Dog Food Recipe Whole Food, Plant Based

Scroll down for dog food recipe.

After adopting a healthy diet, whole food, plant based diet, I questioned whether my dog was eating healthy too. I learned that commercial dog food may legally contain “4-D” meat: meat from dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals. Many contain corn contaminated with high levels of pesticide. Starches and fillers are other common ingredients, along with artificial colors and preservatives, plus synthetic vitamins and minerals that may not nourish your dog effectively. 

I researched whether a dog could thrive on a whole food, plant based diet. I learned that not only do they thrive, but they are less likely to develop diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and many other diseases that are caused by a poor diet.

My first dog lived till age 16. When she was 14, she developed skin conditions and other health issues. These conditions reversed when I changed her diet to a whole food, plant based diet. You can read more about it by clicking here.

I now have another dog and I am feeding him a whole food, plant based diet. We make different variations of this wet food. We find it convenient to also make it into dry food, which we break into bite size pieces. Many of you have requested that we do a video and share a recipe (scroll down).

Benefits to a plant based diet for dogs:

• Lower Carcinogen Exposure
• Provides Potential Solutions to Allergies
• Includes Anti-Inflammatory, Immune System Boosting Ingredients
• Contributes to Healthy Weight Management
• Disease Prevention

Here is a book that will also be helpful:

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats 

“For more than 30 years, Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats has been the go-to resource for health-conscious animal lovers. This fourth edition is updated with the latest information in natural pet health, including groundbreaking research on the benefits of vegan diets for pets, as well as nutritionally complete recipes to give your pets optimal health that you can also enjoy, making home prepared diets easier than ever. The Pitcairns also discuss behavior issues, general nutrition, and a more humane approach to caring for pets.”

Here is another helpful book:

The Plant Powered Dog

According to the American Kennel Club, among the foods that dogs should not eat are:

• Avocado (contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs)
• Cherries (With the exception of the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. )
• Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit for dogs.
• Asparagus
• Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are poisonous can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed white mushrooms from the supermarket could be OK. I don’t feed raw mushrooms to my dog (or humans) as they can contain agaratine which can cause cancer. I lightly steam all mushrooms.
• The green parts of tomatoes While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine.
• Raw Asparagus While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains. 
• Onions, leeks, and chives Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning from onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.
• Xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Eventually, your dog may have seizures. Liver failure can happen within just a few days.
• Macadamia Nuts Keep your dog away from macadamia nuts and foods that have macadamia nuts in them. Just six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog sick.
• Chocolate All kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate contain theobromine. The most dangerous types are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Chocolate can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea. It can also cause heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death.

Fruits and Vegetables Can Be Healthy Snacks Too

According to the American Kennel Club, among the fruits and vegetables dogs can eat are:

Fruits

• Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. 
• Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.
• Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries as an alternative to store-bought treats.
• Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber.
• Cranberries and dried cranberries (check ingredients as some dry cranberries have other ingredients which may not be safe) are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach.
• Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.
• Mangoes This sweet summer treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard. 
• Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but they may not be fans of any strong-smelling citrus. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog. Vets do recommend tossing the peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.
• Peaches Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat. Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.
• Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip canned pears with sugary syrups.
• Pineapple A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins.
• Pumpkin Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and very healthy snack for dogs. In addition to helping with your dog’s skin and coat, it is great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation. Just keep in mind that you should never feed your dog pumpkin pie mix. If you’re buying canned pumpkin, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. 
• Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small amounts of xylitol, so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.
• Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them.
• Watermelon It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days.

Vegetables

• Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus.
• Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots of gas. Cabbage is also safe for dogs, but comes with the same gassy warning.
• Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth (and fun).
• Celery In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. Celery is also known to freshen doggy breath.
• Green Beans Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for low-salt or no-salt products if you’re feeding canned green beans to your dog.
• Peas Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.
• Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. While your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem, it might be best to go with another vegetable.

I buy my puppy supplement here. They also have dog and cat supplements.

This is one of many dog food recipes which I feed to my dog. I am sure to include leafy greens in his diet by adding it to this (or one of my other dog food recipes) and/or giving my dog a green smoothie. I choose to add a canine supplement to his food.

Want to use plant based, healthy treats instead of the commercial ones? Click here for some ideas!

I interviewed a Canine Nutrionist if you would like more information.

