Homemade Dog Food For Dalmatians: Recipes & Guide
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Welcome to the wonderful world of Dalmatian homemade dog food. In this guide, we will outline everything you need to know in order to create a balanced and nutritious diet for your furry friend. Plus, we’ve included some delicious recipes to get you started! So, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just looking for fresh ideas, read on for all the necessary information. Happy cooking!
Dalmatian Homemade Dog Food Benefits
Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Dalmatians.
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., also agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with great advantages such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over 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.
Food And Dalmatian Health: Why Feed Homemade?
Dalmatians generally live between 12 to 14 years. Some of this breed’s most common health problems include deafness. urinary stones and copper-associated liver disease.
Diseases like allergies, hip dysplasia and eye problems (iris sphincter dysplasia) are also common in the breed.
Other minor and less common Dalmatian health problems this breed suffers from include hypothyroidism and epilepsy.[2]
How Can A Homemade Diet Help Dalmatians Health Issues?
Dalmatian Homemade Dog Food Risks
It’s essential to understand the risks involved in cooking dog food. Here is a list of the most common ones.
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.[7][8][9]
Here are the findings:
It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address your Dalmatian’s dietary requirements, help you make nutritionally balanced recipes, or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
Dalmatian Nutritional Guidelines to Follow
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), the entity that supervises the nutritional value of commercial dog food, there are six essential nutrients all dog meals must contain to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for dogs.
A proper homemade diet should also consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.
Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.
| Nutrient | Food | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs | Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. |
| Carbohydrates | Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat | Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function. |
| Fat | From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others | Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues |
| Minerals | Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. | Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. |
| Water | Water | Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. |
| Vitamins | A, B, C, D, E, and K | Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. |
Recommended Supplements For Dalmatians
Here are the top recommended supplements for Dalmatians based on their main health susceptibility issues.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your Dalmatian pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
If you need more advice on Dalmatian nutrition, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. This book it’s considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade dog nutrition.
Health Dietary Changes In Dalmatians
Dalmatians 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 (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, 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 (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
If your Dalmatian suffers from skin allergies or joint pain, adding dog fish oil may help bring relief. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant effects include promoting improved immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs.
Dalmatian Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Dalmatian usually weighs between 45 and 70 pounds, meaning most Dalmatians need between 1075 and 1500 calories daily.
Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
Pregnant or lactating Dalmatians may need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they normally need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.
Homemade Dog Food For Dalmatians Puppies
A Dalmatian puppy’s diet is different from an adult Dalmatian’s. Compared to adult dogs, puppies need higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Too few (or too many) of these nutrients can cause deficiencies, stunted growth, or lifelong complications.
According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.
Most people worry that their puppy requires more food and calorie daily because they are rapidly growing. This isn’t necessarily the truth. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need about the same number of calories and the same type of food from 4 months to 12 months of age. Dalmatian puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.
For proper growth and development, it is not advised to skip meals while your puppy is growing and developing. As our nutritional guidelines previously outlined, a puppy’s diet must include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service
If you are a busy dog parent with a hectic schedule, cooking homemade food can be a time-consuming or even overwhelming process for dog parents who are unaware of how to prepare balanced dog meals, let alone use the right ingredients and serve the right portions.
If this is you, don’t worry, your pup can still get all the benefits of homemade dog food through a homemade dog food delivery service like Ollie.
Ollie delivers fresh, healthy dog food made with real, human-grade ingredients customized to your pup’s unique nutritional needs. Their recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists who ensure each recipe complies with AAFCO standards. Their meals are full of healthy proteins, fresh veggies, and superfoods delivered right to your door.
The best part about Ollie is that they cater to your pup’s nutritional needs, goals and health concerns. For instance, if your Dalmatian has weight issues, digestive issues, picky tastes, or other health concerns, Ollie will cook a personalized meal plan to meet those requirements.
The ingredients are sourced from human-grade farms in the US, and their premium, pasture-raised lamb comes from free-range farms in the US and Australia. They only feature USA-sourced ingredients cooked in human-grade kitchens, meals come pre-portioned for easy serving.
