Every dog owner wants their pet to be as healthy as possible, and the best way to do this is by controlling what they eat. On the other hand, though, one has to consider practicality because dog food has to be something you can do daily. That is why store-bought is the more popular option.
Not only is it practical for portioning and storage, but it is also quite cheap. Homemade dog food recipes do need some thinking ahead as you need to consider all of the required nutrients for the dogs according to breed and other health attributes. It may not be the best option for those busy dog owners who do not have the time to dedicate to cooking.
Pros of homemade dog food
Flavours and nutrients
Cooking for your dog does allow you to select the right mix of meal plans and recipes for your dog. Depending on your dog’s preferences, you can choose from an array of animal protein options such as rabbit, beef, chicken, and fish. Fresh dog food is also healthy because it entails the right mix of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Not only does it improve digestibility, but it strengthens your dog’s immune system, which makes them better off against lifestyle diseases. As long as you know what is in the food, it can be hard to be caught off-guard by opportunistic infections.
Specific health solutions
Every dog is unique, which means they are susceptible to certain ailments. For example, some dogs have a problem with fats, so they cannot consume foods rich in it. It is possible to maintain their consumption when you regularly make the meals.
Others also have allergies to foods like chicken or beef, so they would need a regular alternative diet such as fish or rabbit. These unique meal plans are sometimes only possible when homemade. However, to ensure Fido gets balanced nutrition, it is important to know how much fresh food to feed a dog.
Lack of preservatives
Homemade dog food diet or dog food delivery services tend to utilize fresh ingredients, including veggies, animal protein, and fruits. These ingredients are typically sourced from reputable suppliers indicating they do not have harmful additives or preservatives.
These preservatives should not be included in the dog’s diet because they cause long-term health detriments. That is one less thing you need to worry about with homemade dog food.
Pros of store bought dog food
Price
Store bought dog food is quite accessible, as you can get kibble from most outlets. See our comparison of fresh dog food vs dry kibble to know more. The bag’s price, which would last a month, is also friendly, corresponding to about $1.5 a day. That is far more economical than homemade dog food, which would cost about $4 a day. It is because keeping up with the ingredients is expensive.
Specially formulated ingredients
Commercial dog food, bought from a vet’s office or at the store, is specially formulated to have all the ingredients your pet needs. A team of specialists develops the recipes to ensure they meet the dietary needs according to the age and breed of the dog [1]. If the dog food comes with complete and balanced terms on the label, that is a good sign. It should also be AAFCO verified on the label for safety and nutritional balance.
Dental health benefits
Unlike wet food, commercial foods tend to stick to your pet’s teeth when consumed. Dry food encourages your dog to chew the food, thereby aiding in the prevention of tartar buildup. That is because of less plaque involved. Many dog food manufacturers also come up with special dental diets as well though if these are not an appropriate option, regular dry food can still keep your dog’s mouth healthier than would have been the case otherwise.
Storage
Dry dog food typically has a long shelf life. That is because of the mode of preparation where the food is superheated to burn off nutrients and pathogens. An array of additives and preservatives are sprayed onto the food resulting in kibble. These preservatives make it possible to remain edible for a significant time. They are not long-term health but generally do not allow the food to spoil. It is also convenient, considering the dog can leave food in the open for some time before finishing it in different sittings.
FAQs
Is homemade dog food healthier than store-bought?
Provided the dog’s nutritional needs is met, homemade would be healthier compared to store bought food. If it is not prepared with the right ingredients, then it would be less healthy than store bought food.
Is it better to feed dogs homemade food?
Though there is no scientific confirmation of the benefits of homemade meals, the prevailing theory is that whole ingredient-based diets would be better for your dog in the long term. When feeding the dog a homemade diet, it would be advisable to ensure that the right ingredients have been included. These include animal proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Why are vets against homemade dog food?
Though these tend to be popular, veterinarians do not usually recommend making fresh food at home due to the corresponding risks of bacterial contamination. These may also pose public health risks to other pets. Should the dog have any medical or health-related issues, the dog should visit the vet to ensure the homemade food is appropriate.
Is it cost-effective to make your own dog food?
It is a bit expensive to make homemade dog food considering fresh food costs. It would cost an average of $4 to make homemade dog food, which is more expensive than dry food or kibble.
