Knowing which types of food to feed your beloved pooch can be confusing. From the ever-increasing amount of dog food varieties on the shelf to what seems like recall after recall, navigating proper and safe nutrition can seem incredibly tricky. In the midst of all this, you might be wondering if it's best to start cooking for your dog.

While feeding your dog a homemade diet is certainly possible, this method of feeding has its own sets of challenges, advantages, and disadvantages. Making your own dog food and ensuring it is nutritionally complete is easier said than done, but if it's something you're wanting to try, there is a way to do it.

Keep reading below for an overview of homemade dog food diets, nutritional requirements, and more.

Should You Cook For Your Dog?

At first thought, the idea of cooking for your dog might sound interesting, and perhaps even fun, especially if you're already an avid cook. But it's not a decision you should take lightly. If you're serious about starting a homemade dog food diet, evaluate your reasons for doing so first.

You've probably been told that homemade food is "better" than commercial dog food, and while that can be true in some cases, scientifically, there is no evidence to support this. While you certainly have reason to question the pet food industry at times, giving in to fear-mongering isn't an effective solution.

Myths about ingredient quality in commercial dog food often scare concerned pet parents away from an otherwise nutritionally balanced meal. While commercial dog foods, especially kibble, can be highly processed and quite monotonous for your dog to eat day after day, they're made to be nutritionally complete, meaning it meets all of your dog's nutritional requirements.

With all of this in mind, there are benefits to feeding your dog home-cooked food. Diets built on whole food ingredients are better in the long run and preparing your own dog food is one way to ensure your dog is fed a variety of whole foods. However, it's important to remember that the dog food you whip up is only as nutritional as you make it to be. In certain cases, some dogs might even fare better on home-cooked food, such as extremely picky eaters or dogs with food intolerances.

Things to Consider

a woman standing at a counter cooking with a dog next to her

 

With the loving and spoiling your dog already gets, cooking their food for them might not seem like a big deal. But cooking for your dog isn't as simple as whipping up an extra serving of whatever's already on the menu. Before switching over to a homemade dog food diet, be sure to speak with your veterinarian to address any specific needs your dog may have and take the following points into consideration.

A Dog's Nutritional Needs

You're most likely familiar with your own nutritional needs as a human, but are you familiar with a dog's? Whenever your cook for your dog, you need to make sure that each meal is nutritionally balanced to your pet's individual needs. If you have more than one dog, this may mean having to cook different recipes for different dogs.

Dogs require about 40 essential nutrients, and when provided in inadequate amounts, these nutrient deficiencies or excesses can lead to illness. If you're not ready to pay very close attention to the amount of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals provided in your recipes, you're not ready for the responsibility of making your own dog food.

Avoid Unsafe and Unhealthy Ingredients

Just because something is edible for human consumption, doesn't mean it's edible for dogs. You likely already know that chocolate, grapes, garlic, onions, and raisins are off-limits to dogs, but the list doesn't stop there. Foods such as macadamia nuts and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can be harmful to dogs as well.

The list of foods that is unsafe for dogs can get quite extensive, so be sure to reference it often. If you're ever unsure about an ingredient, research it first, or even better, ask your veterinarian.

Get Recipes From Trusted Sources

When cooking for a dog, it's important to follow the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Try to stay away from generic cookbooks and avoid diving headfirst into recipes you've googled without performing a "background check" on the source.

Many recipes online have not been vetted for balanced nutrition and may have been created by someone without proper training. Additionally, some "natural" websites may have a hidden agenda to sell their own products that they claim are "superior" to commercial options.

BalanceIT is a helpful tool fun by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist that can come in handy when creating a balanced diet for your dog.

It Takes Time

Making the switch to homemade food takes time, in more ways than one.

It's often difficult enough to find the time to cook for yourself and your human family, let alone your four-legged friend. Preparing a big batch for the week and refrigerating or freezing individual portions can help save some time.

Additionally, it will most likely take some time for your dog to adjust to its new diet. A complete switchover to home-cooked food from commercial dog food can be an invitation for a number of gastrointestinal problems. Make the transition slowly and be on the lookout for any changes in your dog. If your dog is experiencing a decreased appetite, nausea, or diarrhea, talk to your veterinarian.

Sources:

  1. https://blog.timesunion.com/lifestyle/the-dos-and-donts-of-homemade-dog-food-according-to-vets/887/
  2. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/cooking-for-your-dog-dos-and-donts/
  3. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/how-make-sure-your-homemade-dog-food-delivers-right-nutrients

Related posts

View all
  • Pile of natural wood pellets on a rustic surface, commonly used as eco-friendly cat litter or animal bedding

    What Can You Use Instead of Cat Litter?

    Traditional cat litter is convenient, but it’s not the only option. Many cat owners look for alternatives to reduce waste, save money, or avoid chemicals found in clay-based kitty litter. Some options offer better odor control, while others are more eco-friendly or gentler on a cat’s paws.

    Read Article
  • Woman cleaning up pet waste with a scooper in her front yard, emphasizing pet cleanup and responsible ownership

    How to Keep My Backyard Smelling Fresh

    A clean backyard should smell fresh, unlike pet waste, smoke, or mold. Bad smells can linger, especially when dog poop, urine, or food scraps attract flies and bacteria. If your yard has a foul odor, it's time to take action. The first step is cleaning up pet feces, trash, or rotting food. A garden hose can wash away dirt and urine from artificial turf, patios, and decks. To neutralize odor, Use baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils.

    Read Article
  • Fluffy gray Maine Coon cat stepping out of a blue litter box on a tiled floor

    What Supplies Do First-Time Cat Owners Need?

    Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but making them feel safe and comfortable takes more than love. First-time cat owners must prepare with the right supplies to ensure a smooth transition. From a litter box to cat food and a warm bed, having the basics ready can help your new kitty settle in faster. This guide covers everything a new cat owner needs to make their new pet feel at home.

    Read Article