Have you ever thought about preparing fresh food for your dog yourself, instead of subscribing to a meal service? With all expensive “fresh” foods being marketed to pet owners, many people are looking for budget-friendly alternatives. However, as veterinarians, we must caution you to consult an expert before you make a switch. Here’s what you need to know about the risks and benefits of homemade food for dogs.
Is Fresh Food Better for Dogs?
While it’s true that homemade dog food is less processed than commercial kibble, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. Your dog’s kibble is formulated to include all the essential nutrients your pet needs to thrive. Even though it’s processed, it’s nutritionally dense and contains the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for dogs.
And whether you subscribe to a meal plan or make it yourself, fresh dog food comes with its own health risks. Without any preservatives, fresh dog food can easily become contaminated with mold or bacteria. If you serve your dog spoiled or contaminated food, they could become very sick.
Making your own dog food is a big commitment. If you’re ready for this step, you’ll need to meet with your veterinarian to come up with a menu that’s appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and level of activity. You may also need to add supplements to make sure that your dog gets all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for good health.
What Can Dogs Eat? Which Foods Are Safe?
Most dogs just like to eat. They don’t care about variety. In fact, they’re a lot like little kids who would happily eat their favorite breakfast cereal for every meal. So please don’t think that you are harming your dog or making them depressed by feeding them the same thing every day.
If you want to treat your dog to a home-cooked meal once in a while, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Prepare your dog’s meal separately, so they don’t start to think they’re entitled to eat anything in your kitchen.
- Never add any salt, oil, sugar, or other seasonings. These ingredients may be harmful to your pet.
- Store any uneaten portions in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and use within 48 hours.
Here are some foods that are safe to feed your dog:
- Boneless, skinless turkey or chicken, simmered in boiling water until cooked through
- Cooked white rice
- Pumpkin puree or baked sweet potato
- Raw carrot or apple slices
- Unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter, for an occasional treat
Consult a Nutritional Specialist Before Changing Your Dog’s Diet
If you’ve been thinking about supplementing your dog’s kibble with fresh food, or switching them to a fresh food diet, make an appointment at Anasazi Animal Clinic. Our veterinarians can advise you on the best diet for your dog. We’ll take their health, their age, their size, their activity levels, and any food sensitivities into consideration. Please don’t change your dog’s diet without consulting a vet first—it could be bad for their health. Call us at 480-497-0505 to schedule a visit today.
Photo by Laula Co on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/31/25.