Rhodesian Ridgeback Homemade Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog known for its distinctive ridge of hair running along its spine. These dogs are athletic and require a lot of exercise and high-quality food to stay healthy. If you are thinking about cooking for your Rhodesian, you must ensure your pet gets the right balance of nutrients for their age and lifestyle.

Rhodesian Ridgeback homemade food is not as complicated as one may think, but you need to follow certain guidelines and talk to your vet before getting the apron out. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about cooking for Rhodesian Ridgeback and some recipes to get you started. Let’s dive right in!

Chapter 1: Nutrition, Benefits & Risks

Ch 2 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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 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.

Food And Rhodesian Ridgeback Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally live between 9 to 13 years. This breed’s most common health problems include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, eye problems (cataracts), and hypothyroidism. Diseases like allergies, certain cancers, and dermoid sinus are also common in the breed. This breed’s other minor and less common health problems include Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and deafness.^[2]

How Can A Homemade Diet Help Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues?

Rhodesian Ridgeback Homemade Dog Food Risks

Here are some of the risks you need to keep in mind.

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:

Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 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, growth and development. Supports the function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Here are the top recommended supplements for Rhodesian Ridgebacks based on their main health susceptibility issues.

Always Work With a Vet/Dog Nutritionist

Health Dietary Changes In Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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. Adding fish oil can promote healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Rhodesian Ridgeback Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback usually weighs between 71 and 86 pounds, which means most Rhodesian Ridgebacks need between 1325 and 1529 calories a day.

Ensure you adhere to the 10% guideline when giving treats to your dog. Food should account for 90% of calories, while treats comprise 10%. For example, if your Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs 80 lbs., he would require 1449 calories daily. With treats included, that’s 1304 calories from food (90%) and 145 from treats (10%). Typically, most adult dogs have two meals a day. Hence, you should divide 1304 into two meals of 652 calories each.

Pregnant or lactating Rhodesian Ridgeback may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

Homemade Dog Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies

A Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy’s dietary requirements differ from those of an adult’s Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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.

However, many assume puppies require more food and calories daily because they grow quickly. This is not necessarily true. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need a similar number of calories and the same type of food from 4 to 12 months of age. Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. As your puppy ages (between 6 and 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

Skipping meals is not advisable during your puppy’s growth and development. As previously stated in our nutritional guidelines, a puppy’s diet should include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins to ensure proper growth and development.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Nom Nom 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.

Our readers can access 50% off their first Nom Nom order. Use this link to get your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s first homemade meal.

Best Homemade Food For Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Chapter 2: Recipes, Cooking Tips & More

Ch 1

Rhodesian Ridgeback Homemade Food Tips

Before sharing our favorite Rhodesian Ridgeback homemade food recipes, follow these best practices when preparing your dog’s next meal.

How To Cook Homemade Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback ( Video)

Watch this video and learn how to cook homemade meals for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Best Rhodesian Ridgeback Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Browse the best homemade dog food recipes for Rhodesian Ridgebacks that will make your pup beg for more.

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.

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Treat your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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). Banana also aids with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps 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

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg until it’s beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined.
5. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution.
6. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold.
7. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready.
8. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Chicken & Rice Delight

Ingredients

Directions

1. 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.
2. Rice preparation. In a pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions or until it’s soft and fluffy. Once done, set aside.
3. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Combine ½ cup of water or chicken broth with ½ cup of flour. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency.
4. 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.
5. Cooling. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving to ensure it’s safe for your dog.

Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast

Ingredients

Directions

1. 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.
2. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.
3. Simmering. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent.
4. 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.
5. Finishing touches. Once off the heat, stir in the fish oil and sprinkle turmeric, ensuring it’s mixed well.
6. Storing. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days.

Beefy & Veggie Medley

Ingredients

Directions

1. Egg prep. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined.
5. 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.

Best Dog Cooking Practices

Ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s meals are safe and nutritious with these tips.

Monitor Weight And Health

What Foods Should Your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Raw Diet (BARF)

Read our “raw diet for dogs” article to discover its advantages and risks. Also, find the top raw brands for Basset Hounds in our best raw dog food post.

Homemade Dog Food For Rhodesian Ridgeback — Conclusion & Alternatives

A diet of homemade food can provide your Rhodesian Ridgeback with the nutrients he needs. A homemade diet can be a great way to ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback gets the nutrients he needs, but it is essential to ensure you do it right under your vet’s supervision.

Read up on vegan dog food if your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.

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