Home Cooked Dog Food Suggestions

Visitor Needs Home Cooked Dog Food Suggestions

Hi,

I have a Shih Tzu that is a very picky eater. Some days he won't eat at all. I cook chicken and rice for him, and I add chicken broth so the food isn't dry. My dog was really sick during that pet food recall, and ever since then I have had a difficult time getting him to eat.

Do you have any suggestions about what I might feed him to spark his appetite? I do not like to give him commercial dog food since the recall.

Thank you for any help you can give.

~~ Chris

Expert Reply

Hi Chris,

I'm sorry to hear that your dog got sick on his kibble during that recall. A lot of dogs did, and I'm wondering how the others are faring since the incident. Although it's certainly not a happy circumstance, it will be important to see how many of these dogs develop lasting problems from the melamine poisoning.

I do think it's important to bring your vet up to speed on your dog's current condition. He/She may want to conduct some follow up tests to look for lingering damage.

In the meantime, a little variety may help spark your dog's appetite. Instead of chicken, you could try boiling beef or lamb for your dog. Some dogs even like the taste of cooked salmon. Add some green beans, carrots and apples to the mix to help round out the nutrition.

Our Two Minute Dog Advice columnist Wendy Nan Rees shares a wonderful recipe for Little Man Loaf that you'll find in our article on How to Cook for Your Dog. Perhaps your dog will like it.

Thanks for your question and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

~~ Kelly