Breakfast for Dogs

People who use online dog training often wonder, What should breakfast for dogs look like.

Should it be the same as the evening meal?

Should we feed once a day or twice a day?

There are a host of answers, but studies have shown it is healthier for dogs to eat 2 meals instead of one large meal.

I like to vary foods for my dogs and breakfast is usually a meal that I share with my dogs, that is we eat at the same time and basically the same thing.  I like feeding my dogs human grade food, that is I don’t use commercial dog food.

Breakfast is a time that we “break fast” so that is we need to give ourselves and our dogs something nutritious.

Some people don’t agree with giving dogs grains, but there is no downside to giving a dog grains if they are not intolerant of them.  In fact, grains can provide much-needed carbs and nutrition for dogs.  If dogs are intolerant of grains, then they should obviously be removed from the dog’s diet.  Be aware that some grains contain gluten and gluten may be the contributing factor, not necessarily the carbs.  You will see dogs that are intolerant of carbs by allergic reactions such as increased itching.

For those who argue that dogs don’t receive “balanced nutrition” in the wild I respond with, “Dogs in the wild also don’t receive shelter, medical care or training in the wild, and those dogs don’t live nearly as long as pets that are cared for.”  SIMPLE!

My dogs benefit from the balanced nutritious meals I feed and breakfast is a big part of it.  Here is one recipe I use for my German Shepherd -Maya and my Belgian Malinois – Goofy, both about 60lbs and  very active.

• 3/4 cup oatmeal (cooked)
• 1/4  cup organic frozen blueberries
• 2 organic eggs (hard-boiled)
• 1 tablespoon organic, cold pressed coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon calcium powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Manuka honey
• 1 multivitamin
• *Occasionally I add Spirulina for breakfast, but almost always add it to the dinner meal.

*Add the frozen blueberries to the hot oatmeal to cool it down. Always check to make sure you are not giving your dog food that is too hot, lukewarm is best.

*Boil the eggs in advance so they are not hot.

*Manuka honey has numerous heath benefits that can’t be derived from conventional honey. However Manuka honey is more expensive.