Introduction
With rising interest in natural, minimally processed dog foods, more owners are choosing to make homemade meals for their canine companions. According to a 2022 survey, 24% of dog owners now feed a homemade diet, up from 18% just two years prior. The appeal lies in controlling ingredients, avoiding additives, and catering to a dog’s individual nutritional needs.
However, homemade dog food risks nutritional imbalances without proper supplementation. Unlike commercial dog foods, homemade recipes lack the benefit of formulated nutritional analysis and quality control. Adding certain supplements can help ensure homemade meals provide complete, balanced nutrition for a dog’s health and wellbeing.
Protein
Protein is a key nutrient needed for dogs to build and maintain strong muscles, bones, and immune function. Homemade dog food will typically require adding supplements high in protein to meet a dog’s requirements (Chewy).
The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends that adult dogs receive a minimum of 18% of their calories from protein. Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and active or working dogs require higher protein levels in their diet. High-quality protein sources for supplementation include lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry, and eggs (DogChild).
Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, venison, rabbit, fish like salmon or whitefish, and eggs provide excellent protein for dogs. Eggs are an especially good option since they are affordable and easy to prepare. Meat should be fresh or unprocessed to retain nutrients. Experts recommend rotating different protein sources to give dogs variety.
Fats and Oils
Fats play an important role in a dog’s diet by providing concentrated energy. Certain fats also contribute to a healthy skin and coat. When making homemade dog food, it’s recommended to supplement with healthy fat sources like fish oil and coconut oil.
Fish oil is a great addition because it provides omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory effects and support cognitive function. Look for fish oil made from salmon, anchovy, sardines or other oily fish. Fish oil soft gels can simply be mixed into the food.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps balance yeast and support thyroid health. It also has antimicrobial properties to support the immune system. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight daily. Look for organic, unrefined coconut oil. Gradually build up over 2-3 weeks as too much too soon may cause diarrhea.
Fiber
Fiber is essential for the digestive and overall health of dogs. It helps promote intestinal motility, meaning the regular movement of waste through the digestive tract. Fiber also provides bulk to the stool and helps prevent both constipation and diarrhea. Certain types of soluble fibers can also be fermented by bacteria in the gut, producing beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids provide energy for intestinal cells and enhance immune function.
Insoluble fibers such as cellulose and lignin act as prebiotics, feeding the probiotics or healthy bacteria in a dog’s digestive system. A robust and diverse microbiome can improve nutrient absorption, metabolism and immune health. Fiber can also help with weight management and weight loss in dogs by creating a feeling of fullness or satiety, as well as slowing down digestion.
Some excellent sources of fiber to include in homemade dog food recipes are pumpkin, sweet potatoes, peas, and oat bran. However, discuss dietary fiber needs with your veterinarian for optimal health.
Sources:
The Benefits and Risks of Fiber in Dog Food
How Beet Pulp Ingredients Are Used in Our Dog Foods
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential for your dog’s health. Some good options to include:
- Carrots – High in vitamin A and beta carotene which are important for vision and skin health.
- Broccoli – Contains vitamins C and K, folate and fiber. Should be cooked to aid digestion.
- Squash – Provides niacin, folate and magnesium. Try cooked pumpkin which is gentle on dog’s stomachs.
- Berries – High in antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid and vitamin C. Blueberries are an excellent treat.
- Apples – Good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Remove seeds and core first.
Fruits and veggies should be fresh, frozen or lightly cooked to preserve nutrients. Only serve in moderation since excess can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Calcium
Calcium is crucial for bone health in dogs. Since homemade dog food does not contain as much calcium as commercial dog food, it’s important to supplement it. There are several good sources of calcium that can be incorporated into homemade dog food recipes.
Eggshells are an excellent natural source of calcium for dogs. To make eggshell powder, rinse and bake the shells, then grind into a fine powder that can be sprinkled onto food. Eggshell powder provides calcium in a bioavailable form that dogs can easily absorb (1).
