Dog Nutritional Diet & Fun Recipes

It's no secret that humans need basic nutritional diets, according to experts like those at the United States Department of Agriculture with their food pyramid of knowledge. So it should be no surprise that dogs have their own requirements, too. Here's a look at what they need.

Basic vitamins and minerals that are needed by humans are those in the same that are needed by dogs. If you want specifics, head to the food pyramid link above to see what is referred to here and check with your local vet. Like mankind, dogs cannot live on junk like sweet treats all the time.

Do not feed them rich canned foods, either, as a staple. Dry dog food with assorted textures and supplements varied regularly make the best combination. For example, don't be afraid to give them a little sausage or veggies. And give them canned food once a week instead lf dry food all the time. They need protein - -lots of meat, and greens, as you can tell by watching them eat grass with their diets as needed.

OK, here are some dog food recipes to help spice up your dogs diet. Hint; use with dog placemats and a smile!

Apple Chip Delight for Dogs:

3 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

7 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cup dried apple chips ( or other type of fruit)

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 egg

6 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking pan or muffin pan with nonstick spray. Mix water, applesauce, vanilla and honey together, then the egg. Add rest of ingredients in a different bowl. Slowly combine both bowls, mixing well. place batter into pan. Bake for 1 and a quarter hours. Test with toothpick (it should not have dough on it when you pull it out). Break up and store in dog food storage container.

Chilled Peanut Pooch Pops

1 mashed banana

1/4 cup chopped peanuts or1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup wheat germ

Instructions:

Mix all together. Place in muffin tin and chill till frozen, for approx. an hour. When ready, remove from pan and place in storage container and keep frozen until use.

Cheese Dogs

1 Hot dog

Partial Piece of Cheese

Instructions:

Slice hotdog lengthwise. Insert strip of cheese inside. Hold together with toothpicks, as needed. Bake in oven at 350 degrees until hot dog is done and cheese melts, roughly 20 mins. or microwave. Let cool when done, remove toothpicks, and chop up for dog.