Standard formulation I use is 70% muscle meat, 10% green tripe, 5% liver, 6% kidney, heart and/or tongue.

The Percentage changes a little bit depending on if it's beef, pork, lamb, bison and such. Not very much though, and sometimes instead of all bone, I use dried ground eggshells.

As my most used home-cooked recipe

Made in 8 quart instant pot

I large sweet potato chopped
3 large carrots chopped
3 ribs of celery chopped
1 bunch of Kale chopped
1 bunch of mustard greens chopped
1 bunch of parsley chopped
1 bunch of cilantro chopped
1 to 3 beets chopped
2 yellow or red bell peppers
I save all the leaves and stems ( at the end you'll see )
1 pound of ground beef 90/10, if more fat go with lower fat second protein
1 pound of ground chicken or turkey see above.
1 container of chicken liver 1.25lbs
I container of chicken hearts and gizzard 1.25lbs
1 can of salmon
1 can of mackerel
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup flaxseed
1/4 cup hemp hearts
3/8 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons of black pepper
2 tablespoons of Cinnamon
2 tablespoons of turmeric
2 tablespoons of kelp power
2 tablespoons of garlic paste ( yes, garlic IS SAFE in small quantities for dogs, and have the same health benefits, plus bugs repellency ie. fleas and ticks )
4 to 6 eggs depending on size
4 heaping tablespoon of coconut oil added at end of cooking.


Take the veggies and after rensing and cutting the vegetable put in instant pot with water and/or bone broth, 2 to 3 cups
Set instant pot to 5 minutes high pressure cooking and then slow release.

I take a stick blinder and blend to puree 40 to 60 percent of the veggies, leaving some chunks.

Then I add the meat except the mackerel and salmon, and the rest of the ingredients, rice, oats ect. and cook for 5 minutes high pressure and half slow half quick release, meaning after setting for 3 minutes, I quick release the rest of the pressure.

At this time the kelp, cinnamon, turmeric and such go in along with the eggs, mackerel and salmon and ground eggshells.

Mix well, let cool and bag/container and freeze. Usually makes about 6 1 quart bags give or take.

The brown rice and oats, with the eggs hold it together

There are a few more recipes for pork, lamb, bison based, with different veggies, but there are some things that remain the same.

Also to of that chicken paws are given almost every meal, whole raw eggs a few days a week. A chicken wing or thighs.

Goats Milk and kefir with and without mixing with a little water is in the food bowl. Speaking of water, they don't drink very much unless they are really going hard. Raw unlike kibble IS hydrating.

I feed about 1400 calories per day spent in half give or take. The boy gets a little more, the girl gets a little less.


Now, for the leaves and stems. I take them, with some bone broth and blend in the blinder unit it's a medium Vicosity liquid/paste and pour over the food raw.

I save all my veggies scraps, and do this with them when I cook for myself.

I save bones raw, and cooked to make bone broth.

I try to source locally, organic, no pesticides grown produce, in the spring, summer and fall farmers markets.

I buy from the grocery stores also. But I try for locally sourced even then.

I have a coworker that also works at a beef farm, and I get deals on not so popular cuts, or things that have sat to long ( safe, frozen, within due date ) my source of Tongue, heart, kidney, spleen.


All bone if raw is safe. There are always a chance of something happening, but that's with anything.

I was scared at first, food safety, time, balancing the meals. But I realized that there is risk in everything that we do. And this was the best way forward.

I'm busy, working 50 to 70 hours a week 5 to 6 days ( sometimes 7 )during the school year. But even I find the time. Usually 1 Sunday a month I spent a few hours preparing, grinding and cooking and packaging everything up for the next month. Sometimes I get ahead and get 2 mouths worth done.

But, I truly see the benefits in my pups. They are healthy, and very active. Gret Vet check-ups,Ahyoka will be 5 in October and she keeps up with Sequoyah 2 this 28th.

ARman

We make our own dog food out of cow tongue, liver (careful), heart, etc. We grind it, mix it with rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

We cook the meat, mix everything together, then freeze dry it and vacuum pack that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ulsterman,

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:
We make our own dog food out of cow tongue, liver (careful), heart, etc. We grind it, mix it with rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

We cook the meat, mix everything together, then freeze dry it and vacuum pack that.

I wish I could have a freeze-dryer.

You got to be careful with liver, especially beef, bison, venison, lamb/sheep, and goat. And a lesser extent pork. To much copper can cause problems with the fur babies liver.

