How to Make Your Own Dog Food: 2024 Guide

Providing a balanced diet for your dog is essential for their well-being. Just like humans, dogs require a variety of nutrients to maintain optimal health. A balanced diet can help prevent numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. Yet not all commercial dog foods meet the specific needs of every dog.

Many dog owners are turning to homemade dog food as an alternative. They appreciate the control over ingredients, the ability to customize meals to their dog's specific health needs, and the absence of artificial preservatives. Preparing your own dog food can also be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you're careful about sourcing your ingredients.

Delivery services are another option for people without the time to spend on homemaking dog food. These specialized companies make food in small batches with gentle cooking and no additives, so the quality is on par with what you can make in your kitchen. I’ll share some of my recommendations for healthy dog food meal delivery as we discuss making your own dog food.

Why Make Your Own Dog Food?

Making your own dog food has some advantages for you and your pet. Whether your dog has special dietary needs, or you're simply looking for a more personalized feeding approach, creating meals at home can offer a range of benefits.

• Allergies and Sensitivities: If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, homemade meals allow you to eliminate problematic ingredients.

• Control Over Ingredients: Knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s food can bring peace of mind. You can avoid preservatives and allergens and opt for organic, non-GMO ingredients.

• Customization: You might want to tailor meals according to your dog’s specific health conditions, age, and taste preferences.

• Freshness: Meals made at home are fresh and can be free from artificial preservatives, improving both taste and nutritional value.

• Cost-Effectiveness: If done right, making your own dog food may be more economical in the long term.

• Rewarding Experience: Just as home-cooked meals are often better for humans, the same can be true for your pet, providing a better quality of life.

The Farmer’s Dog is among my favorite dog food delivery services because of the high standards it holds for pet food. Its fresh recipes are at least 50% meat supplemented with vegetables, fiber, and additional nutrients cooked at a low temperature to preserve its quality. Check out our tried and tested The Farmer’s Dog review to see if it might work for you.

The Farmer's Dog also has a DIY option where it will help you create a custom DIY plan with recipes that suit your dog's needs. It'll then send you a DIY Nutrient Mix, which you can add to your home-cooked meals to ensure they're completely balanced. 

How to Make Your Own Dog Food

Step 1: Consult Your Veterinarian

Consulting a veterinarian is the first step before making your own dog food. Your vet has the expertise to assess your dog's specific nutritional needs. They’ll take into account a variety of factors, including your dog’s age, weight, health conditions, and activity level. They can guide you in creating a meal plan that meets all your pet's nutritional requirements.

Your vet's advice is invaluable for identifying foods or ingredients your dog should avoid. Your dog may have allergies or intolerances that you're not aware of, and some foods that are safe for humans can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Understanding the appropriate caloric intake for your pet is also essential to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding.

Step 2: Source the Ingredients

The next step after consulting your vet is sourcing high-quality ingredients. You can focus on finding organic, non-GMO, and top-quality meats, grains, and vegetables. Always ensure that you're sourcing from reputable suppliers or stores, as the quality of the ingredients directly impacts the health benefits of the homemade meal.

To ensure a balanced diet, aim for a mix of the following essential ingredients:

• Proteins: Chicken, beef, fish, or turkey

• Carbohydrates: Brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes

• Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and spinach

• Fats: Fish oil or flaxseed oil for Omega-3s

• Supplements: Vitamins and minerals, as recommended by your vet

Sourcing the right ingredients contributes to your dog’s long-term health and well-being. It also makes a tasty meal for your pup. Remember that if it's not good enough for you to eat, it's probably not good enough for your dog.

Step 3: Prepare Your Recipe

Once you have the ingredients, the next step is preparation. Cooking the food properly is crucial for your dog’s safety and digestion. Typically, you'll need to cook the protein thoroughly to eliminate any harmful bacteria, boil the grains to make them easily digestible, and steam the vegetables to preserve their nutrients.

Measuring each ingredient accurately is equally important for a balanced meal. Portion out each component based on the recipe you’re following and the guidelines your vet provided. Meticulous measurement ensures that you're providing a meal that meets your dog’s specific caloric and nutritional needs, contributing to their overall health.

Step 4: Add Nutrient Blend

Extra additions might include vitamins, minerals, or fish oil for Omega-3s. These additions are more than just "extras"; they're essential for balancing your dog's diet. They supplement nutrients that may not be naturally occurring in your primary ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded meal for your pet.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Your Dog

Vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in your dog's overall health. Here are 5 key vitamins and their benefits:

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, fish oil, and eggs. Benefits include weight management and enhancing eye and skin health.

• Vitamin B: Present in beef, whole grains, and green vegetables. Important for cell growth and development.

• Vitamin C: Sourced from potatoes, green beans, and fruits in moderation. Boosts the immune system and aids in healing.

• Vitamin D: Found in fish oil and beef. Vital for strengthening bones and teeth.

• Vitamin E: Present in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds in moderation. Acts as a powerful antioxidant and promotes eye and skin health.
  

Minerals also contribute to a range of biological functions in your dog. Here are 5 key minerals and their benefits:

• Calcium: Found in tofu and green beans. Vital for blood coagulation and muscle growth.

