Homemade Hamburger Recipe for Dogs

This homemade dog food recipe is relatively easy to prepare. It can also be adjusted to give dogs a varied and balanced diet.

Cooking meals for a dog does take some planning and research, but it can be extremely rewarding. Dog owners can rest easy, knowing exactly what ingredients are in their dog’s food, while dogs can enjoy a different meal every day.

Maestro’s Power Burgers is a relatively easy dish to prepare. This homemade dog food recipe can also be adjusted to give dogs a varied and balanced diet.

Ingredients for Maestro’s Power Burgers

The following ingredients form the foundation of this tasty homemade dog food recipe. This can easily be customized to suit a dog’s tastes and to provide balance through variety:

• 2 cups of ground meat (e.g., veal, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, organ meat)

• 1 cup of grains (e.g. white rice, brown rice, barley)

• 1 cup of vegetables – fresh or frozen (e.g., carrots, peas, lima beans, corn, sweet potato, potato, small tomato)

• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil

• 1 egg

• ¼ tsp. of basil

• ¼ tsp. of rosemary

• ¼ tsp. of parsley

• 5 shakes of black pepper

• up to 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)

These ingredients can be doubled to make a larger batch. For more information on the types of foods that can be included in a home-prepared diet for dogs, read Dr. Ihor Basko’s Pet Nutrition: Guidelines for Feeding Your Pets.

Portion Control for Maestro’s Power Burgers

Prior to making Maestro’s Power Burgers, one should calculate portion sizes. Raw4Dogs has an online calculator. The site also makes adjustments for if the dog is overweight, underweight or if it is a puppy.

The calculator bases the meal portion size on feeding a dog 2 meals a day. If one is feeding a dog 3 meals a day, take the daily total and divide by three.

Preparing and Cooking Maestro’s Power Burgers

1. Cook the grains.

2. Lightly oil a cookie sheet, baking dish or muffin tins.

3. Chop or puree the vegetables.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked grains, vegetables, egg, vegetable oil and herbs.

5. Add the ground meat to the bowl. Mix together all ingredients.

6. Using a measuring cup, scoop out the equivalent to one meal and place on the baking sheet (or in a muffin tin).

7. Repeat Step #7 until the baking sheet is full.

8. If the hamburgers are a little too high, squish them down a bit with a spatula.

9. Lightly cook the burgers by either broiling or searing them until the outside of the burgers are brown.

10. Let cool before serving.

11. Feed the dog one serving, based on the portion size calculation made in the previous section. Some dogs may prefer to have their burgers broken into smaller bite-sized chunks.

12. Extra portions can be frozen and reheated one serving at a time. Microwave a serving for 45 seconds to 1 minute to defrost and warm up the burger.

To ensure that a dog is getting the requisite ratio of food sources, various "sides" can be added, so long as the portion sizes are observed. Fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese are some examples of side dishes. Some dogs may require lactose-free cheese.

As cooked food is depleted of enzymes dogs need to digest properly, owners can give digestive enzymes for dogs. They can also give dog supplements, such as Brewer’s Yeast and calcium supplements, to avoid holes in their dog's diet. However, lightly cooking the burgers by broiling or searing does preserve most nutrients, according to vet Dr. Per Schonbeck in his Pet-Nutrition-Advice article, “How Is Your Dog Food Damaged By Its Processing".

What Dog Owners Should Know Before Cooking Meals for Their Dogs

No single homemade dog food recipe will meet all of a dog’s nutritional requirements. In "Introduction to Homemade Diets for Dogs" in Whole Dog Journal (April 2007), Mary Straus advises dog owners to strive for nutritional balance over time. The type of meat (and the cut), grains and vegetables should be varied to make certain that their dog's nutritional needs are met.

Owners who plan to switch to a home-prepared diet for their dogs should consult with a veterinarian to determine the dog’s nutritional requirements. They can also ask the veterinarian to adjust a couple of recipes to get the right balance when making homemade dog food.

Related Reading:

Benefits of a Homemade Pet Diet

Dr. Good Pet: ingredients and dog food recipes

Homemade Pet Food Done Right

What You Should Know Before You Cook for Your Dog

Originally published July 19, 2010 on Suite101.com. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca & Maestro.

Mr Petcam - See the World through Your Pet's POV

For pet owners curious about what the world look's like from their pet's eyes, there is the Mr Petcam animal cam.

Ever wonder where your cat goes on its daily adventures? Are you curious about what your dog does when you're not at home? Or are you simply interested in seeing the world through your dog's eyes? Mr Petcam gives pet owners a chance to see the world from their pet's POV.

Product Features of Mr Petcam

Mr Petcam arrives in a bubble mailer containing the following: 1 Mr Petcam video, 1 mounting adapter assembly, USB charger/transfer cable, 2 GB Micro SD card, driver CD, a ball chain safety lanyard, an identification sticker, a spare adapter and nut/bolt. The instruction manual is a double-sided 8-1/2 X 11' sheet of paper.

