How to Cook for Small Dogs: Tips and Tricks for Healthy Meals

Do you have a small dog and want to ensure that they are getting the best nutrition possible? Cooking for your dog can be a great way to manage their diet, appease picky eaters, and even bond with your pet. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to include in their meals.

In this article, we will provide you with tips and recipes on how to cook for your small dog. We will cover the essential food groups that your dog needs, such as proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, and sources of calcium. Additionally, we will discuss common mistakes to avoid when cooking for your dog, including using unsafe ingredients and not preparing balanced meals.

By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and confidence to cook healthy and delicious meals for your small dog. Whether you want to create homemade dog food or add some variety to their kibble, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Recipes for Small Dogs

If you’re looking for some homemade dog food recipes for your small dog, you’re in luck. Making your dog food can be a great way to ensure that your pet is getting all the nutrients they need. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Beef and Rice Recipe: Cook 1 cup of brown rice and 1 cup of lean ground beef. Mix in 1 cup of steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, or green beans) and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve once cooled.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe: Cook 1 cup of diced chicken and 1 cup of mashed sweet potato. Mix in 1 cup of steamed vegetables (peas, carrots, or green beans) and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Serve once cooled.
• Turkey and Quinoa Recipe: Cook 1 cup of quinoa and 1 cup of ground turkey. Mix in 1 cup of steamed vegetables (sweet potato, green beans, or carrots) and 1 tablespoon of fish oil. Serve once cooled.

Remember, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. These recipes are meant to be used as a supplement or occasional treat, not as a complete replacement for your dog’s regular food.

Importance of Cooking for Small Dogs

If you have a small dog, cooking their food can be an excellent way to ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need. Small dogs have unique nutritional needs and may require a specialized diet to stay healthy. By cooking for your dog, you can have complete control over the ingredients and ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.

Commercial dog food can be full of fillers, preservatives, and other additives that may not be healthy for your dog. By cooking for your dog, you can avoid these additives and provide them with a healthy, balanced diet. Additionally, cooking for your dog can be a great way to bond with them and show them how much you care.

When cooking for your small dog, it is important to ensure that you are using high-quality ingredients and following a balanced recipe. This can help ensure that your dog is getting all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Additionally, it is important to introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Understanding Small Dog Nutritional Needs

Small dogs have unique nutritional needs that differ from larger breeds. These dogs require a diet that is rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates to maintain their health and vitality. Understanding the specific requirements of small dogs can help you provide them with the best possible nutrition.

Protein Requirements

Small dogs require a high-quality source of protein in their diet to maintain strong muscles and healthy bones. Look for dog food that contains animal-based protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish. The protein content should make up at least 25% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Fat Requirements

Fat is an essential nutrient for small dogs as it provides them with energy and helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. Look for dog food that contains healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The fat content should make up at least 15% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Carbohydrate Requirements

Small dogs require a balanced amount of carbohydrates in their diet to provide them with energy and support their digestive health. Look for dog food that contains whole grains such as brown rice or oats, as well as fruits and vegetables. The carbohydrate content should make up at least 30% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Choosing Ingredients for Small Dogs

Meat Selection

When selecting meat for your small dog, choose lean cuts of protein that are easy to digest. Good options include chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. Avoid fatty meats, such as bacon or sausage, as they can cause digestive issues. Additionally, avoid processed meats, such as hot dogs or deli meats, as they often contain preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Vegetable Selection

Vegetables are an important source of vitamins and minerals for small dogs. When selecting vegetables, choose those that are low in calories and high in fiber. Good options include sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, and peas. Avoid vegetables that are high in sugar, such as corn or potatoes, as they can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Grain Selection

Grains are a good source of carbohydrates for small dogs. When selecting grains, choose those that are high in fiber and low in fat. Good options include brown rice, quinoa, and barley. Avoid grains that are high in gluten, such as wheat or rye, as they can cause digestive issues for some dogs. Additionally, avoid grains that are high in sugar, such as white rice or cornmeal, as they can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. They can guide the best ingredients and portion sizes for your small dog.

Preparing Small Dog Meals

When it comes to preparing meals for your small dog, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition they need. Here are some tips to help you prepare healthy and delicious meals for your pet.

Cooking Methods

There are several cooking methods you can use when preparing meals for your small dog. Boiling, baking, and grilling are all great options. When boiling, make sure to use low-sodium broth or water to cook the food. Baking is a great way to cook meat and vegetables together, while grilling is perfect for lean meats like chicken or fish.