• Phosphorus: Present in meats and fish. Aids in nervous system function.

• Potassium: Sourced from fruits and grains. Regulates cell balance and muscle function.

• Magnesium: Found in nuts and whole grains. Supports muscle and bone development and aids in calcium absorption.

• Iron: Present in red meats and eggs. Critical for oxygenating red blood cells and strengthening the immune system.

Accuracy in measuring these additives is as important as getting the main ingredients right. Juggling all these nutritional specifics can feel very daunting. Many leading dog food delivery services, including Ollie, include vet-approved supplements in their recipes. If you’re concerned about figuring out the right balance of profiles, a delivery service takes the guesswork out of the equation. If you want to see how our canine taste tester felt about Ollie, check out our detailed review.

Step 5: Store and Serve Correctly

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness of your homemade dog food. After cooking, transfer the meals into airtight containers to keep them fresh. If you've prepared food in large quantities, consider freezing the portions that won't be consumed within a few days. This ensures that your hard work in meal preparation doesn’t go towaste due to spoilage.

Stick to the portion sizes recommended by your vet. This is important for maintaining a balanced diet. This can be a tricky aspect of homemade dog food; it's easy to over-serve or under-serve when you're estimating portion sizes yourself. Keep a close eye on your dog's weight and overall health as you adjust to this new feeding routine.

Making Your Own Dog Food: Precautions and Tips

Crafting your dog's meals at home comes with a lot of responsibility. Dogs may survive on an unbalanced diet, but they certainly won't thrive. An unbalanced diet can lead to severe deficiencies and long-term health conditions.

Key Precautions and Tips:

• Always Consult Your Vet: The first step in this journey should always be consulting your veterinarian for tailored advice.

• Introduce New Foods Gradually: New ingredients should be introduced slowly to your dog's diet to avoid upsetting their stomach.

• Balance is Key: Ensure the meal plan you're preparing is nutritionally balanced based on your vet's recommendations.

• Avoid Harmful Foods: Stay away from foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, onions, and grapes.

Improperly formulated homemade diets can harm your dog's health. Lack of fatty acids can affect the skin and coat, while insufficient calcium and vitamin D weaken bones. Missing minerals can lead to anemia and tendon issues, and protein deficiency may cause muscle wasting and heart issues. It's vital to balance homemade meals to avoid these risks.

Delivery Services as an Alternative to Homemade Dog Food

Dog food delivery services have transformed how easy it is to get quality fresh and dry food. I’ve already mentioned some of my favorite services, but I think it’s important to understand the landscape of different options available to you. These premium options are a much better alternative than store-bought kibble for when you need to supplement your dog’s diet.

Different delivery services cater to the needs of different dogs and lifestyles. For example, The Farmer’s Dog has gently-cooked recipes that mimic what you can make at home for a price. Ollie has a broader menu with both dried and fresh food, which you can combine to save money. We Feed Raw serves a specialized diet of raw meat fortified with vitamins. 

I recommend reading up on the leading dog food delivery services to determine the best fit for your pet. Even if your dog usually eats a homemade diet, you may find yourself needing quality backup food for any number of reasons. If you go this route, make sure the service you pick matches your dog’s usual food. If your dog eats a raw diet, for example, We Feed Raw is a better fit than Ollie. Check out our We Feed Raw review for more details.

The Bottom Line: Is It Easy to Make Your Own Dog Food?

Making your own dog food can be rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The upside includes control over ingredients and potentially saving money. However, the effort to ensure a balanced diet can be time-consuming, not to mention the vital importance of consulting a veterinarian for your dog's specific nutritional needs.

While homemade dog food is an excellent option for some, it's not for everyone. For those looking for convenience without compromising on quality, services like Ollie or The Farmer’s Dog offer a scientifically-formulated, balanced diet that's delivered right to your door. For a half-way option, check out The Farmer's Dog's DIY plans, which deliver a Nutrient Mix that you can add to your home-cooked meals. 

FAQ

Is it cheaper to make your own dog food? 

The cost of making your own dog food varies. Factors like ingredient quality, where you shop, and whether you buy in bulk can affect the overall cost. In some cases, homemade food may be cheaper than premium commercial options, but it might not always be cost-effective when considering time and effort.

Is homemade dog food healthy?

Homemade dog food can be healthy if done correctly. A well-researched, balanced diet, vet-approved and rich in essential nutrients, can be beneficial for your dog. However, an improper or unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses.

Is The Farmer’s Dog better than homemade dog food?

Delivery services like The Farmer’s Dog offer a convenient alternative to homemade dog food. Their meals are vet-approved to meet AAFCO nutritional standards. In addition to being an option for people who don’t have the time to make it themselves, dog food delivery services also come with nutrition and feeding information to make your life easier.

Can you feed a puppy homemade dog food?

Feeding a puppy homemade dog food requires extra caution. Puppies have specific nutrient requirements for proper growth and development. Always consult your vet to ensure that the homemade recipe meets these specific needs and avoids nutritional imbalances.

How long can homemade dog food be stored?

Homemade dog food can typically be stored for up to 3-5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Always use airtight containers to maintain freshness.