Although Mr Petcam comes with a 2 GB micro-SD card, you can use 8 GB or 16 GB cards. There is a built-in microphone.

It fits comfortably into the palm of your hand and weighs 48 g. Technical specifications of Mr Petcam are as follows:

• Video format: AVI

• Video resolution: 680 X 480 pixels

• Video length: 2 minutes

• Video capture: 29 f.p.s.

• Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista and 7. Mac OS10.x and Linux

To mount onto your pet's collar, first mount the camera onto the adapter frame. Then, loop the collar through the lanyard loop. Finally, use the clip to secure the camera frame to the collar.

Using Mr Petcam Animal Camera

Camera operation is fairly simple. Once the camera is in position, press the power button for one second (more like three). To record, press the record button on the top. The indicator light will flash red.

There are two recording modes: standard and sound-activation mode (SAM). SAM will record only when it senses movement.

To upload the videos to your computer, plug it in via the USB cable. You can charge the camera this way as well. Alternatively, you can use the plug-in charger. The instructions warn users to charge for three hours or less, otherwise, the camera sustains damage. The reset button is located on the same side as the micro SD drive.

To change the date on the camera, plug Mr Petcam into your computer. Open up the files and click on the one labelled "time". The default date is whenever the camera left the factory.

These are some video footage that Maestro has taken using Mr Petcam:

Under the Chin Mount

By the Ear Side Mount

Top of the Head Mount

Pros and Cons of Mr Petcam

Mr Petcam is extremely easy to use. You could get by without reading the instructions. Just be sure to heed the warning about not overcharging this pet camera.

The case is sturdy enough to handle a few bumps here and there. The mounting frame is secure. Mr Petcam hasn't fallen off the frame once. That's a good thing, considering that the clip has slipped off the camera a couple of times. Between the ball and chain lanyard and the camera frame, I have been able to rest easy that Maestro will not lose the camera on his adventures.

Another major plus is the price. Mr Petcam is one of the cheaper models out there at $39.99 USD.

When the camera is on SAM, the indicator light doesn't flash to indicate whether or not it is recording. Thankfully, the indicator light does work in regular mode. However, I've had to reset this dog cam a couple of times because it would jam when I tried turning off (or was I turning on?) the recording function.

The camera body on Mr Petcam is too long for a small dog. Maestro stands 14" tall from the withers. Even with adjusting the camera angle, Mr Petcam gives us mostly chin and floor shots when it is mounted under the chin. If he was as big as his Irish Terrier friend, then there would be no problem. As it stands, we have figured out some workarounds but haven't yet discovered the ideal camera position.

As an amateur photographer, I would have preferred to see more than one video format. Ditto for resolution size. If any of Maestro's adventures take us somewhere scenic, then I'll have to use my GoPro2, which is much heavier on the little guy.

Another major drawback is if your pet loves water. Mr Petcam isn't waterproof.

One minor issue is that I have had to correct the date every single time I plug Mr Petcam into my computer.

Alternatives to Mr. Petcam & Ordering Information

Mr Petcam is one of several animal POV cameras on the market. Other popular animal cams include Dogtek Eyenimal Digital Videocam for Pets ($80 USD), Uncle Milton Nat Geo Wild Pet's Eye View Camera ($17.99), Buddy Pet Video Cam Digital Camera with Audio (Black) (69.98 USD). Both the Eyenimal and Buddy Pet cams are waterproof.

At this point, Mr Petcam can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer's website.The cost is $39.99 USD and can be shipped worldwide. Acceptable modes of payment include Paypal or Google Wallet.

Mr Petcam - Final Verdict

As far as cheap entertainment goes, Mr Petcam fits the bill. Maestro lavishes the attention he gets when he wears the pet cam.  Family, friends and dog lovers are getting a good chuckle over what Maestro captures with his animal cam.

However, if you are looking for something a bit more durable and/or waterproof, spend the extra money and spring for one of the waterproof ones.

Musical Dogs

Maestro has selected video clips of other musical dogs to share. Here's Porter playing and singing on a Casio keyboard:

Maestro is used to singing in "doggy trios" like this one:

This poodle has been making the rounds on Facebook for a while now:

These two have a really good ear:

And for some reason, Maestro becomes quite excited when he sees and hears himself play or sing:

The Dangers of Dog Toys

Dead Zebra Toy

When dog toys contain "Supervise your dog and check toys regularly," on the label, take it seriously.

Some toys can pose a choking hazard to pets. Others may cut them; nd in the case of Maestro's neighing zebra, I bet battery fluid would cause stomach problems.

After less than 24 hours, the noisemaker broke. This is what I pulled out. Thankfully, the unit was in a little sac inside the toy.

Broken Dog Toy

Not to worry, Maestro was unharmed. As soon as the noisemaker cracked, it was taken away.

