[shugnut]

hello!

i have an eight month old stafford mix, currently on a fresh food diet by ollie. i got a trial, then a full order, and quickly realized how out-of-budget it is. i was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for homemade recipes as a replacement. i've also looked at some instant pot recipes such as this:

How to Make Easy Homemade Dog Food - Instant Pot

Homemade dog food is a great way to spoil your dog and feel good about doing it. Made in an instant pot, it is a quick, cheap, and easy! Click through to get the recipe! #dogfood #instantpot #instapot #healthy #southernbytes #dogs

southern-bytes.com

any feedback would be appreciated (things i should add/take away), or any references to other recipes! thanks again!

 

[Shell]

Any reason behind not just using a good quality dry dog food? Balanced nutrition, reasonable costs, many options for types of proteins or grains etc.
Most dogs do very well on a standard commercial dry food diet.

Home cooked diets can be quite good but they also can be difficult to get the nutrient balance correct for things like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium snd other vital minerals

If you want a more homecooked diet, a good option can be a base mix from someplace like The Honest Kitchen or Sojos or Grandma Lucys which you simply add meat to the mix, like ground beef.

 

[shugnut]

is there a brand you recommend for stafford mix? he’s also got a bit of lab and pyrenees. i’ve fed him taste of the wild, blue buffalo, canidae, and merrick, both canned and dry. i think he’s been most happy with canidae and merrick. i’ve also been confused about whether to feed him grain free or grain inclusive like ancient grains, as there seems to be conflicting information on that.

 

[Shell]

There isn't really a food for specific breed type connection. Large and giant breed puppies should be fed a food suitable for large and giant breed puppies while they are growing because they have specific mineral balance needs.
I think Dalmations have some specific nutrient needs as well.

Otherwise, just pick a good food or two that your dog likes and does well on. Does well meaning no signs of allergies or itching, no digestive upset, keeps a healthy weight.

I am not a fan of Blue Buffalo but the other three foods you listed are just fine IMO.

I would feed a dry food, grain inclusive (just plain old grain like rice or barley are just fine) and use canned food as a treat

 

[LeoRose]

The best food is one the dog does well on, likes to eat, and you can afford to feed.

I feed plain kibble in the morning, and kibble with just a bit of canned in the evening. I've fed a lot of brands over the years, and keep coming back to Pro Plan. My GSD and APBT are both currently eating the Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice formula kibble, and whatever canned food I happen to get on that trip to the store.

 

[RonE]

Most dogs don't need grain-free, just like most humans don't need gluten-free. It's kind of a fad.

Conversely, there are some established (though not completely understood) links between grain-free foods and canine heart disease. My own vet has had some experience with this in her practice and, at her urging, I switched to grain-inclusive kibbles about a year ago for my two dogs. Like LeoRose, I feed ProPlan, because it works for them. Results may vary.