Good rule of thumb is no more then 6% a day, and/or 30% per week.

Chicken, turkey and other non-grazing animals don't have as much copper, so a little bit more is generally OK.

I feed Ahyoka and Sequoyah fresh blueberries, blackberry, cranberries, apples ( Ahyoka is crazy for apples ) in their bowl at meat time, especially breakfast every few days depending what's on hand ( sometimes more then one type of fruit ).

ARman

I suspect that feeding dogs a reasonable quality food along with good genetics is the key.
I don't believe you can overcome genetic issues with any sort of food.
Our mixed breed dogs have all lived on kibble, from Pro Plan to others that are equivalent quality. They've all lived for 14-19 years with a minimum of problems.
One pure bred Aussie we had died of cancer at 10 1/2. We now have another (different lineage) that's 11 and going strong so far on the same diet.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 220-9er:
I suspect that feeding dogs a reasonable quality food along with good genetics is the key.
I don't believe you can overcome genetic issues with any sort of food.
Our mixed breed dogs have all lived on kibble, from Pro Plan to others that are equivalent quality. They've all lived for 14-19 years with a minimum of problems.
One pure bred Aussie we had died of cancer at 10 1/2. We now have another (different lineage) that's 11 and going strong so far on the same diet.[/QUOTE


Genetics do play a part. But diabetes has gone up 80% in the last 15 years. Linked to the fact that most dog foods have way to much carbs, and just like us ( because of us ) more sedentary. Cancer has skyrocketed also.

Dog dental disease has increased as kibble has increased. Carbs turn to suger.

It cost me around $ 3.00 a day or less to feed two 50 +/- aussies on average depending on market conditions and how many deals I can get.

Noticed improvements
1 beautiful health coats
2 health skin
3 smaller poo that goes away in a couple days and does stink
4 clear eyes
5 clean white teeth
6 better temperament
7 very active
8 great Veterinarian checkups
9 no illnesses
10 no tummy issues ( unless they get into something they shouldn't)
11 no smell, both haven't had a bath since before Christmas until this past Sunday, and the only reason they got one is because they got super muddy playing!
12 no bad breath
And so on.

To me, there is a payoff.

To me, Kibble is like eating McDonald's and Doritos and 2 liter of Mt. Dew every meal.

ARman

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:
We make our own dog food out of cow tongue, liver (careful), heart, etc. We grind it, mix it with rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

We cook the meat, mix everything together, then freeze dry it and vacuum pack that.

I wish I could have a freeze-dryer.

You got to be careful with liver, especially beef, bison, venison, lamb/sheep, and goat. And a lesser extent pork. To much copper can cause problems with the fur babies liver.

Good rule of thumb is no more then 6% a day, and/or 30% per week.

Chicken, turkey and other non-grazing animals don't have as much copper, so a little bit more is generally OK.

I feed Ahyoka and Sequoyah fresh blueberries, blackberry, cranberries, apples ( Ahyoka is crazy for apples ) in their bowl at meat time, especially breakfast every few days depending what's on hand ( sometimes more then one type of fruit ).

ARman

We bought a scratch and dent from Harvest Right. Still expensive but worth the money. We travel in our RV and freeze drying cuts down on weight.

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:
We make our own dog food out of cow tongue, liver (careful), heart, etc. We grind it, mix it with rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

We cook the meat, mix everything together, then freeze dry it and vacuum pack that.

I wish I could have a freeze-dryer.

You got to be careful with liver, especially beef, bison, venison, lamb/sheep, and goat. And a lesser extent pork. To much copper can cause problems with the fur babies liver.

Good rule of thumb is no more then 6% a day, and/or 30% per week.

Chicken, turkey and other non-grazing animals don't have as much copper, so a little bit more is generally OK.

I feed Ahyoka and Sequoyah fresh blueberries, blackberry, cranberries, apples ( Ahyoka is crazy for apples ) in their bowl at meat time, especially breakfast every few days depending what's on hand ( sometimes more then one type of fruit ).

ARman

We bought a scratch and dent from Harvest Right. Still expensive but worth the money. We travel in our RV and freeze drying cuts down on weight.

I hear that, I started with freeze-dried raw, because of concerns, but it is expensive.

I keep a week's worth of freeze-dried and some The Honest Kitchen dehydrated food on hand for emergencies and traveling.

