Is homemade dog food healthier than commercial options?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.The homemade vs. commercial dog food issue must consider nutrition and safety. Homemade meals offer ingredient control. Still, when experts do not prepare meals, complete nutrition is not guaranteed. Commercial foods meeting AAFCO standards ensure a guaranteed balance of nutrition through careful testing and quality control.
Nutritional Risks
- Calcium-phosphorus imbalance: Critical for bone health (1.2:1 ratio required)
- Vitamin deficiencies: Especially vitamin D and E in 92% of homemade diets
- Protein quality: Incomplete amino acid profiles without animal sources
- Trace mineral shortages: Zinc copper and selenium often inadequate
Safety Measures
- Cooking temperatures: Must reach 165°F (74°C) to kill pathogens
- Bone hazards: Never include cooked bones which splinter dangerously
- Storage: Refrigerate ≤40°F (4°C) use within 48 hours maximum
- Supplements: Require veterinary-formulated blends for balance
When It Works
- Confirmed allergies: Novel protein sources like venison or duck
- Medical conditions: Kidney disease needing phosphorus restriction
- Transition periods: Mixing with commercial foods during diet changes
- Supplementation: Adding fresh toppers to commercial kibble
Commercial foods excel in delivering consistent, complete nutrition; standards established by AAFCO guarantee a minimum of 22% protein for adults with exact balances of vitamins and minerals. Well-known brands conduct feeding trials to demonstrate nutritional adequacy. I recommend the two for puppies, seniors, and dogs with medical problems that require exact formulations.
When formulating homemade diets, consult a veterinary nutritionist, as they design recipes with exact measurements of meat, grains, and supplements in grams. I have assisted clients in developing balanced recipes for individuals with allergies. Still, I always include blood tests to monitor nutrient levels every six months for safety purposes.
Explore hybrid methods by adding new ingredients to commercial foods (ideally by adding cooked lean meat or vegetables as 10 or 20% of the total meal). This will satisfy the requirement for nutritional balance and provide some diversity in meals. My dogs enjoy steamed green beans or carrots mixed with their kibble to add more fiber and a bit of a crunch.
Read the full article: Dog Food Ingredients: The Essential Guide
