Homemade Vs Commercial Dog Diets

By Kellie Bretecher

Commercial Diets

There are many reasons pet owners choose a commercially prepared diet. The three major advantages of these diets are convenience, cost and consistency. Owners can purchase for a reasonable price, a large quantity of food that makes meal time for their pet as easy as scooping portioned amounts into a dish. And voila! Your dog is fed! While this seems the easiest way to ensure your pet is getting a complete and balance diet, owners should do research before purchasing the proper food for their dog. Consider the following questions:

Are preservatives and additives in commercially prepared dog food safe?

Natural preservatives such as Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E and tocopherols are perfectly safe for your pet. Avoid foods that contain BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and propylene glycol. These preservatives have been linked to cancer, anemia and gastric bloat. Additives including artificial colors such as azo dyes and sodium nitrite should be avoided as well. They have been linked to kidney disease. Safe additives include antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanoids.

What does "Nutritionally Balanced and Complete" mean?

Many pet food companies will place these flags on their packaging to entice pet owners to buy their brand. The reality of this statement is that pet food companies can advertise this claim as long as their food meets the minimum nutritional requirements based on AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officers) standards. A reputable brand will not have to make these claims on their packages, they already have satisfied customers and veterinary professional support.

Homemade Diets

The appeal of natural diets is increasing in popularity among pet owners. Owners today are more aware of enhancing the quality of their pets lives through proper nutrition. What better way to do so, then to know exactly what your pet is eating. Dogs have specific nutritional requirements at different stages of their lives. Preparing meals for your pet is a little more complicated than just giving leftovers!

Here is a balanced generic formula for a healthy adult dog (18kg) that meets AAFCO standards:

• cooked carbohydrate such as rice, potato or pasta- 240grams


• cooked meat such as poultry, fish or lean beef- 120grams


• fat such as chicken/beef fat, vegetable or fish oil- 10grams


• fiber such as vegetables or supplements- 30grams


• dicalcium phosphate which can be found in supplement form or bone meal- 4grams


• potassium chloride which is readily available as a salt substitute in grocery stores- 1gram


• human adult vitamin-mineral tablet- 9g/tablet, 1 tablet/day

Cook meat and carbohydrate. Grind fiber, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride and vitamin-mineral. Mix grinds with fat source. Mix all ingredients together and serve immediately or refrigerate.

You should always consult a veterinarian before starting your pet on a homemade diet. Certain pets have health considerations that need to be taken into account when determining whether a homemade diet is right for that pet. If your veterinarian isn't knowledgeable about homemade diets, find a vet that is! Holistic medicine veterinarians are out there and are willing to provide you with guidance and recipes.

What should you feed your pet? Get advice from Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM on dog diets, both homemade and comercially prepared. Sign up for his free E-course "7 Secrets to Extending Your Pet's Life" and discover tips on pet nutrition and many other topics. Visit Veterinary Secrets Revealed.