Researchers looked at over 1,700 homemade dog diets to see if they had all the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. They found that while most homemade diets included meat and vegetables, only 6% actually had the right balance of all essential nutrients. Many dog owners are trying to give their pets healthier food by cooking at home, but without proper planning, these diets might be missing important vitamins and minerals. The study suggests that dog owners should talk to veterinary nutritionists before switching to homemade diets to make sure their dogs get everything they need.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether homemade dog foods contain all the nutrients that dogs need to be healthy
  • Who participated: 1,726 dog owners who prepare food at home for their dogs, collected through the Dog Aging Project between January and December 2023
  • Key finding: Only 6% of homemade dog diets met the nutritional standards set by pet food experts, meaning 94% were likely missing important nutrients
  • What it means for you: If you make food for your dog at home, there’s a high chance it may not have all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Talk to a veterinary nutritionist before making the switch to ensure your dog stays healthy

The Research Details

Researchers collected information from dog owners who prepare food at home for their pets. They asked owners to describe what ingredients they use, and then had multiple people review these descriptions to make sure they understood them correctly. Next, they entered all the ingredients into a special website created by veterinary nutritionists that checks if a diet has all the nutrients a dog needs. This approach allowed them to look at real-world diets that people are actually feeding their dogs, rather than theoretical diets.

The study used what’s called an ‘observational’ design, meaning the researchers watched what people were doing rather than telling them what to do. They didn’t change anyone’s diet or give instructions—they just collected information about what was already happening. This helps researchers understand the real situation, but it also means they can only describe what they found, not prove that one diet is better than another.

Understanding what people are actually feeding their dogs is important because homemade diets are becoming more popular. However, without proper guidance, these diets might be missing key nutrients that dogs need. This research shows what’s really happening in homes, which helps veterinarians know what questions to ask and what advice to give.

This study is reliable because it looked at a large number of diets (1,726) from real dog owners. Multiple people reviewed the information to reduce mistakes. The researchers used a tool created by veterinary nutritionists, which is a trusted method. However, the study only describes what people are feeding their dogs—it doesn’t prove that incomplete diets cause health problems. The researchers also note that some owners may not have remembered or reported all the ingredients accurately.

What the Results Show

The most common ingredients in homemade dog diets were meat (found in 90% of diets) and vegetables (found in 65% of diets). Many owners also included grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and added oils. Interestingly, nearly half of the dog owners (45%) added some kind of commercial dog food product or supplement to their homemade recipes.

The most striking finding was that only 6% of the homemade diets appeared to have all the nutrients a dog needs for basic health and maintenance. This means that 94% of the diets studied were likely missing at least one important nutrient. The diets varied greatly in what they contained—there was no single ’typical’ homemade dog diet.

The researchers found that even though most diets included good ingredients like meat and vegetables, having these foods doesn’t automatically mean the diet is balanced. Dogs need specific amounts of different nutrients, and home cooking often doesn’t provide the right proportions.

The study found that owners who added commercial supplements or bases to their homemade diets were trying to improve nutrition, but this didn’t guarantee completeness. The variety of ingredients used was very wide, suggesting that dog owners have many different ideas about what makes a healthy diet. Some diets were very simple (just meat and one vegetable), while others were complex with many ingredients.

Previous research has suggested that many homemade dog diets are incomplete, and this study confirms that finding with a large, recent sample. The 6% completeness rate is consistent with earlier studies that found similar problems. This suggests the issue is widespread and not improving over time.

The study only looked at what owners reported—they didn’t measure the actual nutrients in the food. Some owners may have forgotten ingredients or not described their diets accurately. The study also didn’t follow dogs over time to see if incomplete diets actually caused health problems. Additionally, the tool used to check completeness is based on standards for average adult dogs, so it might not apply to puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with special health needs.

The Bottom Line

If you prepare food at home for your dog, consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before starting or continuing this practice (Moderate confidence). Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a nutritionist who can review your recipe and suggest adjustments. Consider using online tools designed by veterinary nutritionists to check if your recipe is complete. If you can’t see a nutritionist, adding a commercial complete-and-balanced supplement designed for homemade diets may help fill nutritional gaps (Low to moderate confidence).

Dog owners who prepare homemade meals should definitely pay attention to this research. Veterinarians should use this information when talking to clients about diet choices. Pet food companies and nutritionists can use this to understand what people are doing. Dogs with special health needs (puppies, seniors, or those with medical conditions) need extra attention to make sure their homemade diets are appropriate.

Nutritional deficiencies don’t usually cause obvious problems right away. It may take weeks to months for signs of missing nutrients to appear, such as dull coat, low energy, or digestive issues. Some deficiencies can cause long-term health problems if they continue for years. This is why it’s important to get your diet checked before problems develop.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your dog’s daily food ingredients and portions in the app, then use the app to check completeness against nutritional standards. Track this weekly to identify patterns and gaps in your dog’s diet.
  • Use the app to photograph and record each ingredient you add to your dog’s meals, then set a reminder to review your recipe with a veterinary nutritionist within 30 days. Create a ‘recipe card’ in the app with your dog’s current diet and mark it as ’needs review’ until a professional confirms it’s complete.
  • Set monthly reminders to review your dog’s coat condition, energy level, and digestion as signs of nutritional adequacy. Track any changes and compare them to your diet logs. If you modify your recipe based on professional advice, monitor for improvements over 4-8 weeks.

This research describes what homemade dog diets typically contain and their nutritional completeness, but it does not prove that incomplete diets cause specific health problems in individual dogs. Before changing your dog’s diet or starting to prepare homemade meals, consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This is especially important if your dog has health conditions, is a puppy or senior, or is taking medications. The information in this article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice.