While there’s no scientific evidence to support that making fido’s food from scratch is better than what you can buy from the store, fresh, homemade meals may be a better option for your pet’s long-term health, especially if they’re prone to food allergies.
If you’re one of the many pet owners curious about making your dog’s food, there are some things to consider before you head to the kitchen. Read on to ensure the recipes you make provide your dog with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need.
The Pros and Cons of Scratch-Made Meals
It’s no secret that many commercial pet foods are made with low-quality ingredients. And, even if you’re shopping cruelty-free, that doesn’t always mean the ingredients are held to the same standards of home-made food. By making your pet’s food at home, you can control what ingredients go into it, while leaving out harmful additives like artificial flavorings, dyes, hormones, and preservatives.
Additionally, for pets prone to allergies, homemade food can be a better option than store bought since you truly know what’s in their food, and can avoid contaminating it with any allergens.
However, when making your own pet food, it can be a challenge to ensure you provide your pup with the right balance of nutrients, so it’s recommended to consult with your vet or an animal nutritionist to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
It’s also worth noting that because homemade dog food is fresh, it doesn’t have as long of a shelf-life as standard kibble or canned food. This means you’ll need to set aside time (and some extra cash for grocery shopping!) each week to meal prep for your pup.
If You Decide to DIY…
If you do decide to make your pet’s food from scratch, keep in mind that variety is key. Just like humans can maintain a balanced diet without eating the exact same recipe at each meal, the same goes for your dog. So long as your pup gets all of their nutritional needs throughout the week, their diet is considered to be complete and balanced.
So what does complete and balanced mean? It really depends on your dog’s body size and breed, as their nutrient requirements differ. However, as a general guideline, dogs require a healthy mix of protein (meat, seafood, dairy or eggs), fat (meat or oil), carbohydrates (grains or vegetables), and calcium.
A good starting ratio for your pup’s home cooked meals includes a rough balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains, but it’s best to do your research for your dog’s specific breed and body needs (and it’s always advised to run it by your veterinarian to double check!).
And Don’t Skip the Supplements…
Packaged pet food comes with the essential vitamins a dog’s diet requires, but when you’re making their breakfast and dinner at home, you’ll need to add those supplements yourself.
Keep in mind your dog’s individual vitamin and mineral requirements will vary, and it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine their specific needs, but the main requirements include:
- Calcium – Depending on your dog’s size, they require about 800 – 1,000 mg of calcium per pound of food, which is much higher than what you can find in a multivitamin or mineral supplement. To meet your pup’s calcium requirements, add eggshell powder, seaweed, and other calcium-rich foods to each meal.
- Healthy Fats and Oils – Omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) help regulate a dog’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and give them a shiny coat. You can purchase these oils at a grocery or health food store and drizzle them on top of your pup’s meal.
- Vitamin A and D – Vitamin D is essential to help your dog better absorb calcium and phosphorus, while Vitamin A helps with immune and cell function, along with proper bone formation, growth, and energy.
Vitamins A and D are available from your local health food or pet store in chewables or oils that you can easily add to your pet’s diet.
Final Note
Providing your dog with a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet made from scratch requires a lot of research and fine-tuning along the way. Have patience, and always be sure to consult with your vet before making any major dietary changes to ensure your dog’s health stays in check.
As a pet owner, you already know your dog’s nutrition is an essential part of their overall health. But not all dog food is created equal, and you may be wondering if what’s lining the pet store shelves is really providing your dog with the nutrients they need to reach optimal health.
While there’s no scientific evidence to support that making fido’s food from scratch is better than what you can buy from the store, fresh, homemade meals may be a better option for your pet’s long-term health, especially if they’re prone to food allergies.
If you’re one of the many pet owners curious about making your dog’s food, there are some things to consider before you head to the kitchen. Read on to ensure the recipes you make provide your dog with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need.
Contents
The Pros and Cons of Scratch-Made Meals
It’s no secret that many commercial pet foods are made with low-quality ingredients. And, even if you’re shopping cruelty-free, that doesn’t always mean the ingredients are held to the same standards of home-made food. By making your pet’s food at home, you can control what ingredients go into it, while leaving out harmful additives like artificial flavorings, dyes, hormones, and preservatives.
Additionally, for pets prone to allergies, homemade food can be a better option than store bought since you truly know what’s in their food, and can avoid contaminating it with any allergens.
However, when making your own pet food, it can be a challenge to ensure you provide your pup with the right balance of nutrients, so it’s recommended to consult with your vet or an animal nutritionist to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
It’s also worth noting that because homemade dog food is fresh, it doesn’t have as long of a shelf-life as standard kibble or canned food. This means you’ll need to set aside time (and some extra cash for grocery shopping!) each week to meal prep for your pup.
If You Decide to DIY…
If you do decide to make your pet’s food from scratch, keep in mind that variety is key. Just like humans can maintain a balanced diet without eating the exact same recipe at each meal, the same goes for your dog. So long as your pup gets all of their nutritional needs throughout the week, their diet is considered to be complete and balanced.
So what does complete and balanced mean? It really depends on your dog’s body size and breed, as their nutrient requirements differ. However, as a general guideline, dogs require a healthy mix of protein (meat, seafood, dairy or eggs), fat (meat or oil), carbohydrates (grains or vegetables), and calcium.
A good starting ratio for your pup’s home cooked meals includes a rough balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains, but it’s best to do your research for your dog’s specific breed and body needs (and it’s always advised to run it by your veterinarian to double check!).
And Don’t Skip the Supplements…
Packaged pet food comes with the essential vitamins a dog’s diet requires, but when you’re making their breakfast and dinner at home, you’ll need to add those supplements yourself.
Keep in mind your dog’s individual vitamin and mineral requirements will vary, and it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine their specific needs, but the main requirements include:
- Calcium – Depending on your dog’s size, they require about 800 – 1,000 mg of calcium per pound of food, which is much higher than what you can find in a multivitamin or mineral supplement. To meet your pup’s calcium requirements, add eggshell powder, seaweed, and other calcium-rich foods to each meal.
- Healthy Fats and Oils – Omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) help regulate a dog’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and give them a shiny coat. You can purchase these oils at a grocery or health food store and drizzle them on top of your pup’s meal.
- Vitamin A and D – Vitamin D is essential to help your dog better absorb calcium and phosphorus, while Vitamin A helps with immune and cell function, along with proper bone formation, growth, and energy.
Vitamins A and D are available from your local health food or pet store in chewables or oils that you can easily add to your pet’s diet.
Final Note
Providing your dog with a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet made from scratch requires a lot of research and fine-tuning along the way. Have patience, and always be sure to consult with your vet before making any major dietary changes to ensure your dog’s health stays in check.
