Dog food comes in two forms: homemade and commercially available. Commercially available dog food generally has a scientifically based formula and uses special processing techniques, allowing for long-term storage. It comes in various forms, including dry kibble, porridge-like consistency, and canned food. Dry kibble is the most common and relatively inexpensive; for example, a bag of "Baolu" costs around 30 yuan and can last for more than 10 days; even after opening, it can be stored for more than 60 days. This is the preferred choice for commercially available dog food. Porridge-like dog food is difficult to store and takes up a lot of space; although it tastes good and is suitable for puppies, it is not readily available. Canned dog food is nutritious and tastes good, but it costs around 10 yuan per day.
Domestically produced dog food has not been widely adopted due to issues with processing techniques and taste, so most people prepare their own. This can easily lead to nutritional deficiencies, loss of nutrients due to improper preparation methods, or illnesses caused by picky eating habits. To ensure healthy growth, various feeds should be mixed in specific proportions to create a nutritionally complete dog food based on the dog's nutritional needs.
◆Formula 1: 50% meat, 40% grains, 10% vegetables, 10g salt/kg. Cook these ingredients and form into food balls, feeding in divided portions.
◆Formula 2: 30% meat, 70% rice, wheat, vegetables, etc., 10g salt/kg.
◆Formula 3: 10% rice, 10% cornmeal, 10% sorghum flour, 10% soybean meal, 10% wheat bran, 2% bone meal, 6% fish meal, 22% meat, 20% green vegetables, 10g salt/kg.
◆Formula 4: 20% meat, 10% rice, 15% pasta, 20% vegetables, 10% milk curd, 5% animal fat, 2% cod liver oil, 3% yeast, 5% carotene, 10% bone meal, 10g salt/kg.
Important considerations when formulating dog food: First, the nutrition must be comprehensive. Don't judge quality solely by price and quantity. Excessive protein and fat content can easily lead to obesity in dogs and is also uneconomical. For carbohydrates and fiber that dogs don't easily absorb, add more to the food formula. Don't feed the same formula for a long time, as this can easily lead to picky eating and loss of appetite. Try to change the formula weekly.
Additionally, pay attention to hygiene and cooking time, just like you would with human food. This can prevent digestive problems, improve appetite, encourage dogs to finish their food quickly, and prevent spoilage. Animal organs can be chopped and mixed in, serving as a substitute for meat and adding flavor, making it more appealing to dogs. Never add too much salt, as dogs prefer less salt than humans; adding seasonings will only ruin the taste of the dog food and have the opposite effect. Vegetables must be washed and chopped thoroughly, otherwise the fiber won't be absorbed well. The proportions in the dog food can be adjusted flexibly for different breeds, with the ultimate goal of providing a nutritious diet that the dog enjoys.