The Pros and Cons of Making Dog Food at Home

Homemade dog food from 2 batches.

Disclaimer: I am not a vet or licensed in any way to recommend a balanced diet for your dog. I have done my own research and am sharing our journey.

My Homemade Dog Food Experience

Around Christmas 2024, I started making homemade food for my dogs. Over the years, our dogs have struggled with constant itching and paw licking. Despite trying numerous dog food brands, I noticed no significant difference, even though each promised miraculous benefits. This led me to explore alternative feeding options. Our dogs are already accustomed to eating small amounts of human food, so I knew their stomachs could handle the transition. However, I encourage you to research and determine what works best for your dog.

Initially, I considered ordering from natural dog food delivery services, but I was deterred by the bi-weekly expense—over $100 every two weeks for my two dogs. By contrast, I realized I could create similar meals at home for about $5 per week. Although it requires time and planning, this approach makes far more sense for our family.

Homemade Dog Food Ingredients

My homemade dog food recipes often include the following ingredients, which I already have on hand:

• Grains: White and brown rice (brown rice is preferred for its higher nutritional value), quinoa.

• Vegetables: Butternut squash, green beans, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are available in fresh and frozen form.

• Proteins: Frozen leftover meat, fresh meat, canned salmon (to be replaced with fresh in the future), dried lentils (and potentially beans in the future). Protein is the most essential ingredient in homemade dog food.

• Other Additives: Bone broth for cooking the rice, quinoa, and lentils, flaxseed meal, and extra virgin olive oil (1–2 tablespoons per batch).

As a bonus, this benefits my dogs and helps me clear out my pantry of items that might otherwise go unused.

Example Recipe

Here’s an example of one of the meals I prepare for my dogs:

1. Cook the Grains and Legumes:

   • I cook 2 cups of brown rice in bone broth for added flavor and nutrients.

   • I also cook 1 cup of quinoa and another cup of lentils in bone broth. (I cook each ingredient separately because they have different cooking times and require varying amounts of liquid.)

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • I thaw a bag of frozen vegetables or chop fresh ones, such as carrots, broccoli, and green beans. I then lightly steam or cook them until tender.

3. Combine Everything:

   • Once the grains, legumes, and vegetables are cooked, I mix them in a large pot or bowl.

4. Add Nutritional Boosters:

   • While the mixture is still warm but cooling down, I stir in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal and a drizzle of olive oil for healthy fats and omega-3s.

5. Serve with Protein:

   • When it’s time to feed the dogs, I add cooked chicken or salmon to their portions. I’ve found that keeping the meat separate and only adding it at serving time helps the food last longer and keeps it fresher in storage.

This method ensures the food is balanced, easy to store, and enjoyed by my dogs! It also allows me to adjust portions and ingredients based on their needs.

Pros of Making Dog Food at Home

1. Cost Savings:
   Preparing dog food at home is significantly cheaper than buying premium dog food or subscribing to delivery services. For example, I save $100 every two weeks on fresh delivery and spend $5 weekly.

2. Ingredient Control:
   By making dog food yourself, you control exactly what goes into your dog’s meals. This means no unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, or low-quality ingredients often found in commercial dog food.

3. Customization:
   Homemade food allows you to tailor meals to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. If your dog has allergies, you can easily exclude problematic ingredients.

4. Freshness and Quality:
   You know how fresh the ingredients are because you're sourcing them yourself. This can provide peace of mind compared to trusting commercial products.

5. Potential Health Benefits:
   Some pet owners report improvements in their dogs' coat condition, digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being after switching to homemade diets. While individual results vary, eliminating processed food can make a noticeable difference.

Cons of Making Dog Food at Home

1. Risk of Nutritional Imbalance:
   Dogs require a specific balance of nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Creating a balanced diet without professional guidance can be challenging and may lead to deficiencies or excesses that harm your dog’s health.

2. Time-Consuming:
   Cooking and preparing homemade dog food requires time for meal prep, cooking, and portioning. This might not be practical for pet owners with busy schedules. I have to plan for busy weeks and travel.

3. Initial Research:
   Before starting, you must spend time researching your dog’s nutritional needs. You can contact your vet or pet nutritionist if you are worried about omitting key nutrients or using harmful ingredients to dogs.

4. Storage and Freshness:
   Homemade dog food typically doesn’t contain preservatives, so it must be stored carefully to prevent spoilage. This can require additional fridge or freezer space.

5. Cost of Supplements:
   To ensure your dog’s diet is nutritionally complete, you may need to invest in supplements such as calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, or a multivitamin formulated for dogs. This adds to the overall cost and complexity.

Homemade Dog Food Supplies

Making homemade dog food requires basic kitchen tools and appliances to streamline the process. I use pots and pans to cook grains and vegetables, and my Instant Pot has been a game-changer for quickly preparing large batches of food. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, a rice cooker can also be a convenient option for cooking grains like rice or quinoa with minimal effort. You’ll also need cutting boards, knives for chopping fresh ingredients, and storage containers to portion and freeze meals for later use. Having the right supplies can make the process more efficient and enjoyable!

Final Thoughts

Switching to homemade dog food has been a rewarding experience for my dogs and me. I enjoy preparing their meals and feel good knowing exactly what they’re eating. However, this decision comes with responsibilities, particularly ensuring the diet is nutritionally balanced.

If you’re considering making your dog food, you may want to consult with your vet or a pet nutritionist. They can help you identify gaps in your dog's diet and suggest appropriate supplements. Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for mine may not work for yours. If you aren’t ready for the full plunge into making dog food, you can also decide on a hybrid approach. You can have store-bought food on hand for a combined approach or as an emergency backup. I am not keeping dog food at home because it forces me to ensure I have plenty of food prepared for the dogs. I am more likely to fall behind if I know I have back up options.

Ultimately, whether you choose homemade food, a premium commercial diet, or a combination of both, the goal is to provide your dog with a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

Join the Conversation!

Do you make homemade dog food for your furry friends? What recipes have worked well for your pups? Share your experiences and favorite recipes in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! Let’s inspire each other to provide the best care for our dogs!

References

1. PetMD: https://www.petmd.com/

2. American Kennel Club (AKC): https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/

3. The Whole Dog Journal: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/

4. National Research Council: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.

Our 2 rescue dogs Kobe and Izzy.