Other sources are bone meal, calcium supplements formulated for dogs, yogurt, milk, cheese, canned fish with bones, leafy greens like kale and broccoli, and tofu. The recommended amount of calcium for adult dogs is 1 to 2 grams per 1 kg of body weight per day. This can be adjusted based on the particular dog’s health and age (2).
It’s important not to exceed calcium recommendations, as excess calcium can lead to bone and joint problems. Homemade dog food recipes should be formulated to provide balanced nutrition with the right amount of calcium from healthy sources.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in your dog’s health. They help regulate metabolism, enhance immune function, promote bone growth, and more. While commercial dog foods contain these micronutrients, adding vitamin supplements to homemade recipes can help ensure your dog gets adequate amounts.
The best way to provide micronutrients is through a complete multivitamin supplement made just for dogs. According to Chewy, dog multivitamins will contain a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and other functional ingredients tailored to your dog’s needs. Look for products vetted by nutritionists that were designed for homemade diets.
Some key micronutrients to ensure your dog gets in adequate amounts through supplements include:
- Vitamin A for vision, immune function, and skin health
- B vitamins for energy metabolism and brain health
- Vitamin C for collagen production and antioxidant effects
- Vitamin D for bone formation and calcium absorption
- Calcium and phosphorus for bone strength
- Iron, copper, and zinc for immune function and energy
While individual vitamins and minerals can be used, a high-quality multivitamin is the easiest way to cover all your dog’s micronutrient needs. Consult your veterinarian for dosage recommendations based on your dog’s size, age, and specific needs.
Food Variety
Including a variety of different foods in your dog’s homemade diet provides a number of important benefits. As noted in The Importance of Variety in Your Dog’s Diet (https://mother-nature.ca/importance-of-variety-in-dog-diet/), feeding your dog a wide range of proteins, fruits, vegetables and supplements can help reduce the likelihood of developing food allergies and intolerances. It also encourages better water intake and improves gut health by providing a diverse array of nutrients.
Rotating different protein sources, such as chicken, beef, turkey, eggs or fish, introduces new flavors and nutrients while limiting the dog’s exposure to any single ingredient (Rotating Dog Food: Why Dogs Need Variety, https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/rotating-dog-food/). Similarly, rotating through different fruits and vegetables provides a mix of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Supplements like oils, vitamins and minerals can also be rotated to vary the diet.
Overall, providing your dog with a frequently changing variety of wholesome, nutritious ingredients from all the major food groups helps mimic the diverse diets they evolved to eat. It keeps their taste buds excited, their gut biome balanced, and reduces the likelihood of developing intolerances.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of homemade dog food is crucial to preserve nutrients and prevent contamination or spoilage. Here are some tips:
Store homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze individual portions in sealed containers or bags for up to 3 months. Freezing helps retain nutrients longer. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before feeding.
Avoid contamination during food prep by washing hands, utensils, dishes, and surfaces thoroughly. Don’t use cutting boards or knives that touched raw meat for other ingredients. Cook all ingredients thoroughly.
When reheating, bring food to 165°F or until steaming hot. Don’t reheat more than once. Discard any leftovers after refrigerating for more than 3-4 days.
Keep pet food storage containers, dishes, and utensils separate from human ones. Always follow basic food safety protocols when preparing homemade dog food.
For more tips, refer to “Homemade Healthy Dog Food & Treats Cookbook” (https://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Healthy-Food-Treats-Cookbook/dp/B0C6W1X6DY?shipTo=HK&source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER).
Consulting a Veterinarian
It’s important to talk with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a homemade diet. Have them review the recipe to ensure it is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your dog’s breed, size, age, and specific health needs. A good resource to find a veterinary nutritionist for a homemade diet consultation is the Diplomate directory at www.acvn.org.
Ask about any supplements that may be required to round out the diet. Your vet can also run bloodwork periodically to check that your dog is getting proper nutrition from the homemade meals. Monitor your dog for signs of hunger, changes in energy levels, coat health, allergy symptoms, digestions issues, or fluctuations in weight. Adjust ingredients or portions as needed with guidance from your vet.
Making homemade dog food takes effort to prepare nutritionally balanced recipes and monitor your dog’s health. Working together with your veterinarian helps ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met through this homemade diet.