Understanding Lakeland Terriers

Maestro, my Lakie, is a working dog. He takes his job as K9 Studio Assistant very seriously. Photo by R-M Arca.

Lakeland Terriers, affectionately called “Lakies”, possess a larger than life personality. As any Lakeland Terrier owner can attest, these dogs possess a great sense of humor, an insatiable thirst for excitement and like many terriers, are alert and incredibly stubborn.

History of the Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland is one of the oldest known terrier breeds, originating in the 1800’s. The breed was developed in the Lake District of England by farmers who crossed several breeds together. The exact mix varies depending on the source. However, the breeds commonly cited as the Lakie's ancestors are the Border, Bedlington, Fox, Dandie Dinmont, and Old English Black and Tan Terriers.

Their job was to accompany farmers on hunts and prevent fox and other vermin from destroying their sheep herds. Littlemac Lakeland Terriers gives a historical account on their website about Jock, a three-year old Lakie who killed an 18 pound vixen in her den. Jock was trapped in the foxhole for 73 hours because his victim blocked the only exit. Once rescued, Jock had some bread and milk before laying down by the fire for a well-deserved rest.

Lakelands are sometimes referred to as the "new and improved" Fell Terrier, Cumberland Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier.

Breed Information for Lakeland Terriers

Lakies possess a small, yet square build. Resembling an Airedale Terrier or Welsh Terrier, Lakelands can be wheaten, grizzle, red, blue and tan, black and tan. Some sport a dark saddle-like patch. Their coat lightens with age. The face of a Lakeland Terrier is rectangular. Their eyes are almond shaped and ears are V-shaped. Lakeland Terriers are typically 14-1/2 inches tall from the withers and weigh approximately 17 pounds. They are generally a healthy breed.

The Canadian Kennel Club and American Kennel Club provide resources on how to find a well-bred dog and care for one.

Lakeland Terrier Grooming and Exercise

Lakelands have a dense wiry coat and a soft undercoat. Shedding is minimal. Brushing should be done weekly. Traditionally, their coat is hand stripped. Companion dogs that do not compete in dog shows can be clipped. Frequent shampooing softens their wiry coat. It is best to rinse their fur with water and only shampoo periodically.

Lakies require regular exercise and a great deal of mental stimulation. Brisk daily walks or intense playtime sessions are a must. Earthdog Tests and Agility Training are popular activities for Lakelands. Playing hunting games with stuffed toys and Hide and Seek are also enjoyable activities for Lakies.

The Lakie Temperament

In her 2000 article "Lakeland Terriers: What's good about 'em, What's bad about 'em" on YourPurebredPuppy.com, Michele Welton describes terriers as “quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense.” This applies to many terrier breeds. The Lakeland is no exception.

It is these qualities that can make obedience training and housebreaking challenging at times. Gentle, firm training is extremely effective as Lakelands are sensitive to voice inflection. They respond to praise well. Training a Lakeland requires a good deal of patience and creativity to provide a variety of activities to occupy their busy minds. It helps if the owner is equally stubborn, leads a fairly active lifestyle that a Lakeland can be part of, has a fenced yard and a good sense of humor.

By the same token, those same characteristics will instill a great deal of adventure, laughter and charm into your life. Lakies make great family pets and watchdogs but should be supervised around small children. Lakelands do well in an urban or rural setting and can live in an apartment.

Due to their terrier nature, many Lakelands will not coexist harmoniously with another pet such as animals from the rodent family or cats. Lakelands consider these to be "prey".

Youtube has over 500 videos showing the crazy antics of Lakeland Terriers. If you are unfamiliar with this breed, watching some of these videos will give you a glimpse into the Lakie personality.

Famous Lakeland Terriers

Comedian Bill Cosby co-owned Champion Revelry's Awesome Blossom, the top winning Lakeland Terrier in the history of the breed. Stingray of Derrybah was the first dog to win Best in Show/Supreme Champion at both the top US and UK shows.

In the entertainment industry, Zelda Van Gutters is Nickelodeon Magazine’s Roving Reporter/Mascot., while Kevin the Lakeland is owned by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.

Maddie the Mad Dog was the first Lakeland on the worldwide web.

Is a Lakeland Terrier Right for You?

If you are considering a Lakeland Terrier as a pet, it is recommended that you do your research ahead of time. Speaking with and visiting reputable dog breeders or a Rescue Club are also good ways to determine if a Lakie is a good fit for your household. These dogs thrive in an environment where they are part of the family and can be a part of the action. If you do find that a Lakeland is a good fit for your family, you are in for equal doses of fun and challenges, as well as a daily laugh.

References:

Caliente Lakelands

Littlemac Lakeland Terriers

Maddie the Mad Dog

Lakeland Terrier Club: Profile of the Lakeland Terrier

Originally published on Suite101.com on January 6, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.