Should You Make Homemade Dog Food?

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Making homemade dog food can be beneficial if the diet is carefully balanced to meet all nutritional requirements. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for nutritional imbalances and to consider the benefits of commercial diets that are specifically formulated to provide complete nutrition. Innovative ingredients like fermented foods and fish by-products offer exciting possibilities for enhancing the nutritional value of both homemade and commercial dog foods. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of a dog’s specific dietary needs and the ability to meet those needs consistently.

The decision to make homemade dog food is one that many pet owners consider, often driven by the desire to provide a healthier, more natural diet for their pets. However, the question remains: is homemade dog food truly beneficial for dogs, or are there potential drawbacks? This article explores the current research on homemade dog food, comparing it to commercial diets, and examines the potential health impacts on dogs.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Homemade dog food can offer several benefits, particularly when it is carefully formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. A study on the metabolic and immunological response in dogs fed a homemade diet with an optimized nutrient profile showed improvements in health markers such as higher levels of hemoglobin, plasma total protein, calcium, and phosphorus, along with increased erythrocytic antioxidants3. This suggests that a well-balanced homemade diet can enhance the overall health of dogs.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite the potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with homemade dog food. One study found that dogs transitioned from a natural homemade diet to industrial dry food experienced changes in blood composition, including decreased levels of certain elements like arsenic and lead, but increased levels of others such as lithium and nickel2. This indicates that homemade diets might not always provide a balanced intake of essential nutrients unless carefully managed.

Comparison with Commercial Diets

Research comparing human-grade, mildly-cooked dog diets with extruded kibble diets found that the former could dramatically shift the fecal microbiome, although it had minor effects on skin and coat health and gene expression1. This suggests that while homemade diets can influence gut health, they may not significantly impact other health aspects compared to commercial diets.

Innovative Ingredients in Dog Food

The exploration of new ingredients in dog food, such as fermented oat and black soldier fly larva, has shown promise. These ingredients did not negatively affect food intake, body weight, or other health parameters, indicating their potential as sustainable and nutritious components in dog diets4. Similarly, the use of fish hydrolysate and oil from fish waste has been suggested as a sustainable alternative, providing essential fatty acids without affecting coat quality5.