dog nutrition

In the wake of the recent pet food recall, many pet owners are searching for nutritional guidelines for homemade dog food.

Ideas about dog nutrition continue to change. Years ago many believed that canines were carnivores but after many dogs fell ill from eating an all-meat diet, it’s been decided that they are omnivores, meaning that they need both meat and plant-based foods. Pet food companies formulated the perfect nutritional balance and turned it into a $15 billion dollar industry. However, there is much controversy on the optimal diet for our dogs. It seems there is a minimum of research in canine nutritional requirements..

Diets ranging from raw to premium meat-based kibble with everything in between including cheap corn-based kibble, canned dog food, and homemade diets containing all meat, or vegetarian, and even vegan are claimed by various ‘experts’ to be the best. Perhaps the best gauge is the dog’s health. If your dog gets good veterinarian health reports, is full of energy, and maintains the proper weight with a shiny coat and bright eyes, then his diet is probably sufficient.

Dogs require protein containing ten amino acids. Many commercial dog foods have a corn base which, even though it is protein, contains only four of these amino acids. The most popular diet, at present, seems to be one that is meat based and supplies a good quality protein such as egg white, chicken, beef, lamb, or fish with some carbohydrate such as wheat, corn, oats, rice, barley, or soy, including vegetables for energy, and vitamins, minerals, and fats. These ingredients can be found in premium commercial foods or can be easily made at home using human quality foods. When preparing homemade dog food, it is best to vary the recipes so that your dog gets an array of nutrients. If you want to try different dog food recipes, the recipe below may be a nice treat.

There are a few foods that can create serious problems for your dog. These should be avoided and include cooked as well as uncooked bones, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocados, mushrooms, grapes, raisins, and any spicy or greasy foods.

homemade dog food

The best way to know what goes into your dog's food is to make it yourself. Try one of these easy dog food recipes and watch your pup smile.



The best way to know what goes into your dog’s food is to make it yourself. With the recent pet food recall, many pet owners are doing just that. Though some experts argue that a homemade diet is best for dogs, this is best done temporarily until you can consult your veterinarian, as canines have definite nutritional requirements. Dietary changes should be done slowly to avoid digestive upsets. Recipes or ingredients may be rotated to ensure nutritional variety.

Do not feed your dog bones, especially cooked bones. Fragments can become lodged in the digestive tract. Canines in the wild who eat bones have the benefit of consuming hair and hide too, which have been found to ‘pad’ the bone fragments and aid in their passing. Other foods to avoid that are dangerous for dogs are chocolate, avocados, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.

Try one of these easy dog food recipes and watch your pup smile.

Doggy Hamburger Helper
1 cup hamburger meat, stir-fried in 1 tbsp canola oil

2 boiled eggs, chopped



½ cup cooked plain oatmeal

1 jar baby food green beans

1 jar baby food carrots

2 Tbsp cottage cheese

Combine all ingredients and serve at room temperature. A good doggy multivitamin/mineral supplement may be added for good measure. Be sure to store unused portions in a covered container in the refrigerator and discard any remains after 3 days.

Doggy Casserole
1 cup boiled poultry, chopped

½ cup cooked brown rice

½ cup boiled mixed vegetables

3 to 4 Tbsp unsalted chicken broth

(Note: Salmon may occasionally be substituted for boiled poultry, with chicken broth omitted.)

Stir together and serve at room temperature. A good doggy multivitamin/mineral supplement may be added for good measure. Be sure to store unused portions in a covered container in the refrigerator and discard remains after 3 days.

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