For those of you who have heard about DCM and have any concerns, Canine Nutrionist, Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS gave me this information to share with you:

“Regarding your follower’s concerns, Tufts University is the home of three veterinarians driving this issue (especially Lisa Freeman), who all have immense competing interests and receive financial compensation from the largest meat-based commercial pet food companies. Here is an excerpt from an article on this topic:

The only three veterinarians identified by name as consultants in the investigation are Dr. Joshua Stern, Dr. Darcy Adin, and Dr. Lisa Freeman, and all have financial ties to one or more of three of the largest and oldest pet food companies in America: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Mars Petcare, and Nestlé Purina PetCare. These same three companies are conspicuous for having lost considerable market share to their grain-free competitors over the past decade. They’re the only three companies recommended by the anonymous creators of a new website devoted to raising awareness about the issue of DCM. And they’re the only three major international pet food companies not to be named in the FDA’s investigation. (https://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2019/07/31/shared-articles-do-the-vets-behind-the-fda-investigation-have-a-conflict-of-interest/)

The FDA intensely investigated this issue from June 2018 to December 2022 and ceased their investigation in December 2022 due to lack of scientific evidence. Multiple studies, such as a recent one (below) out of the University of Guelph, have shown these ingredients to be totally safe. In addition, multiple studies show that plant-fed dogs are healthier based on multiple parameters than meat-fed dogs. Please see https://sustainablepetfood.info/ for these studies.Additionally, the FDA acknowledged that out of the more than 2,000 cases investigated, only 1,100 could be confirmed as DCM (note: NOT diet-related DCM, but DCM from any cause, the most prevalent being genetic). Meaning, veterinarians were inaccurate in their diagnosis for 45% of the cases submitted to FDA versus other potential cardiac issues, such as heart murmurs. Lastly, the FDA even noted that pulse ingredients have been used in pet food for a long time, and again, there is no evidence to indicate that they are inherently dangerous to dogs.

Here are some other articles and studies:

• https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
• https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/article/15469411/fda-ends-dcm-updates-no-causality-data-with-dog-foods?utm_source=Omeda&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=NL-Trending+Topics+Weekly+Pet&utm_campaign=NL-Trending+Topics+Weekly+Pet_20221231_0800&oly_enc_id=6355F4926923F7Z
• https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-press-releases/press-release/15468705/dcm-shows-no-correlation-to-growth-of-grain-free-diets 
• https://www.petproductnews.com/news/fda-halts-dcm-updates-citing-insufficient-data-on-dcm-cases-and-pet-foods/article_a46176aa-9045-11ed-82a3-0febd5d58997.html
• https://100r.org/2022/07/did-industry-funding-influence-an-fda-investigation-into-canine-heart-disease-and-grain-free-dog-food/
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298942

And here is a recent study out of the University of Guelph: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2023/04/peas-of-mind-pulse-ingredients-in-dog-food-not-linked-to-heart-problems-says-new-u-of-g-research/
I think the key to any diet is that it must be properly formulated. That is why all of my recipes contain added taurine, l-carnitine and l-methionine for heart health. Moreover, I think it’s important to point out that millions of dogs across the world consume plant-based diets. And, while any potential link is serious and must be investigated, I do wish that they would throw as much zeal into investigating the link between bioaccumulated toxins in meat-based pet foods and the six million new cases of canine cancer diagnosed each year. Although, I doubt that will happen!
In the five years that I have strictly been formulating plant-based dog diets, I am proud to say that I have worked with dogs with many types of heart conditions, including DCM, and they do great. And, I’ve (thank Heaven) never had a dog have any issues on my diets.
Ongoing research into any issue is important, but I would never, ever create recipes for my canine clients or promote such recipes unless I was confident that they are scientifically beneficial and healthy.
I hope that helps, Amy! “

As always, you should consult with your veterinarian whenever making changes to your pets diet. I was advised to gradually, over a few days add in more of my home made food and phase out the original food. This recipe was created with the guidance of nutritional charts from The Plant-Powered Dog: Unleash the Healing Powers of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet to Help Your Canine Companion Enjoy a Healthier, Longer Life by by Diana Laverdure-Dunetz MS  The book The Plant Powered Dog book can be helpful in determining caloric and nutrient needs for your dog. Your dog’s needs may be different than mine. I recommend that you consult the book and your Veterinarian to develop a recipe that will benefit your dog.

What do you feed your dog?

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Hi I’m Amy. My husband Rick & I adopted a Whole Plant lifestyle in 2012. We have had fantastic health results. Together, we’ve lost over 130 pounds! We offer private, lifestyle coaching and Zoom cooking lessons. We love to share our knowledge of this lifestyle and hope to spread the word and help others to Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!🌱

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The contents of this video/website are for informational purposes only. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your health care provider or veterinarian if you have any health related concerns or questions. You should consult with your veterinarian whenever making changes to your pets diet.

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