Midwest Legacy Beef has freeze-dried and it's a good price.
Check them out with this link, if you buy with discount code AHYOKASTAR, you'll get 5% off your order.

https://midwestlegacybeef.com/AHYOKASTAR


Code AHYOKASTAR

My only affiliation with them is a happy customer, and while talking with the owner I mentioned that my pups have YouTube channels and was offered a discount for my viewers, and I make a little if someone buys.

That's not the point of this though, I'm always looking for more information on raw and home-cooked diets and ideas for making it more affordable.

Plus the hope that people will change from kibble to a more species appropriate, natural diet.

I believe that commercial dog food is the cause of all the rise in diseases in the last 15 to 25 years. They just keep going up and up.


ARman

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:

quote:

Originally posted by ARman:

quote:

Originally posted by ulsterman:
We make our own dog food out of cow tongue, liver (careful), heart, etc. We grind it, mix it with rice, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, etc.

We cook the meat, mix everything together, then freeze dry it and vacuum pack that.

I wish I could have a freeze-dryer.

You got to be careful with liver, especially beef, bison, venison, lamb/sheep, and goat. And a lesser extent pork. To much copper can cause problems with the fur babies liver.

Good rule of thumb is no more then 6% a day, and/or 30% per week.

Chicken, turkey and other non-grazing animals don't have as much copper, so a little bit more is generally OK.

I feed Ahyoka and Sequoyah fresh blueberries, blackberry, cranberries, apples ( Ahyoka is crazy for apples ) in their bowl at meat time, especially breakfast every few days depending what's on hand ( sometimes more then one type of fruit ).

ARman

We bought a scratch and dent from Harvest Right. Still expensive but worth the money. We travel in our RV and freeze drying cuts down on weight.

I hear that, I started with freeze-dried raw, because of concerns, but it is expensive.

I keep a week's worth of freeze-dried and some The Honest Kitchen dehydrated food on hand for emergencies and traveling.

Midwest Legacy Beef has freeze-dried and it's a good price.
Check them out with this link, if you buy with discount code AHYOKASTAR, you'll get 5% off your order.

https://midwestlegacybeef.com/AHYOKASTAR


Code AHYOKASTAR

My only affiliation with them is a happy customer, and while talking with the owner I mentioned that my pups have YouTube channels and was offered a discount for my viewers, and I make a little if someone buys.

That's not the point of this though, I'm always looking for more information on raw and home-cooked diets and ideas for making it more affordable.

Plus the hope that people will change from kibble to a more species appropriate, natural diet.

I believe that commercial dog food is the cause of all the rise in diseases in the last 15 to 25 years. They just keep going up and up.


ARman

We can buy fresh meat, veggies, fruit, ice cream bars, etc and freeze dry it far cheaper than we can buy freeze dried items. Our butcher almost gives us the organ meats to make our dog food.

ARman[/QUOTE]

We can buy fresh meat, veggies, fruit, ice cream bars, etc and freeze dry it far cheaper than we can buy freeze dried items. Our butcher almost gives us the organ meats to make our dog food.[/QUOTE]

I have been wanting a freeze-dryer. What kind do you have?


I would love to be able to freeze-dry and vacuum pack/seal especially when I get a chance at a good deal. Sometimes I have to pass them up because my deep freeze is full ( I need to get a bigger one or another smaller one ) I have a " beer fridge " that I use for over flow, but only things that I don't care if I lose, because it sometimes acts up, and the freezer doesn't stay cold enough.

I would love to prepare meals for emergencies and traveling, freeze-dry them and vacuum pack them.

I would be interested in what you have!


ARman

We have a large Harvest Right. We bought it during one of their scratch and dent sales.

We freeze dry almost all our dog food.

My wife makes a great chicken pot pie that we freeze dry.

Ice cream bars and Skittles are also great to freeze dry.

^^^^^ ^^^^^

Thanks! I'm going to save me pennys and go one someday.


ARman

Raw pork and fish recipe

5 pounds 96% lean ground pork
3 pounds pork heart
1 pound pork liver
1/2 pound pork kidney
1 pound Herring
1 pound mackerel
6 tablespoons of kelp
6 tablespoons of bone meal ( cut to 4 tablespoons if using bone in fish )
8 Oz kale
5 Oz broccoli
12oz mixed berries ( blue berries, raspberries, blackberry and cranberries )
3 teaspoon Wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon of hemphearts


Grind pork, heart, liver, kidney. Grind the fish.
Blended into puree the berries and veggies.

