Preparing homemade dog food can be complex, requiring careful consideration of safe ingredients and nutritional balance. Veterinary nutritionists Dr. Jennifer Larsen and Dr. Joe Bartges discuss the pros and cons of homemade dog food. According to Dr. Larsen, there is a lack of scientific backing regarding claims that homemade food is superior to commercial dog food. Commercial foods are formulated to be complete and balanced but may lack variety, per Dr. Bartges. Below is a summary of helpful tips for pet owners choosing to make homemade dog food:
- Reasons to Cook: Homemade diets offer control over ingredients, appeal to picky eaters, address food intolerances, avoid recalls, and strengthen the pet-owner bond.
- Risk of Untrusted Sources: Many recipes online or in books are unbalanced and potentially harmful, warns Dr. Larsen.
- Recommended Resource: BalanceIT.com, run by a veterinary nutritionist, helps create semi-individualized, balanced diets.
- Balanced Meals Critical: Unbalanced meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses, causing health issues like malnutrition or obesity.
- Nutrient Roles: Dogs require about 40 essential nutrients, and imbalances can lead to mild or severe health problems, explains Dr. Larsen.
- Multiple Diets Ineffective: Relying on various recipes to achieve balance often fails due to shared deficiencies, per Dr. Larsen.
- Unsafe Ingredients: Avoid toxic foods like chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
- Heart Disease Risk: Grain-free, legume-based, high-fiber homemade diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
- Recipe Precision: Vague recipe instructions can lead to improper ingredient choices; consult a veterinary nutritionist for clarity.
- Monitor Dietary Changes: Consider your dog’s health history and monitor changes when introducing homemade food, ideally with expert guidance.
- Alternative Option: Pre-prepared commercial foods with whole ingredients offer a convenient, nutritionally sound alternative to home cooking.
Source: American Kennel Club March 26, 2024
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