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A veterinarian advises against a practice increasingly popular among dog owners
TheCoolist • • health
Key Points:
- Homemade dog food is increasingly popular as owners seek healthier alternatives to kibble, but veterinarians warn that many homemade recipes lack essential nutrients dogs need.
- A study analyzing 200 homemade dog food recipes found 95% were deficient in at least one essential nutrient, with common gaps in choline, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin E; only recipes by board-certified veterinary nutritionists met nutritional standards.
- Nutritional deficiencies in dogs can cause long-term health issues such as bone and joint problems, skin conditions, weakened immunity, and urinary stones, with puppies being particularly vulnerable.
- Experts advise consulting a veterinarian before changing a dog's diet and using recipes specifically formulated by veterinary nutritionists, including necessary supplements, or combining commercial food with small amounts of cooked food.
- While homemade diets can be healthy if properly formulated, the main risk lies in improvised recipes that fail to meet a dog's specific nutritional needs, underscoring the importance of professional guidance.
