Home cooked diets for dogs

While commercial dog food options abound, some people choose to by pass the dog food industry all together. Instead of choosing from the dry, wet, and moist already prepared dog foods, some owners make the decision to provide their dog with a home cooked diet.

There are both pros and cons to a home cooked diet for dogs. On the plus side, it gives dog owners more control over the quality of food that their dog consumes. They can rest assured that they know each and every ingredient that their dog is eating.

Additionally, home cooked diets give owners better control over their dog’s nutrition. If their dog has special dietary needs, they can attend to them personally instead of hoping that a very general food accommodates their dog’s needs.

Many people would argue that when executed properly, home cooked diets are far more nutritious and healthy for your dog. However, they do require more time and energy on the part of the owner. 

If you are going to switch your dog to a home cooked diet, remember that variety is key. Feed your dog different types of meat to be sure he is getting all of his nutrients. However, do not feed your dog cooked bones. Raw bones are fine but cooked bones can splinter and seriously harm your dog.

Do not forget to include meat organs in your dog’s diet. Kidneys and livers are very nutritious for dogs and should not be excluded from the diet. You can add eggs, which often have omega 3’s. And you can add yogurt to aid the digestive system with probiotics.

Carbohydrates and vegetables are fine to add to your dog’s diet in moderation. However remember that they do not all much nutritional value and should never take the place of protein-rich meat.

Keep in mind that you will probably need to add supplemental calcium to a home cooked dog diet.

If you are considering switching your dog to a home cooked diet, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can give you further nutritional advice to meet all of your dog’s physical, mental, and lifestyle needs.