Ollie promises NO by-products, fillers, artificial flavoring, or preservatives in their food. With Ollie’s fresh food, your dog can experience convenient homemade food with the benefits of shinier coats, fewer allergies, more energy, and better overall health.
Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Ollie. Just use this link to get your Dalmatian’s first homemade meal.
Dalmatians Homemade Food Tips
The list below outlines some tips to help better handle the home-cooking process for Dalmatians.
How To Cook Homemade Food For Dalmatians ( Video)
Watch this video and learn how to cook for your Dalmatian!
Best Dalmatians Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Browse our favorite recipes for a Dalmatian that will make your pup beg for more.
We’ve also added a special treat recipe for your Dalmatian that is tasty and packed with remarkable health benefits. This recipe has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil. CBD oil can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness and other health problems.
Note: Please consult your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portions will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and dog’s health. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.
CBD-Infused Dog Treats
Treat your Dalmatian with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with Pumpkin, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and iron). Pumpkin also aids with digestion and hydration. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.
Just be sure to check with your vet before to ensure CBD is safe for your pup and that you are giving the correct dosage.
You can also purchase already-made CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD without the cooking.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix completely. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden brown on the outside.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe from: Truth Theory
Marvelous Mutt Loaf
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 Pounds 85% Lean Ground Beef
- 4 Eggs, white or brown
- Kidney Beans
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Sprig Rosemary – 1 Teaspoon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Carrots Shredded
- 3 Medium Size Potatoes Shredded (skins on)
Directions
- Using your hands, fold the mixture until well combined
- Using a Muffin Tin, make a ball and pack the muffin hole. Don’t overfill, as they can leak out over your pan.
- Pop into preheated 350F (180c Oven). After 50-55 minutes, the Meatloaf will be ready.
- You can use larger loaf pans instead of muffin tins. However, the muffin tin allows you to make individual portion sizes. If you do use a larger tin, It will also take longer to cook, usually around 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Allow the Meatloaf to cool down before feeding them to your pup.
Recipe from: The Whoot
Wholesome Ground Sirloin Veggie
Ingredient
- 6 cups cooked organic brown rice
- 2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
- 3 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1/4–1/2 cup minced fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried herbs
- 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil
Directions
- Start with cooking the eggs.
- While the rice is cooking, you can brown the sirloin and get all the fresh ingredients together.
- Combine all ingredients in a large container and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.
Recipe from: This Messisours
Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup of broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup rolled oats.
- 4 cups of low-salt chicken broth
Directions
- Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the breasts into small nickel-sized chunks.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender – about 15 minutes.
- Allow cooling before serving.
- Store leftover casserole portions in the fridge for up to five days.
Recipe from: Money Crashers
If you are interested in more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Dalmatian, cookbooks can come in handy for various dog food recipes. Our top pick is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
Best Dog Cooking Practices
With these tips, you can ensure that your Dalmatian meals are safe and nutritious.
Monitor Weight And Health
A dog’s weight is an essential indicator of its health, and you need to track it when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Dalmatian is fed the right dog food. If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues.
Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice.
What Foods Should Your Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
Dalmatians Raw Diet (BARF)
Raw dog food is meant to mimic dogs’ diet in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods, organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are usually included. Several raw dog foods are available, including homemade raw dog food and store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).
As the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance is higher when handling raw foods, preparing a BARF diet for your Dalmatian requires a lot of extra care and planning.
Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coats, digestion, and allergies. Read our raw dog food diet article to more about the benefits and risks, and get the best commercial raw food diet for your Dalmatian.
Should You Feed Homemade Food to Dalmatians? Alternatives
So, what is the verdict? Can Dalmatians eat homemade food? Yes, you can absolutely feed your Dalmatian homemade food, and it’s often recommended. Not only will you know exactly what ingredients are in their food, but you can also customize their diet to meet their specific nutritional needs. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s dietary needs are met.
Read up on vegan dog food if your Dalmatian is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues. Thanks for reading – have fun cooking up some delicious meals for your furry friend!
