The recent recalls on many commercial dog foods have made many pet owners very wary about their best friends' diets. The profit-prioritized manufacturing process, preservatives and other chemicals, and sub-grade ingredients found in many commercial brands also leaves a lot to be desired. The solution to this dilemma is to either switch to one of the high-quality, organic, pricey products that are available from more ethically-minded manufacturers who specialize in creating natural dog food, or to cook your best bud's meal at home.

There are many recipes online for nutritious, natural dog food, and this article will give you a basic recipe to go by, but this article is meant to be a guideline, not professional advice. Also remember that certain breeds have specific dietary needs, and that (like humans) some dogs also suffer from allergies, and there are many conditions, diseases and other ailments that can be helped or hindered by diet. Size, lifestyle and age are also factors that should impact on your choices regarding ingredients, preparation and portion sizes.

Always consult with your veterinarian about your special buddy's specific dietary requirements, and get his/her approval of any recipes, changes or additions to your pet's diet.

As a general rule, a healthy canine diet should contain a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. A supplement of minerals and vitamins should also be included, according to your animal's weight and your vet's instructions. Dogs require calcium, and bonemeal (human/dog-consumption grade - never use gardening bonemeal, as it can contain dangerous chemicals and other toxins) or powdered egg-shell can be added to your dog's food to make sure he/she gets the required amount.

Dogs are carnivores, and as such, require their diet to be about forty-percent protein. Cooked ground beef, lamb and poultry are great sources of protein. Make sure that the meat you use is of good quality and does not contain antibiotics, hormones or chemicals. There are many organic butchers that actually have a pet section. Organ meat, such as kidneys, liver, etc. Can be happily incorporated. Your furry friend will also benefit from the occasional egg.

As for the other sixty percent, the following ingredients are wholesome, natural and your favorite mutt will love their taste: quick-cooking grains like rolled oats, whole-wheat, cornmeal, bulgur, couscous and quinoa; other grains like brown rice, barley, millet and wheat berries; frozen veggies like cut green beans, lima beans, peas and corn; fresh veggies like thinly grated carrots or zucchini, yams/sweet potatoes, baking potatoes, and broccoli.

Note - The Following Foods Are Toxic To Canines: onions and onion powder, chocolate, coffee (in any form), tea, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, tomato leaves and stems, the green parts of potatoes (peels, foliage, sprouts), rhubarb leaves, fruit pits and seeds, almonds. Vegetables that contain high levels of oxalic acid will hamper your dog's ability to absorb calcium, so, although they are not specifically toxic, avoid spinach, rhubarb and swiss chard. Also, do not feed your dog 'table scraps'. Allow all cooked food to cool to room temperature before feeding, to avoid stomach upsets and accidental burns.

A sample natural dog food recipe for a medium/large dog: 1 to 1.5 cups roasted chicken cut into small pieces; 1 cup cooked barley; 0.5 cup shredded carrots, cooked; 0.5 cup green beans, cooked; 1 tablespoon plain, organic yoghurt.