Should You Be Feeding Your Dog Home-Cooked Meals?

Pet food recalls, filler ingredients, and low protein; are some of the terms you might have heard when it comes to commercial dog food. These are also the reasons that concerned pet owners are preparing their own meals for their beloved fur companions. And while we only want the best for the well-being and longevity of our fur babies, is home-cooked food for dogs a healthy alternative?

There is no scientific research or data to suggest that home-cooked meals for dogs are better than commercial dog food; however; what we do know is that biologically, fresh food including whole meat, vitamins, and minerals is easier on the digestive systems of canines.

Commercial pet food also known as the kibble diet consists of baked or processed ingredients. It also contains fillers such as sorghum, wheat, and corn which are linked to digestive problems and allergies in pets. The benefit of traditional dog food is that it contains the nutritional balance that dogs need at every life stage. So, what do you do? Is a kibble diet best or should you start moving your canine companion to a home-prepared meal plan?

The Pros and Cons of Commercial Dog Food

Commercial dog food is easy to feed and affordable, and it provides a balance of nutrients to meet the developmental and maintenance needs of pets. Kibble is formulated to provide dogs with the essential vitamins and minerals required to support bone health, muscle formation, healthy teeth, skin, and eyes, and neurological function. From puppies to seniors, all dogs need specific nutrients to grow into healthy adults and if these nutritional requirements aren’t met, it results in acute and chronic problems from early onset arthritis to dental problems and poor immune systems.

By feeding a commercial food that is balanced, you have peace of mind that Fido is getting the required nutrition for healthy development.

The disadvantage of traditional kibble is that not all pet food brands are of the same quality and processed ingredients can lead to loss of essential nutrients or difficult digestion. Many kibble dog foods have filler ingredients consisting of corn to add weight to the product. These fillers are of no nutritional value and depending on the brand, some products have more added grains and fillers than others. A combination of filler ingredients and low protein can lead to skin allergies, digestive upset, vomiting, and a dull coat.

If you want to keep your canine companion on a commercial diet, look for a 20-22% minimum protein and a low amount of grains. There are grain-free brands but dogs can consume grain such as rice as it provides a source of energy.

The Pros and Cons of a Home-Cooked Diet for Dogs

Preparing your fur friend’s meals is not only a great way to introduce fresh foods and nutritious ingredients but is also an act of love. The real question is whether cooking your pet’s food is beneficial for their health and is a safer alternative to commercial food.

Home-cooked diets for pets consist of whole foods such as fresh chicken breast and turkey along with a selection of vegetables for dogs. Most pet owners add supplements such as fish oil containing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that help with healthy skin and eyes. Cartilage is another ingredient that provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.

The benefit of introducing prepared meals for dogs is that they receive the nutrition provided with fresh ingredients. There is also the absence of harmful preservatives, additives, and flavor enhancers that are present in commercial dog foods. It is also incredibly tasty and gives Fido a flavorsome meal to look forward to which certainly helps with picky eaters.

The problem with a home-cooked diet for your pet is the possibility of imbalanced nutrition. It is not as simple as cooking up chicken, rice, and vegetables and feeding it to your dog. If you move from commercial dog food which is nutritionally balanced, you need to include all of the food groups that pets need to maintain healthy muscle, skin, bone, and neurological function.

Quality meat can become expensive to maintain and if the cooking processes are too long, it will destroy the protein that they need. It also means that supplements must be added to ensure that dogs receive essential vitamins and minerals based on their age and activity levels.

If you are willing to put the time and money into cooking your dog’s food while working with a veterinarian for the correct proportions of ingredients, then it can provide many health benefits such as a shiny coat and lots of energy. Home cooking also prevents exposing pets to potentially harmful additives or contamination that have led to many pet food recalls.

Conclusion

Both a commercial and home-cooked diet offer their own set of benefits for dogs. Choosing a home-cooked diet depends on whether you are willing to do the work to select the appropriate ingredients and how to prepare them. If you prefer the convenience of kibble, investigate which commercial dog food brands provide balanced nutrition, are low in filler grains, and contain natural preservatives such as Vitamin C.

Preparing food at home for your pets must be balanced, especially for puppies as they are still developing. With research and knowledge, it is up to you to provide the best dietary plan and nutrition for your fur friend.