

Fatty acids support the function and structure of cells, keep skin and coat healthy, and enhance the taste of the food. A healthy diet supplies the fatty acids the dog’s body doesn’t manufacture. Sources of protein include chicken and turkey, after removing bones, fat, and skin beef and lamb pork in limited amounts salmon and some other fish such as whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char.įats and fatty acids: The most concentrated sources of fats in a dog’s diet come from animal fats and plant seed oils. This is necessary for the creation of glucose, which transforms into energy. Protein: According to the ACVN, dogs must have protein in their diets that contain 10 specific essential amino acids their bodies can’t produce. Here are important ingredients for the canine diet. Understanding the basics of what makes a homecooked diet balanced for your dog will help when you discuss the options with an expert. “Pregnant and lactating dogs also have unique dietary requirements that may not be addressed by a recipe found on the internet.” If young dogs don’t receive the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus, significant bone abnormalities may result,” says Dr. “We generally don’t recommend homemade diets for a dog less than one-year-old.

Also, there are dogs for whom a homemade diet may not be appropriate or might even be damaging. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) warns that your dog’s unique nutritional requirements will depend on the age, size, health, and breed. This is why some owners prefer to feed pre-made fresh food. However, the experts say that many of those recipes were not reviewed by veterinary nutritionists to make sure they provide a nutritional, well-balanced diet for your dog. You may think that sounds unnecessary when there are so many recipes for homecooked dog meals available on the internet.

Are you considering switching your dog to a homemade diet? A good place to begin is by discussing it with your veterinarian and/or a veterinary nutritionist.
