Essential Dog Recipes and Food Recommendations for New Owners 🐶 One Guide to Cover It All

A balanced diet is crucial for your dog’s healthy growth.

Dogs need a variety of nutrients every day, and fortunately, they can enjoy a wide range of fruits and vegetables. With proper 搭配 (combination) and feeding, these foods can significantly benefit their health.

🩵 Vegetables

👉🏻 Recommended options: Chinese cabbage, pumpkin, cabbage, lotus root, carrots, etc.
Feeding tips:

• Choose seasonal, fresh vegetables.
• Wash them thoroughly, then either cook them until soft or blanch them in boiling water (avoid adding salt, oil, or spices).
• For puppies under 6 months, chop vegetables into small pieces to prevent choking; adult dogs can have larger chunks for added chewing exercise.
• Vegetables should make up no more than 10% of their daily diet to avoid reducing protein intake.

🩵 Fruits

👉🏻 Recommended options: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), watermelon, apples, pears, bananas, etc.
Feeding tips:

• Remove seeds or pits from fruits like apples, pears, and watermelons (some seeds contain small amounts of toxins harmful to dogs).
• Control portion sizes: High-sugar fruits like bananas and watermelons should be limited (e.g., 1-2 small slices of watermelon per day for a medium-sized dog).
• Freeze berries in summer for a refreshing, low-calorie treat that also helps clean teeth.

🩵 Meats

👉🏻 Recommended options: Chicken (breast is lean and low-fat), duck (great for cooling down in hot weather), and white-fleshed fish (salmon, cod, etc., rich in DHA and EPA for healthy skin and coat).
Feeding tips:

• For non-sterilized meat, always cook it thoroughly to kill bacteria like salmonella. Avoid raw meat unless you’re following a strictly managed raw diet plan.
• Remove bones from poultry and fish to prevent choking or internal injuries.
• Meat should form the main source of protein in their diet—adult dogs need 18-25% protein daily, while puppies require 22-32% for growth.

Bonus: Dog Food Recommendations

• For puppies (2-12 months): Opt for puppy-specific formulas with higher protein (25-30%) and DHA to support brain development. Look for brands that include chicken or lamb as the first ingredient.
• For adult dogs (1-7 years): Choose maintenance formulas with balanced protein and fat (10-15% fat to prevent obesity). Grain-free options can be good for dogs with grain sensitivities, but ensure they contain alternative sources of fiber like sweet potatoes.
• For senior dogs (8+ years): Pick low-fat, easy-to-digest formulas with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.

By combining fresh, home-cooked ingredients with high-quality commercial dog food, you’ll provide a diet that keeps your dog energetic, maintains a shiny coat, and supports long-term health. Always introduce new foods gradually over 3-5 days to monitor for allergies or digestive upset!