Cats and dog's diets have changed drastically since their domestication, as they have gone from hunting their own food to relying on their owners to feed them pre-packaged dried kibble. In the wake of the recent pet food recalls, many pet owners want to know how to feed their pets safe and nutritious food. How is a pet owner to know how to do this?

The first step is for a conscientious pet owner to research on how to pick out a commercial food. Many books, internet articles and dog food ratings can give us information about how to select a food with the right combination of vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates. But the best way to ensure that your pet gets a chemical-free and balanced diet is to prepare your own pet food.

Making your own dog food may take more time and effort than buying it pre-made. However, it is usually cheaper and the health benefits to your pets may be absolutely worth the extra time and effort. Here is one simple homemade dog food recipe that a conscientious pet owner might choose to prepare for a beloved canine companion.

First, brown 1lb of lamb or beef in a frying pan, then add 1-2 medium potatoes, and 3 medium carrots, cubed. Add a few stalks of broccoli, then cover with hot water and bring to a boil. Add pepper to taste, and 1-2 cups of brown rice. For good measure, you can also add a good quality doggy vitamin supplement. Your dog is sure to love this simple recipe.

Pets can be picky with new foods, so a gradual switch might be in order. Begin by mixing larger and larger portions of the new pet food with the old so that your pet has a chance to become used to it. Cooked bones can fragment and become lodged in a pet's throat and digestive tract and should be avoided in a dog food. So should ingredients like chocolate, nuts, garlic and onions and mushrooms.

Using this, and many other dog food recipes available on the internet and in libraries, a pet owner can make sure that his pooch is eating a complete, balanced diet, free of additives and harmful chemicals that are often used in pet food. Soon, obvious improvements in your dog's energy levels and coat, even his teeth can be noticed, proving what a healthy diet, prepared with love can do.