Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

Should you make dog food yourself, or buy it?

PawTracks
By

A long-standing debate among dog parents is whether there are benefits to making your own dog food. For every pet owner who swears by self-made nutrition, there is another one who is all about store-bought food. Another layer to this argument is the superiority of organic, whole food blends over dry food. We will look into both sides of this and figure out what is the best option for you.

Nutrients that your dog needs in their diet

Large white Labrador eating out of a metal bowl
manushot/Shutterstock.com

Your four-legged friend needs a balanced mix of nutrients in their diet to stay healthy, whether you feed them homemade or store-bought food. The main staples needed for a dog to be healthy are:

Related Videos
  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Water

Unlike cats, that are obligate carnivores, dogs do not need to feed exclusively on animal meat. They have a broader palate and can enjoy some vegetables and cooked grains in moderation. Most commercial dry-food formulas include the minimum recommended nutritional values and have a good balance for your dog.

Related

Benefits of store-bought food

For most dog owners, nothing beats the convenience of buying food at the grocery store or specialized pet store. These foods are regulated to ensure proper nutrition and there are a number of options to choose from. You can select the easiest way and feed your dog dry food but also have the option to supplement with canned wet food. In recent years, there are more options made with raw ingredients and commercial fresh food specially formulated for dogs. It is a great way to provide your dog the closest thing to their natural diet in the wild. They are available in retail stores both frozen and ready to serve.

The problem with commercial dog food

Along with its many benefits, dog food that you buy at the store can come with some perils. The most dangerous is the possibility of tainted food that gets recalled after your dog has eaten it. Another reservation is the origin, number, and quality of the ingredients used. Some brands use filler ingredients and allergens that might harm your pet pooch.

Benefits of cooking your own food

By taking your dog’s nutrition into your own hands, you can provide the perfect meal for their well-being. You can help improve your pet’s health and increase their energy levels by feeding them a balanced and nutrient-dense diet made with quality ingredients. Our top reasons for cooking your own dog food are:

  • Ingredients retain maximum nutritional value.
  • Reduce allergies by eliminating filler ingredients.
  • Avoid recalls and possible contaminated food.
  • Limit your dog’s exposure to preservatives, artificial flavors, and chemicals.
  • Share ingredients that you already use for your own food.
  • You can batch-cook once a week and store for later use.

Remember to do plenty of research on the adequate diet for your dog according to their breed, size, age, and activity level. There are some vegetables and specific fresh foods to avoid, but once you know the right ingredients for your dog, you are good to go.

Another great benefit of preparing your own dog food is the opportunity to add targeted supplements to your recipes to make sure you are providing your dog with everything he or she needs.

Beagle eating out of a metal bowl
PixieMe/Shutterstock.com

Cons of preparing your own dog food

Feeding your furry friend a steady diet of homemade meals on a regular basis comes with some downsides. Keeping up with the daily need for fresh food is a series of challenges like the following:

  • There is an adjustment process to find the right balance – follow veterinarian-approved recipes to ensure proper nutrition.
  • Homemade food has no preservatives added and has a short shelf life.
  • The price of making your own food might be higher than commercial dry food.
  • If you don’t feed a well-balanced diet, your dog risks nutritional deficiencies and higher risk for disease.
  • By using raw ingredients, you increase the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Beyond the cons and pros of cooking your own dog food, being closely involved in your pet’s nutrition is one of the best ways to show them your love and appreciation. This is the best and cheapest way to ensure a long and healthy life together.

The choice to feed your dog dry food, homemade meals, or commercial raw diets is up to you and your personal circumstances. Not everyone has the time or budget to cook on a regular basis. It is totally acceptable to rely on quality, store-bought alternatives that provide ideal nutrition. Make your dogs the happiest and healthiest by feeding them the best food you can.

Want to know more? Here’s what you need to do when your dog has smelly ears.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Is getting a puppy for Christmas a good idea? You can’t return them like a sweater
Here's what to know before you bring home a puppy for Christmas
Woman snuggling Samoyed puppy in front of the Christmas tree

Of all the viral holiday videos to make their way around the internet, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming (and adorable) as seeing a new puppy jump out of a box on Christmas. It’s easy to see why many families feel inspired to get this surprise present for their loved ones and show up with a new furry friend during the holidays.
Getting a puppy for Christmas can seem like a special, even life-changing gift, but the cleaning and work that accompany them aren’t as cute. Many families aren’t prepared for the effort and expense that raising a dog requires, which unfortunately leads to pets being dropped off at shelters not long after the holidays.
If you’re considering gifting a puppy to your family this Christmas, make sure you do the research and consider the obligations that pet parenthood entails. Here’s what to know.

Why getting a puppy for Christmas isn’t always smart
Although getting a dog can be a rewarding and joyful experience, it also requires work, patience, and responsibility. Is your family ready to take this on?
According to the shelter staff at the Marion County Humane Society in West Virginia, the end of January tends to see a rise in shelter admissions. Unfortunately, many of these pets are Christmas gifts that families weren’t ready to care for. “People that got a new puppy or a new kitten, and they expect their young child to take care of them,” one shelter tech told WDTV. "Of course, if the kid doesn't do it, the parent doesn't want to take care of them either.”
A lack of research is also a large factor in unsuccessful pet adoptions. Not all dog breeds will do well in all homes, so consulting an expert or doing some reading is vital before taking action. And remember — a cute, tiny puppy can still grow into a huge, rambunctious dog (depending on their breed) so you’ll need to be prepared.
It’s also important to consider where you’re adopting your new pup from because not all breeders are reliable. As awful as it is to acknowledge, there are people who sell sick and injured dogs for a quick buck. Needless to say, a dog with health concerns can be as loving of a companion as any other — after treatment, of course — but you have a right to be informed about the condition of your new friend, including information about the puppy's parents.
Shelters can help you get to know your pup a bit before bringing him home, but rescued dogs may need some extra time to adjust to their surroundings. The honeymoon phase may not be as happy-go-lucky as you expect, especially if there has been any past trauma.

Read more
9 Boston terrier facts to know before you bring one into your life
Important facts about the adorable Boston terrier breed
Boston terrier on a pink leash in grass

Boston terriers are always dressed for a black-tie affair. The breed’s tuxedo coat is one of many features that have endeared. Their short muzzles, compact bodies, and oversized eyes make this terrier breed absolutely adorable. Come winter, you can find Bostons strutting their stuff in cute sweaters to keep them warm underneath their short coats.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. Boston terriers are also known for their curious and loving personalities, among other common traits. Though no two dogs are exactly alike — even ones in the same breed or litter — understanding common breed characteristics is a great launching point to researching what pup is best for your home and lifestyle. If a Boston terrier is on your list, look no further. We dog up the details on this lovable breed.

Read more
Does your cat have ear mites? How to tell (and what you can do about it)
Are your cat's ears dirty or does she have ear mites? What to know
A close-up shot of a blue-eyed white cat

Did you know your cat's ears are truly astounding? Not only can your fur baby's ears help her detect prey using her whiskers -- also known as ear furnishings -- inside her ears, but they can detect frequencies as high as 64,000 Hz. For comparison, humans can only detect frequencies as high as around 20,000 Hz, which means your cat's hearing is a little more than three times better than yours.

Just like humans, cats are susceptible to developing ear infections and other ear-related issues. (Fortunately for our feline friends, instances of ear infections are relatively uncommon.) Unfortunately, ear mites are considered common -- and they're highly contagious. If you've been frantically searching "mites cat ears," or "dirty cat ears vs. ear mites," you're in the right place. Does your cat have ear mites? We'll teach you how to tell.

Read more