Portion Control

Portion control is important when it comes to feeding your small dog. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. A good rule of thumb is to feed your small dog 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per meal, depending on their weight and activity level. Make sure to monitor their weight and adjust their portions as needed.

Storage

Proper storage is important to keep your small dog’s meals fresh and safe to eat. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to three months. Make sure to thaw frozen food in the refrigerator before feeding it to your dog.

Meal Prep Tips

Meal prepping can make feeding your small dog easier and more convenient. You can prepare meals in advance and store them in individual portions for easy feeding. Use a food scale to measure out the correct portions and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also add supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics to your dog’s meals to promote optimal health.

How Much Should Your Small Dog Eat?

The easiest way to figure out how much your dog should be eating is to weigh them. Today we’re focusing on small dogs, so we’ll look at how much they should be eating based on their weight. 

Toy dogs (dogs weighing less than 10 pounds) should be eating 1/3 cup per day if they weigh 3 pounds, or 1/2 cup per day if they weigh 6 pounds.

Small dogs (dogs weighing 10-20 pounds) are recommended to eat 3/4 cups per day if they weigh 10 pounds, 1 cup per day if they weigh 15 pounds, or 1 2/3 cups per day if they weigh 20 pounds.

Foods to Cook For Your Dog 

So, you’ve managed to weigh your dog and know roughly how much it should be eating. But what to feed them? 

Like a human, a dog’s diet should be varied. They should be eating a mix of proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates, with a ratio of around 40% protein, 50% vegetables, and 10% carbohydrates. 

This might be surprising – the majority of people tend to assume that dogs only need protein. In reality, vegetables are great for your dog, just like they are for us.

Here are some examples of foods that are great to feed your dog. Of course, scale what would be a normal portion for a human down to suit the weight of your small dog.

Best Protein Sources for Dogs

The best sources of protein for dogs are the ones that are lean, not cooked in oil, butter, garlic, or too many seasonings. Lean chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and shrimp are all suitable for a small dog to consume. Canned tuna and salmon are also good options. Be careful to remove any bones or shells before putting your dog’s dinner down.

Best Vegetables to Feed Your Dog

Luckily, the vegetables you probably already have in the fridge are suitable for your dog. Cucumbers, spinach, carrots, green beans, peas, and corn are all dog-friendly choices.

Best Carbohydrates/Starches for Dogs

Though you don’t need to feed your dog as much starchy food as protein and veg, some are still recommended. Again, you probably already have potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa, and oats in the cupboards at home, and these work just fine for your dog too. 

Ingredients to Avoid For Dogs

Any dog owner will know that there are some ingredients that dogs’ stomachs just don’t agree with. Often, human food can be a little too rich or fatty for a dog, regardless of the portion size you give them.

Here are the ingredients which you should refrain from feeding your dog:

• Mushrooms
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Almonds
• Alcohol (we hope you knew this one!)
• Coffee
• Cinnamon
• Raw yeast dough
• Grapes
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Any artificial sweeteners

Of course, on top of these ingredients, each dog will likely have its sensitivities and preferences. 

If you are concerned about feeding new foods to your pet, then it may be worth investing in a dog allergy test, which will give you a complete breakdown of the kinds of foods which your dog is safe to eat, and that you should always leave out of any of their meals.

How to Switch to Home-Cooked Dog Food

So you’ve decided to make the switch to cooking for your small dog, which is great. They’ll most likely love having new, exciting foods to try which are similar to what their humans eat. 

However, like humans, an abrupt change in a dog’s diet could shock its digestive system, which could cause some stomach pain, which is the last thing you want to do. 

Therefore, you must think about the way you’re going to begin incorporating your cooking into your dog’s diet if it is used to only kibble or canned dog food from the pet shop.

The best way to change your dog’s diet is to begin mixing in some of the new food with the food that they’re used to. Be sure to keep their portions consistent, as a change in quantity could also cause stomach upset. This can be done over a week or longer, for example:

• Day 1: Mix 20% of the new food with 80% of the old.
• Day 4: Mix 50% of the new food with 50% of the old.
• Day 8: Feed your dog 100% of the new food.

Of course, if your dog does not seem to be enjoying the change, or if they suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, or quick weight change at all, then slow down the transition. Any health concerns that persist are worth seeing a vet about, and it might be worth checking at your local practice that what you are feeding your dog is suitable long-term.