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A veterinarian advises against a practice increasingly popular among dog owners
TheCoolist • • health
Key Points:
- A UC Davis veterinary study found that 95% of homemade dog food recipes lack at least one essential nutrient, with over 83% having multiple deficiencies, particularly in choline, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin E.
- Most homemade recipes, including popular combinations like chicken and rice or sweet potato, fail to meet dogs' specific nutritional needs, which differ significantly from humans'.
- Nutrient deficiencies in dogs can lead to serious health issues over time, such as bone and joint problems, skin and coat issues, weakened immunity, and urinary stones, with puppies being especially vulnerable.
- Veterinarians recommend consulting a vet before changing a dog's diet, using recipes formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and strictly following supplementation guidelines to ensure balanced nutrition.
- A balanced homemade diet can be safe and healthy if properly formulated, but improvised recipes pose risks; alternatively, combining commercial dog food with small amounts of cooked food as a topper is a safer option.
