Homemade Dog Food For Samoyeds: Recipes & Guide
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Samoyeds are a lovely and friendly dog breed known for their thick, fluffy coats. They are also known for having a lot of energy and enjoying food. While commercial dog food is convenient, many pet owners prefer to feed their dogs homemade meals for better nutrition control and to avoid potential health risks from processed ingredients. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of homemade dog food and share a recipe for a healthy and delicious meal designed specifically for Samoyeds.
Samoyed Homemade Dog Food Benefits
Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Samoyed
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 Samoyed Health: Why Feed Homemade?
Samoyeds generally live between 10 to 14 years. Some of the most common health problems in this breed include retinal dysplasia, uveodermatologic syndrome, and samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. Diseases like allergies, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hip dysplasia are also common in the breed. Other less common health problems Samoyeds suffers from include pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis[2]
How Can A Homemade Diet Help Samoyed Health Issues?
Samoyed Homemade Dog Food Risks
The drawbacks of cooking homemade dog food you need to understand and avoid
Research by the University of California Davis School of Veterinary and two studies published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes are 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 Samoyed’s dietary requirements and help you make nutritionally balanced recipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
Samoyed Nutritional Guidelines to Follow
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), 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 Samoyeds
Here are the top recommended supplements for Samoyeds based on their main health susceptibility issues.
You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your Samoyed pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
Need more advice on Samoyed 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.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Health Dietary Changes In Samoyeds
Samoyeds 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 Samoyed 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.
Samoyed Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Samoyed usually weighs between 44 and 66 pounds, meaning most Samoyeds need between 927 and 1253 calories daily. Ensure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
For instance, if a Samoyed weighs 50 lbs., he would need 1019 calories daily. For those eating treats, that’s 917 calories in food (90%) and 102 in treats (10%). Usually, most full-grown dogs eat two meals per day. So, you must split 917 into two meals of 459 calories each.
You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
Pregnant or lactating Samoyed 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 Samoyed Puppies
A Samoyed puppy’s diet is different from an adult Samoyed. 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.
Samoyed 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
A homemade dog food delivery service like Ollie is an excellent choice if you don’t have time to cook for your Samoyed because it offers the benefits of homemade dog food without the hassle of preparing it yourself. Ollie delivers fresh, balanced meals made from human-grade ingredients customized to your dog’s unique nutritional needs, so you can be sure they’re getting the best possible diet. Does your Samoyed have allergies? Is he overweight? Ollie has you covered.
Additionally, Ollie saves you time by eliminating the need to shop for ingredients and prepare meals, freeing up your schedule for other activities. Plus, with Ollie, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of balancing ingredients or portioning your dog’s food. Their meals come pre-portioned for easy serving and formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists who ensure each recipe complies with AAFCO standards.
Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!
Samoyed Homemade Food Tips
Before sharing our favorite Samoyed homemade food recipes, remember these recommendations when preparing your dog’s next meal.
How To Cook Homemade Food For Samoyeds ( Video)
Never made food for your Samoyed before? This video will get you started.
Best Samoyed Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Browse our favorite recipes for a Samoyed that will make your pup beg for more.
We’ve also added a special treat recipe for your Samoyeds 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 Samoyed 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 CBD’s benefits 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
Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix
Ingredients
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe from: Allrecipes
Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
- Bring 1 cup of whole grain to boiling in a pot of water. I overcook it so that it’s soft and easily digestible. Drain.
- While that’s boiling, shred/chop the veggies.
- Cook ground turkey with olive oil and drain excess juices.
- Mix everything! No need to cook the veggies. The cooked turkey and whole grain will warm them up a bit.
- Store in Tupperware or ziplock bags and freeze! It makes enough for around two weeks of meals (Fira weighs 14 lbs).
Recipe from: WhereSTheFrenchie
Turkey & Vegetable Dinner
Ingredients
Directions
- Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked through
- Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is soft and tender
- Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender
- Allow cooling before serving
- Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days
Pro tip: Avoid using heavy oil to brown the turkey. Its high-fat content may upset your dog’s stomach.
Recipe from: Moneycrashers
If you are interested in more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Samoyed, 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 Samoyed’s 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 learn more about the benefits and risks, and get the best commercial raw food diet for your Samoyed.
Should You Feed Homemade Food to Samoyed? Alternatives
Feeding your Samoyed a homemade diet is a great way to ensure they are getting a well-balanced and nutritious meal. A homemade diet is a great option for pet owners who want to be hands-on with their dog’s nutrition, whether you prepare it yourself or use a delivery service like Ollie. However, it is critical to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your Samoyed is receiving all of the necessary nutrients for its specific needs. You can give your pet the gift of a healthy and delicious homemade diet with a little planning and preparation.
If your Samoyed has food allergies or health issues related to their diet, look into vegan dog food. Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues. This could be the solution your pet has been looking for in order to live a happier and healthier life.
