Belgian Malinois Homemade Food Guide & Recipes
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This is the most comprehensive Belgian Malinois homemade dog food guide. Owning a Belgian Malinois comes with immense responsibility. Not only do you have to provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation, but you also need to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition. Preparing homemade meals is one way to ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need. But what are the benefits of cooking for your Belgian Malinois, and what recipes should you use? Will it be cheaper and healthier than traditional dog kibble? If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading to discover the ins and outs of homemade meals for your Belgian Malinois. Let’s go!
Belgian Malinois Homemade Dog Food Benefits
Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Belgian Malinois.
Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., state that feeding homemade dog food comes with significant advantages, such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over dog food recalls.[1] Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.
Why Feed Homemade Food to Your Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois generally live between 10 and 14 years. This breed’s most common health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia, allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy. Other minor and less common health problems include cataracts and ear issues.
A fresh, homemade diet can help manage, prevent, and potentially alleviate these health problems in Belgian Malinois for the reasons I outlined below.
Top Reasons to Feed Homemade Food to Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois Homemade Dog Food Risks
Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in The Journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.[6],[7],[8]
Below are the stats I found from these studies:
- 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
- 28.3% didn’t use any recommended vitamins, minerals or amino acids
- 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
- 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough
How to Avoid These Risks When Cooking For Belgian Malinois
- Understand your Belgian Malinois’ nutritional needs
- Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
- Ensure your Belgian Malinois meal is balanced
- Do not use toxic ingredients
- Understand the impact of food and dietary changes
- Do not neglect your dog’s health conditions
- Switch to homemade gradually
- The diet must be suited for your dog’s life stage (puppies, adults or seniors)
Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s dietary needs. For further guidance on dog nutrition, consult “Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative” by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a renowned veterinary expert. This book is a go-to resource for healthy homemade dog nutrition for most pet nutritionists.
How to Make Homemade Food For Belgian Malinois
Homemade food for Belgian Malinois must include the six essential nutrients for a dog’s proper growth, body function, and health. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats, and water. It’s also important to consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.
Protein plays a vital role in your dog’s diet, providing essential amino acids necessary for bodily processes, including the creation of blood glucose for energy. Protein also helps build and repair muscles and other body tissues. It’s needed to make new skin cells and grow hair, hormones, and enzymes. The proteins in your dog’s diet must have a balanced amino acid profile and be provided in appropriate amounts.
Protein dietary recommendations for Belgian Malinois‘ homemade food:
Protein sources for homemade Belgian Malinois food include:
Dogs need energy for daily activities, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise. This energy, measured in calories, comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Omnivorous animals, including dogs, derive some energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply glucose needed by the brain, nervous system, and other critical organs for normal function in dogs. Carbohydrates should also include 2.5-4.5% fiber. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
Calorie recommendations for Belgian Malinois’ homemade food based on their life stage, weight and activity level.
| Type of Dog | 10 lb | 50 lb | 70 lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppies | 990 | — | |
| Inactive Belgian Malinois | 296 | 989 | 1,272 |
| Adult Active Belgian Malinois | 404 | 1,353 | 1,740 |
| Pregnant Belgian Malinois | 518 | 1,940 | 2,570 |
| Young Active Belgian Malinois | 436 | 1,451 | 1,876 |
| Senior Active Belgian Malinois | 327 | 1,093 | 1,407 |
Carbohydrate sources for homemade Belgian Malinois food include:
Fats play a multifaceted role in a dog’s diet. They are a dense energy source, provide essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, enable absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, improve food palatability, offer insulation and organ protection, support reproductive health, are critical for nervous system function, and serve as a reserve for energy storage.
Fat dietary recommendations for Belgian Malinois’ homemade food:
Fat sources for homemade Belgian Malinois food include:
Minerals in a dog’s diet are indispensable for bone and dental health, nerve function, enzymatic reactions, fluid balance, oxygen transport, and maintaining the body’s pH level, making them essential for overall health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance is crucial and should be carefully managed to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
These 12 minerals are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Mineral sources for homemade Belgian Malinois food include:
Vitamins in a dog’s diet are integral for maintaining overall health and bodily functions. They support vision, immune health, aid in energy metabolism and nervous system function, provide antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and ailments and more. Dogs require vitamins, but only in small amounts, and excessive doses of certain vitamins, like vitamin D, can harm them.[9]
These 12 vitamins are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Vitamin sources for homemade Belgian Malinois food include:
Water is vital in a dog’s diet to maintain hydration, support body functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, ensure proper organ function, and facilitate metabolic processes. Continuous access to clean water is as crucial as providing nutritious food for overall health and well-being. Generally, Belgian Malinois should drink 2 to 3 times the amount of their dry food intake daily. However, if water is readily available from various sources, Belgian Malinois can naturally regulate their daily water consumption.
