Cooking for my dog??? TIps, Suggestions, etc etc

OK! I am seriously considering cooking Colonel's food from now on, instead of dog food. I know this can notoriously be expensive $$, but at the same time I don't see why because I'd be eating the same food (in a sense lol). I'm tired of wasting money experimenting with dog treats and food and just waiting for him to throw it back up. I've bought low-grade dog food to high-end stuff. I've been feeding him the same brand Wellness Core Ocean Formula for over 6-7 months with little to no problem (other than the fact that he doesn't really like it) but now for the past couple days he's been throwing that back up too. Could just have been a bad batch..but again, this is another thing I'm getting pretty tired of...SO if anyone has any thoughts or tips on cooking for Colonel (because I'm sure there will be no going back to kibble afterwards) it would be much appreciated..Either way I'm going to confirm with my Vet on what would be the best course of action, but I wanted to hear people's personal experiences as well. THANKS!

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on February 16, 2012 at 1:18am

Cooking for your dog would be great, but as you said talk to your vet. Many vets have books that have several recipes that are nutritionally balanced. They can make copies for you or recommend books. Also, university teaching hospitals will put together a diet plan catered specifically to your pet. If you know what he is allergic to (what is causing the vomiting) they can cater a diet that will meet all his needs. I would NOT just search the internet for recipes or buy books off amazon.com etc. without them being recommended by your vet. Every single Joe Schmoe ever thinks he/she is a canine nutritionist and has put together diet plans that are just "perfect" for your pet, but in reality will lead to severe health problems if fed long term. This is one situation I would absolutely have your vet be involved in and run by any recipes with him/her before feeding the diet, if you didn't get the recipe from the vet to begin with. Many of the good recipe books cost about $80-$90, so it's better to just have your vet make copies out of their resources for you.

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Permalink Reply by Zigward & Kimberly on February 16, 2012 at 1:42am

Yeah, don't just search for them online.. I did that and as it turns out it was bad for himD: ^Thanks, by the way lol.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on February 16, 2012 at 8:19am

If I was going to do this I would definitely spend the money and speak with a certified canine nutritionist that can help put together a well balanced diet. I just don't trust the internet on this one. I'm assuming you've consulted with your vet already in regards to the constant vomiting? Did they think it was an allergy?

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Maly on February 16, 2012 at 3:32pm

Defiantly talk to your vet, but know that all vets do not have the same opinion on what is the right nutrition for dogs also. I now feed, Zander a raw diet. he loves it. I did talk to my vet about it. He did not want me feeding bones, most supporters of raw food say bones do not hurt, but in my vets experience that has not been the case. So I feed meat chunks and add egg shell powder instead of bones. some veggies, but you have to find out which are safe for dogs. As for cost, I have found that it is really not any more expensive than the premium dog foods. It is a little more work but once you get onto it it is not any different than feeding the rest of the family. There are some good sites out there on the internet but there is SO MUCH information, it does get confusing. I have been looking at it like raising my children. Wade through all of the advise..Take want you want and leave the rest. :)

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Permalink Reply by Colonel and Kristine on February 28, 2012 at 3:38pm

Thank you to everyone! I think Colonel just got a bad bag of food. I threw out all his dog food and bought a new one. I fed him rice and ground beef for a couple days and then put him back on the new bag of food. All is well now :) He's back to his normal peppy self ^_^