohydrate portions.
  • Step 4) Add these supplements:
    • Fat source (chicken fat, olive oil, etc.) ~ .35 oz
    • Bone Meal or dicalcium phosphate ~ .04 oz
    • Salts (sodium chloride or potassium chloride) ~.035 oz
    • Taurine ~ .012 oz
    • Multi-vitamin or add “The Missing Link” feline supplement
 

Carbohydrates (bread, rice, barley, oatmeal, etc.) are not a dietary required of cats, although some cats may experience a drop in energy without them. Fiber, however, is important in digestive regulation and should always be included.

 

Heart Disease Diets

Heart Disease Diet for Dogs
Homemade diets, if prepared, should contain either unprocessed white meat chicken, cod or mackerel as a great source of protein. Lentils, as a protein substitute, 1/3 of the diet for dogs and 1/4 of the diet for cats is beneficial, while grains such as brown rice, oats and rye can be fed. Baking potatoes (with skin), broccoli and avocado are also beneficial. Minimize red meats which increase cholesterol and hypertension, especially in cats, and avoid dairy products. Remember, no sodium restriction is necessary unless the condition has progressed. However, no added salt should be used and ingredients high in salt, such as shrimp and shellfish must be avoided. Potassium chloride, instead of sodium chloride, can be added if the diet is too bland.

This daily diet is formulated for a 10 pound dog, divided between AM & PM feedings. Adjust these amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Generally, the larger the dog, the slower it’s metabolism, therefore, less food is required per day. Active dogs often require 2-5 times more food than sedentary dogs to meet metabolic needs.

 
  • Step 1) Choose 16 oz of protein: chicken (white meat), cod, sardines, rabbit, turkey or chicken hearts. Lentils can serve as a protein alternative.
  • Step 2) Choose 1 cup of carbohydrate: brown rice, oats, or buckwheat
  • Step 3) Choose 2 cups of vegetables: potatoes, barley, celery, asparagus, carrots or spinach
  • Step 4) Cook the protein, carbohydrate and vegetable portions preferably by steaming.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • 1 tsp. fish oil (wild salmon, herring, menhaden or cod liver without added vitamin A or D)
    • 400 mg calcium (elemental, as calcium citrate or carbonate) or 1200 mg (approximately 1-1/2 tsp) bone meal powder (human grade)
    • 1/4 tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride) - ONLY IF NEEDED FOR TASTE.
    • Multiple vitamin or add "The Missing Link" supplement
    • Digestive enzyme supplement (follow dosing)
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Freeze any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

Heart Disease Diet for Cats
The following recipe feeds an adult cat (10 lbs) two or three times a day for 2 days. Refrigerate leftovers promptly. With overweight cats, reduce their portions accordingly.

 
  • Step 1) Choose 16 oz protein: Chicken (white meat), cod, sardines, rabbit, turkey or chicken hearts.
    *Lentils can serve as a protein alternative.
  • Step 2) Cook the protein, preferably by steaming.
  • Step 3) Add these supplements:
    • 1 slightly rounded tablespoon of bone meal powder (human grade)
    • 1 multiple vitamin or add “The Missing Link” feline supplement
    • Digestive enzyme supplement (follow dosing)
    • 1 capsule taurine (250-500 mg/day)
    • With poultry, add 1 tsp fish oil per pound of meat
 

Optional: Supplement 1 jar of (organic) vegetable baby food such as, sweet potato, garden vegetables or spinach. Do not serve corn or potatoes. 1/2 tbsp of potassium chloride can be added to improve taste. Do not add common table salt (sodium chloride). Carbohydrates (bread, rice, barley, oatmeal, etc.) are not a dietary required of cats, although some cats may experience a drop in energy without them. Mix altogether and serve in the appropriate quantity. Freeze any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve.