Source: We compiled the data for the table above by referencing the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs Report by the National Research Council (NRC). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes the information from these reports to regulate and ensure the safety of pet foods.
Homemade Dog Food For Belgian Malinois Puppies
A Belgian Malinois puppy’s dietary requirements differ from those of an adult Belgian Malinois. Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.
Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service
Ollie
Who It’s For: The perfect homemade dog food recipe if you don’t have time to cook for your Belgian Malinois or cannot balance nutrients to provide a balanced diet.
Ollie is one of our homemade dog food delivery options. They offer various fresh, homemade dog food options tailored to your dog’s unique dietary needs, age, health conditions, and nutritional goals. For example, if your Belgian Malinois suffers from food-related health issues such as allergies or illnesses, Ollie can create a customized recipe that caters to those needs. Their meals are made with real, human-grade ingredients and delivered to your doorstep.
The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Ollie saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things like walks or training your dog. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, and you can mitigate the risks of cooking for dogs.
Best Homemade Food For Belgian Malinois
The best homemade food for Belgian Malinois is a balanced diet that provides optimal nutrients for proper function while considering your dog’s nutritional goals and health. We highly recommend Ollie or Nom Nom as the best homemade food for Belgian Malinois, adults, puppies or seniors.
Don’t feel like cooking for your Belgian Malinois? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best dog food for Belgian Malinois.
Best Belgian MalinoisHomemade Dog Food Recipes
Browse the best homemade dog food recipes for Belgian Malinois that will make your pup beg for more. We’ve also included a special treat recipe for your Belgian Malinois, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient: dog CBD oil. CBD oil might help with issues like seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, and overall wellness.
Note: Consult your vet before adjusting your dog’s diet. The recipes below don’t specify serving sizes since they depend on your dog’s breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount you’d give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.
Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
This recipe contains high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals to keep your furry friend healthy and active. This recipe avoids common allergens and harmful ingredients, ensuring a safe and satisfying meal for your dog.
Ingredients
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing all vegetables. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, peel and chop the carrots, and trim the ends off the green beans. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the sweet potatoes, carrots, and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Add the green beans and peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Combine and mash: Add the chicken back into the pot once the vegetables are cooked. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the mixture together, ensuring it’s still chunky enough for your dog to enjoy the texture.
- Cool before serving: Allow the feast to cool down to room temperature before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in portion-sized containers.
Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treat For Belgian Malinois
Treat your Belgian Malinois with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with bananas, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6). Bananas also aid with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion, and helping reduce allergic reactions.
Remember to consult your vet to ensure CBD is safe for your dog and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can buy commercially available CBD dog treats so your pup can experience CBD’s benefits without the cooking.
Ingredients
Directions
- Oven preparation. Preheat oven to 350ºF and brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
- Banana preparation. Mash a ripe banana until smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Dry ingredients. Blend gluten-free flour and oats in a medium-sized bowl.
- Wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix well.
- Combining ingredients. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until even. Drizzle in CBD oil, stirring again for even distribution.
- Mold filling. Scoop portions of the mixture with a tablespoon and press firmly into the dog-treat baking mold.
- Baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
- Cooling and storage. Let the treats cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Chicken & Rice Delight Recipe For Belgian Malinois
Many dogs have a soft spot for chicken, making this dish a universal canine favorite. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Belgian Malinois gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator.
Ingredients
Directions
- Chicken preparation. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings.
- Rice preparation. In a pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions or until it’s soft and fluffy. Once done, set aside.
- Gravy creation. Warm the chicken drippings in the pan over medium to low heat. Combine ½ cups of water or chicken broth with ½ cups of flour. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency.
- Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
- Cooling. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving to ensure it’s safe for your dog.
Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast Recipe For Belgian Malinois
As a lean protein, Turkey is excellent for Belgian Malinois aiming for a healthy weight. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa – a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. A nourishing blend of lean protein and wholesome veggies, it’s the ideal meal for your Belgian Malinois.
Ingredients
Directions
- Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Ensure it’s crumbled well to make it easier for your dog to digest.
- Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Simmering. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent.
- Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft.
- Finishing touches. Once off the heat, stir in the fish oil and sprinkle turmeric, ensuring it’s mixed well.
- Storing. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days.
Beefy & Veggie Medley Recipes For Belgian Malinois
This recipe is delicious and nourishing. It is packed with lean protein from grass-fed beef and fortified with the nutritional punch of veggies. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Belgian Malinois gets essential vitamins and nutrients.
Ingredients
Directions
- Egg prep: Boil the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them.
- Beef cooking. Brown the ground sirloin over medium heat in a large skillet, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
- Mix & combine. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil.
- Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined.
- Serve & store. Serve the mixture in your dog’s dish, ensuring it’s cooled to a safe temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Belgian Malinois Homemade Food Recipes
If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Belgian Malinois, check out our article on the best vet-approved homemade dog food recipes. Cookbooks can be helpful in various recipes. Our favorite book for Belgian Malinois homemade food recipes is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
How to Cook Homemade Food For Belgian Malinois ( Video)
Watch this video and learn how to cook homemade meals for Belgian Malinois.
Belgian Malinois Homemade Cooking Tips
Before sharing our favorite Belgian Malinois homemade food recipes, follow these best practices when preparing your dog’s next meal.
- Set a consistent feeding schedule
- Meal prep weekly or monthly
- Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs
- Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days
- Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low
- If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals
- Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy)
- Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows
- Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories
At-Home Health Dietary Changes In Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois experiencing any of the issues below might benefit from the dietary adjustments outlined in this table.
| Condition | Dietary Needs & Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Coat Color Changes | Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories) |
| Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats. This includes bacon. Try a simple ingredient food trial. |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with vitamin E, vitamin B, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Add a dog probiotic. Try a simple ingredient food trial. |
| Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet. Add fish oil to the diet to promote healthier coats. Its omega-3 fatty acid content reduces itchiness and flakiness in the skin. |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
Recommended Supplements For Belgian Malinois
Here are the top recommended supplements for Belgian Malinois based on their main health susceptibility issues.
Monitor Weight And Health
A dog’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Belgian Malinois is fed the right dog food. If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your dog’s new diet, among other health issues. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Fortunately, an at-home dog gut health test can provide insight into your dog’s gut health.
Unbalanced and insufficient meal plans can cause skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity in dogs. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop immediately and seek expert advice.
Foods Should Your Belgian Malinois Never Eat
Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.
Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your Belgian Malinois should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
Alternatives to Homemade Dog Diets
In conclusion, providing homemade dog food for Belgian Malinois can significantly enhance their overall health and well-being. By tailoring meals to meet their specific nutritional needs, you ensure they receive optimal care. While it requires more effort than purchasing commercial kibble, the benefits of a personalized, nutritious diet are well worth it. Whenever you prepare a homemade meal for your Belgian Malinois, you must ensure that all the ingredients are safe for your pup’s consumption and that he’s getting a balanced diet. Homemade dog food is usually healthier and more affordable for pet owners willing to put in the time and effort required to create a balanced diet for their furry friends. Equip yourself with the right recipes and knowledge, and your Malinois will thrive.
If you want other alternatives to homemade dog food, raw dog diets are gaining popularity due to their fantastic health benefits. Read our article on raw food for dogs to learn about the benefits and risks, and get the best raw dog food for Belgian Malinois, or even prepare homemade raw dog food. Additionally, if your Belgian Malinois is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues, consider exploring vegan dog food options. Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health concerns.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Cooking for your dog: Pros and cons of cooking homemade dog food.
- Lippert G, Sapy B. (2003). Relation Between The Domestic Dogs Well-Being and Life Expectancy.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2019, February 13). Study finds overweight dogs live shorter lives.
- Podolsky, A. (2019, November 28). Feed the dog not the cancer: The danger of processed dog food. Lyka.
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Eating highly processed foods may raise cancer risk. Harvard Health; Harvard Health.
- Pedrinelli, V., Gomes, M. de O. S., & Carciofi, A. C. (2017). Analysis of recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in Portuguese. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6.
- Bland, I. M., Guthrie-Jones, A., Taylor, R. D., & Hill, J. (2010). Dog obesity: Veterinary practices’ and owners’ opinions on cause and management. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 94(3-4), 310–315.
- WebDev, I. E. T. (2013, July 15). Homemade dog food recipes can be risky business, study finds. UC Davis.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, February 9). Vitamin D toxicity in dogs.
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