Many pet owners are scrambling to find alternatives to mass-produced commercial dog food ever since the rash of recalls pulled many tainted pet foods from store shelves. They want to feed their best friend safe, delicious, and healthy high-quality food. And there are some excellent options for the discriminating dog owner.

Many consumers are turning to homemade dog food in order to know exactly what their dogs are eating. Before you begin cooking for your dog, it's important to know basic nutritional requirements and what ingredients to avoid in order to prepare a quality dog food.

First, just like with humans, dogs need a balanced diet. They need 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables, and 30 percent starch. Remove and throw away all the bones from the meat you plan to give your dog. Cook it thoroughly. And after letting it cool completely, cut it up into pieces that are appropriate to the size of your dog.

Cooked brown rice and pasta are popular choices for starch in a dog's diet. You can rotate the two for variety. When choosing a vegetable, carrots are popular. But try other vegetables and see which ones your dog prefers. Any vegetable you feed your dog should be thoroughly cooked. Also, scrambled eggs can be a nutritious addition to the meal you're preparing, and one many dogs will enjoy.

Be sure to take note of the food ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. Do not feed your pet any of the following foods: onion, chocolate, grapes and raisins, avocados, mushrooms, and macadamia nuts. You may want to write this list down and keep it attached to the refrigerator as a reminder. When cooking for your dog, make only enough food for three days. That's the maximum amount of time you can safely refrigerate the meal.

Now don't worry if you don't have enough time to cook for your dog. There are plenty of holistic dog food brands on the market that cater to pet owners concerned with the quality of food they are feeding their best friend. A growing number of health food stores, boutique pet stores, and online shops now sell holistic dog food. The wide variety of brands available make it possible to find a dog food that even the pickiest eater might enjoy.

When shopping for a holistic dog food there are several things you want to look for on the label. These foods should always be made with human-grade, all natural ingredients. Many will also include Omega 3 and 6 supplements that promote healthy looking coats. Holistic foods should be free of preservatives, fillers, meat by-products, hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavors. They should also avoid the use of corn, wheat, and soy filler. These are ingredients that are hard for your dog to digest.

If you've been looking for peace of mind when feeding your dog, home cooking or purchasing a high-quality holistic dog food are both great options. And you can feel confident that you're providing your best friend with a natural, delicious, and healthy diet.