 

Kidney Disease Diets

Kidney Disease Diet for Dogs
This daily diet is formulated for a 25 pound dog. Calculate nutrient requirements based on your dog’s weight and adjust accordingly.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (pork, 2 hard boiled eggs-no shells or low fat dairy products, rabbit, cod or sardines) ~ 5 oz.
    • Avoid shrimp, salmon, lamb, turkey, duck and lentils (alterative protein source)
  • Step 2) Add high quality carbohydrates (whole wheat, polenta or brown rice) ~ 3-4 cups
  • Step 3) Choose a vegetable (peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes or asparagus) ~ 6-7 oz
  • Step 4) Cook the protein, carbohydrate and vegetable portions.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • Vitamin C: (for dogs without gastroenteritis) small dogs 125 mg twice daily, large dogs 500 mg twice daily
    • Vitamin B complexes: 30-50 mg day
    • Vitamin E : 100-400 IU/day
    • Cod Liver Oil to taste (1 tablespoon/day)
    • Multiple vitamin or add “The Missing Link” supplement
 

Restrict protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and salt intake. Also, adding juices or low salt broths to a diet may help increase food intake and stimulate the appetite. Fluid intake can be increased by serving canned foods which contain ~79% water by volume. The key in any stage of renal disease is to keep the animal eating.

 

Kidney Disease Diet for Cats
The following recipe feeds an adult cats (10 lbs) two or three times a day for 2 days. Refrigerate leftovers promptly. With overweight cats, reduce their portions accordingly.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein (pork, 2 hard boiled eggs-no shells or low fat dairy products, cod, or sardines) ~ 4 oz.
    • Avoid shrimp, salmon, lamb, turkey, duck and lentils (alterative protein source)
  • Step 2) Add high quality carbohydrates (whole wheat, polenta or brown rice) ~ 3-4 cups.
    • Carbohydrates are not a dietary required of cats, although cats with kidney disease may experience a significant drop in energy without them.
  • Step 3) Cook the protein and carbohydrate portions.
  • Step 4) Add these supplements:
    • 125 mg Vitamin C twice daily
    • Vitamin B complexes: 30 mg day
    • Vitamin E: 50 IU/day
    • Cod Liver Oil to taste (1 teaspoon/day)
    • Multiple vitamin or add “The Missing Link” feline supplement.
 

Restrict protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and salt intake. Also, Also, adding juices or low salt broths to a diet may help increase food intake and stimulate the appetite. Fluid intake can be increased by serving canned foods which contain ~79% water by volume. The key in any stage of renal disease is to keep the animal eating.

 

Liver Disease Diets

Liver Disease Diet for Dogs
This weekly diet is formulated for a 25-30 pound dog. Calculate nutrient requirements based on your dog’s weight and adjust accordingly. Avoid organ meat proteins as well as foods that contain copper or choline. Salt intake should be minimal while water soluble vitamins (Vitamin C and Vitamin B complexes) should be increased. High quality carbohydrates, not cereal by-products, should be fed while reducing the levels of dietary fats.

 
  • Step 1) Choose a protein: dairy, rabbit, hard boiled eggs, non-oily fish-cod ~ 45 oz. No lamb, pork, turkey, duck or salmon.
  • Step 2) Choose a carbohydrate: whole wheat, brown rice, potato, sweet potato or combinations thereof ~ 77 oz; no cereal by-products
  • Step 3) Add a vegetable: spinach, green beans, zucchini , broccoli, cabbage or combinations thereof ~ 65 oz.
  • Step 4) Cook the protein, carbohydrate and vegetable portions preferably by steaming.
  • Step 5) Add these supplements:
    • Vitamin E: 500 IU
    • Vitamin B: 25 mg
    • Vitamin C (Ester-C is preferred): 250 mg
    • 1% eggshells
    • 7 tsp. canola oil (not to be used for dogs that have seizures)
    • 40 mg zinc citrate or zinc gluconate
    • 1% tsp di-calcium phosphate
    • Multiple vitamin or add “The Missing Link” supplement
 

Mix altogether and serve the appropriate quantity. Freeze any unused portions for the next feeding. If making a large batch, freeze individual feeding portions until ready to serve. This diet should support the weight of a 25-30-pound dog. It provides 678 kilocalories that break down as 32% from protein, 57% from carbohydrates and 11% from fat.

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