Mix them together well and package how you wish. Serving is about 20oz a day for 50 pound dog.


ARman

Pork and fish based cooked recipe


1 large sweet potato chopped
3 large carrots chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1 bunch spinach chopped
1 bunch turnip greens chopped
1 bunch of parsley
1 bunch cilantro chopped
1 0.5oz package of dill chopped
2 yellow and/or red bell peppers chopped
1 parsnip chopped
1 turnip chopped
2 pounds of pork ( lean pork )
One pork tongue ( they average 0.9 to 1 pound ) ground or mence finely
1 pound pork liver
1 pound pork heart
1 pound pork kidney
grounded or chopped/menced fine
1 can salmon
1 can mackerel
4 can sardines in water
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup flaxseed
1/4 cup hemp hearts
3/8 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons of black pepper
2 tablespoons of Cinnamon
2 tablespoons of turmeric
2 tablespoons of kelp power
2 tablespoons of ginger
2 tablespoons of garlic paste ( yes, garlic IS SAFE in small quantities for dogs, and have the same health benefits, plus bugs repellency ie. fleas and ticks )
4 to 6 eggs depending on size
4 heaping tablespoon of coconut oil added at end of cooking.

Pretty much follow the steps in the beef/chicken recipe.

ARman

Turkey cooked recipe ( Holliday Special)


large sweet potato chopped
3 large carrots chopped
3 ribs of celery chopped
1 bunch of Kale chopped
1 bunch of spinach chopped
1 bunch of mustard greens chopped
1 bunch of turnip greens chopped
1 bunch of parsley chopped
1 bunch of cilantro chopped
1 1/2 cup greens beans chopped
3 pounds ground turkey
1 container chicken hearts and gizzard ( 1.25lbs)
1 container chicken liver 1.25lbs
16 Oz cranberries
can of salmon
1 pound mussels
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup hemp hearts
3/8 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons of black pepper
2 tablespoons of Cinnamon
2 tablespoons of turmeric
2 tablespoons of kelp power
2 tablespoons of garlic paste ( yes, garlic IS SAFE in small quantities for dogs, and have the same health benefits, plus bugs repellency ie. fleas and ticks )
4 to 6 eggs depending on size
4 heaping tablespoon of coconut oil added at end of cooking


Oh yeah, I forgot 1 can of pumpkin puree! Add after finished cooking, mix well!


Follow directions in the beef recipe.


ARman

Bison cooked recipe

5 pounds ground bison
.5 ( half lb ) of bison heart
.2 of liver
1 pound pork
1 pork kidney
1.25lbs chicken hearts and gizzard
1oz ground raw pumpkin seeds
1 can pumpkin puree
.35oz kelp power
2.5oz berries ( any kind )
3oz mushrooms ( any kind )
2 large eggs shell chopped or ground
2 large carrots
1 stalk of celery chopped fine
1 bunch parsley chopped
1 bunch cilantro chopped
1 medium squish chopped in small pieces
4oz kale chopped
1 can sardines in water, drain and rinse
1 large broccoli florets chopped fine ( save stems ond ground to a puree with kale stems to pour over food raw )
1 cup green beans chopped
1 teaspoon of garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Is optional, but if you have access 4 to 6 persimmons chopped or grounded finely and after cooking, persimmons are full of vitamins A, C,and E but be cautious some dogs can't tolerate persimmons

1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, brown the meat. Remove
saute veggies except the turmeric, parsley, cilantro and pumpkin puree and pumpkin seeds. And eggs

Combine everything and add/Combine the rest of the ingredients. After the heat is turned off and the eggs, and sprinkle the crushed/ground shells in. Mix well.

Half pound per meal for a 50 pound dog give or take depending on calorie needs. About 800 calories per serving.

ARman

Surf and Turf ( part raw, part cooked )

I cheat a little on this, my base is Midwest Legacy Beef BLT + bone as my raw meat.

6 pounds BLT
7oz catfish
4oz salmon
16oz ( two cans )Geisha Whole Oysters in Water, drain and rinse
I can salmon
1 can mackerel
1oz ground raw pumpkin seeds
1 can pumpkin puree
.35oz kelp power
2.5oz berries ( any kind )
6oz mushrooms ( any kind )
2 large eggs shell chopped or ground
2 large carrots
1 stalk of celery chopped fine
1 bunch parsley chopped
1 bunch cilantro chopped
1 medium squish chopped in small pieces
4oz kale chopped
1 cup green beans chopped
1 teaspoon of garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Lightly cook fish in half tablespoon coconut oil half tablespoon olive oil

Sauté veggies except for parsley and cilantro, pumpkin puree and seeds

After Sautéing veggies add the remainder, mix well and let cool.

