Switching to Homemade Dog Food

I think it's time to finally do what I've always said I would do...make Brinkley's food at home.  In researching joint supplements, I starting reading all about dog food again.  I should have known better but I just couldn't help it.  And I found a few dog health podcasts to listen to as well.  And I started watching You Tube videos.  And then I finally decided that it can't be all that dang difficult to just make his food at home!!  In all of my random readings, here's what I've found...

Pros...

• By making his food, I know exactly what goes into it.  I will no longer have to decipher the back of a dog food bag and wonder what all that stuff is.  If the front of the bag says chicken and rice or lamb and potato, those should be listed on the back, right??!!
• No chemicals, which are increasingly linked to dog cancer and poor development (hips anyone?)
• Increased energy, softer coat, clearer eyes
• Improved diet can help Brink lose weight
• Natural source of protein, vitamins, and minerals can help with arthritis
• Alleviate allergies, which are most likely caused my chemicals and excessive use of corn and wheat as fillers in dry kibble. 

Cons...

• I have to actually cook it.  Consistently.
• Everyone will assume I'm crazy
• ????  Anyone got anything else???? 

There's a huge debate among dog food chefs as to whether or not homemade dog food should be raw or cooked.  I can understand both sides.  Yes, when wolves/dogs kill their prey, they don't cook anything.  They eat the meat, bones, organs, and stomach contents (plants, berries, etc.) as raw as mother nature makes it.  However, I don't want to end up sick myself by feeding my dog raw chicken, beef, etc. 

I know myself too well.  My Type A personality would be absolutely paranoid that the counter tops, dog dishes, and feeding area were contaminated at every feeding.  To me, it just makes better sense to cook everything.  Nutrients can't be completely lost in cooking otherwise everyone would be telling us to eat raw as well.  Duh.

Another "myth" surrounding homemade dog food is that it lacks the appropriate balance of nutrients.  Supplement creators, suppliers, pushers, or what have you say you need to add a tablespoon of this and that to make the meal whole.  It seems as though it should be the other way around.  Commercial dog food is meant to help a dog survive, not necessarily thrive.  All those supplements would probably help a dog more on a kibble diet than a natural diet. 

All of the bloggers, commentators, etc. have nothing but rave reviews for homemade dog food.  Dogs are healthier and live longer.  If homemade dog food was truly dangerous and detrimental to dogs, people would be screaming and commenting negatively.  People compare a dog eating kibble every meal to a human eating fast food or junk food at every meal.  People get sick, feel sluggish, etc on the the crappy diet.  On a healthy diet, it's the opposite.  Same for dogs.  Common sense can rule supreme if you give it a chance.

I know Brinkley.  I know when he's happy, sad, depressed, bored, lonely, sick, etc.  I plan to keep a close watch on him and see how his body reacts.  It's all an experiment of sorts in hopes of helping his quality of life as the years go by.  As I find, make, and use recipes, I'll post them on the blog.  Wish me luck!!