Feeding your dog well is as simple as feeding yourself well. Natural dog food will keep your loyal furry friend happy and healthy for years to come. This concept hit home when I recently visited my mother and questioned why she was feeding her dog actual chicken, beef, and processed vegetables. I am certain that he ate turkey this past Thanksgiving as well! Upon further research I discovered that my mother was correct to feed her dog the same healthy, organic and whole meats and grains she feeds herself.

Before you run out and begin to throw whole steaks and green beans at your pup, please read on for details about how to feed your beloved pet this way.

Dogs benefit from the following foods, provided to them in the following ways:

1. Proteins such as beef, chicken, turkey and salmon, chopped and cooked, about one cup per meal. Be sure there are no bones in this cooked meat.
2. Grains such as rice and oatmeal served cooked and ½ cup per meal.
3. Vegetable such as carrots, potatoes, apples, peas and tomatoes, ¼ cup cooked and processed to make it easier for them to digest, or puree it into baby food.
4. Fats and oils such as chicken fat, herring oil, and sunflower oil which is a good source of Vitamin E, one tablespoon mixed into the meal.

Each of these foods provides iron, essential fatty acids, and vitamins such as A, C and as mentioned above E. These nutritional benefits are due to the whole, natural and healthy foods you will feed your dog. Your dog's overall health and energy, shine of his coat, heart and organ health, and brain functioning will benefit. Often the food in cans or bags found in the supermarket contain ingredients such as bone meal, chicken by-products, corn gluten, corn syrup, BHT, and artificial colors. We have learned to not buy food items from the store that contain those unhealthy ingredients for ourselves, so why would we purchase those items for our caring and devoted pets?

The next time you make a hamburger for yourself, make one for your dog too!

Mix together:
-one cup chopped organic hamburger beef
-1/4 cup cooked, pureed green beans
-1/2 cup cooked rice
-one tablespoon sunflower oil

Then, shape into a hamburger patty and cook each side on medium heat in a pan until the meat is no longer pink. If the burger is 160 degrees Fahrenheit then it is safe to eat for you and your dog. Your dog will prefer that you chop up this patty in his bowl so it is easier to eat and to digest.

Be sure to check with your dog’s veterinarian before making any dietary changes to be sure there are no food allergies, and that this will fit your dog’s health.

Enjoy this treat, and enjoy the appreciative barks and nuzzles your dog will share!