Combine everything together and mix well

https://midwestlegacybeef.com/AHYOKASTAR for the BLT

Serving is again about 8oz twice a day for a 50 pound dog. This last me about 1.5 weeks more or less, depending on the extra add-ons ( raw carrots, berries, raw eggs, chicken paws ect. )


ARman

World’s oldest dog ever, Bobi, dies aged 31
By Sanj Atwal
Published 23 October 2023


UPDATE: 22 February 2024 - Guinness World Records concludes oldest dog ever review launched after Bobi's death

Guinness World Records are saddened to learn of the death of Bobi, the world’s oldest dog ever.



Bobi lived to be 31 years 165 days old and spent his entire life with his loving owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros.

He passed away on 20 October in an animal hospital.

Bobi's death was announced by Dr Karen Becker, a veterinarian who met Bobi several times. She wrote on Facebook: "Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings.

"Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him.

"Godspeed, Bobi…you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach."

Bobi was announced as the world’s oldest dog living and oldest dog ever on 2 February 2023.

He was registered in 1992 with Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria), who confirmed his birth date.

Bobi’s age was also verified by SIAC, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários; National Union of Veterinarians).

Although he lived to be the oldest verified dog in history, Bobi was lucky to have even made it to his first birthday.

Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies, however, because Leonel’s family already owned too many animals, his father decided not to keep them.

“Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people […] to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Leonel revealed.

Leonel’s parents decided to take the puppies whilst their mother was away, however, they accidentally left Bobi behind. He was hidden amongst a pile of wood stored in the outbuilding where he was born, so Leonel’s parents didn’t spot him.

Bobi was soon discovered by Leonel and his brothers, who kept the puppy’s existence a secret.

When their parents eventually became aware of Bobi, it was too late to put him down, so Bobi became a part of the family.

“They screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason!” Leonel said.

According to Leonel, the “calm, peaceful” environment Bobi lived in contributed to his record-breaking age. Additionally, Bobi was never tied up, chained, nor leashed – he always enjoyed free roam of the nature surrounding his house.

As he advanced in age, Bobi became less mobile, so he spent most of his time in the backyard with his feline friends. Leonel described Bobi as a “very sociable” dog.

Leonel believes that Bobi’s diet also contributed to his longevity, as he exclusively ate human food. “What we ate, they ate too,” Leonel said.

Before serving food to Bobi, Leonel soaked it in water to remove the seasonings.

Leonel has owned several old-aged dogs in the past – Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived to be 18, and another one of his dogs, Chicote, died at 22.

“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind,” Leonel said after Bobi was awarded his record.

Bobi had many fans around the globe – as evidenced by the 100+ people who showed up to his 31st birthday party – and he will be sorely missed.

Leonel said he was the “last of a long generation of animals” in the Costa family. Rest in peace, Bobi.

https://www.guinnessworldrecor...-dies-aged-31-760019

18, 22, and 31 years old. Eating human food.

No Ultra Processed Food chock-full of BHA, BHT, PHA, and Glycotoxins (Advanced Glycation End-products or AGEs):

My dad's aussie live to 20 and he never saw dog food. Tablescraps, Butchering scraps. Theaving eggs ( and getting them given to him )

He was a working farm dog, and my dad's best friend.

ARman

Dr. Karen Becker doesn't believe in neutering/spaying and has her own food recipes.


https://drkarenbecker.com/

I was a victim of listening to the "experts" and buying the Top dog food in the numerous studies and paying the big bucks for that food.
Common sense finally took hold and I went to a natural meat(fresh beef liver and beef heart) diet along with sweet potatoes to feed my dogs.

Now I laugh when I think about the "premium" kibble.
We all know the garbage we eat and the junk they include in our food. I can only imagine the garbage they use in making the "premium" dry dog food or anything that is sold as animal use food.

When I grew up (50's and 60's)my parents fed our dogs table scraps, my grandparents had a farm and those farm dogs ate table scraps and raw chicken from the chicken coup.
I never remember loosing a dog to Cancer.
I wonder how many animals in the wild suffer from Cancer.